How to List Your Property on Section 8: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Contact Your Local Housing Authority

The first step is contacting the housing authority that administers the Housing Choice Voucher program in your area.

Montgomery, AL: Montgomery Housing Authority — (334) 206-7100 — mhatoday.org St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Housing Authority — (314) 535-3100 — slha.org

Register as a participating landlord and obtain information about the housing authority's specific requirements, payment standards, and RFTA process. Many housing authorities have online landlord portals where you can register and list properties.

Step 2: Prepare Your Property for HQS Compliance

Before listing, ensure your property meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards. Key requirements:

• —Working smoke detectors on every level and outside every sleeping area
  • —GFCI outlets within 6 feet of water sources
    • —All windows open, close, and lock properly
      • —Heating system capable of maintaining 68°F
        • —Hot and cold running water at all fixtures
          • —No electrical hazards
            • —No structural deficiencies
              • —For pre-1978 properties: no deteriorated paint

                Iron Key Management can conduct a pre-listing HQS assessment to identify any issues before you begin marketing.

Step 3: List Your Property

List your property on channels where Section 8 tenants search:

• —Housing authority landlord portal (contact your local housing authority)
  • —AffordableHousing.com
    • —GoSection8.com
      • —HousingList.com
        • —Local community networks

          Your listing should include: accurate bedroom count, square footage, rent amount, utilities included, and a clear statement that you accept Section 8 vouchers.

Step 4: Screen Applicants and Select a Tenant

Screen Section 8 applicants using your standard criteria plus Section 8-specific checks:

• —Background and criminal history check
  • —Rental history verification
    • —Voucher verification (confirm the voucher is valid and the bedroom size matches)
      • —Housing authority compliance history

        Select the best qualified applicant and notify them of your decision.

Step 5: Submit the RFTA Packet

Work with the selected tenant to complete and submit the RFTA packet to the housing authority. The packet includes the HUD-52517 form, rent reasonableness documentation, proposed lease, and any required addenda.

The housing authority will review the packet, conduct a rent reasonableness analysis, and schedule the HUD inspection.

Step 6: Pass the HUD Inspection

The housing authority will schedule a HQS inspection of your property. Ensure the property is in full HQS compliance before the inspection date. After a successful inspection, the housing authority will approve the tenancy and begin processing the HAP contract.

Step 7: Execute the Lease and Begin Receiving Rent

Execute the lease with the tenant and the HAP contract with the housing authority. Set up direct deposit for HAP payments. The housing authority's portion of the rent will begin arriving via direct deposit on the 1st of each month.