Landlord Information and Frequently Asked Questions
We are working to improve our website. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! To create a user-friendly website and process for you.
Thank you!
Attention Landlords:
In November 2023, we transitioned to a new software database. This new system will help to modernize our operations, but we are unable to roll out all of the system’s features at this time.
This means that the new Landlord Portal is not yet available. If you currently receive Housing Assistance Payments by Direct Deposit/ACH, we will be mailing paper statements until the new portal is available. We apologize for any inconvenience that this change may cause.
The Landlord Portal that you have been using to access your payment information will not be updated going forward. You will be able to log in and retrieve historical information until October 2024.
You can expect paper statements to be mailed monthly. We will be mailing them to the address we have on file for you. If your mailing information has changed, please complete the address change form.
If you currently receive Housing Assistance Payments by check, you will continue to do so.
Check runs will be transitioning to a single mid-month check run (instead of multiple check runs throughout the month) beginning 1/1/2024. Checks will be processed on the 1st and around the 15th of each month beginning 2024.
No check run week of December 4th due to software conversion.
Check run on December 28th will include January HAP.
We thank you for your continued participation in the Section 8 Voucher program.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Renea Garin at RGarin@salemhousingor.com.
Landlord Information and Frequently Asked Questions
For more information about participating in the Section 8 program, Email: nburdette@salemhousingor.com
What is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds rental assistance which is administered locally by Salem Houisng Authority. Assistance is provided to very low income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities so that they can live in safe and decent housing. Program participants may use their voucher to find their own housing, including single family homes, townhomes, and apartments. Vouchers administered by Salem Housing Authority are used within the Salem/Keizer Urban Growth Boundary.
What are my benefits as a landlord?
Participating landlords are helping low-income Salem area residents obtain the most basic of needs--housing. Additionally, landlords gain these business benefits:
- Guaranteed receipt of Salem Housing Authority's portion of the contract rent.
- Lower vacancy rates and a reduced tenant turnover.
- The ability to charge a market rate security deposit.
- We may provide the landlord with tenants' current and previous known addresses.
What are my responsibilities?
Under the HUD Section 8 Program, landlords must make repairs on the property, if required, and comply with all federal, state, and local fair housing laws and permit inspections of the unit as requested by the Housing Authority. Landlords must comply with the terms of the lease and HUD Tenancy Addendum, the Housing Assistance Payments Contract, and Oregon landlord tenant laws.
What kind of housing qualifies?
Almost any kind of safe, decent, and sanitary housing qualifies. Units can include apartments, townhomes, and single family homes. To be accepted there must be an adequate living area and heating, electrical, water, and sewer systems. To ensure the home meets criteria, SHA must conduct--and the unit must pass--a housing quality standards inspection.
Must I accept everyone with a voucher as a renter?
You should apply the same pre-rental screening standards to all potential renters.
What are participants' responsibilities?
- Comply with lease terms.
- Pay their share of the rent on time and be a good neighbor.
- Pay utilities (if any).
- Not damage the property beyond normal wear-and-tear.
- Notify the Housing Authority if wishing to move to a new unit.
- Permit annual/biennial inspections to ensure safe and decent conditions.
- Immediately report changes to household composition and income.
- Avoid illegal activity by household members and guests
- The household must not own or have any interest in the unit. Exceptions can be made for a reasonable accommodation.
How do I raise the rent?
The Salem Housing Authority Section 8 program requires a 60-day notice for rent increases although Landlord/Tenant law may state something different. SHA accepts rent increases through email only. Please email a copy of the notice you give the tenant to: amartin@salemhousingOR.com. You can use your own form or our form found here.
Why haven't I been paid yet?
Please contact our accounting department at (503) 763-3111.
How do I change ownership/payee/bank account information of a property?
Send us the ownership change form and the direct deposit form.
How do I sign up for direct deposit?
Complete the direct deposit form and return it to our office.
What do I need to do to accept Section 8?
Landlords do not need to be pre-approved to participate in the voucher program. To rent to an SHA client, the unit must be in the city of Salem/Keizer urban growth boundary, be within our client’s allotted rent limit, be considered to be rent reasonable, and pass an inspection.
How do I advertise my property with SHA?
You can list your property at www.affordablehousing.com, which provides an enhanced program to list rental properties on line. Listings are available to potential Housing Choice Voucher tenants seeking apartment units, duplexes, single-family homes or townhomes in the private market. If you have any questions regarding registering, creating or viewing property listings, please contact the Affordable Housing toll free help line at 1-866-466-7328.
or
If you need assistance, please contact our Landlord Navigator:
Nikki Burdette
Phone: 503 - 344 - 7903
Email: nburdette@salemhousingor.com