What do I have to do to qualify as an HCV landlord?
The landlord has to be willing to participate in the HCV Program and have a unit that can pass inspection. Owners further qualify by attesting that they are not related to the assisted family, that they have not been debarred by HUD, and that they are the rightful owner of the property. This does not occur until the landlord selects a HCV tenant. There is nothing an owner must do to pre-qualify or register as a landlord.
Can I use my own lease?
Your lease can be used as long as it fits the following criteria:
- Lease terms must match the HAP contract
- Lease term must be a minimum of 1 year
- Must not display/exhibit discriminatory language or behavior
What happens after the unit passes inspection?
Once the unit passes the inspection the tenant and owner must discuss a move-in date, execute a lease and forward the executed lease to the Leasing Specialist to generate the HAP Contract for signature from the owner.
How long are the lease and contract valid?
The lease and contract are valid for 12 months. Once the 12 months are completed the tenant becomes a tenant at will. A new lease and contract is not required but is acceptable.
What information do you need to process my payments?
You will need to provide:
- Completed W-9 form
- Clear copy of your social security card and/or official government document
- Clear copy of your photo identification
- If applicable, management company’s IRS letter (assigning the tax ID number)
Can I collect first and last month’s rent as well as a security deposit?
Upon signing the Lease, you can collect (from your tenant) the tenant’s share of the first month’s rent and a security deposit.
The security deposit may not exceed the value of two months of approved contract rent.
How do I request a rent increase?
The owner and tenant must submit the completed Contract Rental Adjustment Form at least 60 days, but no more than 90 days, prior to the 1stof the HAP contract anniversary month.
Example: if the HAP contract anniversary month is May, the owner can submit a request between January 1st and March 1st, for the approved rent to be effective May 1st.
A copy of this notice must be forwarded to the Leading Department athcvpleasing@rrha.com. The leasing department will conduct a rent reasonableness review to determine if the requested increase is comparable to unassisted units in the area.
When can I expect to receive my payment?
The RRHA portion of the rent, called the “subsidy,” is mailed/direct deposited once a month between the 1st and 5th of the month.
If it is a new contract, you will be paid on the next scheduled payment date after HCVP has received the signed Housing Assistance Payment Contract. HCVP will not pay subsidy before the contract terms have been agreed upon.
I did not receive a payment this month. Why not?
There could be several reasons why you did not receive a payment this month:
- If the unit is in abatement (two failed inspections) payments are stopped until repairs are made, and the unit passes an inspection.
- If this is a new contract, the signed contracts may have been returned too late to be included in a payment run. You will be paid on the next payment date.
- If your tenant has had a recent re-exam, his/her income may have increased to a level where he/she is no longer eligible for HAP assistance.
I want to evict my tenant. What do I have to do?
HCVP cannot give legal advice. We recommend you seek the advice of an attorney.
What are Fair Market Rents?
Fair Market Rents (FMR) are calculated and published annually by HUD. Each housing authority has the discretion of using a percentage of the FMRs between 90% but not to exceed 110% of the Fair Market Rents. FMRs are used to establish the Payment Standards for that housing authority’s voucher program. The percentage used is based on current rental conditions of private market units within a housing authority’s jurisdiction. FMRs are not an indication or guarantee of the rent that will be approved for a unit.
Can the tenant pay the difference between what the Leasing Specialist approved and the rent I requested?
No. The tenant’s participation in the program does not allow the tenant to pay more than 40% of their adjusted gross income toward rent and utilities. The owner must accept the rent approved as the full rent for one month. The rent approved includes the tenant share of the rent and subsidy. Payments outside of the approved rental amount is considered a “side payment” and is a violation of the program.
What happens if the tenant is still living in the apartment after the Contract has been terminated?
If the tenant is still living in the unit after the Contract has been terminated, the tenant is responsible for paying the owner the full rent amount. If a participant is awaiting move into a new subsidized unit, the landlord can adjust the move-out date to ensure payments commence while the tenant is occupying the unit.
How do I know when my unit is scheduled for an inspection?
Biennial inspections coincide with the tenant’s recertification date. A property inspection will be scheduled prior to the unit’s contact anniversary date. Tenants and landlords will receive a notice including an inspection date and time. If the unit does not pass inspection, a final inspection will be scheduled with a copy of the written repair notice will be sent to the landlord. If those repairs are not made by the rescheduled inspection, the landlord will receive written notice of termination from the Housing Choice Program.
Can I move and continue to receive Housing Choice Voucher assistance?
Yes. Moves are permissible as long as the family notifies RRHA ahead of time, terminates its existing lease within the lease provisions, and finds acceptable alternate housing. Under the voucher program, new voucher holders may choose a unit anywhere in the United States. A family that wishes to move to another housing authority’s jurisdiction must consult with RRHA to verify the procedures for moving.
Before you can move to another unit and continue to receive your housing assistance, you must complete your tenant obligations under your current lease. This includes giving your landlord a proper 30-day notice to vacate sending a copy of the notice to the Assisted Housing Specialist and attending Leased Housing Department.
What date will my unit be inspected, and when will the inspector arrive?
Biennial inspections are generally scheduled two weeks in advance. Inspections will be scheduled within a 4 hour time frame. Inspections for new contracts are scheduled within one week of a successful rent reasonableness review. Inspectors will arrive within the time frame specified in your appointment letter, either between 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Must I be present when the inspection occurs?
No. However, there must be a responsible adult present, age 18 or over, to allow the inspector entry into the property/unit. We advise it is in your best interest to be present for the initial inspection. This is an opportunity for you to find out firsthand details regarding the unit. It is also an additional opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the HCV Program.
I was not at home for my inspection. What do I have to do?
If the first inspection is missed, the unit will be failed and a second appointment will be scheduled. If you miss a second appointment and/or the inspector is unable to conduct the inspection, the family will be proposed for termination from the HCV Program. If landlords miss a second inspection, the unit will be placed in abatement.
In what circ*mstances can a participant ask for an informal hearing?
Any participant who is proposed for termination from the HCV Program is entitled to an informal hearing. To receive an informal hearing, the participant must make a request, in writing, within 15 days of the notice of proposed termination. The hearing request form may be completed and emailed to HCVP@rrha.com, mailed to P.O. Box 26887, Richmond, VA 23261-6887 or faxed to 804-644-1445.
Can I get paid for tenant-caused damages?
RRHA is not responsible for, and will not pay the cost to repair, damage to any property that is caused by the tenant. You should consult with an attorney to determine your rights and available remedies.
