PBV Graduates - Resources
This page is a resource for those who have been identified as PBV graduates and are working on obtaining or currently have their Housing Choice Voucher. Receiving a voucher does not guarantee that you will be able to participate in the HCV program. You become a participant in the HCV program when your unit is approved by EHA and EHA enters a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with your landlord.
Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Briefing Video
HCV Briefing Video Certification
Now that you have completed watching the video, complete the certification to be issued your Housing Choice Voucher here.
HCV Briefing Booklet
The purpose of this booklet is to provide information that you need to understand the HCV program. To be successful in the program, it is important to understand how the program works and your rights and responsibilities. Click here to view the Briefing Booklet.
Finding Housing
In Washington State, landlords are not allowed to deny a renter because they are using a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) to help pay their rent. Learn more about this law here.
You have 120 days after being issued your voucher to find a home. If you are not able to find a unit or get a unit approved during this time, you can request one additional extension of 60 days. Additional extensions will only be granted as a reasonable accommodation due to a disability.
When looking for a home or new home with your voucher, you may want to consider the following:
- How easy it is to walk, bike, or ride transit in the neighborhood (check the Walkscore of a home at Walkscore.com)
- Quality of the schools your children will attend (one resource is GreatSchools.org)
Many landlords list rental units online. Here are some commonly-used websites for rental search:
You can use the advanced search tools on these sites to narrow down your search based on the number of bedrooms, location, and other amenities. You will want to check on multiple sites since many landlords only post their rentals on certain sites. Check back frequently, as listings may be posted throughout the day.
