Section 8 Housing Austin, also known as the Housing Choice Voucher program, helps low-income families, the elderly, and those with disabilities find affordable housing. In Austin, the Housing Authority of the City of Austin, or HACA, manages the program. This process works by supplying federal funds to public housing agencies, or PHAs, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

HACA gives vouchers to participants of Section 8 Austin, which helps them get an apartment, townhouse, or single-family home in Travis County. Section 8 Austin properties must meet certain requirements to be rented, ensuring everyone has a safe place to live despite their financial situation. 

So, if you’re wondering, “How do I become a Section 8 landlord in Austin, Texas?,” keep reading. We’ll be covering general Texas Section 8 rules, along with the specifics of becoming a Section 8 Austin landlord. By the end, you should have an understanding of whether the Section 8 Housing Austin program is right for you.

Benefits for Section 8 Austin Landlords

You might be asking yourself, “Do landlords have to accept Section 8 in Austin, Texas?” Participating in Section 8 housing in Austin is a choice, so everyone who joins the program knows what they’re getting into. Know that if you choose to become a Section 8 landlord in Austin, Texas, there are lots of potential benefits, especially because Austin’s real estate market is growing quickly.

One advantage of Section 8 Housing Austin is receiving a guaranteed income from the government each month. If you own C- or D-class properties in certain neighborhoods in East and North Austin that are hard to rent out, this can be particularly helpful. 

Texas Section 8 tenants are pre-screened to make sure they have stable incomes, decent credit scores, and no major criminal records, leading to fewer missed rent payments. The Texas Section 8 waiting list is long, meaning you’ll also experience fewer vacancies. If you decide to become a Section 8 landlord in Austin, Texas, it’s nice to know you’re “keeping Austin weird” by helping people in your community.

It’s also important to understand that if you become a Section 8 landlord in Austin, Texas, there may be some drawbacks. For example, it can be hard to get approved by HACA in Austin, and you won’t be allowed to charge rental rates that are too high compared to nearby properties. You may need to do frequent repairs on your unit as well, as Texas Section 8 laws require regular inspections and speedy fixes. 

Another potential challenge is the perception of stigma from neighboring tenants or nearby property owners who aren’t part of the Section 8 Austin program. These individuals may hold false beliefs that Section 8 properties are poorly maintained, even though these units are required to be well taken care of. Although it can be difficult to become a Section 8 landlord in Austin, Texas, being aware of these pros and cons can help you make the most of the Section 8 Austin program. 

How to Become a Section 8 Landlord in Austin, Texas

HACA’s website lays out all the steps to become a Section 8 landlord in Austin, Texas. First, you’ll need to contact HACA and apply to Section 8 in Austin by completing different forms, including:

• W-9

• Direct Deposit Form

• Landlord Participation Agreement

• Lease Renewal Agreement

• Utility Allowances 

Other forms, like proof of ownership, may also be required by Section 8 Austin, and your property will need to be evaluated to make sure it meets requirements under Texas Section 8 law. Once your application has been accepted, you’ll sign the Housing Assistance Payment Contract (HAP), which seals the agreement between you, Section 8 Austin tenants, and HACA. 

Eligibility Requirements for Austin, Texas Landlords

When you become a Section 8 landlord in Austin, Texas, you’ll have to meet the Housing Quality Standards, which make sure your property is “decent, safe and sanitary” for Section 8 Austin tenants. Section 8 Austin HSQs can be found here. 

Duplexes, houses, or apartment homes are the only kinds of properties that can be rented with vouchers through the Section 8 Austin program. Under HQS standards, Section 8 Austin units must pass an initial inspection, conducted about 5-7 days after program approval. After that, the property will be inspected at least once a year. If you’re a Section 8 Austin landlord, you’ll want to prepare for these inspections by turning on all utilities, making sure the appliances work, and doing repairs ahead of time. 

If the inspector finds anything defective or broken, you’ll be required to perform repairs to stay in the Section 8 Housing Austin program. Upgrading appliances and installing new HVAC units, especially when they’re run down from hot Austin summers, can help your unit pass inspections. 

Managing Your Section 8 Austin Rental Property

Once you successfully become a Section 8 landlord in Austin, Texas, you can stay in the program as long as you follow certain rules. The HQS standards are important, so if you notice something needs fixed, make sure to repair it right away. If a Section 8 Austin tenant reports something broken in their unit and you don’t get to it as soon as possible, you could lose rent payments until their concerns are addressed. 

One of the most challenging parts of being a Section 8 Austin landlord is dealing with the weather in Texas. Heavy rains sometimes flood different parts in Austin, causing electrical or structural damage, and thunderstorms often break windows and roofs. Whenever Austin’s unpredictable weather affects your property, it’s your responsibility to keep up with maintenance, so make sure to plan for emergencies. 

Knowing how to be a Section 8 landlord in Austin, Texas also requires understanding that HACA handles rent payments. They will split the cost between themselves and the tenant, who usually puts 30-40% of their monthly income toward rent. 

Communication is key if you have problems with Texas Section 8 rent payments. Austin is known for its friendly residents, so start by contacting HACA and the tenant to make sure everyone is on the same page. If you continue to go without rent payments, you can file a complaint with HUD, take legal action, or in some cases, end the lease and remove the tenant.

Ready to Get Started With Section 8 Housing in Austin?

When you become a Section 8 Austin landlord, you’ll receive a steady income while helping people in your community—a win-win for everyone. In order to remain in Section 8 Housing in Austin, Texas, landlords must know the process never stops. You’ll still need to keep up with the rules of Section 8 in Austin, as they change often. 

If this feels like too much to manage by yourself, try Evernest. We’re a reliable, hands-on property manager that will take care of all the details of Section 8 Austin for you. From placing tenants to making sure repairs are done, we allow you to simply sit back and enjoy your passive income while we do the rest.