Lease Management

Prepare early for ongoing inspections

After the unit passes an initial inspection and the HCV participant family moves in, YHA is required to conduct ongoing inspections at least every two years (sometimes every year, depending on the occupants and/or ownership). Make sure to do your due diligence, keep up with any maintenance and/or repairs, and communicate often with your tenants to ensure you are both ready for the next inspection.

Submit a rent increase request via the HCV Owner Portal, when eligible

YHA must process and approve any rent increase or changes in utility responsibilities for HCV participant families before they are implemented.

There are three basic eligibility criteria for a rent increase:

1. You can request a rent increase to go into effect any time after the end of a lease term (normally 12 months but no more than two years).
2. You can only submit a rent increase request (per HCV unit) once every 12 months.
3. The unit must be compliant with inspections standards (i.e., not have any outstanding fail items, not due for a regular inspection prior to the effective date of the rent increase).

To account for YHA processing time, including a new market rent analysis, as well as proper tenant notification (required by the Washington State Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance), you would need to submit a rent increase request 60-120 days prior to the date you want the increase or utility change to go into effect.

Note: It’s extremely important that you research the market before submitting a request.

Maintain open communications with your tenants and enforce your lease

A good relationship starts with good communication. Make sure to keep lines of communication open with your tenants, respond quickly to maintenance requests and concerns, and address any lease violations or issues immediately.

Note: YHA is not a party to your lease with the HCV participant family. However, should any issues arise, it’s important to provide documentation of timely lease enforcement for YHA to take any appropriate action relative to violations of the HCV Program Family Obligations.

Submit any changes in ownership or management to YHA as soon as possible

If you sell your current HCV property, purchase a new property with HCV tenants or change property management, you must notify YHA promptly using the Change of Ownership/Management packet to ensure a smooth transition and avoid delays in payments or processing.