What is the process for renting to a Section 8 participant?
- Screen applicant
- Complete and submit to THA the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA). You should receive this form from your potential tenant.
- After THA receives the completed RFTA, an inspector will contact you. If the unit is ready, THA makes every effort to schedule the inspection within 5 business days.
- After the unit passes inspection, sign the lease with the tenant; the effective date of the lease is not sooner than the date the unit passes inspection.
When will I receive payment?
Per the HAP contact, it may take 60 days to receive your first payment. However, payments are usually made sooner and will include all money owed from the pass inspection or move-in date, whichever is later.
You will be paid in the next check run after the HAP contract has been received and then on the first working day of the month thereafter. Any prorate or partial payments may be received mid-month. Paperwork for the check runs are processed approximately 5 days before payments. Pay dates are on or the first business day after the 1st, 10th, and 20th.
If a new lease begins in the middle of the month, we will prorate the rent based on a 30-day month.
You may receive the prorated amount with your first full month’s rent.
Once we get a signed HAP contract, we will release the payment in our next check run.
I filled out all the paperwork. Why am I still receiving checks? When will I receive direct deposits?
We prefer that all landlords get paid via direct deposit. Follow the instructions on the form, including a voided check.
Due to fraud, and to protect both the agent/owner and THA, THA will reach out to verify banking information, which may cause a slight delay.
I did not receive my HAP payment, what should I do?
I have not received my monthly statement, what should I do?
We send statement via email, please check your spam folder, and add to your contact list. Statements can be sent to 2 different email addresses.
Please note, you will receive an email of the monthly statement if you receive a paper check.
What are the most important items?
- Social Security Number/TIN for the owner of the property (W-9). That could be an LLC or an individual. We will verify the SSN/TIN with the IRS to ensure we are accurately reporting 1099s at year end.
- 1099s and tax information. We use track1099.com to produce our annual 1099 statements. For any 1099 that has not been electronically accessed, we will send it out in the mail.
Why does Tacoma Housing Authority request the deed, loan documents, etc.?
Per HUD requirements, we must verify ownership of the property, and all payment information must be reported on the owners 1099 to the IRS. If you have a Management Company, we can pay the management Co., once we have a copy of the management agreement.
To prevent delay, please provide the SSN/TIN matching the ownership records.
Can I sell my unit if there is a Tacoma Housing Authority participant in place?
Yes. However, prior to the sale, you must disclose the presence of the Tacoma Housing Authority participant to the new owner.
The new owner must honor the current lease agreement. After the lease agreement has expired, the new owner may ask the tenant to vacate the property. Proper notice procedures to the tenant must be observed.
The new owner is welcome to continue renting to the tenant.
You must contact for information on transferring your property to a new owner.
If you receive HAP funds after the sale of the property, you will be responsible for returning the HAP payment to Tacoma Housing Authority.
To accurately report 1099s, the funds should be returned to Tacoma Housing Authority, so we can pay the new owner.
May I increase the rent I charge my Tacoma Housing Authority tenant?
Yes, after the initial lease term has ended you may change the rent and the terms of the lease. To do so, you must submit written notification to Tacoma Housing Authority at least 60 days before the proposed effective date of the increase.
The request must be completed using our Landlord Rent Change Request form.
- Example: If you wish to increase the tenant’s rent on January 1, your written notice must be received by us no later than November 1.
If your rent increase is denied, the Housing Authority will provide you with written notice and advise you of the maximum increase that can be approved for your unit.
You will then have the option of accepting the lower amount or issuing a notice to terminate tenancy to the tenants in accordance with state and local tenancy laws.
The tenant also has the option of removing themselves from the program and paying 100% of the rent if they prefer to remain in the unit.
What if my tenant causes damages or is not following their lease or other program obligations?
The termination process can be started if a client causes damages that exceed the amount of their deposit or if the client is breaking their program obligations. Any notices to the tenant should be shared with THA. Contact THA to report any fraud.
Does THA perform move-out inspections?
No, THA does not perform move-out inspections for non-THA owned units.