Owning rental property in Washington, DC can feel a bit like juggling while standing on a ladder—you’re balancing tenants, maintenance, compliance, and cash flow, all while hoping nothing comes crashing down. One decision that often gives property owners pause? Accepting housing vouchers through the Section 8 program.
You’ve likely heard the rumors. Extra inspections. More paperwork. Government involvement. But here’s the truth: when managed properly, Section 8 can be a smart, stable, and profitable option for property owners—especially in a competitive market like DC.
So grab your coffee (or your measuring tape—we know you love a good metaphor), because we’re breaking down how the Housing Choice Voucher Program works, what’s required, potential pros and cons to be mindful of, and what steps are associated with securing a resident through the program. And yes, we’ll also talk about how working with a professional property manager—like EJF Rentals—can make the entire process seamless.
First Things First: What Is Section 8, Really?
Section 8, officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), is a federally funded rental assistance program overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Locally, it’s administered by the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA).
Here’s the simplified version:
✔️ The tenant pays a portion of the rent based on their income
✔️ The government pays the rest— directly to you (the property owner) or EJF as your property manager.
✔️ You get consistent payments and a larger pool of qualified applicants
Tenants must meet income requirements, pass screening criteria, and comply with lease terms. If they don’t? They risk losing their voucher. In other words, there’s built-in accountability.
If you’re curious how this fits into your broader rental strategy, EJF Rentals breaks down smart leasing approaches for DC owners at ejfrentals.com.
Housing Assistance Options in Washington, DC (A Quick Overview)
While Section 8 gets most of the attention, it’s not the only housing assistance program in DC. Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s out there:
🏢 Public Housing
Managed directly by DCHA, these properties are owned by the housing authority. Tenants generally pay about 30% of their income toward rent. This option is less relevant for private property owners, but helpful to understand for context.
🏠 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
This is the program most private landlords interact with. Voucher holders can choose where they live, as long as the unit meets Fair Market Rent (FMR) guidelines and passes inspection.
🧱 Moderate Rehabilitation Program
These are privately owned properties tied to specific subsidies. Tenants pay a portion of rent, and DCHA covers the rest. Unlike vouchers, subsidies usually stay with the unit—not the tenant.
Understanding which program applies to your property can feel overwhelming—but that’s where an experienced property manager steps in. EJF Rentals regularly works with DC housing programs and helps owners determine the best fit. Learn more about their services at ejfrentals.com/property-management.
Who Qualifies for a Housing Choice Voucher?
Voucher eligibility is determined by DCHA, not the landlord, but it helps to understand the basics.
👨👩👧 Household Type
HUD defines a household broadly—individuals living together don’t have to be related. Categories typically include:
Family households
Elderly households (head or spouse age 62+)
Disabled households
💰 Income Limits
Household income must fall below a certain percentage of the area’s median income:
Low-income: up to ~80% of AMI
Very low-income: up to ~50% of AMI
Extremely low-income: up to ~30% of AMI
📜 Rental & Legal History
Applicants with recent serious drug-related evictions or certain criminal convictions may be disqualified.
🇺🇸 Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status
Applicants must meet federal eligibility requirements.
As a property owner, you still screen tenants the same way you would any applicant—credit, rental history, and background checks remain standard practice.
Fair Housing Laws: What Owners Must (and Must Not) Do
Here’s where many landlords get nervous—but clarity is your best friend.
Under Fair Housing laws, you cannot deny an applicant solely because they use a housing voucher. Additionally, discrimination based on protected characteristics is illegal, including:
Race or color
Religion or national origin
Sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation
Disability or familial status
Source of income (including vouchers)
That said, you can deny an applicant for legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons—such as poor rental history or failing to meet income requirements applied consistently to all applicants. Check out our blog about the 23 protected traits in Washington, DC.
To stay compliant:
✔️ Use the same screening criteria for everyone
✔️ Avoid steering voucher holders toward or away from certain units
✔️ Keep policies documented and applied evenly
Many owners choose to work with a professional manager to avoid missteps. EJF Rentals stays up to date on Fair Housing compliance so owners don’t have to stress. Explore their compliance-focused approach at ejfrentals.com/owners.
How to Rent Your Property to Section 8 Tenants
If you decide to accept vouchers, here’s how the process generally works:
Advertise Clearly
Mention that your property accepts housing vouchers.Screen the Applicant
Yes, you still screen—just as you would any tenant.Submit the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA)
This packet goes to DCHA for review.Schedule the Inspection
The unit must meet housing quality standards (think safety, habitability, and basic functionality).Sign the Contracts
Once approved, you’ll sign both a lease with the tenant and a housing assistance payment (HAP) contract with DCHA.Move In & Get Paid
DCHA pays their portion of rent directly to you each month.
Sounds manageable—but it’s a lot of coordination. That’s why many owners let EJF Rentals handle everything from inspections to paperwork to tenant communication. More details at ejfrentals.com/services.
The Pros and Cons of Section 8 for Property Owners
Let’s be real—every investment decision has trade-offs.
✅ The Upside
Reliable Rent Payments: A large portion of rent is guaranteed and paid on time
Lower Vacancy Risk: A broader tenant pool means faster leasing
Added Oversight: Housing authorities reinforce lease compliance
⚠️ The Considerations
Rent Caps: Rental amounts must align with Fair Market Rent
Inspections & Paperwork: More steps upfront
Government Involvement: Communication can take longer
For many DC owners, the stability outweighs the inconvenience—especially when a professional manager handles the heavy lifting.
When Property Management Makes All the Difference
Owning rental property is a business—and Section 8 adds another layer of complexity. From inspections and compliance to rent collection and maintenance coordination, things can snowball quickly.
That’s where hiring a property management company becomes a game-changer.
EJF Rentals specializes in Washington, DC property management and has extensive experience working with housing vouchers. They help owners:
Navigate Section 8 requirements
Screen tenants thoroughly and fairly
Coordinate inspections and documentation
Handle rent collection and maintenance
Protect your investment and your time
If you want the benefits of the Housing Choice Voucher Program without the stress, working with experts who already know the system is key.
Ready to Simplify Your Rental Strategy?
Section 8 doesn’t have to be intimidating—and with the right guidance, it can be a smart, stable addition to your rental portfolio.
If you’re ready to explore whether accepting housing vouchers makes sense for your property—or if you simply want a trusted team to handle everything for you— EJF Rentals is here to help.
👉 Call Conrad today at 202.803.7200 to learn how our expert team can take care of all your property management needs.
👉 Visit ejfrentals.com to get started.
Because owning rental property should feel rewarding—not overwhelming.
