A lack of participation by landlords combined with low vacancy rates makes it challenging for Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 holders to find suitable housing in St. Louis Park. To spur participation by landlords, the St. Louis Park Housing Authority introduced two incentive payments for leases signed between October 2020 and May 2021. The incentive payments are as follows:
• Single signing bonus: A one-time, $1,000 payment to a St. Louis Park landlord who has not previously participated in the voucher program or has not previously rented to a voucher participant for at least the last three years. Bonus is paid on approval of a new assisted lease with an eligible Housing Authority client for an eligible rental unit in St. Louis Park.
• Approved lease: A one-time, $500 payment to a St. Louis Park landlord upon the approval of a new assisted lease with an eligible Housing Authority client for an eligible rental unit in St. Louis Park, regardless of whether or not the landlord currently accepts voucher holders or has done so within the past three years.
In the first two months of the program, the St. Louis Park Housing Authority issued one single signing bonus to a new landlord who had not previously participated in the program, and 17 approved lease payments.
For more information contact Michele Schnitker, CD Deputy Dir./Housing Supervisor, mschnitker@stlouispark.org.
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