RFTAs simplified

Online RFTA explained

By Niki Kolisch on Mar 6, 2025 in Technology

Request for Tenancy Approvals (RFTAs) are difficult, but they’re just part of the job. They can take some time and really slow you down when you just want to move things along. The waiting, the delays, the endless paperwork — it all adds up. But there’s a better way.

Online RFTA is a tool that saves time for your staff, program participants and landlords. And it all happens electronically through RentCafe PHA. So, no more waiting months for approvals, chasing down lost emails or sifting through heaps of paper. It’s simply a faster way to get things done.

How online RFTA works

Each step of the RFTA process is handled digitally with Yardi Online RTFA. Agencies issue vouchers, applicants find their units, and landlords execute HAP contracts — all in one digital interface.

You may be wondering, do I really need this?

Well, this simple tool cuts approval times from weeks to just a few days. Imagine what you could do with the extra time.

In fact, Lori McGowen of Spokane Housing Authority praises Yardi’s RFTA portal for just that reason. She says, “We’re able to lease-up in about 10 days rather than 14 to 20 days.” 

For your applicants, faster approvals mean they can move into homes sooner, and for landlords it could lead to improved ROI and more participation in the program. Finally for your agency, it means greater efficiency and fewer bottlenecks.

Take a look at the workflow to see how seamless it is.  

Then vs. now

Maybe spreadsheets and emails are just how you’ve done it all along. And it works. So why change what’s working? Well, think about it this way. What if the time spent on paperwork and follow-ups was time saved? Because when it comes down to it, time is money left on the table.

The traditional way of conducting RFTAs is bogged down by paper forms, letters and email chains. These delays slow everything down, leaving your team with task of manually following up.

Every step of the process happens digitally with Online RFTA. Applicants and landlords submit forms online, and automated checks ensure completion and accuracy. The payoff? Fewer delays and more people safely housed.

As Ayanna Kennedy of the Atlanta Housing Authority puts it, “The less paper we have to push, the less money we have to spend. That’s another family we can help.”

Modernizing RFTAs streamlines your process, frees up staff time and creates greater impact on the communities you serve.

Gabrielle Van Horn, director at Yardi, says, “We’re excited to see the adoption from our customers. They report that it is significantly reducing lease-up time and making their Housing Choice Voucher participants more competitive with non-subsidized tenants, even in tight markets.”

Our team is ready to help your agency thrive with Online RFTA. Book a demo today.