IHFA Landlord Workshop Nov. 14 (Thursday) Explains New Lead-Based Paint Regulations

TWIN FALLS - Current or potential landlords in southwest Idaho are encouraged to attend a free landlord workshop on November 14 (Tuesday), sponsored by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association. The workshop will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Burley Public Meeting Hall, 1401 Overland, Burley. Workshop seating is limited and those planning to attend are encouraged to reserve space by contacting IHFA’s Twin Falls office at 208-734-8531.

Lisa Stevens, IHFA Rental Assistance manager, will discuss HUD’s new lead-based paint regulations that went into effect September 15 for all Section 8 units. These new regulations are much more stringent than past regulations regarding lead-based paint and are part of a nationwide effort to stop lead poisoning of our nation’s children. These changes affect all federally owned residential property, and housing receiving federal assistance.

An Idaho State Police representative will address the dangers and repercussions of having a meth lab on your property. Julie Williams, IHFA vice president of Community Housing Services explains, "Meth labs have become a serious threat to communities statewide. Landlords and property owners need to know what action to take when a meth lab is discovered on their property. They may be surprised at their scope of financial responsibility."

IHFA administers Section 8 programs on behalf of HUD in 34 of Idaho’s 44 counties. Last fiscal year, IHFA administered over $8 million in Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) to participating landlords in the Section 8 program. This benefits more than 2,400 low-income households each month.

To be eligible for rental assistance, households must qualify under HUD income limits and pay 30 percent of their adjusted gross monthly income for rent and utilities.

IHFA’s four branch offices, located in Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, Twin Falls and Idaho Falls, administer the Section 8 program. Landlord workshops are coordinated semi-annually by each office.