In recent months it has been very difficult for local folks with housing vouchers to find a landlord in the South County to take it. Our extremely low vacancy rate and skyrocketing rents have made it harder for our housing authorities and low income or disabled residents to compete for available units. Now that many people have left the area there may be vacancies and as of April 10 the payments that will be paid to landlords will increase (see image).
There are many incentives offered to new landlords leasing up a section 8 participant who has a voucher issued by the City of Santa Barbara’s Housing Authority including a $500 signing bonus, automatic payments monthly and insurance to protect section 8 unit against any potential damage. There is even a $100 bonus for someone referring a new landlord to the HACSB. For a complete list of incentives and more details, see the ‘Landlords’ section of the City’s Housing Authority site. If you or someone you know might be interested, please use the ‘Have a Vacant Unit’ or ‘Get Involved’ tabs at the top and bottom of this page (or go directly to the link above – most staff are still working).