County Housing offices will be closed for the holiday week from noon on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. We will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Public Housing Maintenance Emergencies:
Please call (314) 492-3811 for assistance during the closure.

HCV Residents:
For inspection emergencies, first, contact your landlord. If the issue remains unresolved, please call (314) 227-3165.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Landlords

County Housing relies on dependable landlords to help house people in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. The HCV program offers several benefits to landlords, including guaranteed rental income, a broader pool of potential tenants, and support from County Housing.

Become a Landlord

Please click on the Landlord Interest Form below to begin the process of becoming landlord in the HCV program. Also, learn more about becoming a landlord by contacting County Housing’s landlord liaison at (314) 428-3200.

Landlord Interest Form
Rules and Responsibilities
Landlord Rights
Inspections
Documents
A Good Lease
Report Fraud
Landlord Portal/RentCafe

Why work with County Housing

  • While earning rental income, our landlords help low-income elderly, disabled, and veteran households, as well as families with children, by providing affordable housing. More than 50% of vouchers in the country serve elderly or disabled families. About 45% assist single-parent families.
  • The HCV program ensures a regular and timely rental payment schedule, providing landlords with a reliable income source. The government subsidizes a portion of the tenant’s rent, reducing the risk of late or missed payments
  • If an HCV tenant’s income permanently changes, the portion of the rent paid by the housing authority and the tenant is adjusted to reflect the change—protecting landlords if a tenant’s income decreases.
  • Compliant landlords may request a rent increase at the annual anniversary of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract.
  • Participating in the HCV program often lowers vacancy rates as there is a high demand for rental units from voucher holders.

Watch the videos below to learn more about becoming a landlord and the HCV Program.

Myths of renting to Housing Choice Voucher residents

Myth 1: Landlords can’t charge HCV participants the same rent as non-HCV tenants.

False: Landlords can charge the full rent no matter who the tenant is. The housing authority must determine that the proposed rent is reasonable and is not higher than units in that area with similar amenities.

MYTH 2: HCV Voucher tenants are problem tenants.

False: HCV tenants are typically long-term tenants, living in a unit for 7-8 years on average. There are no documented statistics showing that HCV participants are any more likely to damage units or not pay rent than regular tenants. Landlords use their own screening criteria and should screen HCV tenants as they would any other to avoid problem tenants.

MYTH 3: It is almost impossible to evict an HCV tenant when they violate the lease.

False: HCV tenants are bound by the terms of their rental agreements and are subject to eviction, as is any non-HCV tenant.

MYTH 4: If you accept one HCV program tenant, then all of your units must be rented to HCV program tenants.

False: Renting units to HCV tenants does not obligate you to rent to other HCV tenants. For each vacancy, you should follow your established policies for screening prospective tenants.

How to become a landlord in the Housing Choice Voucher program

1

SUBMIT INTEREST FORM

Fill out the Landlord Interest Form and submit to County Housing.

2

Select a tenant

County Housing admits eligible families to our HCV program. As the landlord, you select and approve one of these voucher holders based on your own rental criteria, then fill out the voucher holder’s Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) (also referred to as the landlord packet). County Housing must determine that your proposed rent is reasonable compared to similar units in the market and not higher than those paid by unassisted tenants on the premises.

3

Ensure minimum standards

Make sure your housing meets minimum standards.

4

Initial inspection

County Housing’s inspections team will conduct an initial inspection of your unit to ensure that it meets all HUD requirements. Inspectors will check the following:

  • Sanitary facilities
  • Food preparation and trash disposal
  • Space and security
  • Thermal environment
  • Illumination and electricity
  • Structure and materials
  • Interior air quality
  • Water supply
  • Lead-based paint
  • Access
  • Site and neighborhood
  • Sanitary conditions
  • Smoke detectors

5

Sign and rent

Sign lease with tenant and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with County Housing, and start receiving payments.

Once you and the tenant sign a lease and you submit the signed lease to us, you will receive a HAP contract to sign. Once the HAP contract between you and County Housing is executed, you will begin to receive monthly HAPs from County Housing and the remainder of the rent payment from the tenant.

Key Files and Forms

W-9

Direct Deposit 
for Housing 
Choice Voucher

Rent Increase Request

Change of Owner Information Form

Lease-Up Process for Landlords

Low-Rise Utility Allowance Schedule

Row House Utility Allowance Schedule

Semi-Detached House Utility Allowance Schedule

Single Family House Utility Allowance Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

The HCV program offers several benefits to landlords, including guaranteed rental income, a broader pool of potential tenants, and support from County Housing. To become a participating landlord in the HCV program, you can contact County Housing’s landlord liaisons by calling (314) 428-3200.

To get the process started, please complete the Landlord Interest Form. Once your information is received, our staff will reach out to you to complete your onboarding.

Generally, tenants must meet income guidelines, pass background checks, and comply with program rules.

Rent is determined through a formula that takes into account the family’s income and local market conditions. Landlords can discuss rent with County Housing’s Market Analyst who sets the rents by calling (314) 428-3200.

County Housing is responsible for processing their portion of rent payments and ensuring they are made on time. Landlords will receive monthly payments directly from County Housing.

Units must meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) standards to ensure they are safe and habitable. County Housing conducts inspections to ensure compliance. You can learn more about inspection standards here.

If a tenant’s income changes, it may impact the amount they contribute to rent. County Housing should be notified of income changes to make the appropriate adjustments.

Landlords are responsible for property maintenance and repairs, while tenants are responsible for following the lease terms and paying rent on time.

Yes, you can request a rental increase by filling out the Rent Increase Request Form. Our market analyst will review the request and notify you of the outcome. Note that any rental increases must comply with program rules, and proper notice must be given to tenants.

Ending a lease or evicting a tenant follows standard legal procedures. Consult with legal counsel if you need to take these steps and keep County Housing informed of your decision. Any eviction documentation should be submitted to County Housing.

Please contact us at (314) 428-3200 and ask to speak to the RFTA clerk for questions about the status or details of your packet.

Your rights and obligations are outlined in the lease agreement, which should comply with local landlord-tenant laws. As a property owner, it is essential to be aware of both to ensure a successful tenancy.

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