Once you qualify for a voucher and have completed all of your admissions paperwork, the next step is to find an apartment. You will be given a “Request for Tenancy Approval”. You are responsible for finding an apartment that accepts Housing Choice Vouchers in the private market. It is important to act quickly, as the voucher expires in 90 days.
BHA directs voucher holders to www.gosection8.com . This website contains a list of landlords with vacancies that are open to accepting vouchers. This list is not comprehensive however; there may be other private landlords willing to accept the voucher. It is your responsibility to find an apartment that is suitable for your specific situation.
Once you find an acceptable apartment, you must request the landlord complete and sign the Request for Tenancy Approval. This form should be returned to your caseworker as soon as it is completed. You may not move without the explicit approval of your caseworker. If you do, you will be responsible for your full rent.
BHA will contact the landlord for inspection once the Request for Tenancy has been completed. If the unit does not pass inspection or the landlord is unwilling to make necessary repairs in a timely manner, you must start looking for another apartment immediately.