SECTION-8 LANDLORD PROCESS
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Landlord.  To be a landlord for Section 8 tenants, you must understand that a Public Housing Agency (PHA) subsidizes the rent, with the tenant paying their portion directly to you after a successful Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. You'll submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) form to the PHA after screening applicants based on your own criteria, though you cannot deny applicants solely based on their use of housing assistance. After the unit passes the HQS inspection and both the lease and HAP agreement are signed, the PHA will begin sending its rent portion to you.
Process of Becoming a Section 8 Landlord
  1. Apply to become a participating landlord: with your local PHA. 
  2. Market your property: to attract potential tenants who can use Section 8 vouchers. 
  3. Screen applicants: using your standard tenant screening process. Landlords must still ensure applicants can meet the financial portion of the rent, often by checking rental history or income-to-rent ratios. 
  4. Submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA): to the PHA for any interested applicant. 
  5. Prepare your property for the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection: to ensure it meets federal requirements. 
  6. Sign the lease: after the property passes the HQS inspection and the lease is approved by the PHA. The PHA will then send you the required paperwork. 
Key Responsibilities & Considerations
  • Vouchers and Payments:
    The PHA pays a portion of the rent directly to you, often automatically. You are responsible for collecting the tenant's portion. 
  • Fair Housing:
    It is illegal to deny an applicant solely because they use Section 8. 
  • Property Standards:
    Your rental unit must pass an HQS inspection and meet the required housing quality standards to be approved for the program. 
  • Communication:
    Maintain consistent communication with the tenant and the PHA to ensure a positive landlord-tenant relationship and address any issues promptly. 
  • Annual Recertification:
    Section 8 tenants must be recertified annually, requiring another background check and income verification by the PHA.