info@pihousing.org |  58 Birch Street, Presque Isle, Maine, 04769 |  207-768-8231 | Link to Presque Isle Housing Authority's Facebook Link to Presque Isle Housing Authority's Instagram Link to Presque Isle Housing Authority's TWitter Link to Presque Isle Housing Authority's Linkedin

HCV Program Landlords

Presque Isle Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher program (typically referred to as “Section 8”) provides housing assistance payments on behalf of qualified renters to over 50 landlords in the region. This HCV program provides direct cash subsidies to landlords of rental properties in exchange for a promise to rent to people with low incomes and a promise to meet Housing Quality Standards which will be certified by Presque Isle Housing inspectors. Area landlords benefit from this program by having a reliable pool of tenants and assurance that Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) will be paid on time every month. To learn how to become a landlord who participates in the program, call our Section 8 program office at (207) 768-8231, or email us at info@pihousing.org.

Read more about program general information here.

Understanding Maine L.D. 691 for Landlords
Maine's L.D. 691 An act to reduce barriers to housing by prohibiting tenant application fees effective October 25, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions by Landlords

First the apartment or home that the voucher holder chooses to rent must pass a Housing Quality Standards inspection. Next, Presque Isle Housing Authority determines if the rent is reasonable according to federal and local standards. This “rent reasonableness” standard takes into account a variety of factors including unit age, location, condition, market area, structure type, amenities, tenant paid utilities, supplied appliances, and family composition. This study ultimately determines the rental amount supported by similar properties in the market and ensures that the approved rent is consistent with the private market.

Rents are based upon the market area comparable rents at the time of leasing. Although the units are identical, families may have vouchers that vary in size. The family composition, income, and allowances will not be identical, resulting in differing rents.

If the owner of the property has changed, the new owner must complete the Change of Ownership/Management Form and sign a new contract with Presque Isle Housing Authority before Housing Assistance Payments will be paid.

Yes, until the participant signs a lease entering them into a legally binding contract, he or she has every right to reassess their decision to lease that particular unit.

Local public housing agencies help HUD establish monthly rental allowances for eligible recipients in HUD's public housing program. As part of a family's monthly rental allowance, HUD includes a utility allowance.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development helps low-income families afford their housing costs under the 1937 U.S. Housing Act. The Housing Choice Vouchers Program, formerly known as Section 8, requires landlords participating in the program to include a utility allowance in its rental charges to low-income tenants.

Steps to becoming a Section 8 Landlord

  1. List your property.

    We highly recommend you advertise your property in area newspapers and include “Section 8 OK” in your advertisement. Property advertisements can also be sent to PHA via fax, email, or USPS and we will post your advertisement in our main lobby and distribute it during our new voucher holder briefings. Please make sure your advertisements include the following:

    • Location
    • Monthly Rent Amount
    • Bedroom Size
    • Utilities Paid for by Tenant and source of utilities (ie oil heat, electric water, etc) and utilities paid for by Landlord
    • Date Available for Lease Up
    • Contact Information

    Your property can also be listed by registering online at www.affordablehousing.com.

  2. Screen prospective participants.

    Landlords are responsible for screening their prospective participants. The Housing Authority screens prospective participants’ eligibility but does not screen assisted families for suitability as tenants. Additionally, federal regulation requires that a landlord may not be the parent, child, grandchild, grandparent, sister, or brother of the HCV participant you select.

  3. Select a participant.

    Tenant selection is based on your own selection criteria. The use of renter reference services is encouraged. As in all cases, Fair Housing is the law.

  4. Complete Landlord registration packet and return to Presque Isle Housing.

    To get copies of the registration packet, please contact Presque Isle Housing Authority at 207-768-8231 or info@pihousing.org.

  5. Qualify for Eligibility

    After PHA determines eligibility, the unit is inspected to assure it meets our Housing Quality Standards. See document listed below.

  6. Sign Contract

    Sign the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract with Portsmouth Housing and sign a minimum one-year lease with the resident.

Towns served by Presque Isle Housing’s HCV program:

Other towns and cities outside of this jurisdiction will either be administered by their own housing authority or by Maine Housing. More information about Maine Housing’s statewide voucher program can be found at: https://www.mainehousing.org/

Landlord Documents

Fair Market Rent Maine W-9 Model Lease Request for Tenancy Form WARM Program Brochure Landlord Participation Incentive Brochure
Landlord Incentive for Rental Property Owners $750. Call Sue today at 768-8231