What owners need to know when submitting an RfTA for Section 8 housing (part 1)

The process of renting a unit to a family on the Section 8 HCV program is similar to renting to a family in the private market. The owner screens the applicants for suitability based on their established tenant criteria and then submits the RfTA to the housing authority for processing.

When a Section 8 HCV family requests to move the housing authority issues them a voucher that is good for 120 days and gives them an RfTA packet. The RfTA packet will contain several documents for the owner to review and sign. Upon selecting a Section 8 HCV family, the owner will need to complete the RfTA packet with the selected Section 8 HCV family. The owner or the family may submit the RfTA to the housing authority for processing. The housing authority can process only one RfTA per unit at a time. If multiple RfTA’s are received, the owner will be contacted, and it could delay the processing time.

Step 1: Completing the RfTA. Within the RfTA packet there are 5-7 documents that the owner needs to complete and sign. Make sure your contact information is legible. Include your email address and telephone number. If you have a receptionist or a on site manager, include their contact information as well. The best practice is to attach your business card or create a coversheet with contact information.

Step 2: Submit the RfTA. Find out from the Section 8 HCV family the name of their Section 8 caseworker and the office that issued their voucher. Also make note of the person that issued the voucher. The Section 8 HCV family should have been instructed on how to submit the RfTA. The owner should follow those instructions. Generally, the RfTA may be submitted via email or dropped off, and you should retain a copy of the RfTA for your records.