Some Kent and Sussex County landlords can tap into incentives to provide housing for low-income renters under a new Delaware State Housing Authority program.
DSHA provides Section 8 vouchers that enable low-income individuals and families to rent housing in Kent and Sussex. But, DSHA’s Laurie Stovall says there is more need than units available. So, the new Landlord Incentive Program is designed to encourage more landlords to accept vouchers.
“We are hearing a lot of feedback that they're having trouble locating an apartment to use their voucher with," Stovall said. "On the opposite side we're hearing from landlords, there are some startup costs and concerns with accepting voucher holders so this program aims to help both groups.”
The program does that by incentivizing landlords to participate. Landlords who sign up can get a $1,000 bonus, plus $500 for each unit they make available, up to five units. In some cases, the program also provides landlords with financial assistance in case of damage or vacancy.
“We provide incentives - to cover these damages, to cover these concerns that the landlords have - with the hope that more landlords will sign up to be voucher holders, so those looking for rentals with their vouchers can find one," Stovall said.
DSHA says it currently provides 902 housing vouchers in Kent and Sussex Counties.
