A Section 8 housing list is something you can use to find an apartment that will take housing choice vouchers. Section 8 listings can be found in many different places. When your public housing agency (PHA) issues your rental assistance, it may provide you with help on locating a place to rent as well. Certain PHAs will give you an official list of available rentals, while others may simply give you resources that point you in the right direction.

Regardless of whether you receive a list of low income apartments for rent, it is your responsibility to contact a landlord and choose a place to use your HUD voucher. Read below to learn more about using Section 8 rental listings in South Dakota and discover how to find an apartment that will meet the requirements for this program.

What is an approved Section 8 housing list in South Dakota?

One way to find apartments for rent that accept Section 8 is through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This agency oversees and funds the voucher program, while also providing resources you can use to find affordable housing options.

To search HUD homes for rent listings, simply enter a city or ZIP code that you are interested in. Results can include any of the following:

• Single-family homes
• Duplexes and townhomes
• Apartments and condos

Moreover, HUD listings may include units or public housing or housing projects. If a unit already receives a federal subsidy, keep in mind that you typically cannot use your voucher to live there.

As a general rule, you are not limited to living in publicly owned housing if you have a housing choice voucher. Therefore, be mindful that Section 8 rental assistance allows you to move into any approved unit in the open market.

You may come across Section 8 approved housing for rent that is owned by your local PHA. Under this program, you may be eligible to live in a PHA-owned property.

However, keep in mind that your housing agency cannot require you to rent from them. You always have the option of choosing a unit owned by a private landlord.

Sometimes, local PHAs will help you find homes for rent that accept Section 8 by providing you with additional resources. As such, you might receive any of the following from your housing agency:

• A webpage that includes active listings for voucher holders
• Links to apartment for rent apps or websites that the PHA has partnered with
• An informational packet with current listings
• Contact information for local landlords who commonly accept vouchers

Other Ways to Find Section 8 Listings in South Dakota

Finding Section 8 approved housing in SD can be challenging, but it is similar to looking for any other type of rental property. You are allowed to use any tools at your disposal to find a suitable unit. Many of the more popular apartment for rent apps and websites include low-income property listings, as well as other types of units.

When searching online for Section 8 rental listings in South Dakota, you might find that landlords use different phrases to indicate a unit is eligible for rental assistance. Furthermore, some landlords will not advertise the fact that they participate in the Section 8 program. It is often worth the effort to ask a landlord if he or she is willing to take vouchers even if a listing does not indicate this is the case.

Some websites are meant just for low income apartments, which can make it easier to find a unit. For example, GoSection8 active listings typically include properties that accept vouchers. Even on these websites, it is possible you will find listings owned by landlords who do not participate in the program.

Keep in mind that some property owners do not advertise online. You may broaden your search to include classifieds, bulletin board postings and for-rent signs in the neighborhood as well. Learn more about finding Section 8 listings by reading our guide here.

Quality Standards for Section 8 Approved Housing in South Dakota

Once you find a few Section 8 rental listings you are interested in, it is important to select a unit that meets your PHA’s requirements. Your housing authority will do an inspection before you are allowed to move in. PHAs use HUD health and safety standards to check that a unit is in acceptable condition.

In addition to your unit being safe, decent and sanitary, it also needs to be rented at a fair rate compared to other units on the market. Housing agencies will only pay a certain amount towards your rent. If you choose an apartment with a higher rent, you will be responsible for paying the difference.

Keep in mind that even if you use an approved Section 8 housing list to find a unit, there is no guarantee that an apartment will meet the requirements from your local PHA. Housing authorities will inspect each unit regardless of where you found it.

Note: You may be eligible to use your rental assistance where you currently live instead of moving. For this to be possible, your landlord must be willing to accept vouchers and the unit will need to meet the same PHA requirements.

Tips to Help You Find Low Income Apartments for Rent in South Dakota

When searching for Section 8 rental listings in South Dakota, it is important to understand the requirements that may come with your voucher. First, your PHA may require that you live within its jurisdiction when your voucher is first issued.

If you do not already live in the PHA’s service area, you may be expected to move to the area. However, vouchers are still “portable,” meaning that you can move to another PHA’s jurisdiction if certain requirements are met.

Second, you should be aware of your voucher’s expiration date. You have a limited amount of time to find Section 8 listings before you lose your rental assistance.

Vouchers usually need to be used within 60 days in order for them to be valid. Some PHAs give you additional time or let you apply for an extension, but there are also deadlines for requesting an extension.