Toolkit Understanding Master Leasing for People with Serious Mental Illness

Master leasing is a housing strategy in which an organization, such as a government agency or nonprofit,
leases units from a landlord or property owner on behalf of individuals with serious mental illness and other
behavioral health needs who are exiting homelessness. In a master leasing program, the master leasing
organization interacts directly with the property owner, pays rent, and provides housing and support services
to tenants.

This strategy assists homeless individuals and families who have serious mental illness and face significant
barriers to accessing and maintaining permanent housing by quickly connecting them to both housing
and supportive services. The goal of master leasing is to create a stable, sustainable, and supportive living
environment that helps tenants establish a positive rental history and prepares them for future independent
leasing opportunities.

Multiple approaches to housing are important and necessary. Giving people a clear choice in finding housing
is a critical part of a homeless response system.