Section 8 listings in Arizona can help you find affordable rentals that will accept a housing choice voucher. Once a public housing agency (PHA) issues your voucher, it is up to you to find a suitable apartment or home to rent. In some cases, a PHA will give you a Section 8 housing list to aid your search. Other times, you will need to use other resources to locate a place for rent.

There are many low income apartments for rent in Arizona, but keep in mind that not every unit will meet your PHA’s requirements. Under the Section 8 program, the unit you choose will need to meet certain requirements before you can sign a lease. Read below to learn more about using Section 8 rental listings and discover what standards an apartment needs to meet before you can use your voucher.

What is an approved Section 8 housing list in Arizona?

In certain cases, a local PHA will give you a list of low income apartments for rent whenever you start receiving HUD vouchers. You can use this list as a starting point for your search.

Keep in mind that under the Section 8 program, you are allowed to rent any acceptable unit on the open market. As such, you are not required to choose a home from a specific list once you are granted a voucher.

Not all PHAs have the resources to maintain their own index of Section 8 approved housing for rent, but there are other ways to locate acceptable units. In the event your PHA does not provide you with resources on finding a rental, you can use resources from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) instead.

Using HUD homes for rent listings is a helpful way to find affordable rentals in your area. With HUD’s resources, you can locate single-family homes, apartments, townhomes and other types of units.

Some of the available units on the market may have specific eligibility criteria to meet before you can sign a lease. For example, HUD listings might include units in senior housing complexes, which will have age restrictions for applicants.

You will notice that there are a variety of homes for rent that accept Section 8 on the open market. Many PHAs also manage units in public housing projects. As such, you may receive information on units located in projects.

On the other hand, be mindful that you are not required to use your voucher in one of these projects. These rentals are for people who have been granted a project-based rental voucher rather than a housing choice voucher.

Other Ways to Find Section 8 Listings in Arizona

When looking for apartments for rent that accept Section 8, you are not required to use any specific tools. Whether or not your PHA gives you information on Section 8 approved housing in AZ, you are free to use any resources for locating a unit for rent.

There are many apartment for rent apps that list affordable rentals you can choose from. Some of these apps and websites cater just to Section 8 participants, while others list a wider variety of units. For example, GoSection8 active listings usually include units that require you to have a Section 8 voucher.

You can use essentially any apartment searching website to locate a suitable unit. When using a website that is not tailored to Section 8 participants, you may see units listed with different terminology. For example, Section 8 listings might be labeled as income-restricted units.

Some landlords will also list units without specifying whether vouchers are accepted. When in doubt, it may be in your best interest to ask a landlord whether he or she is willing to participate in the program. You may miss out on a rental opportunity if you do not ask. Learn about other ways to find Section 8 rental listings by reading our informative guide here.

Quality Standards for Section 8 Approved Housing in Arizona

Once you locate Section 8 rental listings, there are several other steps to take before you can move in. If you have not done so already, ensure that the landlord of the unit you choose is willing to take vouchers. Not all landlords will participate in this program.

Next, you will need to notify the PHA that you have found a place you want to rent. The housing authority will then perform a health and safety inspection to make sure the unit is in an acceptable condition.

If certain types of damage and other issues are present, the apartment may not pass the inspection. Keep in mind that the unit must be large enough for your family and be rented out at a fair rate.

Finally, you will need to sign a lease and pay your portion of the rent each month. If you choose to stay in the same unit next year, the PHA will perform another inspection.

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

When searching for Section 8 rental listings in Arizona, it is important to be aware of the requirements that may apply to your voucher. First, you should pay attention to the deadline for using your rental assistance.

By law, PHAs are required to give you at least 60 days to find suitable housing once you are given a voucher. Some housing authorities will give you more time or allow you to apply for an extension. If you do not find any Section 8 listings within the deadline, you risk losing your voucher.

Second, you might need to limit your search for Section 8 rental listings to a particular area. This is because your PHA may require that you use your voucher within its jurisdiction for the first 12 months. This is usually only the case if you lived outside the PHA’s service area when you applied for assistance.

When looking for a Section 8 housing list in Arizona, there are several things you can do to aid your search. Consider following these tips to find an apartment more quickly:

• Broaden your search to include newspaper advertisements and a variety of online listings.
• Have your application materials ready so you can apply as soon as you find a unit you like.
• Sign up for an account with apartment for rent apps so you can quickly browse new listings that match your preferences.