Many people searching for “Section 8 housing” wonder how the process works. One of the biggest sources of confusion is the difference between Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) and Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV).
This guide explains how to apply for a PBRA property and what makes it different from voucher-based assistance.
Step 1: Understand What PBRA Means
Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) is a Section 8 program where rental assistance is attached to specific properties. This means the subsidy stays with the unit, not the family.
- Tenants pay about 30% of adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities.
- HUD covers the remainder through the PBRA contract.
- When a tenant moves out, the subsidy remains with the property for the next eligible household.
Step 2: Applying for a PBRA Property
Unlike vouchers, you do not apply through a local housing authority for PBRA. Instead, you apply directly to the PBRA property where you want to live.
Here’s how the process works:
- Find PBRA properties near you. HUD maintains searchable property listings.
- Request an application directly from the property manager.
- Submit income and household documentation for eligibility screening.
- Be placed on the property’s waiting list if units are not immediately available.
- Wait to be contacted when your name reaches the top of the list and a unit opens.
Step 3: Waiting List Basics
Each property manages its individual PBRA waiting lists. A central housing authority does not. A few key points:
- Lists may open and close depending on demand.
- Applicants are often selected in order, but some lists may prioritize certain residents, seniors, or people with disabilities.
- Keeping contact information updated with the property is critical. If management cannot reach you, you may lose your place on the list.
Step 4: Key Differences from Voucher Programs
It’s easy to confuse PBRA with the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Here are the main differences:
| Feature | PBRA | HCV (Vouchers) |
|---|---|---|
| Where to Apply | Directly at PBRA property | Local Public Housing Authority (PHA) |
| Subsidy Location | Stays with the unit | Follows the family (portable) |
| Waiting Lists | Directly at the PBRA property | Managed by PHA |
| Flexibility | Must live in the PBRA property | Can choose eligible private housing |
Why This Matters
For families searching for affordable housing, knowing how to apply for PBRA properties can save time and prevent confusion. For owners and managers, explaining this difference builds trust with applicants and residents.
At Navigate, we manage PBRA properties in Birmingham, Alabama, and serve as a Performance-Based Contract Administrator (PBCA) for HUD, ensuring compliance and protecting access to quality, affordable homes.
Just a reminder. Applying for a PBRA property is a direct process: you apply with the property itself and often join a waiting list. Unlike vouchers, assistance does not move with you, but PBRA ensures long-term affordability in communities across the country.
If you’d like to apply for the HCV propgram, go here to learn more.
