VHA targets landlords with new incentive program

The Vancouver Housing Authority (VHA) Board of Commissioners has authorized a new policy to pay $100 dollars for each new tenant with a Section 8 voucher that landlords accept by signing a contract with VHA.

The new policy was enacted late last month to counteract the perception that an applicant with a voucher from the housing authority represents extra paperwork and delays for landlords.

“We are offering the incentive to offset the financial impact of renting to Section 8 voucher holders,” explained VHA Executive Director Roy Johnson. “The idea for the incentives actually came from landlords.”

The incentive is a one-time payment, only available with newly-issued vouchers. According to the new policy, the incentive is only available when rental vacancy rates are below 5 percent. The incentive program was effective September 24, 2015. It is expected that over the next year the program will cost the VHA approximately $40,000, based on current rental activity.

The VHA administers approximately 2,600 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in Clark County to make rent affordable for low-income households. Approximately 680 landlords rent to Section 8 voucher holders.

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