The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, also commonly known as Section 8, helps eligible individuals and families rent housing in the private market. Through this program, tenants pay a portion of their income toward rent, generally around 30% and Homes for Good pays the remaining portion directly to the landlord each month.
You and the HCV applicant must complete and sign a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) form that is provided to the voucher holder. Once submitted, Homes for Good will review the RTA. If approved we also require a copy of the lease, payee information, lead-based paint disclosure (if applicable), and occasionally additional certifications provided by Homes for Good such as water heater or gas fireplace, etc.
After you and the tenant submit the Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA), Homes for Good processes requests in the order received. Typically, within 5–10 business days. If approved, an inspection is scheduled. Once the unit passes inspection, we’ll request a copy of the lease agreement either month to month or a year lease. Once we receive this information, we will send you the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract and any needed forms. When all documents are returned and processed, our Finance team issues payment, prorated to the official subsidy start date listed in the HAP contract.
Before assistance can begin, the unit must pass an inspection to ensure it meets basic health and safety standards. The inspection is based on HUD (federal) standards and can differ from local codes. Inspectors look for working smoke/CO detectors, secure windows/doors, safe plumbing/electrical, and no peeling paint or hazards. Homes for Good will also inspect the unit periodically to confirm it continues to meet these requirements.
There isn’t a single set maximum rent amount. Instead, Homes for Good considers several factors to determine whether the rental amount can be approved:
- The tenant’s income, they usually pay 30–40% of income toward rent and utilities.
- Whether the rent is Rent Reasonable when compared to similar unassisted units in the area. We cannot approve a rent that is higher than what the local market supports.
- Homes for Good uses HUD-approved “Payment Standards” for each unit size (number of bedrooms). The payment standard is not a rent cap, but it acts as a guideline for the maximum subsidy amount.
- If the rent meets these requirements, Homes for Good may approve it.
Yes, please provide Homes for Good with a copy of the written rent increase notice that was issued to the tenant, at least 60 days before the increase goes into effect.
Ensure the increase is effective on the first of a month and have the rent rounded to the nearest dollar, no cents. All rent increases must be HUD Rent Reasonable compared to similar units.
More information can be found on our website: HomesForGood.org → Opportunities → Owners and Landlords → Downloads & Resources → Rent Increase Flyer
Homes for Good offers a Landlord Portal to view tenants Housing Assistance Payment ledgers, track inspection information, much more! Contact the Landlord and Community Relations Specialist at landlordliaison@homesforgood.org or call (541) 682-2602 to register for the Landlord Portal.Inspectors look for working smoke/CO detectors, secure windows/doors, safe plumbing/electrical, and no peeling paint or hazards. Homes for Good will also inspect the unit periodically to confirm it continues to meet these requirements.
