Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

New Landlord Information

Many Voucher holders are families who receive income from a combination of sources because they are elderly, disabled, attend school, or work in jobs where they just don't earn enough to support themselves or their families.  The program helps low-income households by subsidizing their rents.

The subsidy payments, made directly to the landlord, are usually the difference between a percentage of tenant income and the payment standard established for housing units by bedroom size.

How does the program work?

The prospective tenant locates a landlord willing to participate on the Section 8 Program.   The prospective landlord (you) takes an application, checks references and background as with any other prospective tenant. 

If you decide this tenant is acceptable you then complete a Request for Tenancy Approval form and a W9.  The tenant brings those forms back to us and our Inspector contacts you to set up an Initial Inspection, to be sure the unit meets Housing Quality Standards. 

Once the unit passes you may sign the Lease Agreement with the Tenant, you sign the HAP Contract with this office and our portion of the rental assistance comes directly to you around the first of each month.

You treat the Section 8 assisted tenant as you would any other tenant. 

The tenant's rent portion depends on their income, if their income should change, you receive notice by the Housing Agency of any rent portion changes .

How can I tell if my unit is eligible?

Any type of housing may be rented - apartments, houses, mobile homes, etc - as long as the unit is located within Mesa city limits, meets basic health and safety standards, and the rent is reasonable for the size, type, and location of unit.  AND it must pass an HQS Inspection.

What paperwork do I have to deal with?

Request for Lease Approval:  Federal form completed by prospective tenant and prospective landlord listing the address of the rental unit, desired rent amount, what utilities paid by which party, mailing address for payment to landlord, amenities, etc.

Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract:  Written agreement between the City of Mesa and the landlord that includes the initial amount of rent paid by the City of Mesa to the landlord.

Lease:  Written agreement between the landlord and the the Voucher holder.  This document MUST be provided by the landlord.

Lease Addendum:  HAP Contract wording that must be attached to your Lease Agreement with the Tenant.

Voucher:  The landlord does not typically deal with this form.  It is good practice to ask the tenant if they have one and if so, to show it to you so that you know they are "legitimate" Mesa Housing clients.  This document describes Voucher holders' obligations for participating in the program.

List your rental unit with us for potential Section 8 clients