Section 8 Landlord Checklist

Here is a basic landlords checklist for section 8 housing choice voucher program:

Landlords will want to note the Estimated Maximum Rent listed on voucher. If it is less than they are willing to accept in rent, the family is not eligible for their unit. Ensure that the Section 8 Voucher is current and be sure to get the name and number of the Housing Authority (HA).

It is the landlord's responsibility to find a family who will take care of your property.

Establish and collect a security deposit if the landlord chooses to do so. The Housing Authority is not responsible for the collection of the security deposit.

Once the landlord has established the security deposit and the participant meets their criteria, they must complete and return the following documents to the HA whose name is indicated on the participant’s voucher:
(1) Request For Tenancy Approval (RFTA), (2) Designation By Owner Form, (3) W-9,
(4) Reminder Notice, (5) Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and Lead- Based Hazards and (6) Section 8 Rental Inspection Check List.

Return the completed paperwork to the housing authority.

Upon receipt and acceptance of the Request For Tenancy Approval and other related paperwork, an initial inspection will be scheduled within 7-10 business days. On this form their must be noted the date that the unit will be ready to pass the Housing Quality Standards Inspection.

The landlord must make sure the Request For Tenancy Approval has the most up-to-date number for the inspectors to reach them by telephone. Have all work completed by the scheduled date of inspection and ensure that all utilities are on by the scheduled date of inspection.

During the 7-10 days prior to inspection, draw up a rental lease agreement between the landlord and the Section 8 participant; Leave the effective date and rental amount blank. Rental amounts will be determined by comparing the unit to similar open market and unassisted homes within a one/two mile radius of the unit. To support the requested rent amount, a landlord may want to be prepared with at least two comparables of unassisted units within a one/two mile radius of your rental unit. These comparables must be within the same vicinity of the unit (One/ Two Mile Radius).

Location is an important factor in determining the approved rental amounts.

Once the unit passes the Housing Quality Standards Inspection, first verify with the HA that the family is still eligible and then the family can move in. At this time, confirm the effective and anniversary date of the lease and the approved rental amount with the analyst; complete the lease with attached Tenancy Addendum and promptly return it to the Housing Authority.

HA will send two copies of the Housing Assistance Payments Contract (HAP Contract); the landlord signs both and returns both copies to the Housing Authority. Funds will not be released until we have the signed contracts.

Maintain the rental unit in compliance with Housing Quality Standards at all times.

Unit Recertification

Return notice to HA promptly to let them know if you plan to renew the lease and if you are requesting an increase in rent.

Make sure the rental unit is ready for its annual inspection. If the tenant needs to do housekeeping or other repairs, see that they are completed by the time of the inspection appointment.