January 7, 2025

The Landlord Bulletin

January 2025 Landlord Newsletter

Welcome to The Landlord Bulletin

Dear Landlords,

We are excited to introduce The Landlord Bulletin, a new quarterly newsletter designed specifically for property owners. At County Housing, we recognize the vital role you play in providing safe and affordable housing to our community, and this newsletter is part of our commitment to fostering open communication and strong partnerships with our landlords.

In each issue, you’ll find important updates, helpful resources, and valuable tips to support your success as a Housing Choice Voucher program partner. From policy changes and inspection reminders to highlights of new initiatives and best practices, The Landlord Bulletin is here to keep you informed and engaged.

We look forward to using this newsletter to strengthen our collaboration and share meaningful insights. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our shared mission of providing quality housing to those who need it most.

Sincerely,

Shannon Koenig
CEO, County Housing

Spotlight:

Summary of 2024 Property Owner Survey Findings

The results of the recent Property Owner Survey highlight significant improvements in satisfaction among landlords partnering with County Housing. Here are some key insights:

Simplified Onboarding Process: 68% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the process of becoming a landlord with County Housing is straightforward, up from 41% in 2023.
Comfort with Inspection Requirements: 70% of respondents felt comfortable with biannual property inspection requirements, compared to 62% last year.
Positive Leasing Experiences: 65% of property owners reported having positive experiences leasing to County Housing residents, a notable increase from 48% in 2023.

Staff Knowledge and Availability

63% agreed that County Housing staff are knowledgeable in assisting with their questions, up from 43% in 2023.
48% felt staff were always available to answer questions, doubling from 22% last year.

Reduced Misconceptions: Only 31% of respondents felt that misconceptions about low-income housing affect their business, down from 56% last year.

These results underscore County Housing’s progress in improving processes, communication, and overall landlord satisfaction. Thank you to all who participated in the survey as we continue to build stronger partnerships and enhance your experience.

Featured Story

Understanding Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs): What It Means for Landlords

> Read the FAQs

At County Housing, we are adopting new standards to improve how we determine rent and provide rental assistance. These changes, focused on Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs), aim to ensure residents have access to safe, affordable housing in neighborhoods that meet their needs while helping landlords achieve fair compensation that reflects local market conditions.

What Are Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs)?
SAFMRs are a more precise version of Fair Market Rents (FMRs) that focus on ZIP codes rather than larger metropolitan regions. This method accounts for rent variations in different neighborhoods and ensures that housing assistance aligns with local market trends.

Why the Shift to SAFMRs?
Adopting SAFMRs allows County Housing to provide rental assistance more in line with actual neighborhood market conditions. For landlords, this means the rental assistance amount will better reflect the rental market in your area, creating more equitable and accurate compensation.

How Do SAFMRs Benefit Landlords?
SAFMRs can increase the pool of potential renters by giving voucher holders greater flexibility in where they can live. For properties in higher-cost ZIP codes, this change may lead to higher rental assistance amounts, making your property more accessible to voucher holders. For landlords in areas with lower average rents, SAFMRs help ensure consistent leasing opportunities while preventing over-subsidization.

What This Means for Your Tenants
Residents using Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) may experience adjustments to their rental assistance amounts based on the SAFMR for your property’s ZIP code. In higher-cost areas, assistance may increase, allowing tenants to afford higher rents. In lower-cost areas, adjustments will align with actual market rates, ensuring fair and balanced housing assistance.

Preparing for the Transition
We understand that policy changes can raise questions for landlords and tenants alike. To help you navigate this transition, we’ve made resources available on our website, including detailed information and FAQs. Our team is also available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

By adopting SAFMRs, County Housing is striving to create more equitable opportunities for residents while fostering stronger partnerships with landlords. Thank you for playing an essential role in providing safe, affordable housing and for being a valued partner in this process. Together, we’re building communities where everyone has a place to call home.

A Place Called Home

Connecting Landlords with Residents

At County Housing, we believe that housing is more than just four walls and a roof – it’s the foundation where lives are built, dreams take shape, and families thrive. As a landlord, your role is pivotal in creating not just housing but homes for our residents. Together, we can make a profound impact on the lives of individuals and families in our community.

When you partner with us through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, you’re offering more than a place to live – you’re providing stability, opportunity, and hope. For many residents, your property is the place where children will grow, where milestones will be celebrated, and where a sense of belonging can flourish.

We understand that managing properties comes with challenges, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way. From answering questions to streamlining processes, we want to ensure that your experience as a landlord is as seamless and rewarding as possible. If you need assistance or have any questions, our dedicated Landlord Liaisons are here to help. You can connect with them anytime via email at landlord@countyhousing.org.

By connecting landlords with residents, we’re fostering a stronger, more vibrant community. Your partnership helps create a place where every individual has the chance to feel safe, supported, and empowered – a true place to call home.

Thank you for all that you do to make a difference. Together, we’re not just providing housing; we’re building brighter futures.

Resource Highlight:

Landlord Portal

Did you know? Our Landlord Portal is your one-stop resource for managing your properties, accessing important documents, and staying up to date with County Housing news. Log in today to explore the latest tools and resources designed to make your job easier.

Important Information About the Landlord Portal
The County Housing Landlord Portal is a valuable tool for managing your properties and staying up to date on important information. Here are a few key things to know about using the portal effectively:

Portal Access: If new or existing landlords are locked out of the portal, it will automatically unlock within 30 minutes. You can reset and create a new password if needed.
Access Frequency: We recommend accessing the portal regularly – once a week, bi-weekly, or at least once a month to stay informed. Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity, as it may cause login issues or outdated information.
Inspection Reports: Inspection reports are uploaded to the portal within 24 hours, allowing you to quickly view whether an inspection has passed or failed.
Adding New Properties: The portal does not currently allow landlords to add new properties directly. To advertise a property, please contact a Landlord Liaison for instructions.
Caseworker Updates: If a tenant is assigned a new caseworker, the portal will update with this information within 30 days.
Forms Submission: The portal is not designed for submitting rent increase requests or change of ownership forms. To obtain and submit these forms:

Visit the County Housing website at countyhousing.org.
Go to Quick Links and select Landlords.
Under Key Files and Forms, print the required forms:
- Rent Increase Request: Email completed form to rent@countyhousing.org.
- Change of Ownership Form, W-9, and Direct Deposit Form: Email these to landlord@countyhousing.org.

By staying proactive and informed, you can make the most of the portal’s features to manage your properties efficiently. For further assistance, reach out to the Landlord Liaison team.

> Access the Portal

Preparing for NSPIRE:

What Landlords Need to Know

Starting October 1, 2025, County Housing will transition to NSPIRE (National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate) for Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) inspections. As a landlord, it’s important to stay informed about this change and how it may impact your rental properties.

What Is NSPIRE?
NSPIRE is a new inspection protocol developed by HUD to ensure rental properties meet consistent, high-quality standards for safety and livability. It simplifies inspection criteria while emphasizing the conditions that most directly affect the health and safety of residents.

Why the Change?
NSPIRE replaces the current Housing Quality Standards (HQS) to streamline the inspection process and better align it with modern housing standards. The goal is to improve the quality of housing available through the HCV program.

Start Preparing Early:
- Review the NSPIRE Checklist available on HUD’s website. This resource provides detailed guidance on what inspectors will be evaluating.
- Consider using the checklist as a tool to perform self-inspections of your units to ensure compliance.
Stay Updated:
- While the effective date for NSPIRE implementation is October 1, 2025, HUD may revise the standards or timeline before then.
- Regularly check HUD’s website or contact our team for updates on the final standards and timelines.

Support Is Available
County Housing is committed to helping you navigate this transition. Over the coming months, we’ll provide additional resources and updates to ensure you’re fully prepared.

If you have questions or need further information, visit HUD’s NSPIRE webpage or reach out to our office. Together, we can ensure this transition is smooth and beneficial for everyone involved.

Thank you for your partnership in providing safe, quality housing to our community!

Upcoming HUD Webinar for Landlords: Understanding NSPIRE for Vouchers

We are excited to share an important opportunity for our valued landlords! On February 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will host a webinar specifically for landlords. This session will provide crucial insights into the new NSPIRE standards, essential for those participating in the Housing Choice Vouchers Program.

Webinar Details:

Date: February 26, 2025; 1-3 p.m. CT
Audience: Landlords, Public Housing Agencies (PHAs), maintenance staff, inspectors, and industry professionals
Registration: No advance registration required
Access: Information will be available on the Housing Choice Vouchers Program Trainings and Resources page. Sessions and presentation materials will be recorded and posted on the Past Trainings and Webinar page.

What You’ll Learn:

New NSPIRE standards for landlords
Key differences between HQS and NSPIRE
Deficiency types and correction timelines
Common deficiencies and how to address them
Best practices for compliance
Live Q&A session and more

This webinar is a great opportunity to get up to date on the latest standards and practices, ensuring smooth compliance and enhancing your understanding of the new requirements. We encourage all landlords to attend and take advantage of this valuable resource.

Stay informed and prepared; don’t miss this insightful session!

Ensuring Timely Payment Processing:

The Importance of Updating Move-Outs and Banking Information

To ensure payments are processed efficiently and accurately, it is crucial for landlords to promptly communicate any changes related to tenant move-outs or banking information. These updates help avoid delays and ensure that payments are directed correctly.

Why Timely Updates Are Essential
When landlords delay notifying County Housing about tenant move-outs or banking changes, it can lead to:

Payments being issued to outdated accounts or incorrect recipients.
Additional delays as payments may need to be voided and reissued, which can extend the processing time.

How Landlords Can Help
To help ensure smooth and timely processing, landlords should:

Report Move-Outs: Notify the tenant’s Caseworker immediately when a tenant moves out of the property.
Update Banking Information: Log into the Rentcafe portal to update any changes to your banking details (EFT information).

By keeping County Housing informed about these changes, landlords can avoid payment disruptions and ensure their payments are processed without delay.

For any questions or assistance, landlords are encouraged to reach out to the tenant’s Caseworker directly. Your cooperation in keeping us updated is greatly appreciated!

The Landlord Bulletin

January 2025 Landlord Newsletter

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