Tulsa has a unique program that encourages landlords and property managers to follow best rental practices. The Gold Star Landlord Program has already benefited over 1,000 participants citywide, including Renters Place, which has earned the distinction. This article outlines everything you need to know about the program, including the requirements, the incentives, and how to participate.
Key Highlights:
- It's free, voluntary, and already widely adopted. More than 1,000 landlords and property managers across Tulsa, including Renters Place, have earned the distinction since the program's launch.
- Six core requirements make up the checklist. Applicants must be licensed, pass a free health and safety inspection, list units on the city's affordable housing site, use mediation before eviction, take part in the Abode Initiative, and stay compliant with all applicable laws.
- Legal compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. Landlords who want to stand out can go further by keeping properties in strong condition year-round, listing units proactively, and treating mediation as a first resort rather than a formality.
- The rewards extend well beyond a badge. Certified landlords get promotional visibility, priority processing for emergency rental assistance, direct support from PartnerTulsa staff, funding tied to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and referrals of tenants trained in housing stability.
- The program was born out of crisis, but built for the long term. Launched in 2021 to address an unprecedented housing crunch, it now serves as an ongoing framework that connects landlord incentives with tenant stability across the city.
What Are the Benefits?
When a landlord or property manager qualifies for the program, they get the following incentives:
- You will be advertised and promoted as one of Tulsa’s best landlords and property managers.
- You will receive assistance from PartnerTulsa staff in accessing resources and services landlords may need, including direct referrals.
- Your application will be prioritized in the city’s emergency rental and utility assistance program.
- You will be among the recipients of incentives funded by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
- You will receive referrals for tenants who have completed Housing Solutions’ Housing Stability Certificate program, which teaches tenants skills to maintain housing stability.
How Can You Participate?
To participate in the Gold Star Program, you need to fill out an online application, and you will receive onboarding materials with instructions for completing requirements. When you meet all the requirements, you can then sign and return the program agreement to become an official Gold Star Landlord. The requirements are as follows:
- Be a licensed landlord or property manager
- Participate in the Tulsa Health Department’s Safe and Healthy Homes Program, including free inspections of vacant rental properties
- List all available rental units on the City of Tulsa and Housing Solutions’ Affordable Housing Waitlist
- Participate in the Early Settlement Mediation Program before evicting tenants, except in cases of criminal activity
- Participate in the City’s Abode Initiative, which supports landlords to increase affordable housing opportunities in Tulsa
- Comply with all federal, state, and local laws
How To Increase Your Chances of Qualifying
Legal compliance isn’t enough. There are practices you can adopt to have a better chance of achieving the Gold Star distinction.
Ensure Safety in Your Rental Property
Before you can be enrolled as a Tulsa Health Department (THD) Safe & Healthy Home, you need to make sure that your rental property can provide tenants with a safe environment. You can achieve that through regular inspections so you can find issues and address them right away.
If your Tulsa rental property was built before 1978, has children under the age of 6 living on the premises, and has an income that’s below 50% or 80% of the area’s median income level, you can apply for lead hazard removal at no cost.
Once you’re confident in the state of your property and can sustain it, you can accept the free courtesy inspections of vacant rental units offered by the THD.
Post Your Rental Listings on the Affordable Housing Waitlist
You must post all available rental units on the City of Tulsa and Housing Solutions' Affordable Housing Listing Website. This can increase your visibility, but make sure that your rental home is categorized as low-income, subsidized, or Section 8 housing. It can connect you with people seeking below-market-rate rental units.
Explore Eviction Alternatives like Mediation
Evictions are often expensive and time-consuming, which is why this requirement is also a cost-effective solution. The Early Settlement Center for Mediation, specifically, is a confidential, out-of-court dispute resolution program that lets you resolve disputes and retain your tenant.
Mediation gives both parties a chance to negotiate a solution, such as a payment plan, to avoid the disruption of a formal eviction filing. It is also a safer option than navigating the legal complexities of eviction.
Participate in the Adobe Initiative
When your profitability and business plan allow, you can take part in the Adobe Initiative, a city program that supports landlords in increasing affordable housing opportunities in Tulsa. The initiative offers support, regular updates on resources like rental assistance, and educational opportunities and webinars.
Why Was the Gold Star Landlord Program Launched?
In 2021, the City of Tulsa launched the program to ensure quality housing for Tulsans and help address the unprecedented housing crisis. It’s not just about the incentives that landlords can receive, but the benefits that tenants in Tulsa can enjoy.
Affordable and safe housing can help displaced tenants and keep your rental property occupied. It also encourages you to adopt best practices to keep your operations fair and effective.
FAQs
Is there a cost to join the Gold Star Landlord Program?
No. The program is completely free and voluntary. Every requirement, from health inspections to mediation services, is provided at no cost to participating landlords.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any licensed landlord or property manager operating rental property in Tulsa can apply, as long as they're willing to complete the program's requirements and remain compliant with federal, state, and local law.
Do I need a large portfolio of properties to qualify?
No. The program is open to landlords and property managers of any size, from individuals renting out a single unit to companies managing hundreds of properties. Renters Place is one example of a participant that has earned the distinction.
Hiring a Gold Star Property Manager
You can skip through the prerequisites and still take advantage of the benefits by hiring a property manager that has already been rewarded by the Gold Star Landlord Program. Renters Place offers the incentives and expertise that professional property management provides.
Backed by over 50 years of experience in real estate investing and property management, you can rest assured that your investment property is in good hands.
Contact us, and let’s discuss how we can help your business grow.
More Resources:
Routine Maintenance Guide for Tulsa Rental Properties
Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Property Manager in Tulsa
