Louisville Metro Government is launching a new Landlord Incentive Program to create housing solutions by paying property owners who lease to unhoused populations.
Joseph Hamilton, manager of the Office of Resilience and Community Services Housing and Support Division, said landlords partnering with the Louisville Metro Housing and Support Division who agree to rent properties for 12 months to division clients could receive up to $2,000.
He said the pilot program will use funds remaining from the American Rescue Plan through the fall of 2026, with about 18 months of incentive payments available.
“We just need more options,” Hamilton said. “The idea with this is that we know that there (are) mom-and-pop property owners out there, we know there (are) smaller scale property owners, and we’re hoping this will be a beacon for a potential partnership. We’ve got many long-standing landlords now, but we need to add to that supply and build new relationships that will hopefully sustain.”
Participating property owners will receive $1,000 after meeting with division staff and agreeing to rent out the space to a client. Owners will receive the second $1,000 at the end of a 12-month lease. There are plans to handle damage to the property in addition to providing clients with life skills and supportive services to address “individual, unique needs,” Hamilton said.