We understand how challenging it can be to find landlords in Baltimore who welcome Section 8 voucher holders. That’s why we’re here to make your search easier with trusted resources, local experience, and step-by-step guidance. The demand is high, listings move quickly, and some owners are not yet familiar with the program. The good news is that with the right plan and a consistent approach, it’s absolutely possible to find a safe, affordable home.
What Is Section 8?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, once called Section 8, covers part of your rent. You choose a private unit. The Housing Authority of Baltimore City checks that the rent is fair. It also confirms the home is safe. The agency then pays its share to the landlord. You pay the rest.
When you are successful in finding a home, HABC issues your voucher and the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA), which you will submit. Our team helps guide residents through this process and offers support to landlords to make everything go smoothly.
How to Find Eligible Rentals
Begin with sites designed to serve voucher shoppers. AffordableHousing.com also allows you to filter for houses that accept Section 8 vouchers, apartments that accept Section 8 vouchers, and townhomes.
Another statewide resource is MDHousingSearch.org. Here you can filter the searches by options like price, bedrooms, and accessibility features.
Check local program pages, too. HABC explains RFTA, inspections, and landlord incentives that can make owners more open to the program.
If you have a Baltimore Regional Housing Partnership (BRHP) voucher, use BRHP’s unit listings portal (limited to BRHP households).
Finally, watch neighborhood groups and real estate sites. You’ll often see homes for rent that accept Section 8 vouchers posted by Maryland private owners.
What to Know Before You Rent
1) Inspections. Every unit must clear HUD Housing Quality Standards before move-in. We guide our residents through this process step by step and help landlords prepare their units for a smooth inspection. Inspectors check heat and hot water. They test windows and locks. They look for smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms. They make sure the stairs are safe. They confirm the paint is not peeling. Send the HQS checklist to the landlord in advance so minor repairs can be completed before inspection day.
2) Rent limits and “rent reasonableness.” HABC reviews the proposed rent. Our leasing specialists help ensure the rent fits your voucher and utility setup so there are no surprises later. To be sure it matches similar rentals and fits local payment standards. If a price is too high for your voucher, ask whether the owner can adjust or keep searching. Know your bedroom size and which utilities you’ll pay for because these affect the numbers.
3) Timing and documents. Bring your voucher, RFTA, photo ID, proof of income, prior landlord info, and references to each showing. Some owners will run a credit and background check. Be ready to explain past issues and highlight steady income, strong rental history, or a recent reference.
Practical Baltimore Tips
To make this all a little simpler, here are some practical tips:
- Contact owners quickly and follow up. Make calls, send texts, and send emails within the same day. In the case of the listing by Maryland private owners, polite persistence works. A short message confirming your voucher, bedroom size, date of move-in, and source of income generates trust.
- Questions about utilities and licensing. In Baltimore City, rentals are supposed to be licensed. Make sure that the property is under a working rental license and explain the utilities that you will cover. This impacts your budget and the rent calculation.
- Prepare for inspection. Provide an HQS checklist to the owner in advance to have some repairs done before the actual visit. That increases the chances of a first-pass approval.
- Keep records. Keep a simple log of calls, showings, and unit details to compare your options.
Trusted Resources
The following trusted sources are listed below; we have verified their credibility. You can browse stress-free without the fear of getting scammed or fear of your privacy/data:
- AffordableHousing.com — Search “section 8 houses for rent,” message landlords, and filter by voucher acceptance, price, and bedrooms.
- MDHousingSearch.org — State tool for “apartments accepting section 8 vouchers” and other affordable rentals. Filter for pets, accessibility, and transit access.
- Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) — Program rules, RFTA steps, and landlord information. Reviewing these details helps you avoid delays.
- BRHP Unit Listings — For households with BRHP vouchers only.
How to Talk With Landlords
Be clear and direct. Inform the owner that you have a voucher, your household size, your target move-in date, and that HABC will pay a set portion of the rent each month after the lease and inspection. Offer references and proof of income.
If a landlord is new to the program, explain that the lease uses a standard form with an addendum and that HABC pays its share to the owner every month. Many owners value clear answers and steady payments.
Avoid Scams
Never pay application or holding fees in cash without a receipt. Verify the owner’s name and that the home is truly for rent. If a listing looks off, price far below market, requests for wire transfers, or keys offered before a showing, move on. Use well-known platforms and the city’s license search to reduce risk.
Your Next Steps
- Gather your documents and a short script for calls and emails.
- Search daily on AffordableHousing.com and MDHousingSearch.org, and set alerts for “section 8 houses for rent.”
- Confirm that the property is licensed, the owner accepts vouchers, and the rent fits your voucher size. Submit the RFTA quickly and help your landlord prepare for move-in
- Submit the RFTA quickly and help the landlord prep for inspection.
At The Mt Washington Group, we work closely with both voucher holders and property owners to make sure every step — from RFTA submission to final inspection — goes smoothly and professionally
Wrapping It Up
Now you know how to find the landlords who accept Section 8 Vouchers in Baltimore. We believe every Baltimore resident deserves a safe place to call home. Whether you’re just beginning your housing search or preparing to move into your next Section 8-approved rental, our team is here to guide you every step of the way — from finding trusted landlords to preparing for inspections and lease signing — as you search for Section 8 apartments in Baltimore..
With our experience, community partnerships, and commitment to transparency, we make the process simple, supportive, and stress-free. Start your search with The Mt Washington Group today.