Resource Library Information
for Landlords

Landlords participating in the Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Program and becoming partner landlords are increasing the number of affordable housing units in our community. We work to make the process as easy as possible for you! There are 3 requirements to enroll in the program:

• Complete CDA paperwork during the initial move and annually.
• Report to the CDA any changes in the rent agreement, lease terms, or lease violations.
• Provide safe, adequate housing that meets Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection Standards. Inspection occurs at initial move-in and annually (you will receive a notice).

Please call (952) 402-9022 and ask to speak to the Lead Housing Specialist or inquire at cda-info@scottcda.org.

In addition to committing to helping make affordable homes possible in Scott County, there are three primary advantages to our partnership:

• Timely rent payments. In 2018, the average rent assistance payment to partner landlords was $700/month ($8,400 per year).
• Free Lunch and Learn workshops: Speakers present on housing-related topics (Fair Housing, Crime Prevention, Education Maintenance, etc.), with lunch provided to current and prospective partner landlords.
• Mediation and Support: CDA Housing Specialists work between clients and landlords to increase effective communication regarding tenant or property concerns to prevent lease infractions and improve the success of the tenancy.

Click here for information provided to HCV participants.

You can expect the CDA rent assistance payment on the 1st of the month. We provide automatic deposits.

At the initial move-in of the tenant in the program or at the annual recertification. A notice will be sent to you of the inspection date by mail.

Housing Quality Inspection (HQS) is a type of inspection required by the CDA and HUD. Please click here to view the checklist for detailed information.

You will be given notice of the failed items, and we will schedule a re-inspection. Missing smoke detectors and CO2 detectors are the most frequent inspection fails.

After the landlord has conducted the tenant screening process and has approved the applicant for the rental unit, the Section 8 Voucher holder will give the landlord a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) form to complete. The RFTA form asks questions about the rental unit, including unit address, contract rent amount, security deposit amount, description and year the building was built, utilities included and excluded in the rent, and landlord contact information. The Section 8 Participant must return the completed RFTA to the CDA no later than the 15th of the month, prior to the month they want their rental assistance to begin. (Example: June 15th for a July 1st lease date.)

Once the CDA receives the completed RFTA form:

• The CDA will check to see that the rental unit is “affordable” for the participant in accordance with Agency Payment Standards.
• The Housing Authority will schedule and mail an inspection notice of the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection date. The rental unit must pass an inspection before the Housing Authority will release Housing Assistance Payments to the landlord on the tenant’s behalf. 
• The landlord is required to provide a copy of the unexecuted lease to the Housing Authority along with the Request for Tenancy Approval form. Once the unit has passed an HQS inspection and all paperwork has been approved, the landlord will sign a Housing Assistance Payment Contract with the CDA.

In Scott County, the contract rent, plus utilities, must be within the payment standards, and you can view them on HousingLink here. These are set by using amounts as determined by HUD.

The landlord decides who pays for which utilities. If the tenant is responsible for some or all utilities, this must be indicated on the Request for Tenancy Approval form. The Housing Authority uses the Utility Allowance form to determine the average monthly utility expense for the family. The contract rent is determined affordable for the Section 8 Program when rent plus utility expenses are equal to or less than the Payment Standard for the appropriate bedroom size.

The Section 8 Participant pays 30% of their monthly-adjusted income towards rent to the landlord. This will vary for each family, and the rent portions may fluctuate during the year according to the family’s income. The Housing Authority pays the difference directly to the landlord each month.

If you are willing to work with the Section 8 Program, we suggest you use the following phrase in your advertisement: Rental Assistance Accepted.

Yes, those with a Section 8 Voucher can move from county to county and state to state with their rental assistance as long as they are in good standing with the CDA and the previous landlord. The participant must be current on their rent to be in good standing.