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Join the Housing Choice Voucher Program and provide quality housing while receiving guaranteed rental payments

Schedule Your Briefing Now

What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) is a federally funded program that helps very low-income families afford decent, safe housing. As a participating landlord, you’ll receive direct monthly payments from the Lafayette Housing Authority while maintaining your normal landlord rights and responsibilities.

How it works: Eligible families receive vouchers that cover a portion of their rent. You get paid directly by us, and the family pays their portion to you. It’s that simple.

Your benefits: Guaranteed monthly payments, access to a pool of pre-screened income-qualified tenants, and support from our housing authority staff.

Important Factors to Consider

Unit Listing

LHA is not able to directly recommend voucher-holders to your vacancies, but listing your available units with us is easy. Call 337-233-1327 to list your units.

Tenant Screening

Landlords are responsible for screening tenants even if they receive assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher program.

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Documentation

Tenants with our Housing Choice Vouchers will present a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) form to landlords. Landlords should complete the landlord section of the form, along with the Disclosure of Lead-based Paint form. Once completed, the landlord or the tenant may submit the forms on behalf of the tenant.

Quality Inspections

LHA conducts inspections to ensure units meet HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS). The initial inspection occurs after the RTA is submitted but before the tenant is moves in. Afterwards inspections happen biannually for continued occupancy of the tenant.

LHA requests that landlords be present at the initial inspection. Utilities must be active and the unit should be ready for occupancy. The inspector will review the unit and discuss any required repairs with the landlord.

HUD is transitioning to a new inspection protocol called National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE), which Public Housing Authorities will soon be required to adopt.

Below are inspection checklists for both standards:

Reliable Payments

After your unit passes inspection, and the amount of rent you are charging has been approved, you and the tenant enter into an initial lease.  When all of the final, signed documents have been received, LHA releases payment to the landlord. On the first of each month afterwards, the HAP portion of the rent will be direct deposited.

Simple 5-Step Process

Getting started is easier than you think

1

Attend Briefing

Join our informative session to learn about the program requirements, benefits, and how to get started. Available both in-person and online.

2

Screen & Select Tenant

Voucher holders will contact you about your available units. Screen and select tenants using your normal criteria - you maintain full control over tenant selection.

3

Complete Documentation

You and your selected tenant complete the Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) form and lead-based paint disclosure. Submit all required owner documentation.

4

Schedule Inspection

LHA verifies your unit meets HUD quality standards. Our professional inspectors will discuss any needed repairs with you. Utilities must be on and unit ready for occupancy.

5

Start Receiving Payments

Once approved, finalize your lease with the tenant and sign our Housing Assistance Payment contract. Begin receiving reliable monthly payments via direct deposit.

Ready to Get Started?

Join our network of trusted landlords and start making a difference in your community while securing reliable rental income.

Register for Briefing

Questions? Call us at (337) 233-1327

Do I have to accept any voucher holder who applies?
No. You maintain full control over tenant selection and can screen tenants using the same criteria you use for non-assisted tenants. However, you cannot discriminate based on the voucher itself, as it’s considered legal income under Louisiana law.
How much rent can I charge?
Your rent must be “reasonable” – meaning it cannot exceed what you charge for comparable unassisted units. We conduct rent reasonableness tests to ensure compliance. The family’s initial rent share cannot exceed 40% of their monthly adjusted income.
When do I receive payments?
Housing assistance payments are processed monthly via direct deposit. Payments begin after all documents are received and may be retroactive to the contract effective date if documents are received after our monthly processing cutoff.
What if my unit fails inspection?
You have 30 days to make required repairs. We’ll conduct one follow-up inspection at no charge. If the unit fails the second inspection, the family will typically need to find another unit.
Can I raise the rent?
You may request rent increases at the annual anniversary of your Housing Assistance Payment contract. You must submit written requests at least 60 days prior to the anniversary date. No retroactive adjustments are allowed.
What documentation do I need to participate?
You’ll need: completed W-9 form, current photo ID, property deed, proof of address, direct deposit authorization, and a management agreement if using an agent.
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We are an Equal Housing Opportunity Provider.

We provide housing without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental handicap, familial status, national origin, or other protected class. To file a complaint of discrimination, write HUD Director, Office of Civil Rights, 451 7th Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20410 or call Customer Service at (202) 708-1112 (voice) or (202) 708-1455 (TTY). HUD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Disclaimer

In accordance with federal law and United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or familial status. To file a complaint of discrimination, write HUD Director, Office of Civil Rights, 451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410, or call (202) 708-1112 (voice) or (202) 708-1455 (TDD).
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