Privacy Policy
Last updated: 19 October 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how Section 8 Calculator (“we,” “us,” or “our”) handles information when you use section8calculator.com and related pages. We are an independent educational site — not a government agency.
Information We Collect
Information you provide
- Contact form. If you use our contact form, we collect the name, email address, subject, and message you submit. Submissions are processed by our hosting provider (Netlify Forms) so we can respond.
- Calculator inputs. When you use the Section 8 calculator, you may enter a ZIP code, city/county confirmation, household size, income, and optional rent details. Those inputs are sent to our servers only to return an estimate. We do not use them to create an account or sell personal profiles.
Information collected automatically
- Log and hosting data. Our host (Netlify) may automatically receive standard technical data such as IP address, browser type, device information, and pages requested, used for security, reliability, and debugging.
- Analytics (optional). If Google Analytics is enabled, it may collect usage metrics (for example pages viewed and approximate location) under Google’s terms. You can limit analytics cookies via your browser settings.
How We Use Information
- To operate the calculator and show educational estimates
- To respond to contact messages
- To improve site performance, content, and reliability
- To protect against abuse and maintain security
- To display advertising (Google AdSense) on selected pages — the homepage, guides, blog, and enriched city pages — not on thin default city templates
Third-Party Services
We use trusted providers to run the site:
- Netlify — hosting, forms, and serverless functions
- HUD USER API — public housing data (income limits / Fair Market Rents). Calculator requests may include geography needed to look up rates. We do not send your name or email to HUD.
- Google Analytics — optional traffic measurement, if enabled
- Google AdSense — when a publisher ID is configured, Google may set cookies or use advertising identifiers to show and measure ads, limit how often you see an ad, and detect fraud. See Google’s Privacy Policy and how Google uses ads data. You can opt out of personalized ads at adssettings.google.com.
Cookies
We and our providers may use cookies or similar technologies for hosting, analytics, and advertising. AdSense cookies are advertising cookies. You can control cookies in your browser. Blocking some cookies may affect ads or site features. If we later add a consent banner for visitors in the EU/UK, that banner will control non-essential cookies.
Data Retention
Contact-form messages are retained as long as needed to respond and manage inquiries. Calculator requests are processed to return results and are not used to build a long-term personal housing dossier. Hosting and analytics logs follow each provider’s retention practices.
Children’s Privacy
This site is intended for adults researching housing assistance. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has submitted information to us, contact us and we will delete it.
Your Choices
- Do not submit the contact form if you prefer not to share your email with us
- Use browser controls to limit cookies and analytics
- Request access to or deletion of contact-form information you sent us by emailing via Contact
Security
We use HTTPS and rely on reputable hosting providers. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; please do not submit Social Security numbers, full financial account numbers, or other highly sensitive documents through our forms or calculator.
Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will change when we do. Continued use of the site after changes means you accept the updated policy.
Contact
Questions about privacy: Contact us.