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.
I’m trying to move to Contra Costa County and I need to know what they amount for a 3-bedroom I’m moving from San Joaquin County and they only give me $680 and that’s nothing I need somebody to tell me how much they allowed in Contra Costa County for a 3-bedroom voucher
You can pull up the payment standard on their website but I believe it’s about $1800 or higher. I used to live in San Joaquin County as well and they do not pay much and then I moved to Stanislaus county. Those smaller counties’ vouchers are small due to the cost of living. Anywhere near the Bay area or anywhere where the cost of living is high, the voucher will be two to 3 times higher.
I qualify for a 1 bedroom apartment the problem is I cannot find a 1 bedroom, in Mississippi where I live only have 2 bedrooms .Can I move into a 2 bedroom.
You most certainly can get an extra bedroom. Best practice, as long as the rent doesn’t exceed your rent to owner amount or your voucher, you can get extra room. I’m not sure if all states have a RENT TO OWNER amount listed on their sheet. I have a 6 bedroom with a 4 bedroom voucher. The rent didn’t exceed my voucher or rent to owner amount.
If I work from home and live with my mom can I request a 3 bedroom
If my voucher is only for a 3 br and I found a 4 br but same price range as the 3 br. Will they accept it or fail the inspection?
My boyfriend’s mom is on S8 housing and lives in a small two bedroom apartment. She recently took in a girl with two kids a 6 year old boy, 1 year old girl and their mom is 24. Can she get in trouble if she has them all in her voucher with them sleeping on her floor and living with a 22 year old adult that isn’t their father.
I have a apartment with 2 bedrooms and I have among old infant but my niece 18 and her husband 26 gonna stay with us so is that ok allow in motongrove Il?
I have a 3bedroom voucher but I found a 2bed room with 4people cause I got taken for my money and couldn’t afford a ,3because the deposit was high and I was already out of money so I grab the ,2 to get us out of the hotel but for a 2boucher I can’t afford this place but section 8 did it anyways but I thought since I had a ,3on my voucher I can get a two under the 3,, and go under those guide lines but no but my 3voucher covers it but the two don’t bit housing is going by two and not my 3 can they do that ,I was told go by the voucher but they don’t I’m confused I
I got section 8 2 bedroom total is 2 boys age 10,12 n me an my husband. But we wanna have baby. Do I have to move. Chicago il.
You should receive another room if you have another child. HOH always have a room to themselves or with spouse. It’s supposed to be two per room and also depends if your living room is being counted as a room.
Not untill the baby is born
Besides my wife and I who use one bedroom. I have two additional bedrooms. My son is 27, my grandson is 18, and my granddaughter is 7 years old. The 18 year old wants to sleep in the living room. If we let him will we be in violation of our Section 8?
How about married couple a 10yr old daughter who is growing into young lady and son who is 16 has a baby and baby visits and stays every other weekend
This is an embarrassing inquiry:
I’m a married adult with disabilities. My wife and I live in a two bedroom residence. However my disabilities make it very difficult for me to get up and try to make it to the bathroom at night to urinate. I could easily fall down [as it happened many times], and end up urinating on myself. I do have a urinal next to my bed to accommodate my frequent urinations at night. At times, however, I can’t control my urine; and I wet my bed. To avoid having to sleep in a wet bed, my dear-poor, patient, and caregiving wife sleeps in the 2nd bedroom, which is really a very small bedroom [not to say that my bedroom is not, relatively small] on a futon-bed. In our — i.e. my wife and I — case are we excempted from the two-heart per room policy. I should be grateful if you could reply to my inquiry at your earliest convenience.
I’m just wondering how this Section 8 program works if it’s me and my two children ( 1 boy, 1 girl) 10yr old twins and 1 on the way with the BdRm situation. Also, what is the determining factor for how much my voucher will be? I’m on disability from a car accident and my husband past away. This is all So new to me. These questions are for the state of Illinois and the city of Waukegan. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Hi. I found a 4 bedroom house that is 1,700 but my voucher has 2 bedroom that is 1,791. Could that be a problem
Yes, you cannot get more bedrooms than they approve no matter the price
Nope as long as it is the price of the 2 bdrm you can get it no matter how many rooms it has
I’m going through same exact situation. I’m married, have two boys ages 6,and 10, and a girl age 3. We just got approved for section 8 3 bedroom, with max rent of $2,800. We found a 4 bedroom apartment landlord wanted $3,000 a month but said very flexible on rent and he said that he had no problems with rent being $2,800. So yes you can get a apartment example, you can have as many bedrooms as you want as long as the rent is within the max section 8 pays.
I have 3 boys i just had Girl will i qualify for a 3 bdrm now.? If so roughly how much will be given for a 3bdrm voucher
hello, please help answer! there is a 4 bedroom house for rent for $3200 which is below the fair market rent for the area. my family has a 2 bedroom voucher for $1900 for 3 people-my mom, me (20) and my sister (21). i know that the voucher amount is the maximum that housing will help contribute to rent. since tenants pay 30% of their monthly income to rent, does that mean housing will still help pay as long as their 70% contribution doesnt go over $1900 (the limit for 2 rooms)? or will housing only allow us to rent 4 rooms that is priced at $1900? we wanted to explore our options because not many places for rent around us allow pets and we’re anticipating our eldest sister (24) to move back in. we all work part time jobs as full time college students and simply want to move out of the slums and are willing to work harder to rent a place we can comfortably call home. i appreciate the help!
I have 2 boys 1 age 8 and the other age 6 but my 6 year old has autism and my 8 year old had adhd and is physically hurting my 6 year old can I get a 3 bedroom
I have a question. I have two children. One is a boy of 21 and a girl of 19. I was given a section 8 voucher for2 bedrooms and told that I must share a bedroom with my 19 year old daughter. Thia is causing a problem because she wants her privacy and so do I. Any suggestions anyone
Hi dont get upset u can still win ,find a 3 bedroom apartment for the same amount as the two bedroom price
I do not like 2 heartbeat per room rule, I live in Pasadena Texas currently leasing a 2bdrm apt with my Housing voucher. I would like for my 3 soon be 4yr old daughter (who starts school next year) to start sleeping in her own bed for numerous reasons but I don’t want to put her in the room with my 12 yr old son ! He’s about to hit puberty and needs his own space as well as she does
Ashley,
You might get an exception in your situation, but its not very likely … Still worth a try.
Good luck.
When we are economically challenged we sometimes make compromises. My parents “compromised” and rented a 1-bedroom apartment for themselves and their son (that would be me). They slept in the living room at night and I slept in the bedroom. We did this for 9 years. Then my little sister came along and we then had two heartbeats in the bedroom and two in the living room. And we could’ve kept on doing that, but the neighborhood was changing and off to the ‘burbs we went.
It isn’t about liking, it is about adjusting to what is feasible, and running with it. We in these United States have a very exalted view of what we need. Parental elements don’t need a bedroom. This little boy learned to respect his parents space, yes that means I had an understanding of sexual intimacy, though that was instigated by my persistent desire for a bigger brother anytime I was asked about what I wanted for my birthday and other gift associated events.
I was denied 3 times in california. Im a homeless mom of 3 i came from new york leaving domestic violence. Im stuck an today i recieved a letter stating bedroom size my kids an i are listed on the application. My 2 sons will share my daughter has her own an tjan me. Well it look like it wasnt enough bedrooms.
I was told today qualify for a 2 bedroom. He told me it depends on amount of rent and if I’m a certain percent below to still recieve 2 bedrooms. Ask the person you rent freeon they should do the math for you and if it’s a house you can offer them the whole amount you get have ester included and shoe that amount
Hello my name is Mo’Nique I was wondering if anyone can help me I have three children with one on the way two boys and soon to be three year old daughter and daughter on the way I currently live in a two bedroom apartment because they said I don’t qualify..
Where’s daddy does he have a JOB maybe you shouldn’t have any more kids
Trolls man!! Get a life!! You don’t know a persons situation!! Maybe she didn’t know their dad would be a dead beat!! So many of you so called men forget they have responsibilities when they separate! And why you even on this site if you can’t offer Intel? Oh I forgot no life so you be here trolling!! Gtfo!!
When you have the 3rd baby they should move you to a 3 bdrm! It’s 2 ppl per room
If my son who is on the lease and this is his home is working out of state still sending rent when I show his pay stubs wiil that matter?
hey guys, i am in nyc. i found an apartment that’s 4 bedroom and $2350, and my voucher is for a 3 bedroom with $2,493 as the maximum amount. clearly, the apartment is within the price range, there’s just an extra bedroom. would this be a problem? and if so, how can i find a loophole in the initial inspection to pass it?
It’s not the bedrooms that matter but the money amount. You are still within that range. You’ll be ok.
this 4 bed for 2350 have all utility include them is not a problem,but you voucher only go up to 2493 if all utilities are included in the rent .
I have two daughters and a son. I also am moving into a 3 bedroom apartment. Both of my daughters want there own room. My son is the youngest. Would section 8 allow me and my son to share a room.
It’s two heartbeats per bdrm. I don’t think it matters who bunks with who. They did approve sharing of a bdrm for my son and I and he is a teenager. It depends on the state you are in too.
In Renton, boys and girls get separated rooms
It should. It’s 2 people per room. If the is more than 2 per room they will hive you more bedrooms. Send depending on amount of money you bring in and how many children you should get another bedroom. This is what was finally explained to me st the apartment’s im on waiting list for for 1br. So he put me on both. You have to make a certain amount to get extra bedroom . These are at 30%. I will have to pay that much until my voucher comes thru. Then supposedly my voucher pays my 30% part or what im getting goes to that part. That’s where I’m confused
The max you will pay is 30% of your income. The rest up to the voucher amount is covered by the voucher.
Check the rules for your state. Not every state or HA does the 2 heartbeat per room thing. I know in NJ where I’m at they don’t. I was always told my son needed a separate bedroom, and he was little kid at the time.
All housing authorities are trying to strictly enforce this policy because of funds and other reasons. I stated that it varies for all states. It depends too on if your specialist is trying to help you or not. All children need their own bedroom.