Section 8 alternative payment

[Summer Noyes]

Hello All,

I'm new to investing in real estate and I am seriously considering providing Section 8 housing here in San Diego, CA. My question, that I can't seem to find an answer to is if HUD will give you a voucher for 70% of the rental price can I accept services or other forms of payment from the renter for their 30% or do I have to show that they paid me? For instance, say the renter will do the landscaping and I would therefore reduce their 30% obligation by a certain amount each month. Is that legal? Thanks for any input.