The Maryland Guide to Section 8 Housing

Finding affordable housing can be daunting, especially for low-income households. The Section 8 program may be able to help. 

Whether you're a prospective tenant or landlord, this guide will explain Section 8 and help you make informed decisions.

What Is Section 8 Housing in Maryland?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly called Section 8, awards vouchers to qualifying low-income households so they can afford safe, privately owned rental housing. Funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and overseen by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, participants work directly with local Public Housing Authorities across the state.

Landlords may wonder if renting their properties through this program is beneficial; it is. Tenants who wouldn’t be able to afford the rent without assistance can fill your empty units, and you won’t have to worry about receiving payments. Knowing you will get government vouchers every month puts you in a more stable financial position.

What Is the Most Section 8 Will Pay in Maryland?

If you’re considering applying for Section 8 assistance, you will want to know how much of the rent you will still need to pay. The amount varies because your situation isn’t like anyone else’s.

Your local PHA will look at the local housing market, how much income your household has, and other factors that may differ between agencies. Section 8 uses payment standards from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for different areas within the state. You can ask your local PHA for more exact figures.

Normally, Section 8 vouchers help by paying part of the rent based on what your household can afford, which is usually about 30% of your income. The housing agency sets a limit on how much they'll help pay, but they won't pay more than the actual rent or their set limit, whichever is lower.

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What Are the Maryland Section 8 Housing Requirements?

If you want to receive Section 8 benefits, you have to do your part to keep your eligibility. Be honest with everything you tell your PHA, and let them know if anything about your situation changes. You also have to uphold the terms of your lease. Failure to fulfill all responsibilities could cause you to lose your housing assistance. 

You’ll need to be sure that your chosen housing complies with HUD's Housing Quality Standards, including:

• Basic amenities
• Safety
• Sanitation
• Structural integrity

Housing units may undergo regular inspections to verify HQS compliance. Landlords must agree to participate in the program and follow guidelines for rent amounts and lease terms.

What Are the Income Limits for Housing Assistance Programs in Maryland?

To qualify for Section 8, your household’s income has to be under a certain percentage of the area's median income for your household size, typically set at 50% or 80%. For example, a family of four in Baltimore might have a different income limit than a similar family in a rural area.

HUD updates these income limits regularly to reflect changes in the local economy and cost of living. You can check this year’s table to see if you’re eligible.

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How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for Section 8 in Maryland?

After submitting your application, your PHA needs time to process it. Approval times can range from several weeks to several months. Processing takes longer if you submit incomplete applications, so check them carefully to ensure you include all required verifications. 

Once approved, you may go on a waiting list if funding isn’t available right away. 

How To Qualify for Section 8 in Maryland

Check with your local PHA to get a complete list of what they require in your area. Typically, key requirements for Section 8 assistance include: 

• Income eligibility
• Citizenship or eligible immigration status
• Compliance with program regulations

Some people may be ineligible because of their history or current activities, like having a criminal record or previous rental evictions. Local PHAs may consider the circumstances individually, but there are no guarantees.

How To Apply for Section 8 Housing in Maryland

You can get a Section 8 application from your local Public Housing Agency. You can also see if their websites have them available. You’ll have a deadline for returning the completed form, along with several required documents. 

Don’t submit your application with any blank sections or without all the requested records because it will delay processing. Being dishonest about any of the information you provide can eliminate you from the program, and you also have to let the PHA know right away if anything changes.

The screening process involves verifying income, conducting background checks, and assessing household eligibility according to program requirements. You may have to go to an interview.

Can I Transfer My Section 8 Voucher to Maryland?

If you currently hold a Section 8 voucher from another state, you may be eligible to transfer it to Maryland through a process called "porting." After you tell your current housing authority that you’re planning to move to Maryland, they will coordinate with the Maryland housing authority to transfer your voucher. 

You will need to meet Maryland’s eligibility rules and may have to wait if there isn’t funding available. Speak to agency officials about how to deal with any problems that might come up.

Can I Buy a House With a Section 8 Voucher in Maryland?

Qualifying Section 8 participants can use their vouchers towards homeownership expenses in some cases through the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program. This program isn’t available in all areas, but you can ask if your local PHA participates. You should also find out about the local eligibility criteria and guidelines.

What Are the Public Housing Authorities in Maryland?

Housing authorities, often operating at the local level, manage and allocate resources to address affordable housing needs within their communities, including overseeing the Section 8 program. Their responsibilities include:

• Determining eligibility criteria
• Processing applications
• Conducting inspections
• Facilitating tenant-landlord relationships

There are various PHAs throughout the state, but you should contact the one closest to you.

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Maryland Waiting List for Section 8 Housing

Your local Public Housing Agency will process your application to assess your eligibility. If you qualify, you’ll probably spend time on a waiting list because funding for new participants isn’t usually available right away. You might have to wait for months or years.

Section 8 wait lists don’t necessarily follow a first-come, first-served pattern. Your PHA may award preference points to certain families or individuals, so you should ask your local agency how they manage their wait list. 

Your PHA will contact you when your voucher becomes available, so keep your contact info up to date.

Is Emergency Housing Assistance Available in Maryland?

You may be able to get emergency housing assistance for urgent needs. The available relief may include:

• Emergency shelters
• Rapid rehousing programs
• Eviction prevention assistance
• Temporary housing subsidies

Eligibility criteria and available resources vary depending on the specific program and your local area. If you’re facing housing instability, reach out as soon as possible to find out more about options for emergency assistance.

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Stay Informed About Section 8 News in Maryland

Receiving a Section 8 voucher often takes time and patience. Applicants need to keep up with wait list openings and other news that could affect their status, and HUDHousingNetwork can help. Browse the site for additional information; you can also sign up to receive alerts so you won’t miss any updates.