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Becoming a Section 8 Landlord
Portsmouth Housing’s Housing Choice Voucher program (typically referred to as “Section 8” ) provides housing assistance payments on behalf of qualified renters to over 160 landlords in the region. This HCV program provides direct cash subsidies to landlords of rental properties in exchange for a promise to rent to people with low incomes and a promise to meet Housing Quality Standards which will be certified by Portsmouth Housing inspectors. Area landlords benefit from this program by having a reliable pool of tenants and assurance that Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) will be paid on-time every month. To learn how to become a landlord who participates in the program, call our HCV program office at 603-436-4310 ext. 160, or email us at HCVmanager@nh-pha.com.
There are a variety of ways landlords benefit from our Housing Choice Voucher program:
- On-time and convenient payments:
Receive rent from HUD every single month via direct deposit into your bank account between the 1st and the 5th of the month. - Protection from tenant’s financial hardships:
If an tenant’s income decreases, an unsubsidized tenant would normally have a difficult time paying the rent and could face eviction for nonpayment. If a tenant is a voucher holder, the housing authority pays the majority (if not all) of the rent. - Free access to a pool of potential tenants and low-cost marketing:
With GoSection8.com, landlords can list properties and review tenant profiles. For a small fee, landlords are able to do a premium listing to get more attention on their property when tenants are searching. Landlords can also list free by submitting postings to PHA. Some landlords think that the HCV applicant pool was unlikely to have internet access to review profiles, but that isn’t the case and PHA also provides paper listings in the offices for those without internet access. - Short Vacancies:
PHA has a long list of HCV participants with vouchers who are seeking housing. Filling a vacancy is a relatively quick process once your property has already been inspected and approved for the program. - Long-term Tenants:
Many HCV tenants, after being approved for the program and after finding a place to rent, tend to stay put for a while. Additionally, when the initial lease is signed, it must be for 1 year.
To learn more about HCV Programs and Procedures, including forms, frequently asked questions, and sample contracts click here.
Contracting Opportunities
Portsmouth Housing also works with a variety of vendors, contractors and consultants to support our mission and maintain our properties. See current contracting opportunities here or send an email to business@nh-pha.com to be included in future contracting opportunities.
Section 3 Contracting and Hiring Opportunities
Section 3 is a provision of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Act of 1968 that helps foster local economic development, neighborhood economic improvement, and individual self-sufficiency. The Portsmouth Housing Authority’s Section 3 plan aims to provide provide job training, employment, and contracting opportunities for low- or very-low income residents in connection with projects and activities in their neighborhoods.
To learn more about Section 3, see HUD’s website or see the Portsmouth Housing Authority’s Section 3 plan.
This plan outlines our goals for providing employment and training opportunities low income residents in our properties and in our community.
Portsmouth Housing’s goals are:
1. To have at least 30% of our new hires or trainees be Section 3 qualified.
2. 10% of total of dollar amount of a construction contracts be awarded to Section 3 businesses.
3. 3% of non construction related contracts be awarded to Section 3 businesses.
To sign up for Section 3 contracting, hiring or training opportunities complete and return the Section 3 Certification Application.