Opening Doors for Los Angeles County Renters

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) implemented a new strategy to address and prevent homelessness by increasing landlord participation in its housing programs. Property owners are an essential partner in the Section 8 Program because voucher holders must locate their own rental units in the private rental market. The agency’s goal was to retain current property owners, entice new owner participation, and heighten rental assistance program confidence. On January 1, 2020, the LACDA debuted its Customer Service Unit and launched a new business model called Open Doors. The model provides an enhanced customer service experience for property owners. By dedicating experienced staff to provide immediate assistance to the needs of current and potential property owners, the LACDA increased the number of families able to utilize their vouchers in the highly competitive Los Angeles County rental market. The LACDA pays the owner a vacancy loss equivalent to a full month’s rent if a tenant vacates without giving proper notice.As of January 31, 2021, Open Doors has assisted 693 owners with a sign-on bonus to help house LACDA participating tenants, issued Vacancy Loss payments for 12 tenants, and paid 16 damage claims.