Did you know that over 2 million households receive rental assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program? Section 8 helps low-income singles and families afford decent housing through rent subsidies.
Are you a landlord in Orlando, FL? Have you considered Section 8 in Orlando?
If you're new to Section 8 or thinking about taking the vouchers, read on for answers to your questions about Orlando Section 8 subsidies.
What Is Section 8 in Orlando, FL?
Section 8 housing grew out of the Wagner-Steagall Housing Act of 1937. The Section 8 Housing program gives disabled, low-income, and elderly residents a voucher so they can live in safe, decent housing. Public housing agencies distribute the vouchers to Section 8 landlords.
The landlord provides a safe, sanitary, and well-maintained rental property - the same as any rental property.
Section 8 Tenant
A Section 8 tenant must submit an application to the local public housing agency. The agencies factor in the family's size, ages, and disabilities when deciding whether they qualify.
The voucher doesn't cover the entire cost of the rent. The tenant pays about 30% of the rent straight to the landlord.
Becoming a Section 8 Orlando, FL Landlord
Becoming an Orlando Section 8 landlord requires a little bit of paperwork. You first need your rental unit approved by the Orlando Housing Authority Section 8 Program.
The Orlando Housing Authority (OHA) only makes Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) through direct deposit.
Complete Your Property Form
Complete your property form to alert the OHA that you'll rent to a Section 8 tenant. The OHA posts your form in their office. After that, you'll receive phone calls from potential tenants.
Screen for Tenants
After you hear from potential tenants, it's up to you to screen them. If you have a property management company, you can let them handle tenant screening.
Make sure your Section 8 tenant has a copy of HUD form 52646 - the voucher.
Complete the RFTA
Have you chosen a Section 8 tenant? Great!
Ask your tenant for the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) form. This is a form alerting the OHA that you want the tenant to move into the unit.
Be sure and complete the RFTA, and don't leave anything blank. Incomplete forms result in a delay in the unit inspection and that results in a delay in your first payment.
Unit Inspection
Someone from the OHA inspects the unit and determines if the rent is reasonable. If it all checks out, your Section 8 tenant can move in the same day.
Don't let the family move in before the unit inspection. If they do, they'll be responsible for the full rent and you won't receive the voucher payment.
Submit the Lease to OHA
Turn in a signed lease to the OHA. You'll do this before you or the tenant know how much the voucher from the OHA covers.
Once the OHA has the lease, they'll mail you a copy of the contract. Sign and return it to the OHA.
Become a Section 8 Orlando Landlord
You can become a section 8 Orlando landlord and help those in need of decent, affordable housing. You'll get a fully screened tenant, and you'll receive a guaranteed monthly payment from the OHA.
Looking for full-service property management in Orlando? Looking into Section 8? Call us today for help!