Become a CMHA Landlord

About CMHA

The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) is a public agency that administers federal housing assistance programs in Cuyahoga County, including the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. CMHA vets tenants, manages subsidies, and ensures landlord compliance with federal standards.

Key Benefits of CMHA Participation

• Guaranteed rent from HUD (Section 8 portion paid directly to you)
• Tenant screening: CMHA vets credit, income, and background
• Reduced risk: CMHA ensures housing quality standards; bad units are de-listed
• Legal support: CMHA can help mediate disputes
• Stable income: Subsidized portion paid consistently, regardless of tenant employment

CMHA Section 8 Program Overview

The most common CMHA program for landlords is Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Here's how it works:

Rent Payment Structure

• HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR): CMHA pays you based on HUD's set rate for your area/unit size
• Tenant portion: Tenant pays 25-30% of their income (or minimum, whichever is higher)
• Your total: FMR amount from CMHA + tenant rent share

Example (2-bedroom in Cleveland):

• FMR: $1,050/month
• Tenant income: $30,000/year → pays ~$200/month
• You receive: $1,050 (CMHA) + $200 (tenant) = $1,250/month

How to Enroll with CMHA

Step 1: Contact CMHA Landlord Services

Call (216) 348-3888 or visit cuyahogamha.org to request a landlord application packet.

Step 2: Complete Landlord Application

Required documents:

• Proof of property ownership
• Property tax information
• Mortgage details (if financed)
• Proof of landlord liability insurance
• Previous tenant references

Step 3: Submit Property for Inspection

Your unit must meet CMHA Housing Quality Standards (HQS). Schedule an inspection at (216) 348-3888.

Step 4: Pass HQS Inspection

Inspector will check:

• All utilities working (heat, water, electricity)
• Structure safe (no major damage)
• Lead-based paint disclosed (pre-1978)
• Plumbing and appliances functional
• No pest infestation
• Adequate light and ventilation

Step 5: Sign Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract

The HAP contract between you and CMHA specifies:

• Rent amount (FMR)
• Payment schedule (usually direct deposit)
• Your lease requirements
• CMHA's role and responsibilities

Step 6: Receive Tenant Referral

CMHA will provide you with qualified tenant applicants. You select from the pool and sign the lease.

Lease Requirements & Restrictions

Your lease must include CMHA/HUD-approved language. You cannot:

• Discriminate based on protected class
• Waive HUD/CMHA protections
• Include illegal clauses (no kids, no families, etc.)
• Charge above FMR (even if market is higher)
• Evict without good cause

CMHA will provide a template lease. You can add house rules (no pets, quiet hours, etc.) as long as they're legal.

Annual Recertification

Each year:

• CMHA recertifies the tenant's income
• Tenant's rent share may adjust based on income changes
• CMHA inspects your unit again (HQS)
• HAP contract is renewed

If your unit fails annual inspection, CMHA will suspend payments until repairs are made. You must coordinate with CMHA for any violations.

Eviction & Termination

You can terminate the lease for good cause (non-payment, lease violation), but:

• You must provide 30+ days' notice
• You must notify CMHA before filing for eviction
• Eviction must be for valid cause (not retaliation)

See: Section 8 Eviction Rules

Payment & Subsidy Information

How you get paid: CMHA deposits HUD's portion directly to your bank account on the 1st of each month (in most cases).

If CMHA is late: Contact landlord services immediately. Delays are rare but can happen; CMHA will resolve it. You cannot evict the tenant for HUD payment delays.

Late tenant payment: If the tenant is late with their portion, you can pursue eviction (with notice and due process).

Is CMHA Participation Right for You?

Good fit if:

• You want stable, subsidized income
• You're willing to maintain property to code
• You prefer tenant-screened by CMHA
• You can handle annual inspections
• You want lower vacancy risk

Not a good fit if:

• You want to charge above-market rents
• You can't maintain property to standards
• You object to HUD regulations
• You prefer complete control over tenant selection

Additional CMHA Programs

Beyond Section 8, CMHA also manages:

• Public Housing: CMHA-owned/managed properties
• Project-Based Vouchers: Vouchers tied to specific properties
• Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS): Program helping tenants achieve independence

Ask CMHA Landlord Services about all available programs when you apply.

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