Where to report Section 8 fraud depends on who is breaking the rules

Section 8 fraud happens when a tenant hides income, a landlord overcharges rent, or someone falsifies documents to get into the program. The agency that investigates depends on who committed the fraud. If a tenant is lying about their household, you report to the Public Housing Authority (PHA) that manages the voucher. If a landlord is stealing from the program—charging more than the lease says, demanding side payments, or housing ineligible people—you report to both the PHA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Inspector General.

You do not need to be a participant in Section 8 to report fraud. A neighbor, property manager, social worker, or anyone with knowledge of the scheme can file a report. Most reports are investigated confidentially, and you can report anonymously in most cases.

Key Takeaways

  • Tenant fraud (hiding income or household members) goes to your local PHA; landlord fraud (overcharging, demanding cash payments, housing ineligible tenants) goes to both the PHA and HUD's Office of Inspector General.
  • You can report anonymously by phone, mail, or online, and you do not need proof—investigators will verify the details themselves.
  • HUD's hotline is 1-800-347-3735, and most PHAs have a fraud reporting line listed on their website or in the back of the Housing Choice Voucher program guide.
  • Retaliation against someone who reports fraud is illegal; if a landlord or PHA punishes you for reporting, that itself is a violation you can document and report.
  • Reports are typically investigated within weeks to months, though you usually will not hear the outcome because investigations are confidential.

How to report tenant fraud to your local PHA

Tenant fraud means a Section 8 participant is lying on their paperwork or hiding facts to stay in the program. Common examples: not reporting a job or raise, hiding a household member who moved in, or claiming a false address. If you suspect a tenant is committing fraud, contact the PHA that issued their voucher.

Find your local PHA by searching "[your city or county] Public Housing Authority" or by calling HUD's main line at 1-202-708-1112 and asking for the PHA in your area. Most PHAs have a dedicated fraud hotline or email listed on their website. When you call or write, give the tenant's name, address, the nature of the suspected fraud (for example, "tenant claims to live alone but a second person is on the lease"), and any details you observed. You can report anonymously.

The PHA will not tell you the outcome of the investigation. Investigations are confidential, and the agency protects the identity of people who report. If the fraud is confirmed, the PHA may terminate the tenant's voucher, demand repayment of overpaid rent information, or refer the case to law enforcement.

How to report landlord fraud to HUD and the PHA

Landlord fraud is when a property owner breaks Section 8 rules to steal money or house ineligible people. This includes charging rent higher than the lease states, demanding cash payments under the table, failing to maintain the unit to housing standards, or housing someone who does not have a valid voucher. Landlord fraud harms both the program and the tenant, because it diverts money meant for housing information.

Report landlord fraud to two places: the local PHA and HUD's Office of Inspector General. Start with the PHA because they manage the contracts with landlords in your area. Call the PHA's fraud line or email their fraud department. Then file a report with HUD's Office of Inspector General by calling 1-800-347-3735 or by submitting a form online at oig.hud.gov. You can also mail a written report to HUD Office of Inspector General, 451 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC 20410.

When you report, include the landlord's name and property address, the tenant's name if you know it, what the landlord is doing (for example, "landlord is charging $1,200 rent but the lease says $900"), and when you observed it. You do not need documentation—HUD investigators will pull the lease, the rent payment records, and the inspection reports themselves. Reporting anonymously is an option at every step.

What happens after you report fraud

After you file a report, the PHA or HUD will open an investigation. Investigators may visit the property, interview the tenant or landlord, review lease agreements and payment records, and check whether the unit passes housing inspection standards. This process usually takes weeks to several months depending on how complex the case is and how busy the office is.

You will not be told the results of the investigation. Confidentiality protects both the person being investigated and the person who reported. If fraud is confirmed, the consequences depend on who committed it. A tenant may lose their voucher and be required to repay overpaid information. A landlord may be banned from the Section 8 program, ordered to repay HUD, or referred to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.

Protecting yourself from retaliation

It is illegal for a landlord or a PHA to punish you for reporting fraud. Retaliation includes eviction, rent increases, reduced services, threats, or any other adverse action taken because you reported. If you report fraud and then face retaliation, document it: save emails, texts, and written notices; write down dates and times of conversations; and take photos if relevant.

Report the retaliation to the same agency you reported the original fraud to, and also file a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing by calling 1-800-669-9777. Retaliation complaints are taken seriously and can result in fines or program removal for the landlord or PHA staff member responsible.

What you need to know about anonymous reporting

Most fraud reports can be filed anonymously, but there are limits to what investigators can do without more information. If you call the PHA or HUD and refuse to give your name, you can still describe what you observed. However, if the investigation uncovers fraud and the case goes to court or criminal prosecution, the defense attorney may ask HUD or the PHA to identify you as a witness. In rare cases, a judge can compel you to testify.

If you are worried about your safety or your housing status, say so when you report. Investigators understand these concerns and will take extra steps to protect your identity. You can also report in writing (by mail or email) rather than by phone, which creates a paper trail and gives you a record of what you reported and when.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need proof to report fraud, or can I just call with a suspicion?

You can report based on suspicion alone. You do not need documents, photos, or recordings. Investigators are trained to verify claims themselves by reviewing leases, rent records, inspection reports, and income documentation. Your job is to report what you observed; their job is to investigate.

What if I report fraud and nothing seems to happen?

Investigations take time and are confidential, so you will not hear updates. If weeks pass with no contact, you can follow up by calling the PHA or HUD again and providing your report number (if you were given one). Some cases are closed without action if investigators find no evidence of fraud, but you will not be told the reason.

Can a landlord find out who reported them?

Not through official channels. HUD and PHA investigations are confidential, and investigators do not reveal the source of reports. However, if a landlord suspects you based on timing or context, that is different—and if they retaliate, that is illegal and reportable.

What if the person I report is a friend or family member?

Fraud is fraud regardless of your relationship. Section 8 money comes from taxpayers and is meant for people who truly meet the income and household requirements. If someone you know is committing fraud, reporting protects the program and the people waiting for vouchers. You can report anonymously if that makes it easier.

Can I report fraud if I am also a Section 8 tenant?

Yes. Reporting fraud does not put your own voucher at risk as long as you are following the rules. Retaliation for reporting is illegal, and investigators keep reports confidential. If you are worried, you can report anonymously.