We Proudly Accept Section 8: Your Voucher is Welcome Here
Finding a landlord who accepts HUD Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) can feel impossible. You make calls, leave messages, and hear “No” over and over again.
At Hawaii Affordable Properties, Inc. (HAPI) , the answer is YES.
We view Section 8 not as a hassle, but as a reliable partnership. We manage over 4,000 affordable units across Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, and every single one of our properties accepts valid housing vouchers.
Why Voucher Holders Choose HAPI
Stop wasting application fees on landlords who don’t understand the program.
| Private Landlords | HAPI Properties |
|---|---|
| “No Section 8” | “Vouchers Encouraged!” We actively work with HPHA and County housing agencies. |
| Inspection Fear | Inspection Ready: Our units are pre-inspected to pass HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) on the first try. |
| Paperwork Delays | Fast Processing: Our leasing teams know how to fill out the RFTA (Request for Tenancy Approval) immediately. |
| Lost Vouchers | Voucher Protection: We work fast to get you housed before your voucher expires. |
How to Use Your Voucher at HAPI
Follow these 4 steps to move in without losing your subsidy.
Step 1: Get Your Voucher "In Hand"
You must have a valid, unexpired Housing Choice Voucher from a local Public Housing Authority (PHA). We work with all major agencies:
- Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA) – State Level
- City & County of Honolulu (Section 8 Office)
- County of Hawaii / Kauai / Maui Agencies
- HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs)
Step 2: Apply & Qualify
Browse our Residential Properties List.
- Important: Having a voucher does not automatically get you a unit. You must still apply and pass our standard screening (Credit Check & Criminal Background).
- Tip: Tell us immediately on your application that you have a voucher. This helps us prepare the right paperwork for your interview.
Step 3: The "RFTA" Packet
Once you are approved for a unit, bring us your Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet immediately.
- We Handle the Math: Our managers are experts at calculating the “Utility Allowance” to ensure the unit is “rent reasonable” according to your specific Payment Standard.
Step 4: The HQS Inspection
Your housing worker will schedule an HQS inspection. Because our maintenance teams maintain our units to high federal standards, we typically pass on the first visit, allowing you to sign the lease and move in faster.
Understanding “Payment Standards” & Rent Math
Can you actually afford the unit? We do the math with you before you sign.
Many voucher holders worry that if the rent is even $1 higher than their voucher amount, they will be disqualified.
That is not true—but there is a strict rule you must follow.
1. The “Gross Rent” Calculation
The “Gross Rent” CalculationThe “Gross Rent” Calculation
- Rent to Owner: The price of the apartment (e.g., $1,500).
- Utility Allowance: An estimate of what you will pay for electricity/water (e.g., $150).
- Gross Rent: Rent ($1,500) + Utilities ($150) = $1,650.
- Why this matters: If the Gross Rent is too high for your voucher size, the Housing Authority may reject the lease unless you can afford to pay the difference.
2. The “40% Rule” (The Affordability Check)
At the time of move-in, HUD has a strict safety rule:
- You are allowed to pay the difference if the rent is higher than your payment standard.
- HOWEVER: Your total share (Tenant Rent + Utility Bills) cannot exceed 40% of your adjusted monthly income.
- Example: If you earn $2,000/month, your maximum share is $800. If the apartment requires you to pay $850, you cannot rent it—even if you have the cash.
3. HAPI’s “Pre-Flight” Check
We hate surprises. Before we send your RFTA packet to the Housing Authority, our compliance team performs a “Pre-Flight Check.”
- We pull the current Utility Allowance Schedule for the specific building.
- We calculate your estimated 40% threshold.
- The Result: We tell you immediately if you qualify, or if we need to request a “Rent Reasonable” adjustment to save the deal. We will never let you sign a lease that puts you in violation of HUD rules.
“Portability”: Moving to Hawaii with Section 8?
Yes, you can bring your voucher from the mainland. But you must follow the rules.
If you have a Section 8 voucher from another state (e.g., California, Nevada), you may be able to “Port” it to Hawaii. HAPI is one of the few management companies experienced in helping “Portability” families.
The Portability Process:
- Contact your CURRENT caseworker: Tell them you want to port to Hawaii (Honolulu County or Hawaii County).
- Identify the Receiving Agency: You must ask your caseworker to send your file to the correct agency in Hawaii. (e.g., If you want to live at our Lailani Apartments in Kona, send it to the County of Hawaii).
- Apply with HAPI Early: Do not wait until you arrive! Apply online for our waitlists while your paperwork is transferring.
Resident Reviews: Treated with Respect
We treat all applicants with dignity, regardless of income source.
“Excellent Staff” “The Office Manager, Kristine, and the Maintenance team are EXCELLENT in tending to our property & apartment needs… I’m very grateful that I can live in a place where I’m proud to call my home.” — Verified Resident, Kekuilani Courts (Kapolei)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept "VASH" Vouchers (Veterans)? Yes!
We are honored to house veterans. We work closely with the VA and case managers to process HUD-VASH vouchers quickly. If you are a veteran with a VASH voucher, please let us know immediately so we can coordinate with your VA caseworker.
Does having a voucher skip the waitlist?
No. Fair Housing laws require us to treat everyone equally. You must join the waitlist like everyone else. However, once your name is called, your voucher serves as your guaranteed proof of income.
My voucher expires in 30 days. Can you help? Call us immediately.
if a unit is available, we can expedite the RFTA paperwork. If no units are available, we can sometimes provide a “Letter of Interest” that might help you get an extension from your caseworker (though this decision is 100% up to the Housing Authority).
Do I still have to pay a Security Deposit?
Yes. The voucher generally covers rent, but the tenant is responsible for the Security Deposit (usually one month’s rent).
- Tip: We accept payments from third-party agencies (like Catholic Charities or Alu Like) if you have assistance for the deposit.
Do you accept "Rapid Re-Housing" checks?
Yes. We work with non-profits like the Institute for Human Services (IHS) and Catholic Charities. If you have a temporary rental assistance letter, bring it to your interview.
Don’t Let Your Voucher Expire
Secure your housing with a team that understands the system.