Become a landlord
Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) Bhelp people with low incomes rent homes on the private market. Learn how to become an HCV landlord and list a property.
Overview and benefits of becoming a landlord
Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), also known as Section 8, help people with lower incomes rent homes on the private market. Most tenants pay between 28 and 40 percent of their income for rent and utilities. KCHA covers the rest, using a federally-funded subsidy to pay a fixed amount each month based on the tenant’s income. If a tenant pays for utilities, we also provide them with a monthly utility supplement.
The rent a landlord or housing provider can charge must be similar to other rents in the area. The rent amount may also vary based on the tenant’s income level. Landlords cannot charge tenants with vouchers more than other tenants.
Accepting Housing Choice Vouchers offers many benefits, including:
- A new way to find tenants and fill vacant units.
- Guaranteed, on-time payment of KCHA’s share of the rent.
- Stable rent. If a tenant’s income drops, KCHA can increase its share to ensure that you continue to receive the full rent.
- Minimal paperwork. You can use your own lease and screening criteria.
- KCHA-provided inspections. Find and fix problems to help ensure your property’s resale value and make it easier to lease the unit after the tenant moves out.
You can read about the program in more detail in the Landlord Handbook.
How do I rent to people with a voucher?
Screen tenants with vouchers the same way you screen other renters. Once you agree to rent to a voucher-holder, all you have to do is fill out a few forms and make sure the unit passes a KCHA inspection. Learn more about the leasing process.
Owner liaisons
Owner liaisons work with owners, landlords, and property managers who provide rental units to tenants with Housing Choice Vouchers.
Betsy Langi
South King County
(206) 214-1327
betsyl@kcha.org
Jordan Gomez
North King County
(206) 214-1341
JordanG@kcha.org
List a property
KCHA partners with third-party websites to help people in King County find affordable homes on the private market. We refer voucher-holders to these sites when they want to search for available units. Local service providers and other housing resource agencies also direct people to the sites.