By Dawn Anastasi, RPA Board Member

Earlier today I met with two individuals from Milwaukee County Housing Services:

• Connor Goggans, Lead Community Intervention Specialist
• Alexi Millard, Landlord Engagement Coordinator

They shared information about Rent Assistance Programs and what you need to know as a landlord.

Here is a summary of this information:

Federally subsidized, tenant-based rent assistance: how does it work?

• Funds are dispersed to assist eligible low-income families with rental housing
• Agencies that receive funding manage rent assistance programs according to regulations
• Rent assistance programs directly assist those it serves via direct payments, and sometimes, other attached services

• • Tenant is responsible for a maximum of 30-40% of their monthly, gross, adjusted income towards rent

  • Housing Assistance Payment covers rest of rent amount via direct payment to landlord (monthly)

Main Types of Tenant-Based Rent Assistance (TBRA)

• Continuum of Care and Supportive Housing - serves homeless population with attached services, more financial support to reduce perceived risk of loss with more challenging backgrounds
• Housing Choice Voucher - serves low income population, application process and eligibility requirements, portable

Typical Process for Landlords for TBRA

• Contact agencies with programs and/or market units
• Screen and select tenants
• Upon acceptance of application for household with rent assistance, complete rent assistance program paperwork
• Rent Assistance program reviews paperwork, processes, and inspects unit
• Sign program lease and Housing Assistance Payments contract
• Receive rent via mail and direct deposit/ETF
• Annual renewal paperwork and reinspections

General Perks of Utilizing Rent Assistance

• The government's portion of the rent is "guaranteed"
• Administrative and supportive services –hands-on and collaborative
  
• Ability to seek free listing service
  

General Perks of Utilizing Milwaukee County Rent Assistance

• Eviction Prevention Program and mutual lease terminations to avoid eviction if necessary
• Free furniture, and delivery for those moving from homelessness into housing (increases housing stability)
• Landlord financial incentives, unit holdover agreements, and dedicated landlord engagement staff positions coming soon
• Points of contact to help navigate County programs, resources, issues, and complex housing landscape

Tips for Best Utilizing Rent Assistance

Make the following clear when advertising unit availability:

• You accept rent assistance
• Screening criteria
• Rent, address, tenant responsible utilities, and fuel types (gas or electric), among other details

Request pre-screening of your available units before completing and submitting paperwork to rent assistance program

Prepare units for Housing Quality Standards inspections prior to initial inspection

Complete and submit any rent assistance paperwork as quickly as possible, and electronically, if an option (pics are fine)

Reach-out with any issues with non-payment, lease violations, issues, etc. ASAP

Helpful Links

Milwaukee County Housing Services

HUD Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Landlord Resources Page

Impact 2-1-1 (Crisis Resource Hub for Available Services)

Key Contacts

Milwaukee County Section 8 - Damir Djidic

Milwaukee County My HOME - Jessica Shriver

Milwaukee County Housing First - Shaunton Harris