Landlord Questions

It depends on whether there are any additional approved family members in the assisted unit. Unless there is, at least, one remaining family member, the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract terminates automatically on the death of a single-member household, including one with a live-in aide.  Any pre-paid HAP Contract payment beyond the contract termination date … Read More: My Section 8 tenant just died. What happens to the HAP Contract?

Why do I need to submit a W-9 or W-9 substitute for owner and payee? For 1099 reporting purposes, the IRS requires HACA to have a W-9 on file for every HACA vendor and payee.  If the owner is not the payee, we need the owner information, including tax identification number, in case there is … Read More: Dear HACA Accounting Department…

Participating landlords tell us that one of the most popular benefits of the Section 8 HCVP is guaranteed, on-time payment.  HACA submits its share of the tenant’s rent, via direct deposit or mail, on the last business day of each month (payment for the 1st of the following month). Often, this is the lion’s share of the rent.  … Read More: How do I get paid?

Initially, you and the prospective tenant complete a Request for Tenancy Approval form, which indicates the address of the unit, the utilities the tenant pays, and the proposed monthly rent. You and tenant also negotiate and execute a lease agreement. After the Housing Authority (HACA) inspects the unit, you’ll sign a contract with the Housing … Read More: How much paperwork is there?

Yes, but the Section 8 Program only subsidizes the rental unit, itself.  The tenant can, separately, contract with the owner for the furniture rental.

No. You may rent to anyone you wish, provided you don’t not discriminate as prohibited by California law1. It’s wise to screen all prospective tenants for credit worthiness and suitability, and HACA recommends that you do so for all prospective Section 8 tenants.  (HACA is not permitted to screen prospective Section 8 tenants for credit worthiness or suitability. HACA … Read More: Do I have to lease to anyone with a Section 8 voucher?

After the initial lease term, you can get a rent increase provided that the new rent is comparable to similar units in your area and you have given HACA sixty-days advance notice in writing.  Your Housing Services Representative will help you through the process.  Please note that for existing tenants, changes in HACA’s payment standards … Read More: What about rent increases?

Yes.  As long as you follow California (and any local) eviction laws, you can evict a Section 8 tenant, as you would any other tenant, for non-payment of rent or other serious or repeated lease violation.  You must also advise the Housing Authority (HACA) at the beginning of the eviction process by submitting a copy of … Read More: Can I evict a Section 8 tenant?

Locate the Housing Specialist responsible for the area where your unit is located by  clicking “Contacts/Directions” or call HACA at (510) 538-8876.  If you call, explain that you’re a landlord and that you want to know more about the Section 8 Program.  Tell the receptionist the location of the unit and ask to speak with … Read More: What if I have more questions?