How Do I Get Involved?

Join the Property Owner Partnership Program

The Property Ownership Partnership program offers financial assistance to property owners with the aim of providing affordable housing to members of our community who require additional support in securing a place to live. Participating property owners in Sonoma County can enjoy various benefits, which include:
Reduced Marketing Costs

There are thousands of qualified households receiving rental assistance in our community. Many of these are looking to move or secure a new home. List units easily with our free interactive site to quickly connect Property Managers and tenants.

 

List a unit

Supportive Services

For eligible households in need of additional support, we partner with local organizations to provide case management and wrap around supportive services to promote health and wellness in a person’s home.  We cannot make people’s choices for them, but we believe that each individual wants to have a healthy home and each person with the right level of support, opportunity, and learning can achieve this.  

 

Rental assistance programs expect recipients of this benefit to be good tenants to maintain their eligibility for the service.   We offer a dedicated line for Property Managers to contact us to discuss any emerging tenant concerns so that we can be proactive in addressing these together.  

Monthly Payments

The Rental Assistance program will pay their portion of the rent, on time, direct deposited or mailed direct to you.   We understand that timely payments are important.

 

Tenants will have a payment portion that they are responsible to pay monthly.  The Tenant Payment Portion should always be affordable as it is based on a household’s unique income and allowable deductions.  Rental Assistance programs are able to immediately adjust a tenant’s payment portion if an unforeseen circumstance reduces their income, promoting long term financial and housing stability for the household and the property owner.  

 

Properties do receive 2 payments: one from the rental assistance program & one from the tenant.  Though this may add an additional step to track payments, it is a small adjustment to do a large amount of good for a household and have security that your tenant’s will be secure in their financial ability to pay their rent. 

Loss Reimbursement

Any tenant can cause damages to a unit.  We value your partnership and want to help safeguard your property.  In the event of tenant caused damages over the Security Deposit, Property Managers may submit a reimbursement claim up to $5000.  

 

Please reach out to our dedicated Property Owner line if you would like to start a claim.

Signing Bonus

New to Rental Assistance tenants?  Haven’t had a Rental Assistance tenant in over 3 years?  

 

Some Property Owners may be hesitant to work with Rental Assistance tenants.  We ask that you give us a try and are willing to give a $1000 signing bonus to new Property Owners willing to give Rental Assistance a chance.  We will also give an additional $500 bonus if a property will reduce a housing screening barrier such a considering a tenant with low/no credit or an inconsistent rental history. 

 

There can be a number of concerns that a Property Owner has about renting to any tenant.  We understand that renting to a tenant receiving Rental Assistance can raise concerns about additional steps and that there are negative myths about Rental Assistance.

 

To learn more about the benefits of rental assistance and bust some common myths click here.  

Deposit Assistance

For many households saving for a Security Deposit is a challenge.  Unexpected expenses have a disproportionate negative impact on low income households.  To support households in accessing housing, and support Property Owners in having security that their investment is protected, we can support in paying two times the monthly rent in a Security Deposit.  These funds are one time assistance and returned to the household to use forward in the event of a move.  

 

For eligible households we also provide assistance in supplying the home with necessary household goods and furnishings so that they have the tools needed to maintain a home.  

How do I get involved?

Property Owners/Managers are welcome to list their vacant units on our listing site which is viewable to only rental assistance recipients or post their vacancies on any platform of their choosing. If a Property Owner/Manager selects a tenant receiving Rental Assistance the following steps happen:
Step 1: Request for Tenancy Approval Form

Tenant and Owner/Manager complete this form and give it to the Housing Authority. The tenants should provide this form to the Owner/Manager.

 

Request for Tenancy Approval Form

Step 2: Unit Inspection

The Housing Authority will contact the Owner/Manager within 48 hours and will reach out to schedule a habitability inspection with the Owner/Manager.

 

Follow this link to learn more about the inspection process

Step 3: Sign Housing Assistance Payment Contract

Once the unit passes the inspection, the Owner/Manager will be sent the Housing Assistance Payment Contract.

 

HAP Contract

Step 4: Provide your payment information

Most Owners/Managers prefer the direct deposit option.

 

Once a unit is approved our leasing team will contact you to set up you up for secure direct deposit.

Step 5: Receive your monthly payments

Know that your participation in this program helps provide rental income stability while also helping out a community in need.

Additional Information

For additional information for Owners and Managers from Housing and Urban Development.

HCV Landlord Resources