Section 8 Landlord Information

This page presents Section 8 information specific to landlords who are, or wish to be, participants in the HACFL's Section 8 program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does it take so long to process the paperwork?

It should not take too long - if both applicants and landlords present all required documents in a timely fashion. If the tenant or the landlord does not bring all documentation to an appointment, the HACFL must create a new appointment in an already full schedule.

What is the HAP Contract?

The Housing Assistance Payment Contract is a written agreement between the housing authority and the owner of a unit occupied by a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program participant.

What are the requirements to enter into a HAP Contract?

Prior to executing a HAP contract and processing housing assistance payments, the housing authority must determine that the owner of the assisted unit is eligible to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program. An owner will not be approved if:

• HUD or another party informs the Housing Authority that the owner is debarred, suspended, or subject to a limited denial of participation.
• HUD informs the housing authority that the federal government has instituted an administrative or judicial action against the owner for a violation of the Fair Housing Act or other federal equal opportunity requirements and such action is pending.
• HUD informs the housing authority that a court or administrative agency has determined that the owner violated the Fair Housing Act or other federal equal opportunity requirements.

Can an owner rent his/her unit to a relative who is a participant of the Housing choice Voucher Program?

No. A housing authority must not execute a HAP contract when the owner of the unit is a relative of the family to be assisted, unless approving such a tenancy would provide reasonable accommodation for a disabled family member.

Things to Remember

Read your contract, it describes in detail the program requirements affecting the unit owner, as well as owner roles and responsibilities under the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Violation of any obligation under the HAP contract will be considered a breach of the contract and could result in suspension of housing assistance payments, abatement or reduction of the housing assistance payment, and/ termination of the payment and/or HAP contract in addition to additional relief by judicial order or action.

A change in ownership requires that all information requested by the housing authority be made available. The owner must receive written consent of the housing authority prior to assigning a HAP contract to a new owner. The new owner must agree to be bound by and comply with the HAP contract.

Whenever in doubt, do not hesitate to contact HACFL personnel.