All Laws Decoded

Section 8 in Washington: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving Washington's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a Washington landlord to refuse Section 8? Yes, statewide. Landlords may not refuse to rent, evict, set different terms or fees, discourage, misrepresent availability, or advertise preferences based on a tenant's source of income, which includes housing assistance (e.g., vouchers), public assistance, emergency rental assistance, veterans benefits, Social Security/SSI and other federal, state, local or nonprofit programs. If an income threshold is used, the voucher/subsidy must be subtracted from the rent before applying it. Narrow exception where the subsidy requires an inspection and repairs would cost more than $1,500 and mitigation funds were not received. Liability up to 4.5 times monthly rent plus costs and attorney's fees. RCW 59.18.255

Housing authorities in Washington

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

Washington State Housing Finance Commission — Finances affordable rental housing (Housing Tax Credit and bond programs) and publishes renter resources and income/rent limits for tax-credit apartments; it does not run a direct rent-assistance program for individual renters.

How to apply

  1. Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
  2. Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
  3. Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
  4. Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
  5. When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

Washington tenant rights · Free legal help in Washington · Section 8 in other states

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.