What is the Housing Choice Voucher program?

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program is a Federally funded, subsidized- rental program that allows recipients of a voucher to rent safe and sanitary housing in the private sector. The voucher holder pays part of the rent, which is determined by the household's monthly adjusted gross income, the rent payment standard for the area, and the apartment's rent. The tenant is not allowed to pay more than 40% of the household's adjusted gross income towards the rent and utilities on an initial lease-up, but must pay at least 30% of the household's adjusted gross income.

The Housing Authority of Prince George’s County administers the voucher and, with funds received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), pays the remainder of the rent amount directly to the landlord. The HCV recipient may use the voucher to find a unit in any part of the United States and Puerto Rico.