Frequently Asked Questions

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally funded housing assistance program that helps low-income families, seniors, and disabled individuals afford rental housing. A local housing authority pays a portion of the tenant’s rent directly to the landlord.

Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Solano County, San Francisco County 

Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Riverside County- All of California. Let me refer you to a trusted partner if outside CA.

Amy Idowu, featured at Proxima Realty, has been in the real estate industry for over 20 years and has helped countless clients buy, sell, and manage their properties. See bio

Yes, we offer virtual tours of properties for clients who are unable to visit in person. Contact us for more information and to schedule a virtual tour.

A tenant with a housing voucher may apply for your property. If you approve the applicant, the housing authority will inspect the unit, determine and approve the rental amount covered under the program, and execute a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract. Once approved, the housing authority will send its portion of the rent directly to the owner each month.

In some cases, a tenant may choose to pay an additional amount above the approved voucher payment, if agreed upon by both the owner and tenant. Any such agreement must be separate from the housing authority agreement and documented in an addendum to the main lease between the owner and tenant only. The housing authority will require the lease to reflect only the approved voucher rental amount.

The tenant pays a portion based on their income, while the housing authority pays the remaining approved amount directly to the landlord.

Please note that approval timelines depend on the local housing authority’s processing schedule. Delays may occur if repairs are required, inspections fail, or paperwork is incomplete, inaccurate, or not submitted on time. Owners are strongly encouraged to carefully review all documents and ensure forms are completed properly.

To help streamline the process, most documents will be sent electronically through DocuSign for signature. However, some forms must still be printed, completed, and mailed directly to the housing authority by the owner. For example, the direct deposit authorization form may require a voided check to be included., and mailed to housing directly PLEASE READ ALL FORMS CAREFULLY before signing or submitting them.

You generally cannot deny someone solely because they have a voucher in states or cities with “source of income” protections. However, you may deny applicants for legitimate business reasons such as poor rental history or failed screening criteria.

Benefits can include reliable government rent payments, lower vacancy rates, long-term tenants, and access to a large pool of renters actively searching for housing.

Evictions follow the same state landlord-tenant laws, but landlords must also notify the housing authority during the process.

Typical paperwork includes the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA), lease agreement, W-9 form, direct deposit forms, and the HAP contract, property deed.

Yes, but increases must usually be approved by the housing authority and comply with lease renewal timelines and market rent standards.

Typically, tenants are responsible for security deposits unless local assistance programs offer help. As of May 2026, OHA  (Oakland Housing Authority) will pay the contracted rent deposit for tenants, also up to $2500 in repairs, and a $1000 bonus for listing your property. 

Yes. Many landlords require renters insurance for all tenants, including Section 8 tenants. Most of our leases include this ask unless other wise directed by owner.

Hire us as your Property Management source. We use consistent screening standards, conduct regular inspections, document property condition, enforce lease terms equally, and maintain professional communication 24/7 with tenants and owners.

Hire us as your Property Management source. We maintain the property proactively, communicate clearly, screen carefully, respond to repair requests promptly, and stay organized with paperwork and inspections.

Hire us as your Property Management source. We contact your local housing authority, learn program requirements, list your property as voucher-friendly, and prepare your unit for inspection.

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