for Renters

Housing Choice Voucher Program

Due to New York State’s ongoing pause in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, Adirondack Roots is not issuing new vouchers in Clinton and Essex counties.

Effective June 30, 2025 , we are no longer accepting new applications in Essex and Clinton counties. A public notice will be issued when we begin accepting applications or issuing vouchers again.

For voucher holders and those already on the waitlist, the New York State Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Portal provides 24-hour access to important information about the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Project-Based Voucher (PBV) programs.

For example:

Applicants can review the waiting lists they’ve applied to and make updates to their application.
Landlords can view information pertaining to issued payments, tenants, and inspections.

Housing Voucher Portal

Who is eligible?

Individuals or families with low or very low incomes are eligible for the rental assistance offered through the Section 8 program. Income limits vary depending on the size of your household.

How does it work?

Vouchers cover a portion of your monthly housing cost. Under the program, you’ll spend approximately 30 percent of your monthly adjusted income on rent.

Once you receive a voucher, you’ll have 60 days to find a place to live. If your current home meets program guidelines, you can stay there. (You may be eligible for extensions if you cannot find a suitable rental.)

Where can I rent?

Most types of housing, including mobile homes, can be leased under the voucher program, as long as the rental is safe and habitable and its rent falls withing payment standards set for each county. Adirondack Roots staff will conduct a thorough inspection of the rental property and confirm rent is appropriate before issuing payments.

Do I need a lease?

Yes. You and your landlord must sign an initial one-year lease. The property owner will also sign a separate agreement with New York State. The voucher will remain valid as long as you remain eligible for the program and comply with all terms of the program and contract.

Who pays the rent?

Your housing assistance payment (HAP) will be sent directly to your landlord every month. You are responsible for paying your portion to your landlord.

Is there a waiting list?

If you qualify, and the waitlist is open, you will be put on the waiting list when you submit a completed application. Applicants with very low income—30 percent of the Essex or Clinton county median income or less—are served first, as well as the elderly and people with disabilities. In addition, if you are homeless or leaving a domestic violence situation, you will qualify immediately.

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take the next step

After you’ve participated in the Section 8 program for a year, you may be able to put your housing choice voucher (HVC) toward the purchase of your own home. Ask Adirondack Roots about the HCV to Homeownership Program.

make your home accessible

If you or someone in your home has a medically documented disability, we may be able to help make your home easier to live in. Low or moderate-income residents of Essex County with documented disabilities may qualify for assistance under the New York State Access to Home Program. Eligible projects include adding wheelchair ramps and lifts, installing handrails, widening doorways and more.

fair housing

New York State Human Rights Law says that it’s against the law for someone to discriminate against you because of any of these characteristics:

Race
Creed
Color
National origin
Sex
Age
Disability
Marital status
Military status
Family status
Sexual orientation
Gender identity or expression
Lawful source of income

If you’re denied housing based on any of these, whether you’re renting or buying, that’s against the law.

Learn About Your Rights