Online listing eases housing woes

For businesses across southern Louisiana, the challenge since the 2005 hurricane season has been finding workers. For workers moving to the region, the challenge has been finding affordable rental property.

But property owners seeking tenants now have a free venue to list their unit online.

LAHousingSearch.org, a state-sponsored online housing resource, currently lists over 400 available rentals, including properties in Houma, Thibodaux and Lockport.

The site is a collaborative effort between the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency, state Department of Health and Hospitals and the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA), according to LHFA Public Information Officer Kimberly Levy. It is designed to match property owners and those looking to rent an apartment or house, she said.

Since its December 2006 launch, the site has steadily expanded as more landlords have taken advantage of the free listing, Levy said.

“We have received a great response from property owners and we will continue to encourage additional participation,” said LHFA President Milton Bailey in a news release. “LAHousingSearch.org is proving to be a viable resource for all Louisianans seeking clean, safe and truly affordable housing.”

Set up to accommodate English and Spanish speakers, the site also has a bilingual call center for non-Internet users. The serve is designed to provide possible tenants with specific, up-to-date housing information by telephone or fax.

Landlords or property managers who use the site are allowed to collect income, credit and criminal history information on potential tenants.

The site requires, however, that those listing property abide by the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity regulations, which prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, sex, family status or disability.

Properties become active immediately after they are correctly entered into the system, and updates are made 24-hours a day, Levy said. Landlords are also able to enter the system to manage their listing, add photographs of the property, or the like.

Listings include special needs, Section 8 and other listings.

Tenants are able to search by cities, rent range and obtain a map of the area where the property is located. Detailed listings also allow potential renters to view all the amenities and special features of the property.

And, according to Levy, landlords can use the property search feature as a tool to manage property inventory and make neighborhood and pricing comparisons.

“As expected, the number of safe, affordable and comfortable units listed continues to grow,” said LRA Housing Taskforce Chairman Walter Leger. “We look forward to providing renters with a quick and easy resource for finding affordable housing free of charge.”

To view the site, visist www.LAHousingSearch.org. To reach the hotline, call 877-428-8844.

Shell Armstrong can be reached at shell@tri-parishtimes.com.