January Section 8 Newsletter
Housing Authority of Darlington
324 Bacote Street Darlington, SC 29532
January 2026
We are happy to welcome you to our second official newsletter from the Section 8 Division of the Housing Authority of the City of Darlington. Our newsletter will be issued four times a year, every quarter, so we are able to share information we feel would be beneficial to you as a Landlord and a Tenant. We are looking forward to connecting with you and sharing information with you.
Landlords
To participate in the HUD Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, landlords must meet specific requirements, including property standards, compliance with fair housing laws, and proper documentation.
- Key Requirements for Landlords: Property Standards: The rental property must meet the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) set by HUD, ensuring it is safe, sanitary, and decent. Regular inspections by the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) will verify compliance with these standards.
- Sources Accepting Vouchers: Landlords must be willing to accept Housing Choice Vouchers and enter a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with the PHA. This contract guarantees that the landlord will receive a portion of the rent directly from the PHA.
- Non-Discrimination: Compliance with the Fair Housing Act is mandatory. Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. All potential tenants must be treated equally, regardless of their voucher status.
- Documentation: Landlords must provide necessary documentation to the PHA, including proof of property ownership, identification, and property insurance. This documentation is essential for the approval process.
- Tenant Selection: While landlords can select tenants based on their own criteria, they must ensure that these criteria are applied uniformly to all applicants to avoid discrimination. The PHA will also review the proposed rent to ensure it is reasonable compared to similar units in the market.
- Lease Agreement: A standard lease agreement must be signed between the landlord and the tenant, along with the HUD-required Tenancy Addendum, which outlines terms of the rental agreement and overrides any conflicting clauses in the lease.
- Rent Increase: A Sixty (60) Day Notice needs to be given to the HAD (Section 8 Department) by the Landlord. The same notice is to be given to the Tenant, if the increase is approved. Following this procedure will ensure that Landlord and Tenant both understand.
Tenants
Keeping your Voucher
Maintaining your Housing Choice Voucher involves ongoing responsibilities, also known as Family Obligations, that you must fulfill as a participant in the program to continue to receive your subsidy.
Ongoing requirements
To keep your Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), you need to do these things:
- Compliance with Program Rules:
- Follow all HCV rules about your income, who lives with you, and your lease agreement.
- Live in the home as your primary residence.
- Only allow family members listed on your voucher to live with you.
Lease Compliance:
- Follow your lease. This means paying rent on time, taking good care of your home, and following any other lease rules.
- Don't damage the unit beyond normal wear and tear.
Unit Inspections:
- Let inspectors check your home to make sure it's safe and in good shape. This includes regular inspections and any related to complaints or emergencies.
Timely Reporting:
- Tell the Public Housing Agency office right away about:
- Changes in who lives with you or your income.
- Plans to move out or end your lease.
- Extended absences from your home.
Annual Recertification:
- Complete a yearly review to check if you still qualify for the program.
- Provide all required information about your family's income and assets.
Ms. Karen Beedy is the Housing Choice Voucher Inspector therefore if you have questions or concerns relating to an inspection, please contact her the number listed below or email her at kbeedy@darlingtonha.org.
We hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season!
Mrs. Jaime Steen, Executive Director 843.393.0436 extension 2000
Ms. Melissa Walker, Housing Specialist 843.393.0436 extension 2005
Mrs. Karen Beedy, Inspector 843.496.8519 (office cell)
