Request for Tenancy Approval
Property managers must complete a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) prior to leasing a rental unit to a tenant with a voucher.
Complete and submit the RFTA application
All owners/landlords must complete an RFTA Form (PDF) and submit it to the RFTA portal. Do not write "ON FILE" on any part of the form.
In some cases you may also need to submit additional forms.
If you are a new owner/landlord in KCHA's voucher program:
- Fill out and submit the Direct Deposit Form. Email rfta@kcha.org to request a copy of the form. Attach a voided check, deposit slip, or bank statement with the bank account and routing information visible.
- Fill out and submit the W9 Form (PDF).
If you are an existing owner/landlord and your banking or tax information has changed:
- Fill out and submit the Direct Deposit Form. Email S8Landlord@kcha.org to request a copy of the form. Attach a voided check, deposit slip, or bank statement with the bank account and routing information visible.
- Fill out and submit the W9 Form (PDF).
If your rental unit was built before 1978:
- Complete the checkboxes for lead-based paint on the RFTA Request Form.
- You and the tenant must sign the Lead Based Paint Disclosure Form (PDF). Submit this form with the RFTA Request Form
- Provide your tenant the EPA Lead Pamphlet (PDF). The tenant must acknowledge receipt of the pamphlet.
Complete all the forms in their entirety. Any missing information will cause delays in processing.
Once you complete all necessary forms, submit them through the online RFTA Request Portal. When we receive your request, we will send you a confirmation email. If you do not receive a follow up email within three business days, please email rfta@kcha.org to check the status of your request.
RFTA Submission Portal
If you would prefer to print the forms, you can 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
Hours of operation:
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Can’t I just email KCHA these forms?
We ask that you don't email these forms to us. Email is not secure, and these forms contain personally identifiable information. Please use the RFTA form linked above.
After I submit the RFTA form, what's next?
KCHA staff will review your RFTA for eligibility and forward it to a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspector to coordinate the inspection with person you've designated as the property contact.
The Inspector will reach out within 2-7 business days of receiving the RFTA to schedule the inspection. Inspections are scheduled Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
The Inspector will work directly with the property contact to coordinate the inspection. The tenant should communicate with the property manager regarding the scheduling and outcome of the inspection.
To see what our inspectors look for in an inspection, refer to our Inspection Checklist (PDF).
Can the tenant move in before the unit passes inspection?
KCHA discourages this. If a voucher holder moves into a unit before it passes an inspection, they will be responsible for the entire contract rent. Also, the unit may not meet Housing Quality Standards, it may not be a legal dwelling unit, the rent may be too high, or it may not qualify for other reasons. If the unit does not qualify, KCHA cannot provide a subsidy.
How do I get paid?
Once you receive the Unit Passed Inspection form from the Inspector, send a copy of the signed Lease Agreement to KCHA as soon as possible.
After reviewing the Lease Agreement, KCHA will send you a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract for your signature(s).
The HAP Contract must be executed within 60 days of the start date listed on the Lease Agreement. Per federal regulations, KCHA will void the HAP Contract and will be unable to pay any subsidy on behalf of the voucher holder if the 60-day deadline passes (24 CFR 982.305(c)).
I have more questions about the RFTA process
If you need training or help, please contact the Owner Liaisons at ownerliaisons@kcha.org. For other questions about the Request for Tenancy Approval process, contact us at rfta@kcha.org or (206) 214-1349.