Q. How and when does the landlord receive rental payments from the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program?
A. The city of Phoenix Housing Department makes every effort to send payments to landlords the first week of each month, via U.S. first class mail. Initial payment may take four to six weeks to process once the contract and lease has been executed.

Q. Is the landlord responsible for the Section 8 HCV participant's utilities?
A. This decision is up to the property owner, provided there is separate electric, water, and gas meters for the unit the tenant will occupy. Electric or water charges on a tenant's meter which serves other tenants in the unit or complex are not permissible in the Section 8 HCV program.

Q. What about security deposits?
A. Tenants are responsible for paying the security deposit required by the landlord. Landlords should follow all applicable Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant laws. The security deposit charged to a Section 8 HCV participant must be based on the same formulas used for non-Section 8 tenants. Landlords are prohibited from charging amounts in excess of what is charged to tenants in non-subsidized units.

Q. Can I lease my 3-bedroom property to a 2-bedroom voucher holder?
A. It is strongly advised that you match voucher bedroom size to unit bedroom size to ensure that you are paid according to the value of your property.

Q. Are Section 8 HCV participants restricted in areas where they may seek housing?
A. All Housing Authorities serve different geographical areas. The Housing Department allows a family to lease anywhere in the Phoenix city limits and properties adjacent to neighboring cities that utilize water services from the city of Phoenix.

Q. What if my property is damaged by a Section 8 HCV tenant?
A. Landlords should handle the damage claim the same as they would for a non-subsidized tenant. Landlords also may notify the Section 8 Office, in writing, of any damages done to the unit by a Section 8 HCV tenant so we may determine if any program violations exist.

Q. May a landlord evict a Section 8 HCV tenant?
A. Yes. Providing proper legal notice, the landlord may have a tenant evicted from their unit. The city of Phoenix Housing Department cannot evict a tenant from your unit. Landlords should follow all applicable Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant laws. The landlord MUST advise the Section 8 Office at the beginning of the eviction process by submitting a copy of the initial notice, and copies of any notices, forms, etc. as the process proceeds.
The tenant is not responsible for payment of the portion of the rent covered by the Section 8 housing assistance contract. You may not evict a tenant for nonpayment of the housing assistance payment by Section 8.

Q. When can a landlord receive a rent increase?
A. In order to request a rent increase, landlords must submit a written request for rental increase to the Section 8 Office exactly 60-90 days prior to the end of the current lease. A determination will be made as to whether or not your request for a rent increase can be approved. If the rent increase is not approved, you may choose to end the lease with the Section 8 HCV tenant. Should you decide to end your lease agreement, you must provide the Section 8 Office and the tenant written notice of your decision at least 30-days prior to the end of the current lease.

For all other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the city of Phoenix Housing Department, Section 8 Office at 602-534-1974.