For Owners
How do I get started?
How do I list my property?
How do I set up a move-in inspection?
Who pays for the utilities?
Can I rent to a relative who has a Voucher?
What types of housing can someone rent with a Voucher?
What proof of ownership documents will I need?
What is the Housing Assistance Payment Contract?
How do Section 8 rents work?
How much can I charge for a security deposit?
When will I start getting paid?
Who do I contact if I have not received my check from OHA?
How do Section 8 rent increases work?
How do I set up a move-in inspection?
What paperwork do I need to bring to the inspection?
What do I need to know about annual inspections and repairs?
Who's responsible for repairs?
What happens if the tenant damages the unit?
Can I use my own Lease Agreement?
How long is the lease?
What is the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract?
Can I change other terms of the tenancy besides the rent?
Can the tenant and I agree to sign a new Lease Agreement during the tenancy?
Can I transfer the lease and contract to a new owner?
How do Section 8 rent increases work?
Can I give my tenant notice to move out?
How much notice is my tenant required to give me?
Can the tenant and I agree to end the lease early?
If I plan to sell the property can I give my tenant notice to move out?
Will OHA give information about Section 8 units to prospective buyers?
Can I transfer the lease and contract to a new owner?
Can I give my tenant notice to move out because I'm planning to sell my property?
How do I transfer the payments once I own the property?
How long will it take to transfer payments?
Can I raise the rent once I own the property?
What are my responsibilities as an owner?
What are the tenant's responsibilities in the Section 8 program?
Does OHA investigate fraud?
How do I contact OHA?
Can I email a question to OHA?
Can I get forms online?
How does someone request a reasonable accommodation from OHA?
Does OHA have orientations for new owners?
Does OHA offer newsletters and educational workshops for owners?
Section 8 participants cannot rent from their immediate relatives. This includes the participant's mother, father, sister, brother, grandparents, grandchildren, stepfamily, in-laws, or any member of his or her household. Participants with disabilities may be eligible for an exception if it is necessary to provide a reasonable accommodation for a family member with a disability.
Section 8 Vouchers can be used to rent houses, duplexes, triplexes, apartments, condominiums, townhouses and cottages. Other housing types, such as group homes and shared rentals are only available as a reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. Available rentals can be found in OHA's Home Connection weekly rental listing.
The lease term is normally for one year. Shorter lease terms (such as 6 months) are available if you and your tenant agree to it and if the shorter term is market practice. The Lease Agreement will automatically become a month-to-month agreement after the initial term. If you and your tenant prefer to renew the lease for another one-year term you can agree to this by signing a new lease & contract for another year.
The Housing Assistance Payment Contract (HAP Contract) is the legal agreement between OHA and the property owner. The contract outlines the owner's rights and responsibilities and details OHA's payment agreement with the owner. After the owner signs the HAP contract, an OHA manager must approve the rent and approve and sign the contract to make the agreement valid. A sample HAP Contract is included in the back of this guide. The HAP Contract has the same term as the lease and terminates automatically when the lease is cancelled.
The property owner decides which utilities he or she will provide and which utilities the family will be responsible for. Utility service, including water, must be on at the time of the move-in inspection. Utilities that the Section 8 participant pays for cannot be master metered or shared with another unit or common area and must be billed directly by the utility service provider.
Property owners maintain the same rights and responsibilities in the Voucher program as they have with non-Section 8 tenancies, including:
- Performing all management and rental functions, including leasing and 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 any damages caused by the tenant.
What are the tenant's responsibilities?
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