When people search for “Section 8 housing,” they often don’t realize that Section 8 is not one single program. In fact, there are two main types of assistance under Section 8:
- Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)
- Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)
Understanding the difference is key to finding the right housing option — or managing it effectively as an owner.
What Are Housing Choice Vouchers?
HUD created the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program as a tenant-based program. That means the Section 8 housing assistance remains tied to the individual or family, not the property. Families can take their voucher and search for housing in the private rental market.
Key features of HCV:
- Tenants generally pay 30% of their income toward rent.
- Residents can use the vouchers with private landlords if the unit meets HUD standards.
- Vouchers are portable — families can move and keep their assistance.
For many households, HCV means flexibility and the ability to live in higher-opportunity neighborhoods.
Learn more about vouchers on HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher page.
Read about applying to the HCV program here.
What Is Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)?
The Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) program works differently. Assistance remains attached to the property itself, not the family. When a tenant moves out of a PBRA unit, the subsidy stays with that unit for the next eligible resident.
Key features of PBRA:
- Rent is also based on 30% of household income.
- Tenants apply directly to PBRA properties through waiting lists.
- Housing providers must maintain properties to HUD’s standards for safe and decent housing.
PBRA is a cornerstone of the Section 8 program because it preserves long-term affordable housing stock in communities.
Explore Navigate’s work in Project-Based Rental Assistance.
Why the Distinction Matters in Section 8
Many residents confuse the two programs, but the differences are significant:
| Feature | Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) | Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Tenant can move and keep assistance | Assistance stays with the unit |
| Application | Directly at the PBRA property waiting lists | Directly at PBRA property waiting lists |
| Flexibility | Families choose eligible housing in the private market | Limited to specific HUD-assisted properties |
| Preservation | Helps families access new opportunities | Preserves long-term affordable housing |
For residents, understanding the difference means making informed choices. For owners and managers, it means knowing the compliance and tenant engagement requirements of PBRA.
The Bigger Picture
Both HCV and PBRA are vital in the fight for housing stability. Together, they help millions of families find or keep affordable homes. Programs like HUD Tenant Empowerment Grants and the new Tenant Education and Outreach Program are strengthening resident voices in these communities.
At Navigate, we stand committed to making PBRA housing a pathway to opportunity — not just a place to live.
Section 8 housing plays a critical role in providing affordable homes across the country. By understanding the differences between Housing Choice Vouchers and Project-Based Rental Assistance, families can make more informed decisions, and owners can better serve their residents.
