The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, commonly known as Section 8, is the nation's largest rental assistance program. Administered locally by the Washington County Housing Authority (WCHA) and funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the program helps eligible low-income families, seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities afford safe, decent, and sanitary housing throughout Washington County.

Unlike traditional Public Housing, the Housing Choice Voucher Program allows participants the freedom to choose where they live, provided the property meets HUD housing quality standards and the owner agrees to participate in the program.

How the Program Works
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a partnership between three parties:

The Participant
Chooses a rental unit that meets their family's needs.
  • Pays a portion of the monthly rent based on household income.
  • Maintains the property and complies with the lease and program requirements.
The Property Owner
  • Screens and selects tenants using their normal rental criteria.
  • Enters into a lease with the tenant and a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract with WCHA.
  • Receives reliable monthly housing assistance payments directly from WCHA.
Washington County Housing Authority
  • Determining program eligibility
  • Issues housing vouchers.
  • Conducts required inspections.
  • Determines rent reasonableness.
  • Pays the housing assistance portion of the rent directly to participating landlords.
  • Provides ongoing support to both landlords and participants.
Participant Responsibilities
Program participants agree to:
  • Report all household income and family composition changes.
  • Pay their required tenant rent portion on time.
  • Maintain the rental unit in good condition.
  • Comply with all lease requirements.
  • Permit required inspections.
  • Complete annual recertifications.
  • Report changes within required timeframes.

Landlord Benefits
Participating landlords enjoy numerous advantages, including:

  • Reliable monthly Housing Assistance Payments
  • Access to qualified tenants actively searching for housing
  • Reduced vacancy periods
  • Free property inspections
  • Ongoing support from WCHA staff
  • No application fees to participate

Landlords continue to:

  • Set rental screening standards.
  • Select their own tenants.
  • Manage their properties.
  • Enforce lease provisions.

Housing Inspections- NSPIRE-V
Before assistance can begin, the rental unit must pass a HUD NSPIRE-V Inspection to ensure it is safe, sanitary, and in good repair.

Inspections evaluate items such as:

  • Smoke alarms
  • Carbon monoxide alarms
  • Electrical safety
  • Plumbing systems
  • Heating systems
  • Windows and doors
  • Kitchen and bathroom functionality
  • Structural integrity
  • Health and safety hazards

Units must continue meeting HUD standards throughout participation.

The Leasing Process
1. Apply for Assistance
Complete an application when the waiting list is open.

2. Eligibility Review

WCHA verifies income, household information, and eligibility.

3. Receive a Voucher

Eligible applicants receive a Housing Choice Voucher.

4. Search for Housing

Participants locate an approved rental unit.

5. Submit Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA)

The owner and participant submit required leasing documents.

6. Unit Inspection

The property must pass a HUD NSPIRE-V inspection.

7. Lease Signing

The tenant signs the lease with the property owner.

8. HAP Contract

WCHA enters into a Housing Assistance Payments Contract with the owner.

9. Move In

Housing assistance begins after all requirements are met.

Ongoing Program Requirements
Throughout participation, families must:

  • Complete annual recertifications.
  • Report required household changes.
  • Allow scheduled inspections.
  • Comply with lease obligations.
  • Maintain program eligibility.

Equal Housing Opportunity
The Washington County Housing Authority is committed to providing equal housing opportunities without regard to:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • National Origin
  • Disability
  • Familial Status
  • Age (where applicable)
  • Any other protected class under federal, state, or local law

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified persons with disabilities.

Contact Us
Washington County Housing Authority
100 South Franklin Street
Washington, PA 15301
Google maps

724-228-6060

Washington County Housing Authority
Providing Quality Housing Opportunities Throughout Washington County
"Helping Families Build Stronger Futures Through Affordable Housing."

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