Renting Through PHA: For Owners

I receive several calls a day from prospective tenants in possession of a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) looking for 2 bedroom , 3 bedroom and 4 bedroom rental properties. The HCV program is administered by the Philadelphia Housing Authority. Formally known as Section 8, the program is designed to assist owners and tenants find each other matching the HCV unit designation with the owners property configuration, for example 2 bedroom voucher, 2 bedroom home. Owners looking to participate in this program should be aware of the following requirements.

An owner can represent themselves or have an agent act on their behalf. Many owners opt to have an agent act on their behalf to handle the paper work, appointments and inspection process associated with the program. Click on the title above for more specific information.

Generally to ensure a smooth process, owner properties should be clean and ready to move in at the time of inspection. All utilities should on and operating properly. All electrical devices should have the appropriate receptacle and switch cover plates installed. There should be on evidence of mold anywhere in the property. All first floor windows accessible to the exterior should have working locks and all exit doors should be equipped with turn style deadbolt locks (a key should not be required to exit the property in case of an emergency) Combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should be installed and working properly. Handrails should be installed along the entire length of the stairwell and securely anchored.

The owner is responsible for having an established rental policy that includes interviewing tenants and informing tenants of important requirements associated with renting their particular property. Early disclosure and clearly defined expectations are always a good way to avoid future misunderstandings. We recommend having clearly defined policies pertaining to pets, inspections, notification of damages or the need for repairs. A telephone number and an alternate telephone number should be provided should the tenant need to contact the owner. If you intend to periodically inspect the property, make the interval of the inspections known to the tenant as a part of the lease agreement. These are just a few of the responsibilities of the owner to get more information on this subject owners should also familiarize themselves with the "Fair Housing Act"