How to Become a Landlord for Section 8 or Public Housing in Ohio

Keep your property earning by signing up as a Section 8 landlord.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development guarantees a portion of rent to individuals who qualify for Section 8 or public housing. If your rental property is approved as a HUD rental home, your tenant's rental payment is subsidized by the federal government if he qualifies for Section 8 housing. The HUD program is federally funded and the requirements for qualification are the same throughout the country.

Things You'll Need

• Qualified tenant
• Housing standards list
• Inspection checklist
• HUD-approved lease agreement

Instructions

1. Contact the Ohio public housing authority governing your area to offer your property for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Advertise your property as "available" to tenants with public housing vouchers. Select your tenant, as you normally would, from applicants with Section 8 vouchers.

2. Complete the Request for Tenancy forms the tenant presents to you. The paperwork requests your contact information and information about the property, such as the rental fee, type of house and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

3. Arrange for an Ohio HUD inspection officer to inspect your rental property to ensure a safe environment for the tenant. Be present during the inspection to answer any questions the inspector may have and to clarify instructions for any required repairs.

4. Implement the needed repairs or changes for your rental property. Schedule the follow-up inspection, if necessary. Once the property is approved, sign the lease with your new tenant.

5. Maintain the rental property during the lease to keep the environment safe for your tenant.

Tips & Warnings

• The rent you request must be consistent with the fair market rent for your area of Ohio before the public housing authority will schedule the property inspection.

• The housing authority does not screen the Section 8 voucher holders. It is up to you to select your tenants.

References

• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services: Ohio and U.S. Employment Situation (Seasonally Adjusted)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Inspection Checklist
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Owner's Certification of Compliance