Property owners maintain the same rights and responsibilities in the voucher program as they would with an open-market tenancy, including:

• Performing all management and rental functions, including tenant screening .
• Ensuring that the property meets basic health and safety standards, including paying for any owner-supplied utilities.
• Collecting a security deposit, tenant monthly rent portion, and charges for damages caused by the tenant

 

Voucher holders have the same responsibilities as any other non-subsidized tenant. They are obligated to fulfill the terms and conditions of their lease, including:

• Paying the security deposit
• Paying rent on time
• Maintaining the property, including paying utilities in their name
• Allowing the owner and Housing Authority reasonable access for inspections
• Paying for any tenant-caused damage to the property
• Using the residence solely as a residence for approved household members
• Giving proper written notice (20 days) when choosing to vacate

No. Just because you rent to one Section 8 tenant does not mean you have to rent only to Section 8 tenants. Property owners retain the right to screen prospective tenants and select the best tenant for their property, whether they are a voucher holder or not.

A property owner new to the Housing Choice Voucher Program will need to complete a Request for Tax ID Number (supplied by the Housing Authority).

Only two, a Lease Agreement and Housing Assistance Payments Contract (HAP).

After the rental unit passes an initial inspection, a HAP is prepared and mailed to the property owner along with a courtesy Lease Agreement.

An owner may chose to use his or her own Lease but must attach the Section 8 program Tenancy Addendum that addresses the family's and owner's responsibilities.

When the signed Housing Assistance Contract (HAP) and Lease Agreement are returned, the Housing Authority begins payments on behalf of the tenant.

A summary of the steps, which are described in more detail in other questions is listed below:

• The prospective tenant submits the completed Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA)
• You will be contacted by a Inspector to schedule an inspection of the unit.
• Once the unit is approved, lease and HAP are signed, the tenant pays the security deposit and their portion of the rent the tenant moves in.
• Shortly thereafter, you will receive your first payment from the housing authority.

The Housing Authority does screening as to income eligibility for the program as well as criminal background screening (in limited circumstances). Screening for tenant suitability remains the landlord's responsibility

No the Request for Tenancy Approval form is simply your intention to rent to the tenant and sets the terms for the tenancy. Either party may withdraw from the process before a lease or contract is executed. Your lease is the binding agreement with your tenant.

The Housing Authority's goal is to conduct an inspection within 3-5 business days of the RFTA's submission to our office. Prior to Housing Authority staff contacting the owner, the family's share of rent is calculated and the preliminary screening for rent comparability is completed for discussion with the owner.

The following list will help identify the most common items that arise during inspections. Please correct any deficiencies prior to the inspection date. There may be additional considerations at the time of inspection.

1. Smoke detector inoperable or missing

2. Light switch cover is cracked

3. Windows are either broken or won't lock

4. Leak under bathroom or kitchen sink

5. Lead based paint

6. Vinyl pulling up

7. Refrigerator handle and/or kick-plate missing

8. Must have working stove and refrigerator (all burners on stove must work properly).

9. Carpet seam bad

10. All outlets must have plate covers

Checks are generated on the 1st and 15th of every month and generally the owner will receive the first payment from the Housing Authority within 14 days after the contract paperwork is returned. Subsequent payments will arrive on the first of each month. The tenant pays their portion of rent directly to the property owner.

Property owners are entitled to collect a security deposit from Housing Choice Voucher participants. The security deposit cannot exceed amounts collected from non-subsidized tenants and must be in compliance with Washington state landlord and tenant law.

As in all tenancies, repairs for tenant-caused damages are the responsibility of the tenant. Failure to make repairs may be grounds to terminate the lease and participation in the Section 8 program. The security deposit may also be used for reimbursement costs.

If a tenant falls behind in the rent or violates any of their lease obligations, you should use the remedy defined in your lease agreement (such as a 3 or 30-day notice).

If you have decided to end the tenancy without cause at the end of the lease term, newly passed state legislation (SB1098) has been interpreted by some housing advocates as requiring ninety days notice to subsidized families. You should consult your attorney for guidance on this issue.

Federal regulations do not allow the Housing Authority to subsidize the rent of any participant if the property owner is the parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sister or brother of any member of the participant's household unless as a reasonable accommodation for a family member with disabilities.

Call the Housing Authority at (360) 479-3694. Explain that you are interested in renting your property through the voucher program and that you would like to speak to the Housing Specialist who would handle your unit. Housing Specialists are assigned specific neighborhoods of specific cities. Have the city and street name of the unit you want to rent available so that we can direct you to the correct Housing Specialist.