A Vermont Section 8 housing list is a resource you can use to find a home or apartment for rent that will accept a voucher. When a public housing agency (PHA) grants your rental assistance, it is your responsibility to locate an acceptable unit to live in. Under this program, you are free to rent any home or apartment in the open market that meets the requirements set by local PHAs.

Certain housing agencies will provide Section 8 listings for you to use in your search. Moreover, you may use other resources for locating a place to rent. Keep in mind that the apartment you choose must pass an inspection and meet a few other criteria before you are allowed to move in. Read below to learn more about finding low income apartments for rent in Vermont and discover which requirements you need to follow.

What is an approved Section 8 housing list in Vermont?

In some cases, you will receive a list of low income apartments for rent from your PHA when your voucher is granted. These apartments may include:

• Units owned by the PHA
• Apartments owned by private landlords who regularly work with the housing agency
• Units listed on apartment for rent apps that the PHA promotes

You do not need to choose Section 8 rental listings that are owned by your PHA. While you might be eligible to live in one of these units, your housing authority cannot require that you rent from them. You always have the option of choosing an apartment or home on the open market if you wish.

An approved Section 8 housing list may take many forms. If your PHA has a website, it may provide listings online or provide links to other official websites that include listings. For example, some PHAs use a state-wide website that serves as a directory of available apartments throughout the state.

PHAs without websites may simply provide you with an informational packet of current listings. You may also find postings on bulletin boards in a PHA’s office.

It is possible to find homes for rent that accept Section 8 through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as well. With resources such as HUD homes for rent listings, you can locate single-family homes, apartments, townhomes and other types of suitable housing.

Note that these Section 8 listings sometimes include units that are located in communities with specific eligibility criteria. For example, some buildings may require that residents are seniors or have a disability. These HUD results may also include public housing units or other similar types of housing.

Keep in mind that with a Section 8 voucher, you cannot usually rent a unit that already receives a federal subsidy from a different program. Learn more about using a Section 8 housing list by reading our complete guide here.

Other Ways to Find Section 8 Listings in Vermont

When looking for Section 8 approved housing for rent, you are not required to use any particular methods or resources. Essentially, all mainstream apartment for rent apps and websites can be used to find a suitable place to use your voucher.

When searching, it helps to look for certain phrases and terms that indicate a unit is eligible for this program. Some landlords will describe units as income-restricted or write “HCV welcome” to indicate housing choice vouchers are accepted.

Some websites are created just for Section 8 rental listings and other types of affordable properties. For example, looking through GoSection8 active listings can be useful.

Not all section 8 listings in Vermont are found online. Some landlords will prefer to advertise their units through alternative methods, such as:

• For-rent signs in the neighborhood
• Flyers on community bulletin boards
• Ads in local newspapers

It is always a good idea to look for apartments for rent that accept Section 8 through more than one source. Doing this will expose you to more opportunities and help you find the best apartment available.

Quality Standards for Section 8 Approved Housing in Vermont

After going through Section 8 listings and choosing a unit, you need to ensure that the apartment can meet your PHA’s requirements. The housing authority will perform an inspection to make sure the home is in safe, sanitary and decent condition. Landlords may be given an opportunity to make repairs if anything does not pass inspection.

Additionally, the home you choose needs to be rented by a landlord willing to work within the program. Not all property owners take housing choice vouchers. Note that in most cases, your PHA also will not allow you to rent from a close relative who owns a property.

Finally, the unit needs to be rented at a fair market rate, as determined by your PHA. Most housing authorities require Section 8 rental listings to be leased out below a certain rate.

If the cost of rent at a particular rental unit is deemed too high, that home may not be approved for Section 8 purposes. Otherwise, you may be responsible for paying the excess amount not covered by your voucher.

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

When looking for Section 8 approved housing for rent in VT, it is important to be aware of other program requirements as well. First, you should understand the term of your voucher. Unfortunately, housing choice vouchers will expire if they are not used in time.

Generally, you have 60 days to locate a unit and use your rental assistance. If you do not find a place to live in this timeframe and you cannot get an extension from your PHA, it is necessary to go through the entire application process again from the beginning.

Second, you might be required to look for Section 8 rental listings in a particular area. Some PHAs make you choose a unit that is located within their jurisdiction. This is almost always the case if you did not already live in the PHA’s service area when your rental assistance was granted.

You may be allowed to look for Section 8 listings in a different area if you do already live in your PHA’s service area. In most cases, you are also free to look anywhere once you have been receiving assistance for more than a year.