Johnson County’s Landlord Incentive Pilot Program, which was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on June 8, 2023 and launched on July 1, 2023, has successfully concluded.

The pilot program provided landlords with financial incentives to rent their units to tenants using federally funded housing subsidy vouchers. The Board approved two rounds of federal grant funding, totaling $400,000, from July 2023 to Oct. 1, 2024. Both rounds of funding were successfully spent.

The program was developed through a collaborative effort between local landlords and Johnson County Government. The county conducted surveys, listening sessions and a focus group to build partnerships and ensure the program met the needs of both landlords and tenants.

With the help of the pilot program, 56 new landlords participated in the Housing Choice Voucher program. As a result, the program helped to provide 475 people with long-term, stable housing – including families with disabled members, the elderly, working families with children, and families experiencing homelessness. In 2023, the average annual income of those with Housing Choice Vouchers was $17,710.

Between 2019 and 2022, Johnson County saw fewer landlords participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Many vouchers expired because they went unused when a tenant could not find a unit to rent.

The pilot program offered new or returning landlords a sign-on bonus when they executed a lease with a family using a Housing Choice Voucher, Emergency Housing Voucher, or Permanent Supportive Housing Voucher through Johnson County Mental Health. This sign-on bonus helped to account for the time it would take landlords to work with the program, including the inspection process, paperwork and other required efforts.

The amount of money landlords received varied depending on the size of the unit but was equal to one or two times the tenant’s monthly rent.

While families with vouchers are no more likely than any other tenant to damage units, the county also offered landlords reimbursement for tenant-caused damages, after the security deposit is applied. The program has not received any damage claims.

The pilot program didn’t meet all existing needs, but it allowed housing officials to determine the right mix of incentives to encourage participation.

The program’s success was recognized with a prestigious award from the National Association of Counties, highlighting its innovative approach and positive impact on the community.

The incentive program is funded for one more year, beginning in Jan. 2025. Are you a landlord interested in participating in similar future programs? Contact landlord liaison, Jessa Molina, at jessa.molina2@jocogov.org or 913-715-6618.