Section 8 Housing Rules: How Many Bedrooms Will You Get?
Find out Section 8 Housing Rules regarding the number of bedrooms you can get. The most important factor that will determine your unit size is the number of people in your household.
Unit size is an issue every person applying for Section 8 housing wants to know about. We got more than 600 comments on one of our more popular articles “section 8 guidelines for unit size“, primarily asking about how many bedrooms they would qualify for.
Below I will discuss the GENERAL Section 8 Housing Rules, specifically with regard to the number of bedrooms.
Remember, each state and county will have different qualifications so be sure to check with your local HA for specific eligibility questions.
Latest Section 8 Housing Rules For Unit Size
Housing authorities are now trying to strictly enforce the “two heartbeats per room” rule. This means you have to have at least 2 people in every bedroom regardless of age or gender. This is a general rule set forth by the US Department of Housing an Urban Development.
However, this rule is not always straightforward. Also, individual housing authorities use many other factors to make a final determination, regarding the number of people that can legally occupy a unit.
Finally, other factors that are used to determine unit size include size of the bedrooms, configuration of the unit, age and number of children, presence of people with disabilities, any requirements of special aids and assistance, etc.
General Section 8 Housing Rules For Unit Size
Here is a reference table used by Housing Authorities across the US to determine how many people can live in a unit. Also, the table has both minimum and maximum guidelines for occupancy, which are set forth to avoid cases of fraud.
Typical PHA Standards Used to Issue Housing Choice Voucher
| Housing Choice Voucher Size | Minimum # of People in Household | Maximum # of People in Household |
|---|---|---|
| 0 BR | 1 | 1 |
| 1 BR | 1 | 2 |
| 2 BR | 2 | 4 |
| 3 BR | 4 | 6 |
| 4 BR | 6 | 8 |
| 5 BR | 8 | 10 |
| 6 BR | 10 | 12 |
Standards Used to Determine Acceptability of Unit Size (HQS Rules)
| Unit Size | Maximum Occupancy ** |
|---|---|
| 0 BR | 1 |
| 1 BR | 4 |
| 2 BR | 6 |
| 3 BR | 8 |
| 4 BR | 10 |
| 5 BR | 12 |
| 6 BR | 14 |
** Maximum Occupancy Assuming a Living Room Is Used as a Living/Sleeping Area
How the Unit Size Determination is Made
When you apply for a Section 8 Housing Voucher, the Housing Authority will use the following factors to determine the number of bedrooms you will be eligible for.
• The subsidy standards must provide for the smallest number of bedrooms necessary to house a
family without overcrowding.
• A child who is temporarily away because he/she is in foster care is considered a member of the family in determining the unit size.
• A family that consists of a pregnant woman only, and (no other persons), is considered a
two-person family.
• Any live-in aide (approved by the PHA to reside in the unit to care for a family member who
is disabled or is at least 50 years of age) will be counted in determining the unit size.
• A maximum of one bedroom per family will be allocated for live-in aides, even if the family has more than one aide.
• Two elderly or disabled household members may be given separate bedrooms.
• Unless a live-in-aide resides with the family, the family unit size for any family consisting of
a single person must be either a zero or one-bedroom unit.
• Persons of different generations, and unrelated adults (except for domestic partners) may have a
separate bedroom, within the limitations of the minimum occupancy standards outlined below.
• Students who attend a school more than 50 miles away from the subsidized unit are not
considered a member of the household. Additionally, full-time students who attend a school within 50 miles of the subsidized unit but live away from the unit more than half the year are not included in
household size.
Other Considerations May Be Used To Determine Unit Size
Also, a particular Housing Authority may also use the following consideration to determine what size unit you would be eligible for.
1. Size of bedrooms
If it will be determined that the size of a bedroom in a unit you are looking at is too small, only 1 person may be allowed to live there. For example, if you have two adults and two children, and the second bedroom is deemed too small, you may not be able to get that unit.
2. Age of children
Some Housing Authorities have additional section 8 housing rules regarding children. Thus, they take the age of children into consideration when determining the number of bedrooms. For example, if you have two adults and an infant child, they may get only 1 bedroom. However, if the child is older, (particularly a teenager) they may get a separate bedroom.
3. Physical limitations of housing
Such factors as the size of the septic tank, sewer and other building systems may be used to determine the maximum number of people allowed in one unit.
Changes In Family Size or Health Status
If your family size or situation changes, you may be eligible to reapply and get a larger unit. These situations may include having another child, or a health condition or disability that requires the presence of an aid 24/7.
Finally, when you reapply, make sure that you have all documents that verify your current situation. In case you will be requesting a room for an aid, you will need to present all supporting medical documents.
It doesn’t mean that this parent is neglectful or a monster. This parent may get to have her children stay with them on the weekends or other times. You DON’T KNOW THEIR STORY OR THEIR LIFE so SIT BACK DOWN! It’s ignorant uneducated trolls like you that make the internet suck. Crawl back under your rock where you belong, worm!
I have a 3 bedroom voucher my daughter just moved out on her 18th birthday that leaves my two sons 11 and 19 will I qualify still for a 3 bedroom since he is an adult now.
Yes if your grandchildren live with you then they should be on your section 8 housing
I AM IN LEWISTON MAINE WITH SECTION 8 LOOKING AT A 3 BEDROOM APT ONE OF THE SO CALLED BEDROOMS DOSENT HAVE A CLOSET WILL IT PASS SECTION 8 AS A 3 BEDROOM WITH OUT A CLOSET?? IF IT WONT CAN WE PUT IN A WARDROBE CLOSET AND BE CONSIDERED LEGAL BEDROOM? YRS AGO I KNOW HAD SAME PROBLEM IN ANOTHER APARTMENT AND WE PUT ONE WARDROBE IN AND IT PASSED, BUT YRS AGO LIKE I SAID SO FONT KNOW IF WILL NOW, TRYED CALL HOUSING OFFICE ONE PERSON SAID YES IT WOULD PASS WITHOUT CLOSET ANOTHER PERSON SAID NO, TRYED TO SPEAK TO INSPECTOR THEM-SELF BUT CANT GET THROUGH THEY WONT LET YOU TALK TO THEM. BUT IM ON VERY TIGHT TIME SCHEDULE NOTICE TO MOVE IN 30 DAYS, NOT DO TO BADNESS BUT BUILDING SOLD NEW OWNER WANTS MY PLACE, AND IM ONLY MONTH TO MONTH SO.
My grandmother is my 2 boys legal guardian. They are 5yrs an 14yrs. May i put my two children on my section 8 vouche
No, you evil neglectful monster. You shouldn’t get anything at all. And you won’t get 2 bedrooms.
It doesn’t mean that this parent is neglectful or a monster. She may get to have her children on the weekends or other times. You DON’T KNOW THEIR STORY OR THEIR LIFE so SIT BACK DOWN! It’s ignorant uneducated trolls like you that make the internet suck. Crawl back under your rock where you belong, worm!
Why would you put them on your voucher if they don’t live with you, and you don’t have custody ??
Yes as long as you have paper work
If u have partial custdy can they get on youre leese?
My sons are 8 1/2 years apart, my youngest has multiple mental disability and I tried to explain this to my local agency, but still yet because there both boys, we only got approved for a 2 bedroom! I live in NC does anyone know what I could do. Also, my income dropped by about $300 a month and still yet my Max limit is $600, I only bring in $784 because I’m disabled. They told me I couldn’t approve for a 3bed at first because of my income, then when it dropped more, they said my about is still the same. I don’t understand.. in my town there people who work full time jobs have 2-3 kids and get any where between $900-1200 a month driving brand new cars and it just blows my mind! And the folks who need it the most don’t get it. I can’t even find anything in my area on the budget they gave me, without moving near another county line. If anyone has any advice about my children’s situation please comment. My oldest is a teenager, my youngest just turned six and is a special needs child. I have his medical records to show them. Thanks & God bless you all in these hard times.
if you want something bigger you need to get it yourself and not depend on handouts. sec 8 is not something to be proud of. Here it is people are struggling paying bills and rent and here you are with a roof over your head be thankful and if not get up and do something about it. you cannot get a 3 bedroom with two boys anyway you sound so pathetic
Boy sounds like you need God in your life! That was the worst kind of saying any human being could say to another. You should apologize, cuz you haven’t walked in anyone else’s shoes to know their struggles either
Why would you say that to someone? Have some empathy.
Karma is going to serve you nice. Or perhaps it already is.
Danielle, he said he is disabled and has a son that is mentally disabled. You are the pathetic one. What do you think we should do with the disabled? That is one of the many reasons we have section 8 as a society. To help those that are having trouble helping themselves or can’t help themselves.
Under federal Fair Housing laws, if your disabled child’s doctor states in writing that because of the nature of your child’s disability he or she requires his own bedroom, then the housing authority would have to accommodate you. This is called a “Reasonable Accommodation.”
Actually it reads that if the disabled person requires AID 24/7… It becomes a reasonable accommodation only then.
Special accommodation request should be done in writing due to his disability and you can get your 3rd bedroom.
All these homeless people wishing for a bed in a shelter just for a night and mother’s/Father’s sleeping in cars with their children and all you can think to do is complain about not having 3bdrms for a special needs child, who isn’t disabled and in need of aid, in order to qualify for an extra room. Sleep your disabled ass on the sofa and give that child your room or let that child sleep in the room with you then. Simple! Ungrateful ass!
I have move cuz my mom just died and I have to move in to a two bedroom apartment so everything can be paid for and I have 3 kids and my self will hud let take a two bedroom
If you qualify for Section 8, you’ll get whatever they give you—probably a 3 bedroom.
If you need a 2 Bdrm and you’re paying your own way and it’s a big enough complex that you won’t get found out..::just lie. Seriously.
I’m on HUD but I have to move cuz my mom died and I have to move a two bedroom apartment so I can have very paid for and can afford and I have 3 kids and my self I can’t find a 3 bedroom will hud left us take a 2 bedroom
I am a little confused about number of rooms per family member. If there are 2 adults (one being 20 yrs old n the child to older adult), 1 female under 18, 2 males (under 18) . How many bedrooms should be allowed? Can a child under the age of 18 share a room with her mother?
If the 20 year old moves out ( board away for college or live with a relative) does this mean i have to now move because my family size is minus one person and the voucher alotted for five persons?
Not really, as long you still in the same unit. I been in my apartment for 4 years and it’s only me and my husband. We just renew it for another year and we stay in a 3 bedroom. We don’t sleep in the same room, for more then 18 years.
If you’re allowing bedrooms for occupancy and not on Section 8, if everyone is related, then 2 people per bedroom is fine. 3 bedrooms would be allowed by any housing code.
Two people per room, no matter age or sex… Simple! Unless one is disabled and in need of 24hr aid. One moves away for college, they no longer qualify for a room. So you would have to downsize when recertification comes. If you don’t report the person moved out for college you would be in violation and could lose voucher.
My husband has n Oxygen tank can we get a 2 bedroom.
Desiree, if I am reading these rules correctly, you would qualify for up to a 3 or 4 bedroom, depending on the size of the bedrooms and if they are judged large enough to have 3 beds in them.
Anytime there is a change, like the 20 yr old moving out, you need to report that change immediately. If they were bringing income into your household your voucher amount may need to be adjusted at your next eligibility interview.
The number of bedrooms should not change, though. Reason being, you would still have 3 others living with you and the 3 consists of male and female persons. So, you would have 1 bd, the young woman would have 1 bd and the boys would share a bedroom.
While the 20 yr old is still with you, it is considered reasonable for you and the young lady to share a room.
Keep in mind, once your 20 yr old is on your voucher, if he/she leaves to attend school, that school must be 50 + miles away for you to be able to simply remove him from the voucher. They can file to separate their case from yours at the next eligibility, but not before.
My daughter is 17 does she qulify for her own room for section 8 in stockton ca.
I live in Florida, I am considering moving to California how can I switch my residency? What do I need to do? What if I’m not gonna have a job in California right away how do that work when starting a new life in another state
It’s called porting out. You would have to contact the housing authority in California where you want to live and see if they’re accepting people who wants to Port in. If they say yes, you would wait until your recertification which is usually when your current lease is ending and let your current housing authority know that you want to move out of state. They’ll give you your paperwork to give to the housing authority in California. Unfortunately you would have to physically take this paperwork to California and start the process. Make sure you ask if you could do it via US mail because California is a long way from Florida and can become very expensive with flights or driving. Hopefully they let you do paperwork via mail and you can do housing search on the internet but you would still have to go to California to meet the person to do the paperwork for the lease and inspect the unit. I had a friend who moved to Florida but already had family there who assisted with finding places to live
I just got my section 8 paperwork and my 5 daughters are currently in foster care but reunification is the goal. Their ages range from 15 to 9 months. Will they be able to get on my section 8 voucher?
Can you move into a studio when the current voucher is for one bedroom? if so can you change back to a 1 bedroom if one is found? Can’t find any 1 bedroom housing in the area under my voucher and tier amount.
My voucher is for a 3 bedroom and my girls ages are 15, 12 and 10. My 12 yrold is wanting her own room; will I be eligible for a 4 bedroom since she is almost a teenager or will my 2 youngest have to always share a room?
Federal standard is two people per room, regardless of sex or age. So you technically only qualify for a 2bdrm. Luckily you got a 3bdrm, so of course you won’t get a 4th bedroom. I know it’s a tight fit unfortunately
I have a 2 bedroom voucher and 2 sons that are considered adults….1 of my son’s is moving out will I still be eligible for the 2 bedroom voucher?
I am mentally disabled and require my own bedroom since it’s where I spend my time to avoid my kids seeing me Ill. I have uncontrollable impulses to cry or talk aloud and that’s when I go to my room to avoid my children from seeing me. My son is 12 years and my daughter is 10 years and both are in special education due to learning disability. Honestly I don’t want them sharing a room and when they are together they lose focus. Yes I’m struggling. Do you think I can ask for a reasonable accommodation for a 3 bedroom?
You only qualify to have your own room if your disability requires AID 24/7. Which neither of you have a disability that matches the reasonable accommodations rule. Learning disabilities have nothing to do with sleeping arrangements. Seems as though people use anything to try to get more out of the government. They’re not learning while sleeping or need to focus on much of anything at bedtime other than going to darn sleep lol
Can I put my grandson that’s 9 on my section ,8 voucher
If you have legal custody of the grandchild or his parent (your child) is also on it.