GA Voucher / Section 8 Escalation Advice?

Question

Bought a small multifamily in Atlanta (Oct 2025). One tenant is on a GA Voucher. All ownership-change and lease docs were submitted months ago, but payments are still going to the prior owner and HA says no stop payment/renewal is on file.

Several online requests have already been submitted on their website. So what is the best or other way to escalate and get this fixed without disrupting the tenant?

Marquez Cadet · Answer

Great advice Stephen. I will start making consistent calls while attempting to get the contact information for the case workers.

Stephen Quesinberry · Answer

Hey Marquez,

Sorry to hear that, I'm sure that is frustrating.

Since you didn't mention it....first, confirm exactly which housing authority office and caseworker are assigned to the tenant. Online submissions often land in a general queue and don’t move without a specific person attached. If you don’t already have the caseworker’s direct email and phone, that’s the first step. You need a POC to help. I would escalate heavily given that you closed in October. Don't stop until you get a POC that takes ownership in handling the case.

Second, resubmit the ownership change packet, but send it directly to the caseworker and copy a program supervisor or manager. Include a short, clear note explaining that payments are still being sent to the prior owner despite submission months ago. Attach the deed or settlement statement, W-9, direct deposit form, and current lease together in one PDF.

Third, if possible, loop in the prior owner and ask them to notify the housing authority in writing that they no longer own the property and should not be receiving payments. A confirmation from the previous payee often helps resolve the stop-payment issue faster.

Fourth, keep the tenant out of the process other than reassuring them this is an administrative issue and does not affect their lease or housing. Avoid anything that could trigger confusion or concern on their end.

If things still stall, calling the housing authority early in the morning and asking for a program supervisor tends to be more effective than continued online requests. Calm persistence and repeated check ins/follow ups usually works.

It’s frustrating, but this is typically fixable without disrupting the tenant once the right people are looped in.