How exactly do I become a Section 8 landlord in 2025?

CharlieSalvatore

I’m a property owner and I’m seriously considering renting to Section 8 tenants for the first time. How exactly do I become a Section 8 landlord in 2025?

Hi everyone, I’m a landlord based in the US and I’ve been renting out my units privately for a few years now. Lately, I’ve been hearing more and more about people renting to Section 8 tenants and I’m starting to consider it myself. I know there are benefits like guaranteed rent payments from the housing authority and helping families who really need affordable housing, but I’m totally new to the process and not sure where to start.

Can anyone walk me through how you actually become a Section 8 landlord in 2025?
I mean step-by-step from applying to getting approved and all the inspections or paperwork involved. I’ve got a small property I think would qualify, but I’m not sure what condition it needs to be in, or whether there are specific requirements I’d need to meet to get approved.

Also:

Do I have to list my property somewhere special to attract Section 8 tenants?

How long does the approval process usually take for landlords?

What kind of inspections or red tape should I be prepared for?

Is it true that rent amounts have to be approved or adjusted by the housing authority?

And once you’re approved, are there limits on who you can rent to or how long the tenant can stay?

I’ve read some mixed things online. Some people say it’s a great experience and others say it’s a nightmare with delays, failed inspections, and lots of paperwork. So I’m just trying to get the full picture before diving in.

Would love to hear from anyone who’s already doing this in 2025 especially if you’re in a mid-sized city or have a single-family home like I do. What’s the real process like? Is it worth it?

Thanks in advance for any advice or tips.

PasterSades

First, call your local housing authority and tell them you want to rent to Section 8. They'll give you a landlord packet basically a stack of papers that says
Welcome to government paperwork.”

After that, your unit has to pass an inspection. They check stuff like outlets, smoke detectors, hot water basically making sure no one’s living in a horror movie. If you pass, they approve your rent (you don’t set it, they do), and you’re good to go.

You don’t have to list anywhere special, but adding “Section 8 accepted” to your ads helps. Approval takes a few weeks depending on how fast everyone moves.

Once you’re in, you choose the tenant, they sign, housing signs, and boom rent shows up like clockwork. There’s some red tape, sure, but I’ve done it, and once it’s set up, it’s solid. Just be patient the first time around.

Uniberly

Contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA), complete the landlord application, meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS) during inspections, set a reasonable rent, and sign the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract.

MaxRon

Find a Section 8 tenant, pass the housing inspection, get rent approved by the housing authority, sign the lease and contract, then receive monthly payments.