We know lots of our readers are interested in all aspects of Section 8. Since 2020 the Section 8 Housing requirements have not changed, but make sure you stay informed. We have built a Section 8 Housing resources page on our website to help answer any questions our readers might have. 

https://www.gcrealtyinc.com/section-8-housing

Section 8 Bedroom Requirements 

• Each bedroom must have a window that opens to the exterior of the building. Exception: Bedroom windows can lead to an enclosed porch as long as the porch has a window that opens to the exterior. 
• There must be at least two working outlets, or one working outlet and one working light fixture, in each bedroom. 
• Each bedroom must have a minimum of 70 square feet of floor space
• Each bedroom must have at least 53 square feet of the ceiling with a height of 7 feet or above
• Bedrooms in basements or attics must have finished ceilings. In addition, for ceiling height requirements, the floor-to-ceiling height will be measured to the bottom of exposed joists or beams.  
• Carbon monoxide detectors must be located within 15 feet of any room used for sleeping purposes.  
• Smoke detectors must be present and working within 15 feet of any room used for sleeping purposes. 
• If mounted on the wall, the top of the detector cannot be more than 12 inches from the highest point of the ceiling.  
• If mounted on the ceiling, the detector can be placed anywhere on the ceiling. 
• Smoke detectors cannot be mounted under a soffit. 
• Smoke detectors installed on open joist ceilings must be mounted flat on the bottom of a joist but cannot be mounted inside the joist space. 

OTHER ROOMS

• There must be a window present that opens to the exterior. 
• There must be least two working outlets, or one working outlet and one working light fixture
• If mounted on the wall, the top of the detector cannot be more than 12 inches from the highest point of the ceiling. 
• If mounted on the ceiling, the detector can be placed anywhere on the ceiling. 
• Smoke detectors cannot be mounted under a soffit. 
• Smoke detectors installed on open joist ceilings must be mounted flat on the bottom of a joist but cannot be mounted inside the joist space. 
• No ceiling height or size requirement.

To learn more about the entire Section 8 process which includes all of the pros and cons of this investment strategy, please use the link below to set up a time to talk.  GC Realty & Development has learned all of the ins and outs of being a section 8 landlord over the years,  especially about how to deal with the challenging Chicago Housing Authority(CHA).

You may also find these other great resources helpful: 

• HUD Section 8 Inspection Checklist
• Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) for Section 8 Tenants
• Managing Hundreds of Tenants & Getting Uncle Sam To Pay the Rent With Mark Ainley - Podcast

Need More Info?

Speak To A GCR&D Team Member