Voucher terms, in plain English.

The unit size the voucher will pay for, based on household composition. Renting a larger unit is allowed only if the rent stays within the household's payment standard.

Related: payment standard

A NYC-funded rental supplement administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS) that helps eligible households find and keep housing. Unlike Section 8, CityFHEPS uses a city payment standard and a separate landlord package process.

Related: dss, shopping letter, rta

The NYC Department of Social Services. Administers CityFHEPS, FHEPS, HASA, and SOTA programs.

Related: cityfheps, fheps, hasa, sota

A type of Housing Choice Voucher issued to tenants when their building leaves a federal subsidy program. Enhanced vouchers can pay above the normal payment standard so the tenant can stay in place.

Related: section 8, payment standard

An annual estimate by HUD of typical rent for modest units in a metro area. Section 8 payment standards are usually set as a percentage of FMR.

Related: payment standard

Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement. A New York State subsidy for families with children at risk of eviction or in shelter.

Related: cityfheps, dss

The window between lease signing and the first subsidy payment. Section 8 typically pays the month after the contract is fully executed; CityFHEPS often issues a check before the lease begins.

Related: hap contract

HIV/AIDS Services Administration. Provides rental assistance and case management for low-income New Yorkers living with HIV or AIDS.

Related: dss

The contract between the landlord and the housing authority (or DSS) that governs the subsidy payment, payment dates, and program rules. The HAP contract runs alongside the lease.

Related: section 8, cityfheps

A federal rental subsidy administered locally (in NYC by NYCHA and HPD) that pays a portion of a tenant's rent directly to the landlord. The tenant pays roughly 30% of their adjusted income; the program pays the rest, up to the local payment standard.

Related: payment standard, hap contract, hqs

The federal inspection standards a voucher unit must pass before subsidy payments begin. Inspectors check for working smoke detectors, no peeling paint, proper heat, intact windows, and other safety items.

Related: section 8, inspection

The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Administers a smaller share of NYC Section 8 vouchers and oversees affordable housing development.

Related: section 8

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funds and sets rules for the federal Housing Choice Voucher program.

Related: section 8

A pre-move-in walkthrough of the unit by a housing authority or DSS inspector. The unit must pass to begin receiving subsidy payments. Most failures are easy to fix and re-inspect.

Related: hqs

Required language added to the lease that incorporates voucher-program rules (e.g., HUD Tenancy Addendum for Section 8). The addendum controls if it conflicts with the lease.

Related: hap contract

The local law (administered by the NYC Commission on Human Rights) that prohibits source-of-income discrimination across all NYC rental housing. Penalties include civil fines and damages.

Related: source of income

The New York City Housing Authority. Administers the Section 8 program for most NYC voucher holders and runs public housing developments.

Related: section 8

The set of forms a landlord submits to start payments under a voucher program. Typically includes a W-9, direct deposit form, lease addendum, and a tenancy approval form.

Related: rta, hap contract

The maximum monthly rent (including covered utilities) that a voucher program will pay for a unit of a given size in a given area. Each program has its own payment standards, updated annually.

Related: section 8, cityfheps, rent reasonableness

The right of a Section 8 voucher holder to use their voucher in another jurisdiction. CityFHEPS is generally not portable outside NYC.

Related: section 8

A change in rules, policies, or services that allows a person with a disability to use and enjoy housing equally. Examples: requesting a larger bedroom voucher size or an extension to find an accessible unit.

Related: nyc human rights law

The annual review where the housing authority or DSS confirms household income, composition, and rent. Required to keep the subsidy active.

Related: section 8, cityfheps

A required check confirming that a voucher unit's rent is comparable to similar unsubsidized units nearby. The unit must pass rent reasonableness even if the rent is at or below the payment standard.

Related: payment standard

The packet a Section 8 voucher holder submits to start the leasing process. It includes the proposed lease, owner certifications, and rent details for the housing authority to review.

Related: section 8, hap contract

A letter issued to CityFHEPS clients confirming voucher eligibility, household size, and the maximum rent the program will pay. Tenants present this letter to landlords and agents while apartment hunting.

Related: cityfheps

Special One-Time Assistance. A NYC program that pays one year of rent upfront to help a household move out of shelter, often to housing outside NYC.

Related: dss

Lawful income or subsidies a person uses to pay rent, including housing vouchers, Social Security, SSI, child support, and unemployment. NYC law makes it illegal for landlords or agents to refuse, discourage, or treat applicants differently because of their source of income.

Related: nyc human rights law

The portion of monthly rent the tenant is responsible for, typically about 30% of adjusted household income. The program pays the remainder, up to the payment standard.

Related: section 8

The mandatory orientation a Section 8 voucher holder attends to receive their voucher. The briefing covers program rules, search timelines, and the RTA packet.

Related: section 8

The deadline by which a voucher holder must sign a lease. Most programs allow extensions on request; missing the deadline can require restarting the process.

Related: section 8, cityfheps