Landlords

WHAT DOES THE LANDLORD NEED TO DO?

Property owners wishing to participate in this program simply call GoSection8.com at (866) 466-7328. You will need to provide the address and size of the unit, along with a contact number for applicants to call. These lists are provided to tenants when they receive a voucher. If an applicant is interested they will contact the landlord. The tenant will provide you with a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA). The RFTA is a form that identifies the information about the owner’s unit, such as size, address, the type of utilities and amount of rent requested. You and the family need to complete the RFTA and sign. The tenant is responsible for returning the RFTA.

When the West Palm Beach Housing Authority receives the RFTA, the WPBHA will schedule the initial inspection of the rental Unit. If the unit meets the basic Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the rent amount is considered reasonable, the owner and the tenant may sign a lease. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must make the necessary repairs prior to participation in the program. The owner then signs the Housing Assistance Payment Contract (HAP) with the WPBHA for the guaranteed rent portion. The term of the HAP contract mirrors the term of the lease. The owner is responsible for collecting the tenant’s share of the rent. The owner should also collect the security deposit as they would from their non-assisted tenants.

The Landlord is expected to maintain the property’s overall condition and see that the basic plumbing, electrical, heating systems, etc. are functioning properly. If the tenant violates the lease or fails to pay rent, the landlord should evict the tenant through the normal court eviction procedure and send the WPBHA copies of any notices that the tenant is served as they are served.

HOW OFTEN DOES THE WPBHA INSPECT THE UNITS?

All rental units are inspected prior to a contract being signed and annually thereafter. The inspection helps provide owners with a record of the condition of their property and alerts them to potential problems before they occur.

WHAT DOES A UNIT NEED TO HAVE TO PASS INSPECTION?

The unit needs to meet basic standards for decent, safe and affordable housing. Most well- maintained rental units should be able to pass an inspection.

HOW MUCH RENT CAN I CHARGE A HCVP TENANT?

Generally, if the rent amount meets the WPBHA’s payment standard and is comparable to rents for similar units in the neighborhood, the amount should be okay. If the rent and utilities are in excess of the payment standard but are still reasonable, the family still may be able to rent, however, the family is limited to pay no more that 40% of their income for the initial term.

HOW DO I SELECT MY FAMILY?

Just as you would any other tenant. The WPBHA’s criteria for family eligibility includes a complete review of the family’s income and composition. In addition, the WPBHA does a review of the family’s criminal record in the State of Florida. Even so, the WPBHA supports landlords doing a comprehensive review of all tenants’ suitability before renting to them.