Information for HCV / Section 8 Property Owners

The Housing Authority of Racine County is looking to recruit more landlords to participate in the HCV / Section 8 program. There are many advantages to being a Section 8 landlord, you will be helping provide, quality, safe, and affordable housing choices to families in need.

The Housing Authority Racine County Choice Voucher (HCV) Program provides assistance for low income families in the private rental market through the Housing Assistance Payments Program. Rental Voucher holders select a unit from the private rental market, and are provided rental assistance -- making market-rate housing affordable. Program participants normally pay no more than 30% to 40% of monthly adjusted income towards rent and utilities. The Housing Assistance Payment subsidizes the balance of the rent to the property owner.

Contact the HARC Section 8 Program at (262)  636-3405, to have your property placed on our list of available units." Participating families look through these listings when searching a property.

If you would like to include your property on our listing and help provide decent housing for families in need, please mail this request form to:

Housing Authority of Racine County
Section 8 Division
837 Main Street
Racine, WI. 53403
 Or Fax to (262) 636-3404

Landlord's Rights & Responsibilities
Maintain property in good condition. Complete repairs within the required time frame a reasonable amount of time upon request by the housing authority or tenant. The required timeframe may be 24 hours to 30 days depending on the nature of the problem.

Set reasonable rules about use of unit and common areas.

Do not enter a unit without tenant's permission and proper notice except for emergencies or tenant requested repairs.

Collect appropriate security deposit as directed under the program and use it only as directed by state law.

Comply with equal opportunity requirements.

Enforce tenant obligations under the lease. Expect your tenant to:
- Pay rent on time
- Keep unit clean
- Avoid illegal activity
- Permit access for repairs
- Avoid damage to property
- Refrain from disturbing others
- Allow only those occupants on the lease to reside in the unit

Comply with terms and conditions of lease and HAP contract.

Take required court action to evict when tenant violates the lease.

Common Questions:

Can I collect a security deposit?
Yes. The Housing Authority prohibits security deposits in excess of private practice, or in excess of amounts charged by the owner to unassisted tenants.

What is the Term of the Lease and Contract?
The initial lease term is one year. After one year, the lease is renewed automatically on a month-to-month, basis. The tenant may vacate with proper written notice after the term of the lease expires. If the tenant remains in the unit, the tenant is recertified for eligibility and the unit is inspected for HQS compliance, at which time the landlord may request an annual adjustment rent increase which must be approved by the Housing Authority. This request must be submitted in writing to the Housing Authority and tenant 60 days prior to recertification.

Steps to Take When a Voucher Holder is Interested in Your Unit
Landlord Screens Tenants
Screen prospective tenants carefully to insure you are making a good selection. The Housing Authority is only certifying their income eligibility for the program. You may use any or all of the following screening procedures:
· Credit check
· Criminal background check
· Landlord references
· Home visits
We encourage all of the above screening methods provided you do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, country of birth, handicap or familial status. The prohibition against discrimination based on familial status makes it illegal, in most cases, to refuse to allow children to live in a residential unit.

Request Tenancy Approval
When you have selected a tenant, he/she will have a "Request for Tenancy Approval" form for you to complete. When the tenant submits the completed form to our office, a housing representative will contact you to schedule an inspection. After determining the tenants eligibility based on rent amounts, utility allowance, and current income.

Inspections and Rent
The unit will be inspected to insure that it meets HUD Housing Quality Standards. You will also be mailed a copy of the inspection repair list, if applicable.

Lease and Contract
After unit passes inspection and the rent has been approved, the landlord and tenant enter into a lease for an initial term of one year. The Housing Authority and the landlord sign a Housing Assistance Payment Contract through which the rent is assisted on behalf of the tenant.