Tenant-based vouchers (Housing Choice Vouchers) go with you wherever you move. Project-based vouchers are tied to a specific apartment — if you leave, the subsidy stays behind. Tenant-based vouchers offer more flexibility and choice, while project-based vouchers often have shorter waiting lists and guarantee a specific unit. After one year in a project-based unit, you can request a tenant-based voucher to move.
Tenant-Based Vouchers (HCV)
This is what most people mean when they say "Section 8." A tenant-based Housing Choice Voucher is issued to you, and you find your own apartment in the private market. The voucher pays the difference between your rent portion (usually 30% of income) and the approved rent.
Pros: You choose where to live. You can move and take the voucher with you. You can port to another PHA's jurisdiction. You have more control over your housing decisions.
Cons: You have to find a landlord who accepts vouchers. The housing search can be stressful and time-consuming. Waiting lists are often very long — years in many areas.
Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
Project-based vouchers are attached to specific units in specific buildings. The subsidy is tied to the apartment, not to you. When a PBV unit becomes available, it's filled from the PHA's waiting list (usually a separate list from the HCV list).
Pros: No housing search — you move into a specific unit. Waiting lists are often shorter. The building is already approved and inspected. Some PBV properties offer on-site services (case management, job training).
Cons: You can't choose which apartment or neighborhood. If you want to move, the subsidy doesn't come with you (though you can request an HCV after one year). The building management controls more of your experience.
The One-Year Conversion Right
Here's something many people don't know: if you've lived in a project-based unit for at least one year, you have the right to request a tenant-based voucher and move. The PHA must provide you with a regular HCV (subject to voucher availability) when you exercise this right.
This makes PBV a potential stepping stone. Get into stable housing faster through a PBV unit, live there for a year, then convert to a tenant-based voucher if you want to choose your own apartment.
Which Should You Apply For?
Apply for both. There's no penalty for being on multiple lists, and each increases your chances of getting housed sooner. If you're in urgent need of housing, project-based units may get you housed faster.
Consider PBV if: you need housing quickly, you're comfortable in the specific location and building, the property offers services you need, or the HCV waiting list is extremely long in your area.
Consider holding out for HCV if: you have a specific area or school district you need to be in, you have a good housing situation that can last while you wait, or mobility and choice are priorities for you.
How to Find Project-Based Units
Your PHA's website should list project-based properties. Affordablehousing.com also lists these units. Call the management office of PBV properties directly — they maintain their own waitlists and some may have immediate availability.