Find Rental Assistance in Your State

If you need help paying rent, several government and community resources may be available. Rental assistance programs vary by state and community. Funding, eligibility requirements, application periods, and waiting lists can also change.

Navigate Affordable Housing Partners does not provide direct rental assistance or determine eligibility. However, these trusted resources can help you find programs serving your area.

Start Here for Rental Assistance

Find Rental Assistance in Your State

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides housing resources for every state and U.S. territory.

Use HUD’s State Information directory to select your state and find housing resources, local contacts, and assistance information.

Find Housing Resources in Your State

Contact Your Local Public Housing Agency

Your local Public Housing Agency, or PHA, may administer:

• Housing Choice Vouchers
• Public housing
• Other rental assistance programs
• Affordable housing waiting lists

HUD maintains a directory of Public Housing Agencies across the country.

Waiting lists may be open or closed. Therefore, contact the housing agency directly for current application information.

Find Your Local Housing Agency

Call 211 for Local Rental Help

211 connects people with local health and human service organizations.

Depending on your community, 211 may help you locate:

• Emergency rental assistance
• Utility assistance
• Homelessness prevention services
• Emergency shelter
• Community organizations
• Local nonprofit assistance

Dial 211 or search the 211 website for services near you.

CTA: Search 211 Housing Resources

Search for Emergency Rent Assistance

If you need short-term help paying rent, USA.gov provides information about emergency rental assistance.

Programs differ by state. In many cases, state or local agencies administer available funding.

Find Emergency Rent Assistance

Other Housing Resources

Rental assistance is not always limited to one program. Depending on your situation, other resources may also help.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling

HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can help renters understand housing options and available resources.

A counselor may also help with budgeting, housing stability, and other housing concerns.

Find a HUD-Approved Housing Counselor

Help for Veterans, Seniors, and People With Disabilities

Some housing programs serve specific populations. Additional assistance may be available for:

• Veterans
• Older adults
• People with disabilities
• Families experiencing homelessness
• People facing an immediate housing crisis

Check federal, state, and local resources to determine which programs may apply to your situation.

Looking for Affordable Housing?

If you need longer-term affordable housing rather than emergency rent assistance, Navigate has additional resources.

Affordable Housing Search
Find trusted tools for searching for affordable housing and understanding the application process.

Start Your Affordable Housing Search

PBRA vs. Housing Choice Vouchers
Learn how two common forms of Section 8 rental assistance work.

Understand Your Rental Assistance Options

Protect Yourself From Rental Assistance Scams

Be careful when searching for Section 8, rental assistance, or affordable housing online.

Scammers may create fake waiting lists, websites, applications, or social media posts.

Before providing personal information:

• Confirm you are working with a legitimate organization.
• Look for official government websites.
• Verify housing agency contact information.
• Be cautious about unexpected requests for money.
• Do not assume a social media advertisement represents an official housing program.

Navigate’s Section 8 Scam Alert provides additional tips for protecting yourself.

Review Section 8 Scam Warning Signs

Rental Assistance FAQs

Where can I find rental assistance in my state?

Start with HUD’s State Information directory, your local Public Housing Agency, USA.gov, and 211. Available programs depend on your location.

How do I apply for Section 8?

Housing Choice Voucher applications are generally handled by local Public Housing Agencies. Contact the housing agencies serving your area for application and waiting-list information.

What should I do if a Section 8 waiting list is closed?

Check other housing agencies serving nearby communities. You can also search for project-based affordable housing and other local rental programs.

Where can I get emergency help paying rent?

Start with 211 and USA.gov’s emergency rental assistance resources. Local nonprofits, community action agencies, and other organizations may also provide assistance.

Can Navigate help me apply for rental assistance?

Navigate does not provide direct rental assistance or determine eligibility for local programs. We provide housing information and trusted resources to help you find the appropriate agency.

Does HUD provide rental assistance directly to individuals?

Many HUD-supported rental assistance programs are administered locally through housing agencies and participating housing providers. Contact your local Public Housing Agency for information about programs in your community.

How can I tell if a rental assistance program is legitimate?

Use official government websites and verified organizations. Be cautious about websites or individuals requesting money to guarantee Section 8 assistance or waiting-list placement.

Need Help Finding Housing?

Finding the right housing resource can take time. Start with your local housing agency, HUD’s state resources, or 211.

You can also explore Navigate’s affordable housing resources to better understand your options.