|
This is a simple guide to the most common questions asked by landlords and perspective landlords
1. How do I get people to rent my apartment?
First of all, the unit must be within the jurisdiction of HAMC. See a complete list of cities and communities that we serve here.
By HUD rules HAMC, cannot indicate any specific landlord or suggest any home or apartment to the applicant. Voucher holders must find a unit by themselves.
When a person receives an HAMC voucher we tell them to go to GoSection8.com and look for a home in the cities and communities served by HAMC. We recommend that the landlord also list his/her unit(s) on the GoSection8.com website.
Update: The Housing Authority has partnered with www.GoSection8.com , which provides an enhanced program to list rental properties online. Listings are available to potential Housing Choice Voucher tenants seeking apartment units, duplexes, single-family homes or townhomes in the private market. Landlords can add their properties here on a page specifically designated for HAMC voucher holders. It is recommended that Landlords add photos to their listing for better advertising and faster lease up!
Landlords may, if they wish, leave pamphlets and information sheets about units to lease in the reception area at our main office. HAMC assumes no responsibility as to these materials. 2. How much can I charge?
That depends on the unit. By law we pay 'market rates' based upon bedroom size and location. The voucher holder will know the subsidy amount paid by HAMC.
Any difference between the voucher amount and rent is the responsibility of the voucher holder. Note that the the lease contract between the landlord and renter must be approved by HAMC. This is a binding legal document that specifies the rights and responsibilities or all parties.
3. What kind of unit can I rent?
It depends. By law, units rented by voucher holders must meet specific health and safety standards as well local building codes. When a voucher holder finds a house or apartment, that unit must be inspected by HAMC before the lease is approved. This usually takes 1-2 weeks.
If the unit fails inspection, the voucher holder may look for another unit. In certain cases, the landlord is given a chance to fix any problem. After the lease is signed and the renter moves in, the unit is inspected once a year thereafter.
4. What if I have problems with my tenant?
The relationship between the landlord and tenant is governed by the Lease Agreement and HUD regulations. This agreement is just like any other rental contract. HAMC's role is limited to providing financial assistance to the leasee by means of a payment to the landlord, and a periodic inspection to verify that the unit meets HUD standards. Any issues between tenant and landlord must be resolved according to that legal document. Note that any misrepresentation, false information or illegal action by either tenant or landlord may result in the loss of the voucher and/or termination of the lease, as well as legal recourse by HAMC for damages.
Click here to return the the main Section 8 page. |
