- 1). List your vacancy. You can use traditional outlets, such as newspapers, or advertise with websites that specialize exclusively in low-income housing rentals, such as GoSection.com. In addition to describing your apartment or home, note that you welcome interest from people with Section 8 vouchers.
- 2). Show your unit to prospective tenants. If they plan to use Section 8 assistance, do not treat them differently than unsubsidized renters. HUD expects you to screen Section 8 prospects the same way you do any other interested parties. Vet their rental history and ability to pay the portion of the rent for which they will be responsible. As the Code of Federal Regulations notes, your local housing agency will only provide you with contact information for a Section 8 applicant's past and present landlords, as well as criminal background checks on all household members.
- 3). Agree in principle to rent to a Section 8 family that meets your screening criteria. The family will give you a packet of instructions and documents from the housing office that runs the Section 8 program from which they receive their benefits. Review this information, and follow the instructions, which includes providing proof that you own the property and submitting a copy of the proposed lease. The family turns in the completed packet to the housing office.
- 4). Schedule an appointment for a HUD inspection of your property. Your local housing agency will contact you, and a representative will come out to your dwelling to ensure it meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards. While the standards contain many points for you to consider (see Resources), focus on making sure your property meets local codes and provides a safe and sanitary living space for your residents. If your property fails the inspection, your housing office will give you time to make the needed repairs.
- 5). Sign a one-year lease with your Section 8 tenants upon HUD approval of your unit and your status as a Section 8 landlord. You will also execute a contract with your housing agency and tenant that outlines each party's responsibilities under a Section 8 arrangement.
previous post
next post