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Partner with us. Rent with confidence.
Join hundreds of landlords across the county who rely on the Housing Authority's Section 8 program for guaranteed rent payments, qualified tenants, and long-term housing stability.
Real benefits for property owners
The Housing Choice Voucher program isn't just a social good — it's a smart business decision for property owners looking for reliability and reduced vacancy risk.
Direct monthly HAP payments
The Housing Authority pays the housing assistance portion directly to you via direct deposit, every month, on a predictable schedule — regardless of the tenant's personal finances.
Reduced vacancy risk
With over 2,500 families on the waiting list, listing a vacancy with us means faster placement from a pool of pre-screened, motivated applicants ready to maintain stable housing.
Long-term tenancy
Voucher participants are incentivized to remain in good standing with their landlord to keep their assistance. This naturally promotes lease compliance and longer tenancy durations.
Simple contracts and renewals
The HAP contract between you and the Housing Authority is straightforward. Annual renewals are streamlined, and our team is available to answer questions throughout the life of the contract.
Free property inspections
HQS inspections are conducted by the Housing Authority at no cost to you — and also serve as a useful third-party condition assessment of your unit over time.
Dedicated landlord support line
Our Landlord Services team is your direct point of contact for HAP payment inquiries, inspection scheduling, lease approvals, and any concerns that arise during the tenancy.
From listing to move-in in 5 steps
Getting started with the program is simpler than you might expect. Here's what the process looks like from the moment a voucher holder contacts you to the first HAP payment.
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Tenant contacts you with a voucher
A voucher holder searching for housing will reach out to you expressing interest in renting your unit. They will present their Housing Choice Voucher issued by the Housing Authority, which confirms their eligibility for rental assistance.
Initiated by tenant -
Submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA)
You and the tenant jointly complete and submit an RFTA to the Housing Authority. This form includes the unit address, proposed rent amount, lease start date, and unit details. The HA uses this to initiate the approval and inspection process.
Landlord + tenant action -
Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection
The Housing Authority schedules a free HQS inspection of your unit to verify it meets HUD's minimum health and safety standards. Items reviewed include structural integrity, heating, plumbing, smoke detectors, and door and window security. If minor issues are found, you'll receive time to correct them before re-inspection.
HA schedules at no cost -
Rent reasonableness determination and lease execution
The HA verifies that the proposed rent is comparable to similar unassisted units in the area. Once approved, you sign the lease directly with the tenant and the HA executes a separate Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract with you as the landlord.
HA review + lease signing -
Tenant moves in — HAP payments begin
Once the lease and HAP contract are in effect and the tenant has moved in, the Housing Authority begins issuing monthly HAP payments directly to you. The tenant pays their portion of the rent to you separately, as outlined in the lease agreement.
Ongoing monthly payments
What you handle — and what we handle
The program works as a three-party arrangement between you, the tenant, and the Housing Authority. Here's a clear breakdown of how responsibilities are divided.
Landlord responsibilities
Housing Authority responsibilities
Frequently asked by landlords
Can I set my own rent amount?
Yes. You propose the rent amount when submitting the RFTA. However, the rent must pass a rent reasonableness determination — it cannot exceed comparable unassisted units in the same area. If your proposed rent is above the payment standard, the tenant would be responsible for paying the difference.
What happens if the tenant doesn't pay their portion?
The tenant's share is their responsibility under the lease. The HA pays only the HAP portion directly to you. If a tenant fails to pay their share, you may address this through normal lease enforcement, including eviction proceedings if necessary. The HAP contract does not cover tenant non-payment.
How long does the HQS inspection process take?
Initial inspections are typically scheduled within 7 to 15 business days of RFTA submission. If the unit passes on the first inspection, approval moves forward quickly. If repairs are needed, you'll be given a specific timeframe — 24 hours for emergency items and up to 30 days for non-emergency items — before a re-inspection is scheduled.
Can I screen tenants the same way I screen other applicants?
Yes. The HCV program does not restrict your right to screen applicants based on rental history, credit, criminal background, or references — as long as your criteria are applied consistently to all applicants and comply with fair housing laws. However, you may not reject an applicant solely because they hold a voucher.
How do I request a rent increase at lease renewal?
Rent adjustment requests must be submitted in writing to the Housing Authority at least 60 days before the lease anniversary date. The new rent is subject to rent reasonableness review and must be within the payment standard. Both the HAP contract and the lease must be updated before any change takes effect.
What if I need to terminate the tenancy?
You may terminate the lease for lease violations or other cause, following applicable state and local landlord-tenant law. You must provide written notice to both the tenant and the Housing Authority. The HA will terminate HAP payments once the tenancy ends. Evictions must follow due process — you cannot terminate solely due to the tenant's participation in the voucher program.
Ready to become a program partner?
Contact our Landlord Services team today — we'll walk you through every step at no cost to you.
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