HCVP Landlords

To participate in the HUD Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, landlords must meet specific requirements, including property standards, compliance with fair housing laws, and proper documentation.

• Key Requirements for Landlords: Property Standards: The rental property must meet the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) set by HUD, ensuring it is safe, sanitary, and decent. Regular inspections by the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) will verify compliance with these standards.
  
  
• Sources Accepting Vouchers: Landlords must be willing to accept Housing Choice Vouchers and enter a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with the PHA. This contract guarantees that the landlord will receive a portion of the rent directly from the PHA.
  
  
• Non-Discrimination: Compliance with the Fair Housing Act is mandatory. Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. All potential tenants must be treated equally, regardless of their voucher status.
  
  
• Documentation: Landlords must provide necessary documentation to the PHA, including proof of property ownership, identification, and property insurance. This documentation is essential for the approval process.
  
  
• Tenant Selection: While landlords can select tenants based on their own criteria, they must ensure that these criteria are applied uniformly to all applicants to avoid discrimination. The PHA will also review the proposed rent to ensure it is reasonable compared to similar units in the market.
  
  
• Lease Agreement: A standard lease agreement must be signed between the landlord and the tenant, along with the HUD-required Tenancy Addendum, which outlines terms of the rental agreement and overrides any conflicting clauses in the lease.
  
  
• Rent Increase: A Sixty (60) Day Notice needs to be given to the HAD (Section 8 Department) by the Landlord.  The same notice is to be given to the Tenant, if the increase is approved.  Following this procedure will ensure that Landlord and Tenant both understand.