Information for HCV / Section 8 Applicants

Eligibility

Determined by MHA based on the total annual gross income and family size.

 

Limited to U.S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens with eligible immigration status.

 

Family's income may not exceed 50% of the median income for the county or metropolitan area in which the family chooses to live. Median income levels are published by HUD and vary by location.

 

Tenant's Responsibilities

May be required to pay a security deposit to the landlord. After the first year, the landlord may initiate a new lease or allow the family to remain in the unit on a month-to-month lease. The family is expected to comply with the lease and the program requirements, pay its share of rent on time, maintain the unit in good condition, and notify the housing authority of any changes in income or family composition.

 

Landlord's Responsibilities

Must provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing to a tenant at a reasonable rent. The dwelling unit must pass the programs' Housing Quality Standards and be maintained up to those standards as long as the owner receives housing assistance payments. The landlord is expected to provide the services agreed to as part of the lease signed with the tenant and the contract signed with MHA.

 

MHA's Responsibilities

MHA administers the voucher program locally. It provides a family with the rental assistance that enables them to seek out suitable housing. MHA enters into a contract with the landlord to provide rental assistance payments on behalf of the family. If the landlord fails to meet his/her obligations under the lease and/or Housing Assistance Payments contract, MHA has the right to terminate payments.

 

HUD's Role

To cover the cost of the program. HUD provides funds to allow housing authorities to make Housing Assistance Payments on behalf of the qualified families. HUD also pays the housing authorities a fee for the costs of administering the program. When additional funds become available to assist new families, HUD invites housing authorities to submit applications for funds for additional vouchers. Applications are then reviewed and funds are awarded to the selected housing authorities on a competitive basis.