Landlords and property owners with available multi-family or standalone rental units can find out more about the significant need for 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units in Calcasieu Parish – inside and outside the city limits – and how they can support the community by offering affordable housing and receive rent payments on time.

The Calcasieu Parish Human Services Department is hosting a free Landlord Workshop/Recruitment session Friday, Sept. 27, and Saturday, Sept. 28.

Sessions will be held from 9 a.m.– 11 a.m. and then again from 1 p.m.–3 p.m. on Friday, and from 2 p.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday at the Allen P. August Sr. Multipurpose Center, 2000 Moeling St. in Lake Charles.

Calcasieu Parish  has a Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 program for outside the city limits. They also have a Permanent Supporting Housing program for inside and outside the city limits, according to Erika Garrison, CPPJ Human Services.

“The ultimate goal is to provide affordable housing opportunities, and the Landlord sessions are a great way to connect landlords with information about the benefits of a collaborative partnership,” Garrison said.

Examples of the information supplied range from information about the different segments of the population seeking housing and “2025 Fair Market Rent Documentation” figures. For example, the efficiency fair market monthly rent is $871. For a three-bedroom, it’s $1,333.

The housing applicant supplies income information, and pays based on that income. However, the landlord receives the full “fair market monthly rent.”

Landlords will also see a check-off list that inspectors will use to verify the property is safe and maintained according to HUD standards.

The Housing Voucher and Permanent Supporting programs support landlords by not only guaranteeing payment on a portion of approved tenants’ rent, but by referring people seeking housing to the landlord’s property by helping to expedite lease up, added Nicole Miller, CPPJ Human Services.