The Housing Choice Voucher Program — commonly known as Section 8 — is a federal rental assistance program that allows eligible residents to rent privately owned properties in St. Louis. If you own rental property in St. Louis City or St. Louis County, here is everything you need to know about how the program works, your rights as an owner, and how Deca Property Management supports you through the process.
What Is the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), commonly referred to as Section 8, is a federal rental assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In St. Louis, the program is administered locally by the St. Louis Housing Authority for city properties and by the Housing Authority of St. Louis County for properties in the county.
Qualified participants receive a voucher for a specific number of bedrooms based on household size. The voucher can be used in the private rental market. Each month, the housing authority pays its portion of the rent directly to Deca Property Management, and the resident pays their remaining share. The resident’s portion is calculated based on their income.
Do Property Owners in Missouri Have to Accept Housing Choice Vouchers?
No. Under Missouri state law, effective August 2025, property owners may choose whether to accept applicants using federal or other housing assistance. Missouri HB 595 prohibits cities and counties from requiring privately owned rental properties to accept housing vouchers.
When a property does accept housing vouchers, Deca applies the same screening standards to all applicants. The one exception: voucher holders are required to show 1.5 times the rent in net income (rather than 3 times the rent for non-voucher applicants), because the voucher itself covers a portion of the rent obligation.
Deca follows all applicable federal, state, and local fair housing laws when marketing and leasing properties, and works closely with owners to ensure each property’s leasing strategy aligns with current regulations.
What Are the Benefits of Accepting Housing Vouchers for Landlords?
Many St. Louis property owners choose to accept housing vouchers because of several key advantages:
- Reliable monthly payments: The housing authority pays its share of the rent directly and consistently each month, reducing the risk of partial or missed payments.
- Larger applicant pool: Accepting vouchers increases the number of qualified prospects who can apply for your property.
Owners should be aware that properties approved for the program must pass a housing authority inspection prior to move-in by a participating resident, and may be subject to periodic re-inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with program standards.
Will My Rental Property Be Listed as a Section 8 Property?
No. Properties are not marketed exclusively or prominently as Section 8 properties. Listings simply note whether housing vouchers are accepted for that specific unit. The voucher amount is determined by the housing authority based on the bedroom count and postal code.
If a voucher amount is below the advertised rent, a prospective resident may still apply. In those cases, the owner has the opportunity to review the proposed terms and decide whether to approve or decline the offered amount.
How Does Deca Property Management Support Owners with Housing Voucher Questions?
Deca Property Management has extensive experience navigating housing authority requirements, property inspections, and compliance considerations. If you have questions about the Housing Choice Voucher Program or need guidance on how it applies to your specific property, your property manager is available to help.
We work closely with owners to ensure every leasing decision is informed, legally sound, and aligned with both your ownership goals and current St. Louis housing regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Housing Vouchers and St. Louis Rental Properties
What is the difference between Section 8 and the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
They are the same program. “Section 8” is the informal name for the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which comes from Section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937. The official federal name is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, administered by HUD.
Who administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program in St. Louis?
In St. Louis, the program is administered by two local housing authorities: the St. Louis Housing Authority for properties within St. Louis City, and the Housing Authority of St. Louis County for properties in the county.
Are Missouri landlords required to accept Section 8 vouchers?
No. Missouri law (HB 595, effective August 2025) gives landlords the right to choose whether to accept housing vouchers. No city or county in Missouri can require privately owned rental properties to accept housing assistance.
How is the housing authority rent payment determined?
The housing authority determines the voucher payment amount based on several factors, including the voucher holder’s income, household size, approved bedroom count, and the property’s location. HUD also establishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR), which is an estimated rental cost for the area based on unit size, postal code, and utilities, and is used to help determine subsidy limits. The housing authority pays its portion directly to the property manager each month, and the resident is responsible for any remaining rent balance.
What inspections are required for a Section 8 rental property?
Before a voucher holder can move in, the property must pass a housing authority inspection to confirm it meets HUD housing quality standards. The property may also be subject to periodic re-inspections during the tenancy to ensure continued compliance.
What income verification is required for voucher holders vs. non-voucher applicants?
Non-voucher applicants must show 3 times the monthly rent in net income. Voucher holders are required to show 1.5 times the rent in net income, because the housing authority’s payment covers a portion of the rent, reducing the resident’s share of the financial obligation.
