Guide · Section 8

Section 8 in Staten Island: 2026 Rent Guide

VoucherKing Editorial·May 7, 2026·7 min read·Staten Island, Staten Island

Searching for a Section 8-approved apartment in Staten Island, Staten Island can feel overwhelming — especially when landlords don't always advertise program status upfront. This guide covers the 2026 payment standards, what to expect from the local rental market, and practical steps to land a unit.

2026 Section 8 Payment Standards

The table below shows the maximum monthly rent Section 8 will cover for a qualifying unit in Staten Island. Your personal contribution is based on 30% of your adjusted monthly income — the program pays the rest up to these caps.

Unit Size	Program Maximum (2026)
Studio	$2,148/mo
1 Bedroom	$2,476/mo
2 Bedrooms	$3,049/mo
3 Bedrooms	$3,811/mo
4 Bedrooms	$4,370/mo

About Staten Island

Staten Island spans ZIP codes 10301, 10302, 10303, 10304, 10305 in Staten Island. Staten Island Section 8 holders benefit from lower competition than in other boroughs. HPD and NYCHA vouchers are accepted by landlords in the North Shore's denser residential neighborhoods. HQS inspections in Staten Island can be scheduled through the standard HPD process.

Transit Access

The neighborhood is served by the Staten Island Railway, Ferry trains. Key stations include St. George (SIR/Ferry), Stapleton (SIR), Clifton (SIR), providing connections to Midtown Manhattan and major employment centers across the city.

Tips for Finding a Unit

VoucherKing filters listings to units within the Section 8 payment standard for your bedroom size — search there first.
Reach out to property managers directly and mention your voucher early — experienced landlords prefer to know upfront.
Have your documents ready before touring: voucher letter, government-issued ID, your case manager's contact info.
Ask if the landlord has worked with your program before — they'll move faster through the inspection process.
If a unit's rent is just above the payment standard, ask the landlord to reduce it — many prefer reliable direct payment over a market-rate tenant.

Also search in St. George, Stapleton, Port Richmond — similar inventory and transit access, often with more available units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Section 8 work on Staten Island?

Yes. HPD and NYCHA Section 8 vouchers are valid anywhere in NYC including Staten Island. The borough has lower voucher competition than the Bronx or Brooklyn, which can speed up your search.

What Section 8 payment standard applies to Staten Island?

Staten Island uses the NYC-HUD Fair Market Rents. For 2026, a 2-bedroom is approximately $3,049/mo (Queens/SI rate). Your voucher letter will show your specific payment standard based on your administering agency.

Is there a Section 8 waitlist in NYC?

The NYCHA and HPD Section 8 waitlists are currently closed. They open only periodically, often by lottery. If you're already on a waitlist, contact the administering agency to verify your status. New applicants should explore CityFHEPS as an active alternative.

Can I use my Section 8 voucher anywhere in NYC?

Yes. Section 8 is a tenant-based portable voucher — you can use it at any qualifying unit that passes a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection and whose rent falls within the payment standard for your unit type and borough. After 12 months you can also port to other cities.

What if a landlord refuses my Section 8 voucher?

NYC's lawful source of income law (NYC Admin Code §8-107) prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to tenants because of their Section 8 voucher. File a complaint with the NYC Commission on Human Rights at nyc.gov/humanrights if you face discrimination.