Tennessee Section 8 listings can be found in various places online or in print. When you receive a rental assistance voucher from a public housing agency (PHA), the organization may or may not provide you with resources on finding a place to live. The benefit of having a housing choice voucher is that you are free to rent any acceptable unit in the open market.

After finding Section 8 rental listings, you will need to choose an apartment that meets your PHA’s health and safety requirements. Unfortunately, not all units will pass an inspection. Read below to learn more about finding low income apartments for rent in Tennessee and learn what requirements your rental will need to meet.

What is an approved Section 8 housing list in Tennessee?

You may receive an official Section 8 housing list from your PHA when you are granted a voucher. Because housing authorities are independent from one another, the types of resources you receive may vary. For example, a PHA may give you any of the following to aid your search:

• A list of local landlords who take vouchers
• Links to apartment for rent apps and websites with listings
• A website for future tenants with available homes and apartments
• An informational packet
• Bulletin board postings in the PHA office

Some Section 8 rental listings may include units that are owned or managed by your PHA. If you have been granted a housing choice voucher, you are not required to rent any specific unit, including one owned by your PHA.

If you wish, you may choose to rent a housing authority-owned unit. However, you have the option of choosing a different unit in the open market as well.

If you do not receive a list of low income apartments for rent from your PHA, you can also use resources provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD homes for rent listings can include everything from single-family homes to units in high-rise apartment buildings.

The listings made available by the HUD and by local PHAs sometimes include units with special requirements or eligibility criteria. For example, you may find that some rentals are only available for people who are elderly or disabled.

These listings may also include units in public housing or housing projects. Keep in mind that you cannot generally use a housing choice voucher to lease a unit that already receives a federal subsidy. Learn more about finding Section 8 approved housing for rent by reading our detailed guide here.

Other Ways to Find Section 8 Listings in Tennessee

Regardless of whether you receive an approved Section 8 housing list from your PHA, you can look for housing using other resources as well. For example, essentially all apartment for rent apps and websites can be used to locate eligible units.

When browsing through the more general websites, you may need to look for different phrases that indicate a unit is eligible for this program. Not all landlords will use the same terminology, or even specify that vouchers are accepted in the first place. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to ask a landlord about his or her policy if you cannot tell from the listing.

Some websites are more geared towards low income listings than others. For example, resources such as GoSection8 active listings tend to include more units that are eligible for this program.

In addition to listing apartments for rent that accept Section 8, websites such as these might include a variety of other low-income properties. It is always a good idea to read each listing carefully.

Remember to check other types of ads as well, such as classifieds and other types of notices. Not all landlords will advertise every rental opportunity online.

Quality Standards for Section 8 Approved Housing in Tennessee

It is important to keep in mind that Section 8 listings need to meet certain criteria before you can lease a unit under this program. Even if you found a unit on an approved Section 8 housing list, there is no guarantee that it will pass a PHA inspection and meet the other requirements.

Housing authorities will check to make sure that each unit is in safe, sanitary and decent condition. Major issues and damage might make an apartment ineligible, but landlords may also be given the opportunity to make repairs so that a unit can pass inspection.

A PHA will also check that the apartment is rented at a fair market rate compared to other units. Finally, the apartment must be rented by a landlord who is willing to take vouchers. Not all property owners will participate in this program.

Note: If your current home meets the PHA requirements, you may be eligible to use your rental assistance where you live now. You will need to confirm the policies of your landlord and PHA to see if this is an option.

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

When searching for Section 8 listings in Tennessee, it helps to keep a few program rules in mind. First, your voucher has an expiration date that you need to adhere to.

In many cases, you will only have 60 days to locate a Section 8 housing list and choose a unit. PHAs sometimes allow extensions or simply give you more time to search for housing in the first place.

If you are not able to find a place to rent before your voucher expires, you will lose your rental assistance and be required to undergo the application process again. Thus, it is a good idea to talk to your PHA if your deadline is approaching and you are having trouble finding a suitable rental.

Second, you might need to look for Section 8 rental listings in a specific area when you start your search. Depending on your PHA’s policies, you may be required to live in the housing authority’s jurisdiction for the first year that you receive assistance.

If you move somewhere new when your lease ends, you may have to go through the process of transferring or “porting” your assistance to a new PHA’s jurisdiction. The rules for portability can vary depending on a housing authority’s policies.