Landlords are very important for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. We appreciate their participation because without them, we would not be able to effectively serve our community.
The landlord should screen a Section 8 client the same as any other tenant. This includes verifying all application information on their application and conduct a thorough background check. Once the landlord decides the client would be a good tenant for the unit, both the landlord and client fill out the Request for Tenancy Approval. This RFTA is submitted to the Marquette Housing Commission along with W9, Lead Based Paint form, and the Landlord Certification to start the lease-up process.
The landlord may use their own lease. The MHC then determines if the client is income-eligible for the unit. The client may not pay more than 40% of their adjusted monthly income toward the initial rent and utilities for the unit if the gross rent of the unit exceeds the applicable payment standard.
Once the RFTA is approved and the unit rental amount meets the rent reasonableness, MHC will contact the landlord to schedule an inspection. The unit must pass HQS requirements. When the unit passes inspection, the lease and HAP contract are both signed by the landlord and the tenant. These documents are both given to the MHC, which ensures the HAP check will be issued within 60 days from the effective date. The program also has direct deposit available for the HAP checks.
MHC will not make a payment until the HAP contract is signed. New tenants should not move in until the HAP contract is signed.
At the end of the lease term, if the landlord or the tenant wants to terminate the lease, proper written notice must be given as stated in the lease. A copy of the termination notice must be given to the MHC.