HCV/Section 8 Frequently Asked Questions - Landlord

Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program - Landlord FAQ

1. What is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program?

   The Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, is a federal program that provides decent, affordable housing to eligible individuals and families, including seniors and persons with disabilities. SRHA administers the program locally to help participants obtain safe and quality housing in the private market.

2. Are there benefits to renting to an HCV tenant?

   Yes. Landlords who participate in the HCV Program receive guaranteed monthly rent payments directly from SRHA. Depending on the tenant's income, this can cover a portion or all of the rent.

3. What is a voucher?

   A voucher allows qualified tenants to select housing in the private market rather than being limited to designated public housing. Tenants pay a portion of their income toward rent, and SRHA subsidizes the remainder through Housing Assistance Payments (HAP).

4. How do I list my property for HCV tenants?

   You can complete the HCV Property Listing Form, available online or in the SRHA main office lobby. Once submitted, your property will be listed on the SRHA Courtesy List and made available to the public.

5. How do I select a tenant?

   You may choose any qualified applicant. Always verify that the applicant has a valid voucher and conduct your own tenant screening, as SRHA does not screen tenants for suitability. You should check payment history, care of prior rental property, lease compliance, and any criminal activity that may affect safety or property conditions.

6. Can I accept a voucher holder from outside of Suffolk or Virginia?

   Yes. Vouchers are portable and can be used by tenants relocating from other cities, counties, or states, as long as both housing authorities coordinate the transfer.

7. What paperwork do I need to complete?

   When an HCV tenant is interested in your unit, they will provide a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) form. Once submitted, SRHA will schedule an inspection. If approved, you'll complete and submit a proposed lease, a Housing Assistance Payment Contract (HAPC), a Direct Deposit Authorization Form, and a Request for Tax ID Number.

8. What are my responsibilities as a Landlord?

   Landlords are responsible for screening tenants, maintaining the property in good condition, and making timely repairs. You must comply with the HAP Contract and all Fair Housing laws, allow reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, and not lease to close relatives of the tenant unless approved by SRHA for accessibility reasons. You are responsible for collecting the tenant's rent portion, enforcing the lease, and paying any owner-supplied utilities listed in the lease.

9. What are the tenant's responsibilities?

   Tenants must comply with their lease, make timely rent payments, maintain the unit, and notify both SRHA and the landlord of any changes in household composition or income.

10. Who determines the rent for my property?

    You propose the rent amount for your unit. SRHA conducts a Rent Reasonableness Study to ensure the proposed rent is comparable to similar unassisted units in the area and affordable for the tenant.

11. Is there a limit to how much rent I can request?

    There is no fixed limit, but the rent must be reasonable for the area and affordable for the tenant. Factors include the unit's size, type, condition, location, year built, amenities, and included utilities.

12. When will I receive my payments?

    Housing Assistance Payments are issued between the 1st and 5th of each month, provided the tenant remains in good standing and the unit continues to meet HUD Housing Quality Standards.

13. When will I receive my first payment after approval?

    Once your unit passes inspection and the HAP contract is signed, you will receive your first payment the following month. If the contract is signed after the monthly check run, payment will be made in the next cycle and will include any prorated amount.

14. What if the rent is not affordable for the tenant?

    If the rent exceeds the affordability limit and you agree to lower it, you cannot charge the tenant additional "side payments." Doing so violates HUD program rules and may result in termination from the program and repayment of HAP funds.

15. Can I allow the tenant to move in before inspection approval?

    No. Tenants cannot move in until the NSPIRE inspection has been completed and SRHA has approved the unit for occupancy. Moving in early may delay inspection, require reinspection, and delay or cancel HAP payments.

16. What happens if my unit fails inspection?

    If your unit fails the annual or initial inspection, you will receive a letter listing the required repairs. You have 30 days to complete repairs before a reinspection. If the unit fails again, payments will be suspended, and the unit may go into abatement.

17. What is abatement?

    Abatement occurs when a unit fails to meet HUD standards. During abatement, SRHA suspends HAP payments until the unit passes inspection. The tenant will be notified and may be given the option to move. If repairs are completed before the contract is terminated, payments will resume and be prorated based on the date the unit passes inspection.

18. Is the tenant responsible for paying full rent during abatement?

    No. The tenant is only responsible for their assigned portion of the rent. They are not required to pay the full rent while the unit is under abatement.

19. Can I charge extra fees for appliances or services?

    Not without prior approval from SRHA. Any changes that affect rent or utilities must be reviewed and approved before they take effect.

20. What should I do if the tenant violates the lease?

    You must enforce the lease as you would for any other tenant. Notify the tenant in writing and provide SRHA with a copy of any notice or court filing. SRHA does not enforce leases but may offer counseling to tenants during the proc

21. Can I require a security deposit?

    Yes. You may collect a security deposit, as long as it is comparable to what is charged to unassisted tenants for similar units.

22. Can I sell my property while participating in the program?

    Yes. You must notify SRHA in writing, including the new owner's name and contact information and the effective date of sale. To avoid payment interruptions, assign both the lease and the HAP Contract to the new owner at the time of sale.

23. How do I request a rent increase?

    Submit a written request to both your tenant and SRHA at least 60 days before the desired effective date. SRHA will review the request for rent reasonableness and affordability and notify you of the decision. You may request a rent increase after the first 12 months of tenancy.

24. Are there special rules for tenants with disabilities?

    Yes. Tenants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to housing. A reasonable accommodation is a change, exception, or adjustment to a rule or policy that allows a person with a disability to fully participate in the program.