An Oregon Section 8 housing list is a resource that you can use to find a home or apartment for rent after you receive a housing choice voucher. Public housing agencies (PHAs), which issue Section 8 vouchers, may or may not provide you with an approved list to use when you start your search. Overall, you are allowed to search for homes for rent that accept Section 8 using any method, not just resources provided by your local PHA.

Once you find Section 8 listings that you are interested in, you will need to select a unit that meets your PHA’s requirements. While there are a variety of low income apartments for rent, not all units will pass a housing authority’s inspection. Read below to learn more about finding listings and discover what standards your unit must meet.

What is an approved Section 8 housing list in Oregon?

When searching for apartments for rent that accept Section 8 in Oregon, one of the best places to start is with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD oversees and funds the Section 8 program. Moreover, this department provides various tools you can use to find a low-rent unit.

HUD homes for rent listings may include a variety of housing options, such as single-family homes, townhomes, apartments and duplexes. When searching through these listings, you may also come across apartments that are located in public housing projects. Keep in mind that because projects already receive a federal subsidy, you are not allowed to use Section 8 on one of these units.

In addition to HUD resources, you might receive help from your PHA when it grants you a voucher. Some housing authorities may provide you with the following to aid your search:

• A list of landlords and property owners who regularly rent to Section 8 participants.
• A website or webpage with active rental listings.
• Links to apartment for rent apps or websites that the PHA has partnered with.
• An informational packet with current listings.

Some PHAs do not have the resources to help every voucher-holder locate a unit to rent. Moreover, even if your housing agency gives you a list of low income apartments for rent, it may not be able to assist you in locating a specific unit or contacting landlords. Usually, it is your responsibility to narrow down your search and choose an apartment on your own.

Additionally, certain housing authorities own and manage rental units themselves. You may be eligible to live in a PHA-owned unit if you choose to do so.

On the other hand, keep in mind that a housing authority cannot require that you rent from them. In any case, you always have the option of leasing any privately-owned unit in the open market. Learn more about finding Section 8 approved housing for rent by reading our guide here.

Other Ways to Find Section 8 Listings in Oregon

Finding Section 8 rental listings in Oregon is somewhat similar to locating any other type of apartment or home. If you are having trouble finding a unit on an official Section 8 housing list, keep in mind that you are allowed to use any method for locating an apartment.

You may find that a variety of mainstream apartment searching apps and websites include properties that take vouchers. The main difference between using an approved Section 8 housing list and any other resource is that you may need to take the extra step to ensure that unit is eligible for vouchers.

When looking for Section 8 approved housing on unofficial websites, it helps to keep an eye out for certain terms. For example, landlords may use phrases such as “income-restricted” to indicate that vouchers are welcome at certain units.

Some resources, such as GoSection8 active listings, are created just for low-income properties. With search engines such as these, it may be easier to find the type of unit you are looking for.

Keep in mind that some landlords prefer other methods for advertising units. If you are struggling to find apartments for rent that accept Section 8, consider looking for ads in local newspapers, online classifieds or bulletin boards around your community.

Quality Standards for Section 8 Approved Housing in Oregon

Once you locate a few Section 8 listings that interest you, it is necessary to pick a unit that can pass a PHA inspection. Your housing authority will look over the unit you select to make sure that it is in safe, sanitary and decent condition.

In addition to health and safety requirements, your unit must also be rented by a landlord who participates in the Section 8 program. Unfortunately, not all landlords with low income apartments for rent will take vouchers.

Note that most housing authorities will not allow you to lease a unit owned by a close family member. As such, you are usually required to rent from a private landlord instead.

In some cases, you may find that you are able to use your voucher on your current home. If you do not wish to move, ask your landlord about this possibility.

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

When you start your search for Section 8 listings in Oregon, it is important that you understand a few things about your voucher. First, rental assistance will expire if you do not use it within a certain timeframe.

As a general rule, many PHAs have a 60-day deadline. However, some housing authorities let you apply for an extension, or they simply give you more time to begin with.

In addition, the Section 8 voucher you receive might require you to live within a certain area. If you do not already live in your PHA’s jurisdiction, the agency might request that you move to the area for the first 12 months that you use your rental assistance.

After the first year, you are usually eligible to move elsewhere. This rule can affect where you look for Section 8 rental listings when you begin your search.

Before making the final decision on a unit, it is important to consider things such as the cost of rent and utilities. You may be responsible for paying a higher amount if you choose a unit that is leased above the fair market rental rate.