Learn About Kentucky Section 8 Housing Lists
Using a Kentucky Section 8 housing list is very helpful if you qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Nowadays, these lists are mostly online, which makes it easy to find low-income homes. While some of these lists are provided by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), others are approved by the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) instead.
It is recommended that you use as many Section 8 listings as needed to help you gain a better understanding of your local housing market. Keep in mind that the homes posted on these websites are not limited to apartments. Overall, these rental units may be condos, houses, townhomes and other types of housing. Additionally, the home you select must pass a Public Housing Agency (PHA) inspection.
What is an approved Section 8 housing list in Kentucky?
Your first step may be to browse through low income apartments for rent on an approved website. If you contact your PHA, an office employee may direct you to certain sites or mobile apps.
Approved online platforms and apartment for rent apps will allow you to search for homes based on your income. You can also modify the search even further to include:
- The desired number of bedrooms.
- The desired number of bathrooms.
- Your preferred location.
In addition, the HUD offers its own resources for HCV recipients, including a resource locator and an apartment search tool. Since both of these tools are sponsored by a federal department, beneficiaries know that these homes and resources are legitimate.
In order to browse for low income apartments for rent in Kentucky, the HUD apartment search tool may be useful. This online tool is free and relatively easy to use. Unlike the resource locator, you may be able to see homes that are currently vacant.
If you have a disability or are a senior, you may ask your local PHA for help in completing your housing search. Moreover, you may be entitled to receive assistance from a sign language interpreter.
In addition, you may contact a Housing Counseling Agency (HCA), which will put you in touch with a professional housing counselor. In turn, this housing counselor can offer advice on the search process and provide you with additional resources. To learn more about housing lists that are approved by HUD and local PHAs, download our informative guide.
Other Ways to Find Section 8 Listings in Kentucky
After browsing through approved Section 8 housing lists, you may consider exploring other online listings. While these third-party websites may not be monitored to the same extent as approved listings, they still provide a valuable service. You may even find homes on these sites that are not posted on HUD sources.
GoSection8 is one such website that is not affiliated with the HUD department. You may create an account for free on this site and use it to find homes in your area. This resource is valuable because it posts only affordable housing. In addition, landlords, owners and other posters can specify whether they accept applicants other than Section 8 recipients.
Typically, under each listing on a third-party, you can view nearby schools and resources that may make the property more attractive. You may also search for homes based on:
- The type of housing you want, such as an apartment, townhome or house.
- The number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want.
- The highest amount you can pay for monthly rent.
You may explore Section 8 approved housing for rent in Kentucky on more traditional search websites. Generally, these platforms are useful for gaining a better understanding of the housing market in your county.
When using third-party search engines, you should narrow your search so that better choices appear on your results. For instance, you can set a maximum rent amount and a minimum number of bathrooms.
If you want to search for Section 8 approved housing specifically, you may try using classifieds websites. You may find listings on these platforms that have not been posted to other websites, because landlords, owners and agents are not required to pay a posting fee there. Consequently, you may also run into housing scams.
In any case, when using third-party search engines, it is important for you to learn the difference between real postings and fake ones. If any listing seems particularly suspicious, you have the option to report it on most platforms.
Quality Standards for Section 8 Approved Housing in Kentucky
You may be worried about finding homes for rent that accept Section 8 in your area. However, you must also remember to find a home that will pass a PHA inspection. This process typically takes place after you have applied for Section 8 and been selected to start receiving housing vouchers.
Generally, a PHA employee will visit the rental unit of your choice and make sure that it meets the HUD’s health and safety standards. For instance, your chosen home must have:
- Hot and cold running water.
- A stove or cooking range.
- A refrigerator that is large enough to suit your family.
- A separate bathroom with a door, toilet, sink and shower or tub.
All utilities in the unit must be in working condition. The toilet, for example, must be connected to a sewage system and must not create unsanitary conditions. If the home is an apartment or townhouse, the building must also be safe and its facilities, such as elevators, must be in working condition.
Furthermore, homes and apartments for rent that accept Section 8 in Kentucky must not pose any health hazards. Units that have evidence of pest infestations or mold will not be approved by a PHA.
Tips to Help You Find Low Income Apartments for Rent in Kentucky
When you begin your search for Section 8 rental listings in Kentucky, safety should be your priority. If you contact owners, agents or landlord, for example, do not give them too much information. As a general rule, you should never give out information such as your Social Security Number (SSN) or bank routing number over the phone.
If you want to make sure that the GoSection8 active listings or offerings on other websites are legitimate, you can first try to verify the landlords, agents or owners you contact. You may do this by researching them online or contacting your county property appraiser or assessor office.