Property owners, managers, landlords, and those involved in real estate in Southern Idaho are encouraged to attend a free landlord workshop hosted by Idaho Housing and Finance Association. The workshop, which will include information on fair housing, housingidaho.com, and the Section 8 rental assistance program, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 4, at IHFA’s Twin Falls Branch Office, located at 844 Washington St. N., Suite 300.

“Karen McCarthy, an attorney with Idaho Legal Aid, will discuss fair housing issues,” said Sunny Shaw, IHFA Twin Falls Branch Office Supervisor. “I encourage landlords, REALTORS®, lenders, and bankers in the area to attend this informational workshop.”

Shaw will also discuss housingidaho.com; a new, free statewide listing service for rental housing. This bilingual, fully ADA-compliant site efficiently links tenants and landlords throughout the state. Additionally, Shaw will be available to discuss the Section 8 program and answer questions for property owners and managers. Seating for this workshop is limited, and those planning to attend must call to reserve space by contacting IHFA’s Twin Falls branch office at (208) 734-8531 or toll-free (866) 234-3435.

IHFA administers Section 8 Rental Assistance on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To be eligible for rental assistance, households must apply to a waiting list and qualify under HUD income limits. If eligible, the household would pay approximately 30 percent of their adjusted gross monthly income for rent and utilities. In 2007, IHFA’s branch offices administered nearly $12 million in rental assistance. Approximately 3,500 eligible families benefitted from this investment.

IHFA’s four branch offices, located in Twin Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, and Idaho Falls, administer the Section 8 program and conduct landlord workshops regularly.

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The Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a financial services and housing business organization, provides funding for affordable housing in communities where it is most needed and when economically feasible.