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Landlord / Agent Info & Resources

How to Become a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Landlord

Partnering with the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program allows landlords to provide stable housing while receiving consistent rental payments. By renting to an HCV participant, the landlord plays a direct role in addressing affordable housing needs in our community.

Why Partner with HCV?

Landlords benefit from participation through:

• Receiving consistent, on-time rent payments
• Filling vacancies quickly
• Listing your rental on a dedicated affordable-housing platform
• Inspections that meet HUD standards (HQS / NSPIRE)
• Partnering with a program that supports stable tenancy

How to Become a Landlord

1. List Your Available Unit

List your available rental on the Affordable Housing website (www.affordablehousing.com (opens in new tab)). Include:

• Property address and contact info
• Monthly rent amount
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Special features or accessibility information

2. Screen and Select a Tenant

You screen and approve the tenant just like you would in the private market. The tenant must have a valid Housing Choice Voucher and must meet your rental criteria (e.g., credit check, background, etc.).

3. Complete the Paperwork

After you and the tenant agree to move forward, you’ll complete the following:

• Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA)
• W-9 form and landlord documentation
• Lease agreement (between you and the tenant)
• Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract (between you and the housing authority)
• Verification of ownership
• Property Management Agreement (if applicable)

4. Schedule and Pass the Inspection

A housing inspector will visit the unit to ensure it meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS). Common inspection items include:

• Working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
• Functional plumbing and electrical
• Safe flooring, windows, doors, and locks

If the unit passes inspection, the lease and HAP contract can begin. If repairs are needed, you’ll have the opportunity to make corrections and schedule a re-inspection.

5. Receive Monthly Payments

Once approved:

• The Authority will begin making monthly housing assistance payments directly to the landlord.
• The tenant will pay their share of the rent directly to you as outlined in the rent breakdown and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract.

Get Paid On Time, Every Time

Ensure your Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is on time, every time. Complete and submit a Direct Deposit Authorization Form along with a copy of a voided check.

Key features:

• Direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to receive your rental income
• No risk of lost or stolen checks
• Eliminate trips to the bank

Landlord Responsibilities

As an HCV landlord, you must:

• Maintain the unit in accordance with HUD’s housing quality standards
• Comply with the terms of the lease and HAP contract
• Notify the Authority of changes in rent, ownership, or tenancy
• Work cooperatively with the Authority and the tenant

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I raise the rent?

Yes, but any rent increase must be requested in writing and approved by the Authority in advance, and must comply with AB 1482 or the most recent applicable California laws and regulations.

What happens if the tenant damages the unit?

You can take the same legal action you would for any private tenant, including the use of a security deposit or formal eviction (if necessary).

How long is the lease term?

The lease is for one year. After that, it generally converts to a month-to-month tenancy.