New Jersey Section 8 listings include properties that you can rent using a housing choice voucher as payment. Once a public housing agency (PHA) issues your voucher, you may receive information on rentals that the PHA approves. Some organizations will provide you with a Section 8 housing list, while others will not.

Regardless of whether you receive information on approved rentals, keep in mind that the Housing Choice Voucher Program gives you the freedom to choose any unit in the open market that is deemed acceptable. Therefore, you do not necessarily need to use an official housing list. Read below to learn more about finding homes for rent that accept Section 8 in New Jersey and discover what resources you can use to aid your search.

What is an approved Section 8 housing list in New Jersey?

Finding low income apartments for rent in New Jersey can be challenging. However, many PHAs will provide you with official resources for finding a place to rent. Because each housing authority is an independent organization, there is no standard list that can be used by all PHAs.

When a housing authority provides you with information on Section 8 approved housing for rent, the list may come in various different formats. For example, a PHA may provide you with:

• Links to approved apartment for rent apps.
• A webpage for tenants that lists available units.
• An informational packet with approved apartment listings.

Because PHAs are local organizations, some of them do not have dedicated websites. Therefore, be mindful that a PHA will typically only direct you to use an online list of low income apartments for rent if the agency itself has a website.

Moreover, certain housing agencies have established partnerships with local landlords. In such cases, a PHA may advertise rental opportunities from participating landlords. Most PHAs also maintain a variety of properties themselves, such as multi-family apartment complexes.

If so, you may receive information on units available in these properties. However, most PHA-maintained units are in public housing projects. As a Section 8 voucher holder, you are not required to live in a housing project.

HUD homes for rent listings include information on single-family homes, townhomes, multi-family units and other types of homes that may accept vouchers. However, the types and availability of units will vary slightly depending on the area you search for.

The New Jersey Housing Resource Center, which is a state government agency, also has tools that allow you to search for affordable housing. These listings may include a variety of units, some of which will require you to have Section 8 vouchers, while others will not. Learn more about finding Section 8 approved housing by reading our informative guide.

Other Ways to Find Section 8 Listings in New Jersey

If your PHA does not provide you with an approved Section 8 housing list for New Jersey, there are many other ways to find an apartment that suits your needs. You can use essentially any app or website that lists apartments and other types of rentals.

Some of these websites will be designed specifically for Section 8 listings and other low-income rental units. For example, GoSection8 active listings in New Jersey are a popular resource for many people looking for a low-cost apartment.

Keep in mind that these resources can be accessed by anyone searching for an affordable place to rent. While many of the listings will advertise apartments for rent that accept Section 8 vouchers, there may be a variety of other rentals that are available for any applicant.

You can also use well-known apartment for rent apps to find affordable units. These websites list a wider variety of rentals, which may make it harder to find income-restricted units.

However, most listings will indicate whether or not you can use Section 8 for your rent. When in doubt, you may always contact landlords to learn if they accept vouchers.

Quality Standards for Section 8 Approved Housing in New Jersey

Once you have located potential homes for rent that accept Section 8 in New Jersey, you will need to ensure that the unit you choose meets certain standards. First and foremost, the unit must be rented out by a landlord who is willing to accept your voucher.

Next, the PHA will inspect the unit for health and safety issues to make sure that it is decent and in acceptable condition. PHAs will also need to check whether the unit has enough bedrooms or square footage for a family of your size. If you choose to renew your lease at the end of the year, the housing agency will inspect the unit again to make sure it still meets the requirements.

Tips to Help You Find Low Income Apartments for Rent in New Jersey

Whether you are using an official New Jersey Section 8 housing list or not, there are several ways that you can make your search go more smoothly. Consider taking these steps to help find a rental that fits your needs:

• Look for Section 8 listings on multiple apps and websites, as not all units will be advertised everywhere.
• Create an account on apartment for rent apps so that you can set up alerts for new listings.
• Browse advertisements for apartment listings in local newspapers and other similar sources.
• Use filters to narrow down your results based on things such as your preferred neighborhood, apartment amenities or number of bedrooms.

When looking through Section 8 rental listings, it is also important to keep in mind that your voucher will expire if you do not use it quickly enough. By law, PHAs are required to give you at least 60 days to use your voucher. However, some PHAs allow you to apply for an extension.

Lastly, it is important that you understand where you are allowed to rent a unit. You can usually use your voucher anywhere in the U.S. if you already live in the service area of the PHA that issued your voucher. However, you need to use your rental assistance within the jurisdiction of the PHA that issued your voucher if you do not currently live in the area.