Landlord Incentive Program

Administrator: Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)

Launch Date: October 1, 2024

Overview:
Innovative initiative designed to attract, recruit, and retain landlords participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, ultimately increasing rental units available to voucher holders.

Geographic Scope: Kent and Sussex Counties

Program Focus:
Foster better landlord relationships, enhance satisfaction, and increase lease-up success rates for vouchers issued. Addresses shortage of available rental units (DSHA administers 902 vouchers with insufficient rental units currently available).

Sign-On Bonus

• $1,000 financial incentive for landlords signing a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract
• Additional $500 per new unit brought into HCV program
• Maximum cap: 5 units per landlord
• Payment made directly to landlord after HAP contract execution, along with first month's rent

Security Deposit Assistance

• Support to help mitigate upfront costs for landlords
• Incentive payment covers deposit assistance

Damage Claim Payments

• Landlords can recover costs for damages beyond normal wear and tear
• Eligibility: Proper documentation and proof of damages required; landlord must lease to different voucher holder on DSHA waiting list
• Reimbursement: DSHA reimburses for repairs OR one (1) month's contract rent (minus security deposit)

Vacancy Loss Payments

• Up to one (1) month's contract rent while property vacant and awaiting housing of another voucher holder
• Project-based landlords eligible for two (2) additional payments

Program Goals:

• Increase number of rental units available to voucher holders
• Improve HCV utilization rate across Delaware
• Enhance overall landlord experience with HCV program

Funding Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Phone: (302) 739-7416

Additional Information: https://www.destatehousing.com/partner/landlords/

How to Participate

1. Contact DSHA:
   • Email: Crystal.Sparks@delaware.gov
   • Phone: (302) 739-7416
2. Learn More About HCV Program:
   • Visit: https://www.destatehousing.com/partner/landlords/
   • Learn about Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program requirements and processes
3. Sign Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract:
   • Work with DSHA to execute HAP contract
   • Receive sign-on bonus of $1,000 upon execution
4. Add Units to Program:
   • Bring additional units into HCV program
   • Receive $500 per unit (up to 5 units maximum)
5. Manage Property and Claims:
   • Document any damages or vacancy periods
   • Submit proper documentation for damage claims or vacancy loss payments

Required Materials:

• Documentation and proof for damage claim reimbursement (if applicable)
• Verification of vacancy period (if claiming vacancy loss payment)

Note: Specific detailed application forms and procedures not provided in source material. Contact Crystal Sparks or visit DSHA landlord page for complete application requirements.