Preserving Section 8 Housing

LEDC is taking part in a citywide initiative to preserve affordable housing, particularly Section 8 apartments. Section 8 buildings receive a federal rent subsidy which commits them as affordable to qualifying low-income families, the elderly and disabled people.  A resident living in an apartment with a Section 8 contract pays 30% of their income towards rent. This formula ensures that the unit remains affordable to the current resident and meets the needs of the city’s most vulnerable.

Section 8 housing makes up an important portion of the District’s affordable housing. Unfortunately, once a building leaves the Section 8 program, the subsidy is permanently discontinued.  The District’s combined waiting list for public housing, Section 8 housing and rental assistance exceeds 58,000 families. Of these, only approximately 1,000 families per year come off the list and acquire affordable housing. 

LEDC works to preserve DC’s affordable housing stock for the long-term by educating Section 8 tenants on their rights and responsibilities and by providing technical assistance to ensure the maintenance of the Section 8 contract.  LEDC works with tenant associations to determine any threats to the preservation of the Section 8 contract at their building – such as serious code violations – and create and implement a plan to address the problems.  LEDC helps tenants negotiate for renewed Section 8 subsidies in buildings where contracts are nearing expiration.  We focus our efforts on working jointly with tenants, property owners and management companies to create effective solutions.