Landlords

The THA administers 100 Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program vouchers within the Davidson County. The HCV program is the federal government's major program for assisting low to moderate income households with rental subsidies to secure affordable housing in the private market. Voucher holders typically pay between 30% and 40% of their adjusted annual household income towards housing costs, and THA provides a subsidy that generally represents the difference between the tenant share and the gross contract rent (rent plus utilities).

The rental subsidy, called a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), is paid directly to the landlord by the THA on behalf of the participating family.  This payment is subject to limitations imposed by THA's payment standards and rent reasonableness for comparable properties within the area. Payment standards are based upon fair market rents (FMRs) established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The family pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.

Under certain circumstances, a family may use its voucher to purchase a modest home.

THA continues to issue vouchers from the waiting list and seek new landlords that are providing affordable housing that meets HUD's Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspections. 

There are great benefits to landlords that participate in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program:

• Long-term tenants - reduced turnover. Majority of assisted tenants remain in the same unit for several years. Quality affordable housing leads to a more stable rental history and reduced turnover expense.
• Extensive pool of prospective tenants. Vacancy listings on our website and NCHousingSearch.org reach hundreds of renters, both assisted and unassisted.
• YOU choose your tenants. Landlords have full discretion in tenant selection within the guidelines of the Fair Housing Act.
• Timely and guaranteed subsidy payments. Housing Assistance Payments are disbursed via direct deposit into your bank account.
• Protection against tenants' loss of income. If your tenant experiences a decrease in his/her household income, the assistance increases so the tenant can afford to stay in your rental unit.
• Help maintain your asset. Initial and annual inspections ensure the property meets basic standards for quality housing.
• Personal satisfaction of providing decent, affordable housing.  Quality affordable housing has been shown to have a significant positive effect on the health and educational outcomes of its residents. By maintaining your property, managing it well, and making it affordable, you contribute to the well-being of our community.

The THA is committed to the professional administration of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and to a mutually beneficial partnership with area landlords.

Please call 336.475.6137 for additional information or visit our FAQ page.

Notice to Landlords

1. It is the owner's responsibility to screen applicants prior to approval to lease. The screening process may include credit and criminal reports, previous landlord references, and home visits.

2. Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) must be completed in its entirety. The type of utility must be indicated, whether gas, electric, oil, etc. and who is going to "provide" and who will "pay" for the utility. In addition, it is now MANDATORY that you now complete the "DATE UNIT BUILT" section.

3. Owners may use their own lease and this should be the same as that used for unassisted tenants. In order for the lease to meet HUD guidelines, at a minimum, the following information is required:

1. Names of Lessor (owner) and Lessee (tenant)
2. Unit address
3. Term of the lease and subsequent provisions for renewal after the end of the initial term
4. Amount of monthly rent to the owner
5. Specification of what utilities and appliances the owner will provide what are tenant's responsibilities

4. Units must pass inspection before housing subsidy can begin. No payments can be made on a unit that does not pass HQS.

5. THA should be copied on all correspondence with the tenant, especially those relating to tenant damage or non-payment of rent.

6. Request for rent increases should be submitted in writing at least 60 days prior to the tenant's anniversary date.