If you are a rental in housing subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – referred to commonly as “Section 8 Housing” – you have specific rights and responsibilities under federal law and the Section 8 contract between your landlord ad HUD, as well as the protections under the state’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Similarly, if you live in rental housing subsidized by another government agency such as the Seattle Housing Authority, you have additional rights and responsibilities.
Section 8 and other subsidized housing issues can be very complex, and the stakes can be very high if your housing subsidy is at risk. You should consult with an attorney or a legal advocate who specializes in subsidized housing issues. See the Resources section for organizations that assist and advise subsidized housing tenants.