HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

A family interested in participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program may apply to HABD when the waiting list is open and applications are being accepted. HABD gives public notice of when the waiting list will open and where applications will be accepted.

Applicants are placed on the waiting list (Preference is given to the homeless and involuntarily displaced applicants due to a f ormally recognized natural disaster or government action).

When applicant's name reaches the top of the list, the applicant is contacted for an interview.

Once applicants are pulled from the waiting list, they must provide income verification, family composition, social security numbers for all family members and other information used in determining eligibility. Applications must pass a criminal background screening.

Applicants must attend a briefing to receive their Housing Choice Voucher. They will receive information such as the Family Obligations, the number of bedrooms they are qualified for, etc. This briefing is about 2 hours and teaches families how and where to find a unit, how to maintain the unit, how to remain on the program, as well as other information on tenancy.

Participants are responsible for find their own rental unit.

The initial inspection is conducted and the unit must meet HUD's Quality Housing Standards (HQS).

The rent is set by the owner of the property, however, the rent charged must be reasonable and in accordance with HABD's guidelines.

The participant and the landlord will sign an assisted lease agreement. The PHA is not a party to the lease. The landlord and HABD execute the housing assistance payment contract. The family is not a party to this contract.

After the unit passes inspection and all documents are signed, the family moves in and housing assistance payments will begin.