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Housing authority ramps up outreach and cuts rents to fill vacant units
Summary
Authority staff reported marketing changes and lowered rents to address vacancies at Enterprise and Live Oak properties, including targeted flyer distribution, reduced security deposits and coordination with realtors and churches to reach eligible tenants.
Authority staff told the board they have taken immediate steps to move vacant units at Enterprise and Live Oak back into occupancy, including posting "for rent" signs at property corners, distributing paper applications and reducing rents and deposits to increase affordability.
Crystal McLeod, director of operations, told the board she has handed out about 11 applications and forwarded eight to development staff, but described difficulties getting potential tenants to supply bank statements. Staff said they lowered the three-bedroom rent to $1,250 and set one- and two-bedroom rents in the $900–$1,000 range; security deposits were lowered to $500 to remove barriers to move-in. Crystal also said several prospects mistakenly assume the authority will fully subsidize posted rents under Section 8, so staff are clarifying subsidy rules in outreach.
Board members suggested targeted outreach through the local Board of Realtors, property-management companies such as Ocean Breeze, churches and mobile-home parks. The board recommended a one-page flyer with photos, amenities and rent ranges; staff agreed to distribute flyers at three community sites and post them on bulletin boards and social outlets. Theresa, the executive director, said staff will also ask local realtors to refer households who cannot qualify for market housing.
Why it matters: The authority reported multiple units vacant since July at certain properties; filling those units affects rental revenue, operating reserves and the authority's ability to fund capital projects. Staff said outreach and modest rent adjustments are intended to bring units back into occupancy quickly.
What happens next: Staff will produce and distribute flyers, follow up with managers at target properties and report back to the board on occupancy progress at the next meeting.
