One of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs is the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program. This allows low to very low income families to rent houses by using government-assisted funds. Landlords should take into consideration how to make properties available for Section 8 Voucher Holders.

The Section 8 Program does not have specific rules before landlords could allow voucher holders to rent units. However, HUD particularized rules for rental units. If you want your unit opened to voucher holders, inform the local Public Housing Agency (PHA) and your property would be inspected. You should meet 13 Housing Quality Standards performance requirements.

Sanitary Facilities

These should serve cleanliness needs. Acceptable requirements include toilet flush, lavatory, hot and cold water in the shower or tub, approved drainage and septic systems. Minor faucet drips and minor damage to fixtures will not affect the bathroom's acceptability.

Food Preparation and Refuse Disposal

These need to have proper sanitation and enough space for food preparation and service. There should be an oven and stove or gas range with all knobs present, and no gas leaks or electrical hazards; refrigerator with freezer temperature at least 32?F, at most 40?F; kitchen sink; sink trap; running hot and cold water; approved drainage system; storage space; and trash bins or dumpsters.

Space and Security

The unit should have a living room, at least one bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, windows and doors with proper locks and at reachable distances from the ground. Some windows and doors should be accessible to fire exits.

Thermal Environment

The property must be fit for human body temperatures. Acceptable systems are operational electric baseboards, radiators and air conditioning. The heating or cooling systems must provide adequate heat and ventilation for all the tenants in all rooms. The PHA has no rules regarding energy conversation measures.

Illumination and Electricity

There should be at least one window for each room to provide natural lighting. Permanent lighting fixtures should be present in all rooms. The electrical works must be able to sustain functions of electric appliances. All rooms should have at least two properly functioning electrical outlets, but the kitchen is allowed to have at least one. All wirings, cover plates and switches would be checked for cracks or exposed circuits.

Structure and Materials

The building should not have loose or collapsing interior and exterior materials for walls, ceilings, floorings and others. Units with stairs, railings, and other elevated areas should not be danger-prone. The unit must be able to sustain extreme weathers, especially the roof.

Interior Air Quality

There should be no presence of air pollutants inside the unit, like CO, sewer gas, others. Air circulation must also be ensured. Windows are vital especially in bedrooms and bathroom. The family could determine other ventilation devices to meet specific needs.

Water Supply

The water should be contamination-free. The system should meet local or state standards. The plumbing should be leak-free so as not to invite bacteria formation. The water heater is determined as enough according to the family.

Lead-Based Paint

If your unit was built before 1978, your property would be inspected two ways ' paint surfaces assessment and risk assessment. All painted surfaces would be check for lead-based paint. The latter would be for lead hazard reduction measures. Families are not authorized to determine lead-based paint presence.

Access

The unit's access point should be private. The entry and exit points must be near fire escapes. There should also be alternate fire exits.

Site and Neighborhood

The unit should provide safe and healthy surroundings. It should be free from gravely poor living conditions, like excessive pollutions, fire hazards, flooding, and other natural or manmade problems. The family could also consider the child-friendliness of the neighborhood, accessibility to community and commercial facilities.

Sanitary Condition

The unit should be free from infestations of rodents, roaches and insects. There should be preventive measures and structural barriers against vermin infestation.

Smoke Detectors

As much as possible, the unit should have at least one battery-operated or hard-wired smoke detector per common room, like kitchen and living room. The installed smoke detectors should pass the National Fire Protection Association Standards. Local fire officials should be consulted about the acceptable smoke detectors' type and location in the unit.