How to Become a HUD Housing Landlord

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers special assistance known as "Section 8 Vouchers" to families with low income to help them cover the cost of renting an apartment or house. If you have property for rent you can take advantage of this program and rent to families that use the vouchers by getting in contact with HUD and going through their application process.

Instructions

1. Contact the Housing and Urban Development Authority in your area and inform them of your interest to rent out a living space to people using Section 8 vouchers, which covers part or all of the cost of the rent.

2. Fill out any requisite paperwork at the Housing and Urban Development Authority.

3. Advertise your space for rent as you would normally, but state that you are willing to accept Section 8 vouchers.

4. Go through your normal application process just as you would with any other renter to determine if the applicant is eligible to rent from you.

5. Call the Housing and Urban Development Authority once you have a renter and let the department know the new tenant will be using a Section 8 voucher.

6. Wait to actually rent out the apartment or home until the HUD representative has had time to review your claim and make sure that the rent you intend to charge is fair. An inspection must occur to make sure the property meets all state and federal laws.

7. Sign the Section 8 contract that the representative provides and have your new renter sign any lease you may require. You will then receive a check monthly from HUD to cover the cost of the voucher.

Tips & Warnings

• Compare your rent price to the price of other rental units of similar size in the area before you contact HUD, because they will reject your Section 8 claim if the rent is deemed too high.

• Make sure your rental unit is clean, free of mold, and doesn't have any structural issues, as the inspections can be very thorough.

Resources

• Department of Housing and Urban Development