Finding low income apartments for rent in Michigan can be a challenge sometimes. However, using Section 8 listings is a helpful way to locate affordable rental units. In general, a Section 8 housing list is a resource you can use if you have been granted a housing choice voucher by a public housing agency (PHA) in the state. These lists contain rentals that will accept Section 8 vouchers.

Your PHA may provide you with official Section 8 rental listings to use. If not, there are many other ways to find an apartment or home that will meet the requirements of your voucher. Read below to learn more about finding affordable housing in your area.

What is an approved Section 8 housing list in Michigan?

You may or may not receive an official list of low income apartments for rent when you start receiving vouchers from a PHA. The type of approved Section 8 housing list you receive may vary due to the fact that each PHA is an independent organization. A housing authority may provide you with any of the following resources:

• A webpage that includes active listings.
• Links to apartment for rent apps that the PHA endorses.
• A list of advertisements from landlords who have partnered with the PHA.
• An informational packet on available units in the area.

In some cases, you might also receive information on public housing projects with open units. This is because PHAs typically manage and maintain a variety of housing projects in the area. However, you are not required to use your rental assistance in one of these units.

As a Section 8 participant, you can rent any available unit on the open market. Learn more about the types of units you can rent by downloading our comprehensive guide here.

Note that even if a PHA provides you with an official Section 8 housing list in MI, the organization will not necessarily help you locate a unit. Most PHAs do not have the resources to find a unit on your behalf or help you search for housing. Instead, you are responsible for securing a place to rent on your own.

In addition to official Section 8 listings provided by your PHA, you can also utilize state and federal resources for finding housing. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is a state agency that provides various information on finding a unit to rent.

At the federal level, you can use resources provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD homes for rent listings include a variety of property types, such as single-family homes, apartments, multi-family units and townhomes. Be aware that these Section 8 rental listings oftentimes include units in public housing projects as well.

Other Ways to Find Section 8 Listings in Michigan

You can find Section 8 approved housing for rent through a variety of other methods, even if your PHA does not give you a list of housing to choose from. Many websites are dedicated to providing Section 8 listings and other affordable rentals. For example, you may find GoSection8 active listings to be a useful starting place.

When looking for apartments for rent that accept Section 8, keep in mind that many listing websites will include a variety of housing. You may need to filter through the search results to find units that accept vouchers. Some units may be categorized as a low-income apartment, but it does not necessarily mean that the unit will accept Section 8.

In addition to websites that just list low income apartments for rent, you can use other apartment searching tools. Some of the more popular search engines and apps may list homes for rent that accept Section 8 as well. When using these resources, units may be listed as “income-restricted” rather than being called a Section 8 rental.

If your PHA does not provide you with a Section 8 housing list to use, you can also browse local newspaper ads and other resources. Landlords may or may not advertise available units in more than one place, so it helps to broaden your search.

Quality Standards for Section 8 Approved Housing in Michigan

After you locate Section 8 listings and find an apartment you want to rent, the unit will need to be inspected by the PHA. It is important to understand that just because a unit is on an approved Section 8 housing list, it does not necessarily mean the apartment will meet the PHA’s requirements. Housing authorities will check to make sure that the unit is:

• Large enough for your family.
• Rented out by a landlord who is willing to take Section 8.
• In acceptable condition and meets health and safety standards.
• Able to meet HUD standards and any local zoning codes.

The unit you choose from Section 8 listings will be inspected before you are allowed to move in. PHAs conduct annual inspections if you choose to stay in the unit and renew your lease.

Tips to Help You Find Low Income Apartments for Rent in Michigan

It is sometimes hard to find low income apartments for rent in Michigan, but there are several things you can do to streamline your search. First and foremost, make sure you understand the requirements of your voucher.

Most vouchers must be used before a certain deadline. PHAs are required by law to allow you at least 60 days to search for housing before your voucher expires. You may be eligible to apply for an extension if you cannot find a place to rent within this timeframe.

It is also important to know where you are allowed to use your voucher. While you are permitted to look at Section 8 rental listings from anywhere, you may be required to live in a certain area for the first year that you receive assistance.

If you do not already live in the jurisdiction of the PHA that issued your voucher, you typically must use your voucher to rent a unit within that area for the first 12 months. After that, you are allowed to move anywhere else and keep getting your assistance.

Finally, keep in mind that MI Section 8 listings can usually be accessed by anyone. Because some listings include units that do not require a voucher, it is possible you will be competing with other applicants interested in low-income housing. It may be in your best interest to act quickly once you find an apartment you want to rent.