How to Become a Section 8 Landlord in Texas

The Section 8 Voucher Program by the Federal Government makes it possible for low-income families to secure decent, sanitary, and safe housing. The government pays a portion of the monthly rent, and the tenant pays the remaining balance.

Instructions

1. Make sure your rental property is safe and in a sanitary condition.

2. Contact your local Housing Authority to list your property as available to Section 8 Voucher holders.

3. Specify in your marketing ads that you welcome Section 8 Voucher holders.

4. Proceed with your screening procedure as you would with any other potential tenant.

5. Expect to fill out forms required by the Section 8 Voucher Program. Your prospective tenant will return the paperwork to his assigned caseworker. A HUD representative will call you to schedule an inspection.

6. Sign the additional paperwork once the rental property passes inspection. Moreover, as the landlord, you and the tenant will need to sign the lease and submit a copy to the caseworker.

Tips & Warnings

• HUD will schedule an inspection only after a voucher holder shows interest in your property. It’s not uncommon to have multiple inspections before receiving approval.

• In addition to the city HUD office, cities also have a regional community services organization, which oversees HUD tenants. You may want to contact both offices to inform them that you wish to become a Section 8 landlord.

Resources

• section8programs.com
• Section 8 Program Fact Sheet