The participation of private property owners is critical to the success of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. Your interest in providing an affordable housing option for low-income families is appreciated! The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a three-way partnership between THDA, the tenant family and the Owner/Landlord. In order for the program to work, each party has unique responsibilities.  

As the owner/landlord of a property leased under the Voucher program, you agree to provide a safe, decent and sanitary unit, charge a reasonable rent compared to other similar market properties, not charge side rent or rent not disclosed to the PHA and to fulfill other obligations outlined in the lease agreement and HAP Contract. 

The family agrees to follow the Voucher program family obligations, which include  adherence to the terms of their lease agreement and timely payment of their rent portion.

THDA agrees to make a timely rental subsidy payment on behalf of the family each month on or before the fifth day of the month and to enforce both the family obligations and the HAP Contract.

Important Facts:

• Tenant selection rests with the owner.
  • Monthly subsidy payments are mailed to the owner on the last working day of the month prior to due date.
  • Rental assistance promotes stable occupancy and reduces tenant turnover.
  • There is no interference by THDA with the owner-tenant relationship except as mediator. 
  • Rents may be adjusted annually.
  • Owner’s current tenants may be eligible to participate in the program.

Listing Available Units
THDA continually invites owners to make dwelling units available for leasing by eligible Voucher families.  You may list your property on THDA’s online search engine, TNHousingSearch.org. Applicants and participants are referred to www.TNHousingSearch.org for available listings. It is the responsibility of the landlord to determine the suitability of prospective tenants. Owners will be encouraged to screen applicants for rent payment history, eviction history, damage to units and other factors related to the family’s suitability as a tenant.

Housing Assistance Payments By Direct Deposit (ACH)
Landlords now have the opportunity to receive Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payments through ACH (direct deposit). If you are interested in changing to direct deposit, the State of Tennessee ACH Form must be completed and returned, along with a pre-printed voided check or a letter from your bank confirming your bank account and routing numbers to:

THDA
Attn: S8RA Payments Coordinator
404 James Robertson Pkwy, Suite 1200
Nashville, TN 37243

Once your account has been changed from a check to ACH, a remittance advice will be mailed to your address with information on your payment each month. It is important for Landlords to keep the mailing address current with THDA Offices. If the mailing address changes or a forwarding order is placed with the United States Post Office, the Landlord must contact the local THDA Office or the THDA Payments Coordinator immediately. Also, if there is a change in bank accounts, the Landlord must contact the local THDA Office or the THDA Payments Coordinator to notify THDA of the change immediately. If you fail to contact THDA in advance when you change your mailing address, forward your mail to another address or change your bank account, your ACH account will be deactivated by the state, and you will not receive a timely payment. If this happens, THDA will not pay late fees because the delay is not agency responsibility.

Please note, even if you have another ACH account on file with the state, we need you to complete this form and return it for THDA records. We cannot change your account to ACH until the form is received.

It is recommended that you register with Edison, State of TN Payment System, so that you can see your payments and review your address information on-line. In order to register as an e-supplier, go to the following website: http://www.tn.gov/finance/ERP_files/supplier.shtml. All questions about ACH should be directed to the Payments Coordinator at 615-815-2166.

Please browse our website to receive additional information about Fair Market Rents, Payment Standards, Utility Allowances for THDA’s Housing Choice Voucher Program.