Tenant Based Rental Assistance

Tenant based rental assistance is where you can receive help with rent for a private landlord and we can help you pay it.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher is a a rent subsidy program funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Housing Authority of Snohomish County. The program assists low income families with their rent payments and enables such individuals to afford decent housing. Under this program residents pay a portion of the rent directly to the owner/agent. This amount is determined by their income. Under this program, residents cannot pay more in rent than is determined by the Authority. The Authority makes up the difference between what the resident pays and the total contract rent, by making a payment directly to the owner on behalf of the resident. Participants pay thirty percent (30%) of their adjusted income for rent and utilities.

Who is eligible for Section 8?

Families and individuals, including seniors and disabled persons, may be eligible for the Section 8 program. Income limits and other requirements apply.

How can I apply for Section 8?

Our funding is limited and the turnover among families in Housing Authority programs is slow. In recent years, the wait has grown as long as 5 years for this program. We are currently accepting applications for our waitlist. You can pick up an application at our office at 12625 4th Avenue West, Suite 200, Everett WA 98204 or you can download the Section 8 Application online and mail it or bring it into the Housing Authority office. If you want more information on how to apply, you can call the housing authority at 425-290-8499 select #2 and then select #4. If you want to know your status on the wait list, you can call the housing authority at the above number and select #2, then #5.

Who determines the contract rent that can be charged for the unit?

Establishing the rent is basically the owner's responsibility. However, the Authority is required to determine three things before approving a lease. First, an owner cannot charge a higher rent for the home being assisted than he or she is charging for similar unassisted homes. Secondly, the rent being requested must be reasonable in light of what similar homes are being rented for in Snohomish County. Third, the rent must be within specific limits set by the federal government.

What are the inspectors looking for?

HASCO inspects every Section 8 rental when the tenant selects the home (an initial inspection) and annually thereafter. Landlords and tenants are encouraged to review the Housing Quality Standards

Can I buy a home with my voucher?

HASCO's Section 8 HomeOwnership program is administered in partnership with the Everett Housing Authority and HomeSight, a nonprofit housing corporation. Visit the Section 8 HomeOwnership webpage for more information.