Learn About Nevada Section 8 Housing Lists
If you receive a housing voucher, you can find rental units that will accept your voucher by browsing through Section 8 housing lists in Nevada. Housing lists include properties owned by landlords that accept vouchers or have worked with the Section 8 program in the past.
These listings are helpful because many landlords will refuse to accept housing vouchers and Section 8 tenants, typically because these landlords do not want to deal with the inspections and safety standards enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD). In turn, landlords that place their properties on NV Section 8 listings typically prefer Section 8 tenants and maintain their properties according to the standards set by the HUD.
What is an approved Section 8 Housing List in Nevada?
An approved Nevada Section 8 housing list is a list provided by the HUD or your local public housing agency (PHA). These lists contain properties that are available for rent from landlords seeking Section 8 tenants.
In general, these landlords may have rented to Section 8 tenants in the past, or they may be trying it out for the first time. Generally, their properties meet the HUD safety standards or require minimal modification to meet the standards.
Landlords who have never worked with the Section 8 program may not realize what they need to do to their properties to meet the Section 8 approved housing requirements. It is possible for a landlord to initially agree to house a Section 8 tenant and then change his or her mind after the inspection reveals how much they would have to change to meet the standards.
Landlords on the approved Section 8 housing list in Nevada are generally prepared to meet the requirements set by HUD and your local PHA. Additionally, they may have experience working with your PHA, which can reduce the amount of time it takes to negotiate and settle your lease agreement. Therefore, it can be easier to rent from units listed in Nevada Section 8 approved housing lists.
Other Ways to Find Section 8 Listings in Nevada
It is possible to find low income apartments for rent in Nevada that accept Section 8 which are not listed by the HUD or your local PHA. For instance, you can browse through standard Nevada apartment for rent apps to see if any landlords have posted properties that they would accept vouchers for. For instance, you can browse through GoSection 8 active listings in your area to find properties available for rent.
When using unapproved websites to find apartments for rent that accept Section 8 in Nevada, it is important to perform due diligence. For instance, if you find an apartment that seems suitable, you should not instantly assume that it will work.
Instead, you should schedule a viewing and a time to meet the landlord. This is important because it gives you an opportunity to confirm that the property exists, that the poster actually owns the unit and that the property is available for rent.
Additionally, you should never send money to a landlord before your local PHA performs an inspection of the unit. Certain scammers may tell you that you have to book the property with a deposit before the inspection. However, this is not allowed.
Make sure that any homes for rent that accept Section 8 you find online follow the rules in place. If you violate the PHA’s rules for obtaining a rental, you may lose your voucher or lose a housing opportunity.
Quality Standards for Section 8 Approved Housing in Nevada
Whenever you are browsing through Nevada HUD homes for rent listings, you should keep in mind that the property must pass an inspection. The inspection will confirm that the property meets the HUD’s standards for safety. Section 8-approved housing for rent must meet the following safety standards:
- The house should not have lead paint in any accessible locations
- Utilities in the house including gas, cooling and water utilities should function well
- All windows should open and close readily and provide a tight seal when shut
- Doors should open and close readily, and doorframes should not sag
- All rooms should have adequate ventilation
- The ceilings, floors and walls should be in good condition
- The roof should be in good condition
- The home should have functioning fire detectors
All NV Section 8 rental listings must pass the HUD inspection standards in order to receive rental payments from the PHA. Along with the initial inspection required to approve a rent agreement, your local PHA will also inspect any Section 8 rentals regularly as long as the tenant lives there to ensure the property continues to meet federal standards.
If an inspector determines that a property does not meet the standards required, he or she will inform the landlord of what changes need to be made. The PHA will not distribute rental payments until the landlord makes the necessary repairs. This is to ensure that individuals who receive housing assistance from the federal government live in safe and adequate housing.
Tips to Help You Find Low Income Apartments for Rent in Nevada
Whether you use housing lists provided by the HUD and your PHA or start your own search for a list of low income apartments for rent, it is important to keep certain things in mind. For instance, you cannot rent an apartment that is not moderately priced.
HUD standards state that Section 8 vouchers should only be used on apartments that are moderately priced for an area. That means that you cannot select a luxury apartment if more affordable housing is available in your area.
Another important factor to keep in mind is that many landlords are reluctant to rent their properties to Section 8 tenants. Landlords may have heard that Section 8 tenants are difficult to work with, or that the PHA inspection process is too difficult to be worthwhile. Therefore, it can often be easier to limit your search to landlords that explicitly invite Section 8 tenants.
However, you are not limited to properties including on Nevada Section 8 housing lists. The HUD allows you to use your voucher on any moderately priced house or apartment in your area.
In some cases, you may be able to approach a landlord independently and ask him or her to accept your housing voucher. If you can provide rental references and pass a landlord’s background check, you may be able to obtain housing without resorting to a list.