Did You Get Scammed on Your Section 8? There Are Second Chances at Housing

Losing your Section 8 voucher or getting scammed out of a housing opportunity can feel like the end of the road. But there are ways to recover and get another chance at affordable housing. Whether you were tricked by a fake landlord, lost your voucher due to a rule violation, or ran into trouble with a public housing agency (PHA), options still exist.

This guide will walk you through how to get back on track, including programs that offer second chances, steps to reapply, and what to do if you’ve been scammed.

“Losing my Section 8 voucher felt like the worst thing that could happen, but I found out there were other programs that could help. It took time, but I got back on my feet.”

Ravi

Former Section 8 Tenant

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Scammed or Lost Your Section 8? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve lost your Section 8 voucher or got scammed, your next steps depend on what happened.

If You Were Scammed

Housing scams are common, and scammers often target people looking for affordable rentals. If you were tricked into paying money for a fake listing or lost personal information to a scam, take these steps:

• Report the scam immediately. Contact your local PHA, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (reportfraud.ftc.gov), and your state’s attorney general.
• Check your credit and identity. If you gave out personal details, freeze your credit and monitor for fraud.
• Try to recover your money. If you paid by debit or credit card, contact your bank to dispute the charge. If you used a money transfer or cash app, report it to the service provider.
• Find real affordable housing options. Use government-approved resources our trusted resources or your local PHA’s website.

If You Lost Your Section 8 Voucher

PHAs can revoke Section 8 vouchers for several reasons, including income changes, rule violations, or failure to update paperwork. If you lost yours:

• Ask for a hearing. You have the right to appeal most voucher terminations. Contact your PHA immediately and request a formal hearing.
• Fix the problem. If you lost your voucher due to missing paperwork or an income reporting issue, correct the error as soon as possible.
• Reapply. If your voucher was revoked permanently, you may be able to reapply after a waiting period. Contact your PHA to check their policies.

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Programs That Offer Second Chances at Housing

If you’ve lost Section 8 or can’t get approved, other housing programs may still help.

Public Housing

Public housing is different from Section 8. Instead of using a voucher to rent from a private landlord, you live in a government-owned building. If you were denied or lost Section 8, you might still qualify for public housing. Apply through your local PHA.

Other Housing Assistance Programs

Continuum of Care (CoC) Programs	Helps people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find stable housing. Find local CoC programs through HUD’s website.
Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs)	Available for people facing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or experiencing other crises. These are distributed through PHAs and social service agencies.
Rapid Rehousing	Provides short-term rental assistance and case management for people in need. Offered through nonprofits and local government programs.
State and Local Rental Assistance Programs	Some cities and states have their own rental assistance programs. Check your city’s housing authority for details.

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Can You Get Section 8 Again After Losing It?

Yes, but it depends on why you lost it.

Situations Where You Can Reapply

• Income Changes – If your income temporarily increased beyond Section 8 limits but later dropped, you can reapply.
• Moving Out of a Section 8 Unit – If you voluntarily left your Section 8 housing and gave proper notice, you can usually reapply.
• Paperwork Issues – If you lost your voucher due to missing or incorrect paperwork, you can correct the issue and reapply.

Situations That May Prevent You From Reapplying

• Eviction for Lease Violations – If you were evicted for serious lease violations (like drug-related activity or nonpayment of rent), you may be banned from Section 8 for a set period.
• Fraud or Rule Violations – If you were caught committing fraud (like lying about income or household members), you may be permanently disqualified.
• Criminal History – Certain criminal convictions, like drug-related offenses or violent crimes, can make you ineligible for housing assistance.

If you’re unsure, ask your local PHA about your eligibility.

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How to Protect Yourself from Housing Scams

Housing scams can cost you money, personal information, and even your chance at stable housing. Here’s how to avoid them:

Common Section 8 Scams

• Fake Rental Listings – Scammers post fake apartments online and ask for deposits upfront.
• Voucher Processing Fees – No legitimate Section 8 program charges a fee to apply or process your voucher.
• Impersonation Scams – Scammers pose as landlords or PHA employees to steal personal information.

How to Avoid Housing Scams

• Verify all listings. Use trusted websites like Section 8 Search and your local PHA’s site.
• Never pay upfront. Legitimate landlords do not ask for deposits or fees before signing a lease.
• Confirm with your PHA. If someone claims to be from your PHA, contact them directly to verify.

For more information, read our article on How to Not get Scammed With Your Section 8.

Where to Get Help

If you need a second chance at housing, these resources can help:

• Find your local PHA – HUD’s PHA director or Section 8 Search.
• Report housing fraud – HUD’s Inspector General
• Get tenant legal help – Legal Aid Directory
• I’ve Been Scammed on a Housing Deal! What to do?
• What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed in a Rental Agreement

Losing Section 8 or getting scammed doesn’t have to be the end. You have options. Take action now and start your path to stable housing.