Housing Choice Voucher Program

WHAT IS THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM?

The Housing Choice Voucher program (HCV), commonly known as Section 8, is a rent assistance program subsidized by the federal government. Renton Housing Authority administers the program in Renton from our main office. There is both a tenant based voucher and a project based voucher.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?

The tenant based voucher program allows tenants to receive subsidy, allowing them to rent market-rate apartments, houses, or other multi-family units from private landlords. The project based voucher program provides subsidy on specific units that the Housing Authority has marked as qualified units to receive assistance. Tenants pay between 30 and 40 percent of their household’s income toward rent and utilities. Renton Housing Authority pays the difference directly to the landlord. Because tenants always pay a percentage of their income, instead of a fixed amount, their home remains affordable to them even if their income decreases.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE RENTON HOUSING AUTHORITY?

The Renton Housing Authority pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord, after ensuring that the unit meets Housing Quality Standards. RHA is also responsible for making sure tenants follow program rules and remain eligible for the program. Landlords are responsible for enforcing the lease just as they would with any other tenant. Both landlords and tenants have the rights and responsibilities set out under Landlord-Tenant law.

Housing Specialists, according to the Voucher Holder's last name:

HCV Specialists Caseloads:

Vacant Position – Program Specialist I (Alphabet A - Dil)
@rentonhousing.org
425-226-1850 ext.

Kesha Bougard – Program Specialist I (Alphabet Dix - Ked)(beginning 1/26/26)
kb@rentonhousing.org
425-226-1850 ext. 232

Andrea Carruthers – Program Specialist I (Alphabet Kee - Pow)
auc@rentonhousing.org
425-226-1850 ext. 242

Vacant Position – Program Specialist I (Alphabet Pre -Z)
@rentonhousing.org
425-226-1850 ext.

KCHA PBV Vouchers (Compass Housing Alliance/June Leonard Place/Kirkland Townhomes/Houser Terrace/Sunset Gardens)

Vacant Position – Program Specialist I (Alphabet A - E)
@rentonhousing.org
425-226-1850 ext.

Kesha Bougard – Program Specialist I (Alphabet F - Mc)( beginning 1/26/26)
kb@rentonhousing.org

425-226-1850 ext. 232

Andrea Carruthers – Program Specialist I (Alphabet Me - R)
auc@rentonhousing.org
425-226-1850 ext. 242

Vacant Position – Program Specialist I (Alphabet S - Z)
@rentonhousing.org
425-226-1850 ext.

For additional information see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.

What are Payment Standards?

A “Payment Standard” is used to calculate the maximum monthly housing assistance payment for a Family. RHA establishes Payment Standard amounts for each unit size. See Payment Standards for current info. RHA adopts a Payment Standard schedule for each Fair Market Area in RHA’s jurisdiction. The Payment Standard is based on HUD’s published Fair Market Rental, or FMR, in the area.

The Payment Standard for a Family is the lower of: (1) the Payment Standard amount for the Family unit size; or (2) the Payment Standard amount for the size of the dwelling unit rented by the Family.

New Payment Standards, effective 1/1/2026, are based upon BR size and Zip Code going forward under the SAFMR or Small Area Fair Market Rents. As long as voucher holders remain in their current unit, the Payment Standards for 1/1/2025 will remain in effect. If you want to move to another unit in RHA's jurisdiction, then the 1/1/2026 Payment Standards will take effect and be required to be utilized. The 1/1/2026 Payment Standards are lower than the 1/1/2025 and it will make it more difficult to find another unit. If you wait until after 3/1/2026 to move, then the Payment Standards for 3/1/2026 will be in effect and have to be used, which are lower than the 2025 Payment Standards between $500-1300.

Current Utility Allowance information can be found at the following: Utility Allowances

The Renton Housing Authority (RHA) applicant waitlist is opened and closed depending on the availability of Housing Choice Vouchers.
Payment Standards

At this time, the applicant waitlist is closed.

We are an Equal Housing Opportunity Provider. We provide housing without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial status, national origin, or other protected class. To file a complaint of discrimination, write HUD Director, Office of Civil Rights, 451 7th Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20410 or call Customer Service at (202) 708-1112 (voice) or (202) 708-1455 (TTY). HUD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

In accordance with federal law and United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or familial status. To file a complaint of discrimination, write HUD Director, Office of Civil Rights, 451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410, or call (202) 708-1112 (voice) or (202) 708-1455 (TDD).