Landlords
Thank you for your interest in partnering with the Vermillion Housing Authority.
Landlords play an important role in providing safe, quality housing for families participating in the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program.
This page includes information about becoming a landlord, inspections, payments, and program resources.
BECOME A PARTICIPATING LANDLORD
The Vermillion Housing Authority partners with property owners throughout Clay County to provide rental housing opportunities for families participating in the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program.
Landlords who participate in the program maintain a normal landlord-tenant relationship with the assisted household. The tenant pays their required portion of the rent, and VHA makes a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) directly to the landlord on behalf of the family.
To begin the process:
- A voucher holder selects a rental unit and discusses tenancy with the property owner.
- The landlord and participant complete the required Request for Tenancy Approval information.
- VHA reviews the proposed tenancy, including the requested rent and program requirements.
- The unit must pass the required inspection before housing assistance can begin.
- Once all program requirements are satisfied, the landlord and tenant execute the lease and VHA enters into a Housing Assistance Payments contract with the landlord.
Landlords interested in participating are encouraged to contact VHA with questions about the Housing Choice Voucher Program or the approval process.
REQUEST FOR TENANCY APPROVAL
When a Housing Choice Voucher participant selects a rental unit, the landlord and participant must provide VHA with the information needed to begin the tenancy approval process.
VHA will review the proposed tenancy to determine whether program requirements are met. This process may include:
- Reviewing the proposed rent and determining rent reasonableness
- Confirming required information about the rental unit and utilities
- Scheduling the unit for an NSPIRE inspection
- Reviewing required landlord and ownership information
- Completing the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract and other required documents when the tenancy is approved
Do not consider the unit approved for Housing Choice Voucher assistance until VHA has completed the required review and notified you of approval.
INSPECTIONS
Rental units assisted through the Housing Choice Voucher Program must meet HUD’s National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE).
VHA will arrange an inspection of the unit as part of the tenancy approval process. Assisted units may also be inspected periodically during participation in the program.
Property owners are responsible for maintaining assisted units in accordance with applicable program requirements and correcting identified deficiencies within required timeframes.
Before an inspection, landlords should make sure:
- The unit and all required areas are accessible to the inspector
- Utilities are on and operating as required
- Required appliances and building systems are installed and functioning
- Known maintenance or safety issues have been addressed
- Smoke alarms and other required safety equipment are properly installed and operational
If deficiencies are identified, VHA will provide information regarding required corrective action and applicable deadlines.
Housing assistance cannot begin for a new tenancy until the unit meets applicable inspection requirements and the tenancy has been approved by VHA.
PAYMENTS & LANDLORD INFORMATION
Once an assisted tenancy is approved and the required documents are completed, VHA makes Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) to the landlord on behalf of the participating household.
The participant is responsible for paying their portion of the rent directly to the landlord.
Landlords should promptly notify VHA of changes that may affect the assisted tenancy, including:
- Changes in ownership or property management
- Changes to mailing, contact, or payment information
- Proposed rent changes
- Lease changes or termination
- Notices provided to the assisted household
Do not make changes to the assisted lease or rent without following applicable Housing Choice Voucher Program requirements and providing required notice to VHA.
LANDLORD RESOURCES
VHA is transitioning many landlord processes, forms, and communications to the Neighborly online portal.
As those services become available, landlords will be able to use the portal for applicable program information, documentation, and communications.
For assistance with a current tenancy, a prospective Housing Choice Voucher tenant, inspections, or landlord paperwork, please contact the Vermillion Housing Authority.