Information for Landlords
The Area Housing Authority is a federally funded, non-profit, public agency serving the cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Thousand Oaks, and Simi Valley and the Unincorporated areas of the County. We administer a rental subsidy program called the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Program participants must find their own place to rent from a landlord or property management company and use the Voucher to pay for part of the rent. Without the participation of caring landlords, families can experience difficulty finding a decent place to live.
The Housing Authority team understands that a cooperative partnership with local landlords is critical to the success of our goal to provide decent, safe and affordable housing to low and moderate income families. The Housing Authority continually seeks out new owners and property management companies to participate in the Voucher Program. Please contact Section 8 Landlord Helpline with any questions: 805-480-9991, ext. 895 or landlords@ahacv.org
What is the Housing Choice Voucher program?
The Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8, is a rent-assistance program subsidized by the federal government. The Area Housing Authority administers this program for properties located in the cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and unincorporated areas of the county.
How does the program work?
The program allows low-income tenants to rent market-rate apartments, houses, or other multi-family units from private landlords. Tenants pay between 30 and 40 percent of their household’s income towards rent and utilities; Area Housing Authority pays the difference directly to the landlord. Because tenants always pay a percentage of their income, instead of a fixed amount, their home remains affordable to them even if their income decreases.
Please refer to the Six Easy Steps to Leasing to Section 8 Tenants for more insight and information.
What is the role of the Area Housing Authority?
The Area Housing Authority pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord and ensures the unit meets Housing Quality Standards. AHA is also responsible for making sure tenants follow the program rules and remain eligible for the program. Landlords are responsible for enforcing the lease just as they would with any other tenant. Both landlords and tenants have the rights and responsibilities set out under The Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. 3601
How do I join the Section 8 Program as a landlord?
Landlords do not need to sign up to participate; they become participants just by agreeing to rent to a Voucher-holder. The best way to get started is to list your vacant unit or units on the Rental Listing form. Once a Voucher-holder wants to rent your unit, you will receive all the necessary information and forms you need to get started.
Key Benefits for Section 8 Landlords
Video Transcript
Gail Anderson: Hello, I’m Gail Anderson with information about the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and landlord benefits.
Affordable housing is a national crisis, and this community is not immune. Here’s how you can help: the Section 8 Housing Voucher program provides landlords an opportunity to maintain the profitability of their rental property. To avoid problem tenants, it’s important you take time to screen all applicants to make sure you’re placing suitable individuals or families. Check references, run a credit check, and verify employment.
The HCV program will guarantee landlord rental payments, provide additional property advertising, offer comparable rents, and help the community while still generating reliable income. The Housing Choice Voucher program is a federally funded government initiative requiring registration at the start of the lease.
You have the right to screen voucher tenants just as you would any other applicant. Also, you have the right to evict voucher holders for just cause as you would any other tenant. The government will subsidize the rent by depositing rent payments each month directly to you, the landlord, electronically. The tenant is responsible for the balance based on a percentage of their annual income.
Now, as rental rates increase in your area, you can also raise rates annually in accordance with your local housing regulations. This program encourages HCV tenants to have a vested interest in maintaining your property, because failure to do so could result in losing this benefit. Housing Choice Voucher tenants, on average, offer more stability and rent for longer terms.
In order to qualify, you need to register with your local housing authority, and then your rental unit will need to be inspected for Housing Quality Standards. Now, this is not a code inspection; the inspection is to make sure your home is safe and sanitary.
As a participating landlord in the Housing Choice Voucher program, you will receive guaranteed payments, additional advertising for your property, comparable rents, greater tenant retention, and you will make a positive contribution to the community. Contact your local public housing authority. You can find their contact information by visiting hud.gov and searching for public housing authorities. Thank you.