Kansas City residents looking for affordable rental housing will soon be able to use the new housing locator website.

The Housing & Community Development Department chose Emphasys Software to develop the forthcoming website through the city’s established request for proposals (RFP) process.

“The website will offer real-time, updated information to both tenants and landlords,” said Jane Pansing Brown, housing and community development director.

When fully implemented, the site will allow landlords to post available units and provide information regarding services at the property.

With the goal encouraging housing stability, the website will make it easier for families to find the right home, ultimately decreasing the number of houseless families and youth. The implementation plan includes marketing and outreach strategies to promote the website and its benefits.

“On average 8% of our housing stock sits vacant on a daily basis,” said Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw. “This will allow us to connect potential tenants to the housing providers that have vacant units. I’m excited about the difference this can make.”

The city hopes to have the website operational by late summer or early fall.