Landlords who have worked with housing vouchers indicate that they have had good experiences with the program, writes our columnist. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Ailsa Hayes has been a property manager at Country Meadows Residences since 2022. Before she took on her current position, the residential complex was already accepting potential tenants who used housing choice vouchers to find rental properties on the private market. As the former director of the HCV program in Talladega, Alabama – a city of about 15,000 residents located an hour east of Birmingham on Interstate 20 – Hayes was happy to hear that Country Meadows was providing decent, safe and sanitary housing for families in need . .
Housing denied
Income discrimination in Manhattan, Kansas, rentals.
Hayes now acts as a landlord and has experience working with the voucher program in both the public and private sectors. From both perspectives, Hayes gave a positive review of the program.
“I think it’s a good program,” she says. “We are assured of our payment through the program, and if we have any issues, just contact us.”
Hayes said when potential tenants with vouchers apply to Country Meadows, she can conduct the standard screening process applied to all residents. In addition, all of its current HCV tenants pay full market value rent for their units.
“We’re pretty blessed with our entire rental collection, with everyone,” she said.
When asked why other landlords should participate in the HCV program, Hayes emphasized the importance of helping neighbors in need.
“Having a voucher does not make them a good or bad resident,” she said. “… The voucher program is like giving a helping hand to someone in need, getting them to a point where they can do it themselves.”
Nan Malott is a property manager at Birchwood Villas, owned by Wilhoit Properties of Springfield, Missouri. Birchwood Villas is a residential complex for seniors, where people over 55 years old can stay. Malott also manages a second property for Wilhoit in Manhattan. Voucher tenants are welcome at both locations.
As a property manager for senior apartments, Malott is grateful for how the HCV program helps her tenants find good housing.
“I am a huge supporter of the housing voucher program because I see so many people who without the housing vouchers would not be able to afford housing anywhere, let alone a decent home,” Malott said. “Many older people with a limited income cannot afford housing themselves.”
Malott also addressed the stigma surrounding HCV tenants.
“For the most part, the people with housing vouchers are better (renters) than the people without housing vouchers,” she said. “They are aware that they are receiving help, appreciate it and want to make sure they do not lose their voucher.”
Malott is also grateful for the quality of service she receives from the Manhattan Housing Authority, such as timely communication and rent payments from the agency’s HCV director and the courteous manner in which the inspector reviews units occupied by voucher tenants.
Jon Harper is co-owner of Live Manhappiness, LLC and manages 11 units. He has been renting to voucher tenants for about two years. His company takes a community-based approach to providing adequate housing for everyone, which Harper attributes to his humble upbringing.
“My mother went to great lengths to get what we had,” Harper said. “It pissed me off when things were bad and they (management) didn’t want to fix anything, and I wanted to play a part in that.”
Like Malott, Harper is impressed with the local housing authority’s 24-hour response time to questions or concerns and the expert inspection reports shared with him.
Harper spoke from his own experience that not all voucher holders are good tenants. But he noted that this is the risk landlords take with every potential tenant, adding that a negative experience with one HCV household should not ruin another voucher holder’s chance to rent.
Ultimately, Harper said participating in the program is an effective way for landlords to provide low-income families in their communities with a way to find the right housing.
“Everyone needs housing. There are different pockets that fit everyone. If you have apartments that are empty, give these people a chance. You don’t have to accept everyone who comes your way. You may still conduct your own audit process. There is no point in leaving homes empty and leaving some people without housing. Give them a chance.”
Landlords and property managers interested in making units available to families with vouchers can refer to “A Landlord’s Guide to Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers,” prepared by the Manhattan Housing Authority.
Kelm Lear is an intern at the Manhattan Housing Authority. He is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at Kansas State University. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policy or excluded from public debate. Here you will find information, including how to submit your own comments.
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