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WHAT IS THE HOUSING CHOICE
VOUCHER PROGRAM (HCVP)?
The Section 8 tenant-based HCVP assistance replaces the former
Section 8 certificate and voucher programs. The new, combined tenant-based
program provides financial assistance to eligible families paying
rent to landlords in the private market. Subsidy payments made on
behalf of the family are paid directly to the landlord. These payments
provide over $1,000,000 monthly into the local economy. The subsidy
amount provided to the Landlord is the difference between 30% of
the family’s adjusted income and the applicable payment standard.
The Payment standard is the maximum monthly assistance payment that
the WPBHA will pay for a unit. Under certain conditions the rent
may exceed the payment standard if the family is willing to pay the
difference. At the initial term however, the amount of rent the family
pays cannot exceed 40% of the family’s adjusted income. This
restriction only applies to the initial term of the lease. Adjustments
made after the initial term require that the family and landlord
are in agreement and that the requested amount is reasonable as compared
to the prevailing market conditions. Under no circumstance may a
landlord charge more rent to an HCV participant than for non-assisted
tenants.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VOUCHER?
Approved applicants from the WPBHA waiting list who are considered
very low-income.
WHAT DOES THE LANDLORD NEED TO DO?
Property owners wishing to participate in this program simply
call the WPBHA at (561) 655-3582 and list their property
with us. You will need to provide the address and size of
the unit, along with a contact number for applicants to call.
These lists are provided to tenants when they receive a voucher.
If an applicant is interested they will contact the landlord.
The tenant will provide you with a Request for Tenancy Approval
(RFTA). The RFTA is a form that identifies the information
about the owner’s unit, such as size, address, the
type of utilities and amount of rent requested. You and the
family need to complete the RFTA and sign. The tenant is
responsible for returning the RFTA. When the West Palm Beach
Housing Authority receives the RFTA, the WPBHA will schedule
the initial inspection of the rental Unit. If the unit meets
the basic Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the rent amount
is considered reasonable, the owner and the tenant may sign
a lease. If the unit fails inspection, the landlord must
make the necessary repairs prior to participation in the
program. The owner then signs the Housing Assistance Payment
Contract (HAP) with the WPBHA for the guaranteed rent portion.
The term of the HAP contract mirrors the term of the lease.
The owner is responsible for collecting the tenant’s
share of the rent. The owner should also collect the security
deposit as they would from their non-assisted tenants.
The Landlord is expected to maintain the property’s
overall condition and see that the basic plumbing, electrical,
heating systems, etc. are functioning properly. If the
tenant violates the lease or fails to pay rent, the landlord
should evict the tenant through the normal court eviction
procedure and send the WPBHA copies of any notices that
the tenant is served as they are served.
HOW OFTEN DOES THE WPBHA INSPECT THE UNITS?
All rental units are inspected prior to a contract being
signed and annually thereafter. The inspection helps provide
owners with a record of the condition of their property
and alerts them to potential problems before they occur.
WHAT DOES A UNIT NEED TO HAVE TO PASS INSPECTION?
The unit needs to
meet basic standards for decent, safe and affordable housing. Most
well- maintained rental units
should be able to pass an inspection.
HOW MUCH RENT CAN I CHARGE A HCVP TENANT?
Generally, if the rent amount meets the WPBHA’s payment standard
and is comparable to rents for similar units in the neighborhood,
the amount should be okay. If the rent and utilities are in excess
of the payment standard but are still reasonable, the family still
may be able to rent, however, the family is limited to pay no more
that 40% of their income for the initial term.
HOW DO I SELECT MY FAMILY?
Just as you would any other tenant. The WPBHA’s criteria for
family eligibility includes a complete review of the family’s
income and composition. In addition, the WPBHA does a review of the
family’s criminal record in the State of Florida. Even so,
the WPBHA supports landlords doing a comprehensive review of all
tenants’ suitability before renting to them.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR A PARTICIPATING LANDLORD?
--RELIABLE PAYMENT OF THE HAP
Checks are mailed after the 1st of each month.
--MARKET RENTS
Rent
rates are comparable to the market rates.
--RENTAL ADVERTISING
The
WPBHA provides a free rental listing for landlords who
wish to make their units
available for families participating in the Section 8 Voucher
program.
--ANNUAL INSPECTION
At
least once a year with proper notice the WPBHA inspects
the assisted property and provides you with a copy of the
finding.
--CONTRACT COMPLIANCE OFFICER
Monitors tenants
and landlords to ensure compliance with program and promotes
positive community relations.
"Copyright 2005
Advantage Networking and it's licensors. All rights reserved."
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