SECTION 8 PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Section 8 is a rental
assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD). It is designed to assist low-income families
rent apartments, condominiums or homes in the private market.
The Housing Authority
of Kansas City, Missouri (HAKC) issues a Housing Choice Voucher
(HCV) to families that meet income guidelines established by HUD.
Utilizing their HCV, the family pays approximately 30% to 40% of
their income toward rent and utilities and HAKC pays the difference.
Rent is established based
on rents paid for comparable unassisted units in the private market
in the neighborhood where the unit is located. Rents may not exceed
the Fair Market Rent (FMR) established by HUD.
Tenant screening and
selection are up to the landlord. Landlords may use the same selection
criteria they use to select market rate tenants.
Section 8 participants
must comply with the terms of the lease, including prompt payment
of rent and proper care of the unit.
Lease Terms: the landlord
may choose not to renew the lease at the end of the initial one-year
term or any term thereafter.
Section 8 Program Benefits to Landlords:
- Guaranteed monthly rent payments.
- Direct Deposit.
- Low vacancy rates.
- Good residents - it's your choice.
- Annual inspections by HAKC at no cost to you to ensure maximum
property upkeep.
- Charge a security deposit. (State allowed amount)
- Use of your own rental lease.
- Free weekly unit listings.
- Pre-criminal background checks on tenant referrals.
- Monthly "Owner News" newsletter.
- Access to a Landlord Advisory Council.
- Quarterly Landlord Meetings.
Owner Responsibilities:
The owner/landlord has
the following major responsibilities:
1. Tenant selection and
leasing
a. Screening the family's
background and/or suitability for tenancy.
b. Owners are permitted to screen based on a family's tenancy history.
c. Owner may consider a family's background regarding factors such
as:
- Payment of rent and utility
bills
- Caring for a unit/premises
- Respecting other's rights for peaceful enjoyment of their housing
- Drug-related criminal activity or other criminal activity
that is a threat to life, safety or property of others
- Compliance with other essential conditions of tenancy
2. Compliance with the
Voucher Subsidy Contract and/or Housing Assistance Payments (HAP)
Contract.
3. Normal landlord functions during the lease term (e.g., maintenance,
rent collection, issuing of lease violations, and evictions).
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