Becoming a Section 8 Landlord (Seven Steps)

How do I become a Section 8 Landlord (Vendor)
In order to become a landlord on the Orlando Housing Authority's Section 8 Program, there are a few simple steps that must be followed in order to have your unit approved and your first Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) deposited into your bank account in a timely manner. We would first like to mention that the Orlando Housing Authority only makes rental subsidy payments by means of direct deposit. We would also like to mention that there is no such thing as one of our inspectors coming out to pre-approve a unit. An inspection will only be completed after STEP 4 of the process outlined below.

STEP 1 - Attend the required New Landlord Briefing.
All Landlords new to the Orlando Housing Authority's Section 8 program are required to attend the New Landlord Briefing. The New Landlord Briefing is held the second Tuesday of every month at 10:00 am via Microsoft Teams. Registration can be done by clicking the link on OHA's homepage: Landlord Briefing Registration.

STEP 2 - Complete a Property Listing Form
If a landlord wants to post a property with the Orlando Housing Authority (OHA), they must fill out a "PROPERTY LISTING FORM" available at our office. It is not a contract and does not legally bind you into renting your unit to a Section 8 client. Completing this form simply states that you are aware of the program, and if the right person contacts you, you will be willing to rent to them. After completing this form we will post it in our list of available units that is distributed to our clients who are searching for units. Most of our landlords start receiving phone calls 3 days after our list has been updated.

STEP 3 - Owner Screening for Residents
After our clients begin to contact you, you should immediately start your own screening process, including background checks. The Orlando Housing Authority (OHA) only determines that a family is eligible to receive the rental subsidy, it is up to you as the landlord to determine if this client will be the right person for your unit. If an individual approaches you and claims to be a recipient of this program, they must have a copy of a "VOUCHER" HUD form 52646 (form number is located in the lower right-hand corner of the voucher). If you are having difficulties choosing between more than one potential tenant, you may request contact information for current or previous landlord to inquire about the rent payment history, care of the unit, or violations to the Lease. This request must be submitted in writing.

STEP 4 - Owner and Resident Complete Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA)
After you have chosen your tenant, he or she will have a form called a "REQUEST FOR TENANCY APPROVAL" (RFTA). The RFTA is not a contract; it simply states that after a thorough screening on your part, you have found someone that you would like to live in your unit. This form must be completely and correctly filled out by you and the tenant to avoid a delay in the unit being inspected, which can result in a delay in your HAP payments. Common mistakes include not listing what type of unit needs to be inspected i.e. house, duplex, etc., or using an incorrect zip code on the unit to be inspected. The RFTA will be reviewed to determine if the client qualifies for the unit and if the requested rent amount is reasonable, per HUD's required rent reasonable analysis. Following this review, an initial inspection will be requested and scheduled within 5 to 14 business days.

STEP 5 - Unit Inspection and Resident Move-In
After the unit passes inspection, you and the client will be notified. All subsidy payments are made on the first day of the month following the date the unit passes inspection. OHA does not pro-rate rent. If a family moves into the unit before it passes inspection, or if the family moves into the unit after the first day of the month, then the family is responsible for the full amount of rent or pro-rated rent amount.

STEP 6 - Submit a copy of the Lease to OHA
Before you or the tenant know what the portion of rent is that the OHA will pay and what the tenant has to pay, a signed lease must be submitted to the OHA. If this is not done it may delay your first Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) payment. OHA will send you the HAP contract for you to sign and return. After receipt of the signed HAP contract and lease, you will receive an executed copy of the HAP contract with all required signatures.

STEP 7 - Documentation Required to Register as a New Landlord (Vendor)
The information required to register as a participating Landlord with OHA's Section 8 program: OHA forms: Declaration of Ownership, Authorization for Automatic Deposit, and IRS W-9 form. Additional required information: State-issued Driver's License, Social Security Card (individuals), letter from the IRS that verifies the tax identification number for your business (businesses), Recorded Deed for the property, voided check for the bank account.