Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about VoucherMatch

For Landlords

How much does it cost to list my units?

Your first unit is free. After that, it's $49/month for unlimited listings, priority placement, inspection tracking tools, and priority support. The first 100 landlords get Pro free for 6 months.

Do I have to accept every voucher holder who applies?

No. You can still screen tenants based on credit history, rental history, income verification, and other legitimate criteria. NYC's source of income discrimination law means you can't reject someone ONLY because they have a voucher. You still have the right to choose qualified tenants.

How long does the Section 8 approval process take?

Once you submit the rental packet to NYCHA or HPD, they typically schedule an inspection within 5-10 business days. If the unit passes, approval usually happens within 2-3 weeks total. We provide a pre-inspection checklist to help you pass the first time.

What if my unit doesn't meet Housing Quality Standards?

Most failures are for minor issues: smoke detector batteries, missing outlet covers, peeling paint, or leaky faucets. We provide a detailed HQS checklist so you can address these before the official inspection. If you fail, you can schedule a re-inspection after making repairs.

When do I get paid?

NYCHA receives funding on the first business day of each month and processes payments to landlords within 1 business day. You receive 60-75% of the rent directly from NYCHA via direct deposit or check. The tenant pays their portion (usually 25-40% of rent) directly to you.

What if the tenant doesn't pay their portion of rent?

The tenant is responsible for their share. If they don't pay, you can pursue eviction proceedings just like any other tenant. NYCHA may also terminate their voucher for non-payment. We send automatic reminders to both you and the tenant when rent is due.

Can I use VoucherMatch if I'm a property manager?

Yes! Property managers can list multiple properties for different owners. You can manage all units from one dashboard, track inspections, and communicate with applicants on behalf of property owners.

What neighborhoods do you cover?

We currently serve all five boroughs of NYC: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. We're planning to expand to Westchester, Long Island, and other parts of New York State in 2026.

For Tenants

Is VoucherMatch really free for tenants?

Yes. 100% free for tenants. Always. No hidden fees, no charges for applying, no credit card required. Landlords pay a small monthly fee to list apartments, which keeps the platform running. You never pay anything.

How do I know landlords really accept vouchers?

Every landlord on VoucherMatch signs an agreement confirming they accept Section 8 vouchers before they can list any apartments. We verify all listings and property ownership. If a landlord discriminates against you, we remove them from the platform and report them to NYC Commission on Human Rights.

What if I don't have my voucher yet?

You can still browse apartments, save favorites, and set up alerts for your target neighborhoods. Once you receive your voucher from NYCHA or HPD, you'll be ready to apply immediately. Create your account now so you're prepared when your voucher comes through.

Can landlords still reject my application?

Yes, but NOT because of your voucher. Landlords can screen based on credit history, rental history, income verification, and criminal background (with restrictions). What they can't do is reject you simply because you have a Section 8 voucher. The difference with VoucherMatch is you're only applying to landlords who are open to working with voucher holders from the start.

What if my voucher payment standard is lower than the rent?

You can still apply if you can afford to pay the difference out of pocket. NYCHA/HPD allows you to pay up to 40% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent. Our search tool shows which apartments fit within your voucher payment standard and which require additional payment from you.

How do I report discrimination?

If a landlord on VoucherMatch discriminates against you, email us immediately at report@vouchermatch.com with documentation (screenshots, emails, texts). We'll remove them from the platform. You should also file complaints with: NYC Commission on Human Rights (call 311), NY State Division of Human Rights (718-741-8400), or Fair Housing Justice Center (212-400-8201).

What happens after I apply to an apartment?

The landlord reviews your application. If interested, they'll contact you to schedule a viewing. If you both agree, the landlord submits a rental packet to NYCHA/HPD. The housing authority inspects the unit (usually within 5-10 days). If it passes inspection and rent is approved, you can sign your lease and move in. We track all these steps for you in your dashboard.

Can I use VoucherMatch with any type of voucher?

Yes. We work with NYCHA Section 8 vouchers, HPD Section 8 vouchers, CITYFHEPS, LINC, SEPS, and other rental assistance programs. When creating your profile, specify which voucher type you have so landlords know what to expect.

General Questions

When does VoucherMatch launch?

We're launching in February 2026. Sign up for early access now to be notified the moment we go live. Early users get priority access and special features.

Is VoucherMatch affiliated with NYCHA or HPD?

No. We're an independent platform built by New Yorkers to make Section 8 housing easier for everyone. We use publicly available data and work within existing NYCHA/HPD processes, but we're not a government agency.

How do you make money?

Landlords pay $49/month to list unlimited units and access premium features. Tenants use VoucherMatch completely free. This model keeps the platform sustainable while ensuring tenants always have free access to housing opportunities.

Can I suggest a feature or give feedback?

Absolutely! We're building this for the community. Email us at hello@vouchermatch.com with suggestions, feedback, or questions. We read every message and many features will come directly from user requests.

Will you expand beyond NYC?

Yes! We're starting with NYC (the largest Section 8 market in the country), then expanding to the rest of New York State, and eventually to other major cities. If you're outside NYC and want VoucherMatch in your area, let us know at hello@vouchermatch.com.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help. Email us and we'll respond within 24 hours.

hello@vouchermatch.com

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NYC's Section 8 housing marketplace.

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