Housing Choice Voucher Program
Affordable, Safe, and Supportive Housing for Chester County Residents
About HCVP / Project-Based Housing
The Housing Authority of the County of Chester administers various housing programs in its quest to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for low to moderate-income individuals and families, as well as the senior and disabled. The Housing Choice Voucher Program, HCVP, formerly known as “Section 8”, allows eligible participants who receive vouchers to search for their housing, which may include single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Provided the housing selected meets the program’s requirements, the family pays a portion of the rent based on a percentage of their monthly income, and the remaining housing subsidy is paid directly to the landlord by the HACC on behalf of the family.
What is RentCafe?
RentCafe is a secure online portal allowing Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) participants and applicants to manage their housing needs from anywhere, anytime. Through RentCafe, you can easily access important information, submit documentation, and stay updated with your application or assistance status—all from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
How RentCafe Assists HCVP Participants and Applicants at HACC
By using RentCafe, applicants and participants of the Housing Choice Voucher Program at the Housing Authority of Chester County (HACC) can:
- Apply Online
Submit your initial application or update your information conveniently online—no need to come into the office. - Track Application Status
View real-time updates on your application, including your position on the waitlist and any actions you need to take. - Submit Documents Securely
Upload required documents directly to the portal, speeding up the process and helping ensure nothing gets lost or delayed. - Receive Important Updates
Get notified about deadlines, changes, or requests from HACC directly through your RentCafe account. - Manage Your Housing Information
For current voucher holders, RentCafe allows you to view and update key household information and housing status information.
RentCafe helps simplify and streamline communication, reduces paperwork, and facilitates staying informed and engaged with your housing journey.
SAFMR – New Information
Small Area Fair Market Rent: What are SAFMRs, where do they apply, and when do they need to be implemented? View information:
- SAFMR Chapter 1
- 2024 PAYMENT STANDARDS CHESTER COUNTY TENANT BASED HCV PROGRAM
- 2025 PAYMENT STANDARDS – EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2025
- CHESTER COUNTY 2024 SMALL AREA FAIR MARKET RENTS
- CHESTER COUNTY 2025 SMALL AREA FAIR MARKET RENTS
HCVP Status
Closed
HCVP Status
Closed
To apply for one of our Open Waiting Lists, please click here.
The wait list is open for Project Based Vouchers. More information on them is found below along with photographs of the various sites. Project Based Vouchers are applied for at the specific site or at our main Housing Authority office in West Chester.
Two new voucher programs are also open. Application is by referral only. No in person or online applications can be made. These programs are called Mainstream Vouchers and the Family Unification Program. Details including the referral process are shown below. The regular wait list is closed.
New Voucher Opportunity: Family Unification Program
New Voucher Opportunity: The Mainstream Voucher Program (CLOSED)
Letters:
Tenant Notification
Owner Notification
Additional Resources:
The Small Area Fair Market Rent Lookup Tool
HUD Exchange – Small Area FMR Website
Notice Of Occupancy Rights Under the Violence Against Women Act (need to create a link)
Utility Allowance (need to create a link)
Which Voucher is Right for You?
HCVP Documents
Our Project-Based Developments
The Project Based program requires you to live at the site issuing the voucher. You may not take that voucher and move to another location because it stays with the unit and not the participant. If you would like to be placed on one or more of the project based waiting lists please click below for site description and age restrictions.
