What Is Co-Head
A co-head is a second adult in the household who shares equal legal and financial responsibility with the head of household in a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher lease. The co-head's income, assets, and composition in the household directly affect your voucher eligibility, rent calculations, and HQS compliance status.
Program Requirements and Income Calculation
HUD requires Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to count the co-head's income toward total household income when calculating tenant-paid rent under the Housing Choice Voucher Program. If your household has a co-head, the PHA will include their earned income, unearned income (Social Security, disability, pensions), and assets in the income determination process. This typically results in higher calculated income and a higher tenant-paid rent amount compared to households with only a head of household.
The co-head must be 18 or older and cannot be a dependent of the head of household. Married couples, domestic partners, and unmarried couples living together can establish co-head status. Only one additional adult can hold co-head status in a single household, though other adults may live in the unit as dependents or other household members.
Landlord and Tenant Implications
- Lease Requirement: Both the head and co-head must sign the lease with the landlord. The co-head is jointly liable for rent and lease compliance.
- Income Verification: At initial lease-up and during annual recertification, the PHA will verify both the head of household and co-head's income through pay stubs, tax returns, and employment letters.
- HQS Inspections: The co-head's presence does not change HQS standards, but their household status affects which family composition standards apply for bedroom count and occupancy limits.
- Rent Disputes: If the co-head's income changes significantly, you can request an interim recertification to adjust your tenant-paid rent mid-lease.
Common Questions
- Can one household member be the head and another be the co-head? Yes. The head of household is typically the primary leaseholder and lease signer. The co-head is the second adult leaseholder. Both must consent to and sign the lease.
- What happens if the co-head moves out? Notify your PHA immediately. The household composition changes, and the PHA will recalculate income and tenant-paid rent. The remaining head of household can continue the voucher if income-eligible.
- Does the co-head need to be employed? No. The co-head can be unemployed, retired, disabled, or non-working. Their income (or lack thereof) still counts toward household income calculations.