Leasing process
Once KCHA determines a tenant is eligible, the landlord will screen them, submit required forms, and get the rent amount approved before they can move in.
Overview of the leasing process
After KCHA determines eligibility, a potential tenant may begin looking for a place to rent. Before they can move into one of your units, you must screen the tenant, submit four forms, and have KCHA approve the rent amount. After the unit passes a KCHA inspection, you must also fill out a move-in checklist and sign the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract.
Tenant screening
KCHA screens tenants for program eligibility and minimal criminal history. You can also screen them using your regular screening tools, and KCHA can usually provide contact information for the tenant’s last landlord. If you charge a screening fee, it must be the same as what you charge all other potential renters.
Tenancy Approval Forms
If the tenant meets your screening criteria, then fill out the forms given to you by KCHA:
- Request for Tenancy Approval
- Housing Choice Voucher Landlord Certification
- Taxpayer Identification Number Request
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
All forms can be found and submitted through the RFTA submission portal. You can also print the forms and return them to KCHA in person, or by mail or fax to:
KCHA Section 8 – Attn: RFTA
700 Andover Park W
Tukwila, WA, 98188
Fax: (206) 902-9850
Rent approval
The unit’s rent must pass two tests for the first lease:
- The rent compares to similar units in the area.
- The tenant’s share does not exceed 40 percent of their monthly income.
KCHA will schedule the unit for inspection if the rent meets these criteria. If it does not, we will ask you to negotiate a lower rent. If you choose not to change the rent, the unit will not be eligible for the program, and the individual or family will have to look elsewhere. KCHA does not allow side deals where you ask the tenant to pay more than the rent amount listed on the lease.
Inspection
KCHA must inspect the unit to make sure it meets standards set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If the unit does not pass inspection, you must fix all failed items before the tenant moves in. Learn more about inspections and lead-based paint regulations.
Move-in checklist
State law requires you and the tenant to fill out a move-in checklist. This report details the condition of the unit before the tenant moves in. You must provide a copy of the report to the tenant.
Lease and contract
KCHA must receive signed copies of the lease and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract before starting payment. If you have a standard lease for all tenants, you may use it along with a lease addendum required by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
KCHA issues its first payment one to three weeks after receiving the signed lease and contract. After that, we issue payments no later than the fifth working day of the month. You can be paid by check or direct deposit.
Changing the lease and contract
Learn more about requesting rent changes.
Other requirements
These state and federal laws also affect you and your tenants:
FAQs about the leasing process
Yes, but KCHA should be a part of concessions that involve money. (For example, one month’s free rent will be pro-rated over the 12-month lease term.) A tangible concession, such as a free microwave, goes directly to the tenant.
Yes, but KCHA must inspect the new unit before the tenant moves in. The tenant should also contact their housing specialist to set up a moving appointment.
Yes. Every new unit requires a 12-month lease.
Yes, but the person must meet one of four criteria. They must be:
- Related to the head of household by blood.
- Legally adopted, with court custody papers.
- The spouse or domestic partner of the head of household.
- Disabled, with verification of their disability status and income.
KCHA must approve any person before a landlord adds them to the tenant’s lease. We will verify their relationship to the tenant and run a background check. KCHA will also confirm their income and citizenship. Adding anyone to the lease requires the landlord’s written approval.
Yes. However, prior to the sale, you must disclose the presence of the voucher tenant to the new owner. If the tenant has lived in the unit for less than 12 months, the new owner must continue the lease with the tenant through the end of the 12-month term. If the sale takes place after the first 12 months, the new owner may ask the tenant to vacate the property. Proper notice procedures to the tenant must be observed. Of course, the new owner is welcome to continue renting to the tenant. If you do sell your property with a voucher tenant who will continue tenancy, you must contact S8landlord@kcha.org or call the main office at 206-214-1300 for information on transferring your property to a new owner.