The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income individuals and families afford safe, stable homes in the private rental market. If you're looking into Section 8 housing, how will a credit check affect your chances of finding a place to live?
Is There a Credit Check for Section 8 Housing?
There is no credit check when you apply for a Section 8 housing voucher. The housing authority focuses on your income, family size, and citizenship status to determine if you qualify for the program.
However, once you have a voucher and start looking for a place to live, landlords may require a credit check as part of their rental application process. This is because landlords want to make sure that tenants can reliably pay their portion of the rent.
Why Is Your Credit Score Important?
Landlords use credit checks to understand how you've managed money in the past. For example, if your credit report shows that you've consistently paid your credit card bills and loans on time, a landlord may feel confident that you'll also pay your rent on time. On the other hand, if your report shows late payments or unpaid debts, a landlord might worry that you could have trouble paying rent.
What To Do if Your Credit Isn’t Great
You don’t need good credit for Section 8 housing — there are ways to show landlords that you're responsible. You can provide recent pay stubs or bank statements to prove you have a steady income. Letters from previous landlords saying you paid rent on time can also help. Offering a larger security deposit or having someone with good credit co-sign the lease are other options.
To improve your credit score over time, make sure to pay all your bills on time and try to keep your credit card balances low. Regularly checking your credit report for errors and disputing any mistakes can also help boost your score. Building good credit takes time, but it can make renting a home easier in the future.
Are Landlords Legally Allowed To Deny Applicants Based on Credit?
Landlords are legally allowed to consider your credit history when reviewing rental applications. However, under the Fair Housing Act, they must apply this criterion consistently to all applicants, regardless of the following:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- National origin
- Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
- Disability
- Familial status (such as having children under 18 or being pregnant)
For instance, if a landlord requires a minimum credit score, this requirement should be the same for every applicant.
If a landlord denies your application based on your credit report, they are required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act to provide you with an "adverse action" notice. This notice must include the name and contact information of the credit reporting agency used and inform you of your right to obtain a free copy of your credit report and dispute any inaccuracies.
What a Section 8 Housing Credit Check Really Means for You
When facing a Section 8 housing credit check, it helps to show up prepared. Bring proof that you pay your bills, like pay stubs, bank records, or even a letter from your last landlord. If your credit is low, explain why and show how you’re managing things better now. Some landlords will appreciate honesty and effort.
If a landlord mentions your credit, you can ask what other information they’ll consider. You have the right to be treated fairly, and you have the tools to make a strong impression, even without perfect credit.
