How to Become a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Landlord
Partnering with the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program allows landlords to provide stable housing while receiving consistent rental payments. By renting to an HCV participant, the landlord plays a direct role in addressing affordable housing needs in our community.
Landlords benefit from participation:
Receiving consistent, on-time rent payments
Filling vacancies
List your rental
Inspections (HQS)
Partnering with a program that supports stable tenancy
How to become a landlord:
1. List Your Available Unit
You can list your available rental on our Housing Referral Listing. Make sure to include:
Verification of ownership
Property address and contact info
Monthly rent amount
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Special features or accessibility information
2. Screen and Select a Tenant
You screen and approve the tenant just like you would in the private market. The tenant must have a valid Housing Choice Voucher and must meet your rental criteria (e.g., credit check, background, etc.).
Note: You cannot charge more than the approved rent or request side payments outside of the lease agreement.
3. Complete the Paperwork
After you and the tenant agree to move forward, you'll complete the following:
Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA)
W-9 form and landlord documentation
Lease agreement (between you and the tenant)
Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract (between you and the housing authority)
4. Schedule and Pass the Inspection
A housing inspector will visit the unit to ensure it meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS). Some common inspection items include:
Working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide
Functional plumbing and electrical
Safe flooring, windows, doors, and locks
If the unit passes inspection, the lease and HAP contract can begin. If repairs are needed, you’ll have the opportunity to make corrections and schedule a re-inspection.
5. Receive Monthly Payments
Once approved:
The housing authority will begin making the monthly housing assistance payments directly to the landlord.
The tenant will pay their share of the rent directly to you as outlined in the rent breakdown and Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract.
Landlord Responsibilities
As an HCV landlord, you must:
Maintain the unit in accordance with HUD’s housing quality standards
Comply with the terms of the lease and HAP contract
Notify the housing authority of changes in rent, ownership, or tenancy
Work cooperatively with the housing authority and tenant
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I raise the rent?
Yes, but any rent increase must be requested in writing and approved by the housing authority in advance.
Q: What happens if the tenant damages the unit?
You can take the same legal action you would for any private tenant, including the use of a security deposit or formal eviction (if necessary).
Q: How long is the lease term?
The lease is for one year. After that, it generally converts to a month-to-month.
Ready to Get Started?
To learn more or list your unit, contact:
Imperial Valley Housing Authority
Phone: (760) 351-7000 ext. 101
Email: reception@ivha.org