Centurion Real Estate Management explains why Oregon property managers should accept Housing Choice Voucher tenants. Oregon law prohibits source-of-income discrimination. The program offers reliable government-paid rent, pre-screened tenants, reduced vacancy, and access to the Landlord Guarantee program.
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Accepting HUD. As a property management company operating in Salem, Oregon, Centurion Real Estate Management is committed to adhering to all applicable housing laws and providing equitable housing opportunities. This includes accepting tenants who participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8 or HUD. This video, we're gonna take a look at the legal obligations, the benefits of accepting HUD tenants, and our approach to managing these applicants in compliance with Oregon's landlord-tenant law. So, first, taking a look at the legal obligations. Under Oregon law, effective July 1st, 2014, Oregon law prohibits landlords from discriminating against prospective tenants based on their source of income. This includes Section 8 vouchers. This legislation ensured that all applicants are evaluated based on uniform criteria regardless of whether a portion of their rent is subsidized or not. Landlords can still apply consistent screening processes to assess an applicant's suitability. Specifically, Oregon's Revised Statute, ORS 659A.421, outlines unlawful discrimination practices in selling, renting, or leasing real estate. So you can take a look at this online and find out a little bit more information. Benefits of accepting HUD tenants. There's a couple things that I'd like to share with you today. Number 1, consistent rental income. A significant portion of the rent is paid directly by the government, ensuring timely and reliable payments. This potentially reduces the risk of missed or late payments from your tenant. Number 2, pre-screened tenants. The tenants that participate in the Section 8 program undergo an initial screening by their local public housing authority. PHA, which includes income verification and background checks. This adds an extra layer of assurance regarding tenant reliability. Number 3, there's lower vacancy rates. By accepting Section 8 vouchers, landlords tap into a broader tenant pool, potentially reducing vacancy periods and ensuring a steady occupancy rate. Number 4, regular property inspections. The program mandates annual property inspections, encourages proactive maintenance, and ensuring properties remain in good condition. These are conducted by— here in Salem, they're conducted by the Salem Housing Authority. Number 5, utility payments. In many cases, utilities are subsidized, ensuring that essential services like water, electricity, and garbage collection are consistently paid reducing the risk of service interruptions. Number 6, landlord guarantee program. Oregon offers a Housing Choice Landlord Guarantee program that provides financial assistance to landlords to mitigate potential damages caused by tenants under the Section 8 program. Handling HUD applicants in compliance with Oregon landlord-tenant law. Again, here at Centurion, we follow a standardized standardized process for all applicants, ensuring fairness and compliance with Oregon laws. We go through a number of steps. Step 1: The application process. All applicants, including those with Section 8 vouchers, complete our standard rental application. We assess each application based on established criteria such as rental history, creditworthiness, and references. Number 2: The screening consistency. We apply the same screening standard to all applicants, irrespective of their income source. This ensures a fair evaluation process in compliance with the source of income discrimination law. Number 3, lease agreement. Upon approval, tenants sign a lease agreement that outlines their responsibilities and rights. For Section 8 tenants, this includes adherence to both our lease terms and the requirements set forth by the PHA. Number 4, property maintenance and inspections. We coordinate with the PHA to facilitate required property inspections, ensuring that our properties meet HUD's housing quality standards and provide tenants with safe and habitable living conditions. By embracing the inclusion of HUD tenants, Centurion not only complies with Oregon's legal requirements but also capitalizes on the benefits associated with the Housing Choice Voucher Program. This approach aligns with our commitment to providing quality housing, housing while maintaining a stable and profitable property management portfolio and serving you, our investor clients. Thank you.
