The Housing Choice Voucher program, formerly known as Section 8, helps families pay their rent.

The need for rent subsidies is great, and our supply is limited.

Families are placed on the waiting list based on the date and time of application.

Families with the earliest date and time of application are served first.

The average wait to reach the top of the Waiting List is approximately seven years.

When families are selected from the waiting list and determined eligible, they receive a Housing Choice Voucher Program rental subsidy.

Participating families may use the assistance in their current homes or move to other rental housing that meets their needs and program requirements.

A house or an apartment must meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS), and the rent must be reasonable compared to other rents in the neighborhood before rental assistance is approved.

Families and individuals whose incomes are below set income limits are eligible for the program.

All participants must provide required information on social security numbers, citizenship or immigration status, plus detailed income and family information at the time of interview.

Some additional eligibility and documentation requirements also apply.

Complete the waiting list application form (PDF) and return to: Baltimore County Housing Office Drumcastle Government Center 6401 York Road, First Floor Baltimore, Maryland 21212