Working with Private Landlords

Working with private housing providers is a good way to increase access to affordable accessible housing:

  • Agencies can take advantage of existing housing rather than waiting for new units to be built, which can take upwards of 3 years from start to finish
  • Existing privately owned housing can provide a comprehensive array of locations, types of units, and special features
  • Existing private housing often provides good integration into the community for those eligible for housing subsidies
  • Private housing providers can take advantage of certain government subsidies such as Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers and other tenant based rental assistance programs

These ideas among others are discussed within the publication – Ten Ways to Boost Housing Opportunities Working with Private Housing Providers. The purpose of this monograph is to help its readers to understand the need for homes within reach of elderly and people with disabilities of low and moderate incomes and to promote the use of proven strategies for working with private housing providers to help meet that need. The recommended strategies are based on findings from recent landlord focus groups, as well as years of professional experience in the field.

The monograph is directed to both:

  1. Agencies assisting members of the target populations to find homes within reach
  2. Private property owners, landlords and property managers interested in learning more about the benefits of and how to participate in public programs serving these households.

The Appendices for Ten Ways to Boost Housing Opportunities

Landlord Focus Group Documents

Landlord Protocols

Lackawanna County Eviction Prevention Program

Housing Authority preferences

Related Documents/Links

  • Fair Housing Council of Suburban Philadelphia – www.fhcsp.com