Tulsa Housing Authority In Need Of Landlords For Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Tulsa Housing Authority is desperate for more landlords to participate in its Housing Choice Voucher Program.

They said many families are unable to find a home because there are not enough landlords, and it also expects the need to grow. The program gives low-income families affordable housing. Management Analyst for the Rental Assistance Department, Diana Clay wants tenants to first reach out to them to get the ball rolling.

“We tell them how much they would qualify for and go out and search for a unit with that criteria,” Clay said.

However, landlords must accept the program’s requirements.

“Be willing to expect the rent from us, they have to go through the inspection process, they have to not owe us any money to the Tulsa Housing Authority,” Clay said.

There are about 1,100 landlords participating, but Clay said that is not enough to meet the already-high demand of tenants, which is expected to increase during the summer.

“We currently have over 630 vouchers searching for housing,” Clay said.

She said only 20 percent are currently able to find a unit to lease. The Tulsa Housing Authority believes there are several reasons for the low landlord turnout. Clay said those include a lack of awareness about the program and concerns about the rules and regulations they must follow.

Landlord, Wally Wallace got on the program in 1986 and has been providing homes for single families since then. He believes the hesitancy from landlords is because of the stigma associated with low-income folks. 

“They work twice as hard as I do and get half the money,” Wallace said.

Clay said the program is a dream come true for any landlord.

“That is one of the benefits, regular on-time monthly payments,” Clay said.

To find out how you can start the process of getting on the program's waiting list, CLICK HERE. Landlords can call 918-581-5705 or 918-581-5793 for more info.