Douglas County Housing Authority

The Douglas County Housing Authority administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program within a specific jurisdiction in Douglas County (west of 72nd Street in Omaha to Valley, NE, south to Harrison Street and north to Blair High Road). The Douglas County Housing Authority also administers the Section 8 vouchers for Blair, NE. This program provides rent subsidies that make it possible for low-income households to rent units owned by private landlords in the community.

In accordance with the Housing Opportunity Extension Act of 1996, the Housing Authority completes a criminal background check on all Section 8 applicants. Under certain circumstances, applicants who are found to have a drug-related criminal history or a violent criminal history background may be denied admission to the Section 8 program. Registered sex offenders are denied Section 8 assistance. The specific reasons for which applicants with criminal histories can be denied are limited, and the possession of a voucher should not be taken as a guarantee that the holder does not have a criminal history. The Housing Authority uses the online Nebraska Judicial System to conduct in-state criminal background checks, and Tenant Data to conduct out-of state background searches.

Landlords are encouraged to use the same screening criteria they would use for unassisted clients, which may include rent and utility payment history, previous unit and premise upkeep, references, credit history and criminal records check.

The family is required to comply with the lease and program requirements, pay its share of rent on time, maintain the unit in good condition and notify the Housing Authority of any changes in income or family composition. A family can move without jeopardizing its participation in the program as long as it notifies the Housing Authority ahead of time, terminates the existing lease within the lease provisions and finds acceptable alternate housing.

If lease violations warrant eviction, the landlord should keep the Housing Authority informed by sending a copy of all legal notices to the Housing Authority. Landlords should proceed with eviction as you would with any other tenant, according to the Nebraska Landlord Tenant Act.

Landlords who desire to list their rentals with the Housing Authority Office may call 402.444.6203 x 10 or email douglascountyhousing.com. Landlords are encouraged to list their properties on the website www.housing.ne.gov.

Landlords are encouraged to use the same screening criteria they would use for unassisted clients, which may include rent and utility payment history, previous unit and premise upkeep, references, credit history and criminal records check.