How Section 8 works for landlords.
Section 8 means a Housing Choice Voucher. The housing authority pays part of the rent for the tenant. SubCity Group finds the tenant and handles the paperwork for you.
How does Section 8 work for a landlord?
- A voucher holder finds your unit and tells you they have a voucher.
- You screen them the way you screen anyone.
- Your housing authority checks that the rent is reasonable and inspects the unit.
- You and the authority sign a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract. You and the tenant sign your lease.
- The authority pays its share to you each month. The tenant pays the rest.
What are the steps from vacancy to payment?
- Find a voucher tenant. SubCity Group markets your unit to voucher holders and screens applicants to your criteria.
- Submit the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA). This starts the file with the housing authority. We prepare it with you.
- Rent check. The authority reviews that the rent is reasonable for the area.
- Inspection. The authority inspects the unit. See inspection prep.
- Sign. You sign the HAP contract with the authority and the lease with the tenant.
- Get paid. The authority’s share arrives on its schedule. The tenant pays the tenant’s share.
Who does what in a Section 8 rental?
- You: own and maintain the unit, choose the tenant, sign the lease and HAP contract.
- The housing authority: approves the rent, inspects the unit, pays its share.
- SubCity Group: finds and screens tenants, prepares the paperwork, preps the unit for inspection. Leasing and placement only, no ongoing property management.
Landlord questions, answered.
Do I have to accept Section 8?
In New Jersey you cannot refuse an applicant because they plan to pay with a voucher. You can still screen on lawful criteria applied evenly. Source: NJ Office of the Attorney General.
Can I screen voucher applicants?
Yes, with the same criteria you use for every applicant.
Who pays me?
The housing authority pays its share directly to you. The tenant pays the rest.
Does SubCity Group charge renters?
No. SubCity Group charges renters no fee.
What does it cost me?
SubCity Group's placement fee is one month's rent.
Got a vacancy? Send it over.
Send the address. SubCity Group markets the unit, screens applicants to your criteria, and handles the housing authority paperwork for voucher tenants. Leasing and placement only.
Go to the source.
- HUD, HCV landlord resources - federal program rules for owners
- NJ DCA, Housing Choice Voucher program - the state voucher program
- Newark Housing Authority - the Newark authority
- NJ Attorney General, source of lawful income - what New Jersey law says about vouchers