Everything you need to navigate housing vouchers in NYC.
Plain-English guides for renters who already have a voucher and for agents who want to work with one confidently and within the law. Written and reviewed by the MatchMyVoucher.com team.
For Renters
Step-by-step process for using your CityFHEPS, Section 8, FHEPS, HASA, SOTA, or EHV voucher.
Renter guidesFor Agents & Landlords
How each program pays, what the packet looks like, and the source-of-income rules you must follow.
Agent guidesLaws & Rights
NYC source-of-income protections, fair housing rules, and how to file a complaint.
Laws & complianceStep 1 of 3
Is your voucher letter from NYCHA, HPD, or HUD?
Federal Section 8 letters say 'Housing Choice Voucher' on the top.
If you have a voucher
Each program has its own paperwork, timelines, and pitfalls. Pick yours and we'll walk you through it.
How to Use Your CityFHEPS Voucher in NYC: The Complete Renter Guide
Step-by-step CityFHEPS process for NYC renters: shopping letters, finding a unit, the landlord package, inspections, lease signing, and recertification.
Read guideHow to Use Your Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher in NYC
The complete Section 8 process for NYC renters: voucher briefing, RTA packet, finding a unit, HQS inspection, HAP contract, and recertification.
Read guideSection 8 vs CityFHEPS: Side-by-Side Comparison for NYC Renters and Landlords
The differences between Section 8 (federal Housing Choice Voucher) and CityFHEPS (NYC DSS supplement): payment timelines, payment standards, inspections, portability, and recertification.
Read guideSource of Income Discrimination in NYC: Your Rights and How to Report
Complete guide to NYC source of income law: what counts as a violation, what you can do, how to document discrimination, and how to file a complaint.
Read guideSection 8 vs CityFHEPS vs FHEPS
The fastest way to see which program does what. Sortable by every column.
| Criterion | Section 8 | CityFHEPS |
|---|---|---|
| Funded by | Federal (HUD) | NYC |
| Administered by | NYCHA / HPD | DSS / HRA |
| First payment timing | 30–60 days after HAP | Before move-in |
| Pays security deposit | Tenant or local | Yes |
| Pays broker fee | No | Up to cap |
| Inspection type | HQS | DSS inspection |
| Portable outside NYC | Yes | No |
| Annual recertification | Required | Required |
| Tenant share of rent | ~30% of income | Capped per program |
| Source of income protected | Yes | Yes |
Working with voucher holders
How each program pays you, what the packet looks like, and the source-of-income rules you must follow.
Section 8 vs CityFHEPS: Side-by-Side Comparison for NYC Renters and Landlords
The differences between Section 8 (federal Housing Choice Voucher) and CityFHEPS (NYC DSS supplement): payment timelines, payment standards, inspections, portability, and recertification.
Read guideAccepting Section 8 in NYC: The Agent and Landlord Playbook
How agents and landlords work with Section 8 in NYC: legal obligations, the RTA packet, HQS inspection prep, payment timelines, and avoiding source-of-income violations.
Read guideAccepting CityFHEPS in NYC: The Agent and Landlord Playbook
How agents and landlords work with CityFHEPS: the landlord package, DSS inspection prep, payment timelines, and source-of-income compliance.
Read guideSource of Income Discrimination in NYC: Your Rights and How to Report
Complete guide to NYC source of income law: what counts as a violation, what you can do, how to document discrimination, and how to file a complaint.
Read guideTake the Voucher-Friendly Compliance Quiz
Eight real-world scenarios. Pass with 80% or higher and earn the Voucher-Friendly Certified badge. Personalized AI coaching on anything you miss.