In an effort to understand hesitations in admitting tenants with rental assistance vouchers, Santa Clarita Valley’s (SCV) Community Task Force Affordable Housing Committee is releasing a survey to gain insight into the perspectives of landlords and property owners.

The task force’s six question survey, released Sept. 14, aims to understand opinions and knowledge amongst landlords about the Housing Choice and Veteran’s rental assistance vouchers, also known as Section 8.

Landlords can choose to answer anonymously, or they can provide contact information so the Affordable Housing Committee can invite them to future presentations.

“There are many financial benefits and incentives to accept rental assistance vouchers,” said Affordable Housing Committee Chair Peggy Edwards. “We want to understand what our local landlords and property owners think about vouchers and if they are aware of the benefits available to them and the reassurances of guaranteed rent payment.”

According to Edwards, Section 8 is a rental assistance program from the federal government created to help low income tenants afford housing. The tenants pay one-third of their income in rent, and the program’s rental vouchers assist them in paying the rest. The amount of assistance provided varies depending on what area of the country they live in.

In the past year, new incentives have been created for landlords who accept Section 8 tenants. Edwards cites financial motives, including cash incentives and assistance for landlords who need to make repairs before admitting tenants participating in the federal program.

Residents regularly cite affordable rental housing and housing for seniors as top priorities in the City of Santa Clarita’s Community Development Block Grant polls.

The landlord survey has been released as part of a larger effort to solve the two issues. Using the survey, the Affordable Housing Committee intends to put together a presentation for landlords and property owners to address their concerns and encourage them to accept tenants with rental vouchers.

“There is a growing need for affordable housing for Santa Clarita,” concluded Edwards. “We have very, very little.”

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