News Release: State program to help reimburse landlords for property damage
Department of Commerce launches “landlord mitigation” program, offering up to $5,000 for landlords serving tenants who use HUD housing vouchers
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Department of Commerce today announced a new program designed to provide relief to landlords whose property has been damaged by a tenant who used a federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing choice voucher, also known as a “Section 8” voucher, or a Veterans Affairs supportive housing voucher, also known as a VASH vouchers.
The housing choice voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
“Strengthening communities is our agency’s core purpose. Providing tools to ensure that everyone is housed is an important element of vibrant communities supporting successful businesses and self-sufficient people,” said Corina Grigoras, Commerce managing director for housing finance programs.
The Washington State Legislature this year provided Commerce with funds and authority to reimburse qualifying landlords from $500 to $5,000 to cover damages found to have been caused by Section 8 or VASH tenants. To qualify, landlords must have a court judgment against the tenant, and the damaged property must be in a jurisdiction that prohibits denial of tenancy based on source of income. Other restrictions apply.
Go to more details about the new landlord mitigation program and an application form .
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Contact: Penny Thomas, Commerce Press Office, (206) 256-6106