Oakland Housing Authority > Property Owners > HAP Contract > HAP Contract Initiation

HAP Contract Initiation

You do not need to sign-up or fill out an application to get started with Section 8. Here are the first steps:

1. Advertise your property.
OHA can help you advertise your property directly to Section 8 applicants/participants for free using our Section 8 rental listing, the Home Connection.

2. Screen & select a tenant.
You should screen prospective Section 8 applicants just like you screen other prospective tenants.

3. Set up an OHA inspection.
Fill out the paperwork your prospective tenant gives you to schedule an appointment. Learn more about Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections.

4. Prepare for the inspection.
Carefully go over the Tenant & Owner Inspection Checklist and prepare the necessary paperwork.

5. Attend the inspection.
OHA will inspect the unit for basic health and safety and will usually discuss the rent and take care of the necessary paperwork at the inspection.

Does OHA screen Section 8 participants?

NO. OHA does not pre-screen Section 8 participants or check the credit or eviction history of applicants. You should screen and select Section 8 applicants the same way you screen other prospective tenants.