New Jersey Section 8 housing lists allow low-income families the opportunity to find an affordable home that fits within their budget. By taking a look into Section 8 house listings near them, applicants will be able to see all the available options that will best suit their needs. However, it is important that before searching through Section 8 apartment listings, claimants should understand certain things like where to find a list of Section 8 houses in their neighborhoods as well as tips for how to accurately read amenities on a Section 8 rental housing list.

Learn How to Find Section 8 Housing Lists in New Jersey

The most popular choice for prospective renters searching for Section 8 housing lists in New Jersey is through online resources. An online list of Section 8 houses can provide an opportunity to tailor the search in a variety of ways, from amenity type to bedroom size and even price range and zip code. Applicants can also find a list of Section 8 rentals from their local Public Housing Authority. Most prospective renters do not realize that Section 8 house listings usually appear in the same places as regular apartment listings, which include grocery stores, libraries or even free apartment guides. Find out more about the Section 8 application process by downloading our guide.

What Qualifies as a Section 8 Home in New Jersey?

For a home to be added to a Section 8 rental housing list in New Jersey, it must past through vigorous inspection processes first. All Section 8 housing lists have been inspected within 13 broad categories set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development , which include meeting housing quality standard requirements within those categories. For instance, a Section 8 rental housing list would have to pass subcategories which include but are not limited to:

• The house or apartment must not have a vermin or rodent infestation within the dwelling.
• The house or apartment must have a roof that is structurally sound.
• The house or apartment must have a lock for every exterior door within the home.
• The house or apartment must not have any electrical hazards that can lead to a fire.
• The house or apartment must have a healthy thermal environment, adjusting between cold and hot temperatures.

How Big of a House Can You be Approved for in New Jersey?

When searching Section 8 house listings in NJ, it is important to already understand what size home you are eligible for. While Section 8 housing lists have a variety of sizes available, it is the Public Housing Authority, or PHA, who will provide you with the size home to search for. For example, if the PHA decides your family of four is eligible for a three-bedroom home, then your search for a list of Section 8 houses can cater to that size. However, if you peruse a list of Section 8 rentals and find a two-bedroom home that you love, you may downsize at your own discretion as long as the smaller home meets the utility allowances provided and still meets all housing quality standards. To learn more about eligibility requirements for Section 8 housing, download our guide.

Learn About Checking Your Credit Score Before Viewing Section 8 Apartment Listings in New Jersey

Landlords on a list of Section 8 houses in New Jersey will always request a credit check when you submit an application for rental. To be able to search Section 8 housing lists without lingering doubt regarding your credit, order a free copy of your credit report first. Before searching for Section 8 housing lists near you, understand your credit score to apply for homes without a second thought.

Credit Score Rankings

• 750-850 (Excellent): Applicants with credit in this range will receive credit. Their rates and terms should be favorable.
• 700-749 (Good): Applicants with credit in this range usually receive credit. Their rates and terms should be good.
• 650-699 (Fair): Applicants with credit in this range can receive credit. Their rates and terms should be modest.
• 550-649 (Poor): Applicants with credit in this range might receive credit. Their rates and terms will not be favorable.
• 300-549 (Very Poor): Applicants with credit in this range normally do not receive credit.

Tips for Reading New Jersey Section 8 House Listings

Understanding abbreviations within an NJ Section 8 rental housing list can seem difficult at first. However, once you understand common abbreviations, a list of  Section 8 houses will be a breeze to sort through. For instance, a list of Section 8 rentals will use abbreviations like “kit” for kitchen or “br or bed” for bedroom. More common abbreviations within a Section 8 rental housing list that you should familiarize yourself with include:

• “lr” for living room
• “gar” for garage
• “apt” for apartment
• “gard” for garden
• “bsmt” for basement
• “osp” for off street parking

Website: Local Offices. State: New Jersey