Housing Choice Voucher Program - Participant FAQs
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Details
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, formerly known as Section 8, is designed to help eligible families obtain affordable housing. Applications are currently not being accepted at SHRA. The waiting period depends on the day and time you applied for the waiting list and the amount of funding available for rental assistance. Participants remain eligible for the program as long as Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) are available and program regulations are followed.
The initial term of a voucher is 60 days. Depending on your situation, an extension of 30 days or longer may be approved. The number of bedrooms you qualify for is determined by PHA subsidy standards based on your family size. You may use your voucher anywhere within the SRHA jurisdiction or in another area through portability, as long as the unit passes inspection, the rent is reasonable, and the size is appropriate for your household. The PHA conducts an annual recertification to review your income and household composition and make necessary adjustments.
All changes in income and household composition must be reported to your Housing Specialist. Any new household members must be approved by SRHA before moving into your assisted unit. Utility responsibilities are outlined in your HAP lease agreement. Utilities must remain connected and current at all times, even when not in use.
To qualify for the HCV Program, applicants must meet HUD and PHA family definitions, have income at or below HUD-specified limits, provide proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status, supply Social Security numbers for all family members, and maintain behavior consistent with HUD and PHA requirements.
- After Approval for HCV
Once approved for the program, you will attend a briefing session to learn the rules and how to use your voucher. A background screening will be completed to confirm eligibility.
You must then search for a rental unit that meets HUD and Housing Office standards. After finding a suitable unit, complete and submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) with your landlord. The unit will be inspected to confirm that it meets HUD standards.
After the inspection is approved, you will sign a lease and provide a copy to the Housing Office. The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) will be paid directly to your landlord, and you will be responsible for paying your portion of the rent.
You are required to report all changes in income or household composition and participate in the annual recertification process. Failure to report changes may result in repayment of assistance or termination from the program.
- Housing Inspections
Inspections are typically conducted once a year, but additional inspections may occur. To prepare, make sure all utilities are functioning, common areas are clean, and any safety issues-such as smoke detector batteries or broken fixtures-are corrected. You do not have to be home during the inspection, but someone at least 18 years old must be present. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that your unit meets HUD's safety and health standards.
- Utility Allowance
Utility reimbursement checks are paid directly to the utility company. Always review your lease or HAP contract to confirm who is responsible for paying utilities.
- Household Changes
Any additions to your household must be approved by the Housing Office before the person moves in. Report changes in family size as soon as they occur, as they may affect your eligibility or rental assistance. If your income changes, submit an Income Change Request Form with supporting documentation, such as pay stubs or bank statements. All income changes must be reported by the 21st of each month to ensure rent adjustments take effect the following month.
- Rent and Income
Your rent is generally 30% of your monthly income, and the voucher covers the remainder. If the rent exceeds the voucher limit, you may be responsible for the additional amount, but it cannot exceed 40% of your income when you first move in. If your income decreases, your rent may decrease, increasing the amount covered by your voucher. If your income increases, your rent portion may increase, and it could affect your eligibility for the program. If you miss a rent payment, contact your landlord immediately. Failure to pay rent can lead to eviction and affect your participation in the HCV Program.
- Moving and Portability
You may transfer your voucher to a new area through portability, but you must first notify the Housing Office and follow the required procedures. You may also choose to remain in your current unit if it is approved under program guidelines.
- Landlord Problems and Discrimination
If you experience housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability, you may file a complaint with HUD by calling 1-800-669-9777 or visiting hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination. You may also contact the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) at www.dpor.virginia.gov/FairHousing.
- Housing Options
Participants may use their vouchers to rent apartments, houses, or townhomes that meet program requirements. The SRHA does not currently offer a Housing Choice Voucher homeownership option; however, first-time homebuyer programs are available through the Housing Office.
- Ending a Lease
If you need to end your lease early, you must provide proper notice to both your landlord and the Housing Office. Failure to follow lease termination procedures could result in penalties or loss of your voucher.
- Payment Standards
The payment standard is the maximum amount of rent HUD will subsidize for a unit. Your portion of rent is calculated based on this standard and your household's income
