How to Apply for Section 8 in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas

Independent information site. NLVHA.com is not affiliated with the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA), HUD or the City of North Las Vegas. The former Housing Authority of the City of North Las Vegas became part of SNRHA in 2010. For applications and official information visit snvrha.org.

In Clark County, including Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson, the Housing Choice Voucher program (still widely called Section 8) is run by the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA). Here is how the process works from the first form to move-in day.

1. Wait for the waiting list to open

SNRHA only accepts pre-applications when a waiting list is open. Lists open for a limited time and are announced on the SNRHA website and in local media. If the list is closed, you cannot apply; bookmark the SNRHA page and check it regularly. Be careful with any site that asks you to pay to “get on the list”: applying is free.

2. Submit the preliminary application online

Applications are made through SNRHA’s online applicant portal (RentCafe). The pre-application takes about 15 minutes. Before you start, have ready:

a working email address (most notices are sent by email)
names and dates of birth of everyone in your household
your total annual household income

3. The lottery

After the list closes, SNRHA selects applicants at random. Selected applicants are notified by email or mail. Not being selected is common: the number of applicants is much larger than the number of available vouchers.

4. Full application and eligibility check

If you are selected, you complete a full application. SNRHA verifies income and household composition, checks rental history and runs a criminal background check. Applicants who owe money to a housing authority cannot be housed until the debt is resolved.

5. Briefing and voucher

Eligible households complete an orientation (briefing) and then receive a voucher. The voucher size generally follows about two people per bedroom.

6. Find a home within the search period

You then have 90 days to find a unit, with a possible 30-day extension if you request it before the voucher expires. The landlord must agree to rent through the program. You and the landlord submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA), and SNRHA inspects the unit for housing quality standards before the lease is approved.

7. Move in and recertify every year

Once the unit passes inspection and the rent is approved, you sign the lease and move in. You will generally pay about 30–40% of your adjusted household income toward rent, and SNRHA pays the rest directly to the landlord. Every year you must update your income and household information to keep your assistance.

Tips

Keep your email and mailing address up to date in the portal: missed letters are a common reason applicants are dropped.
Report income and household changes promptly.
Veterans can apply for some SNRHA housing even when lists are closed; ask the SNRHA office.
Check your status in the portal or by phone at SNRHA (702) 477-3100.