HCV Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if You Give False Information?

You will immediately lose your rental assistance, you will need to repay all the funds you were not entitled to, and you may be prosecuted for fraud!

What to consider when choosing an Apartment or House?

Subsidy and Occupancy Size Standards:

Occupancy standards/apartments/home sizes will be determined at the time of enrollment and noted on the voucher.

There are to be no more than two (2) persons to occupy the same bedroom.  
Every effort will be made to assign persons of different generations and opposite sex (other than husband and wife) separate bedrooms (based on funding availability).  
Bedroom size will be made based on HUD guidelines as follows: 

Bedroom(s): 1
Minimum Person(s): 1
Maximum Persons: 2

Bedroom(s): 2
Minimum Person(s): 2
Maximum Persons: 4

Bedroom(s): 3
Minimum Person(s): 3
Maximum Persons): 6

Bedroom(s): 4
Minimum Person(s): 4
Maximum Persons: 8

Bedroom(s): 5
Minimum Person(s): 5
Maximum Persons: 10

Exceptions to these standards will be permitted only for situations involving live-in-aids, physician orders for separate bedrooms because of health problems, permitted circumstances of family members temporarily away from the housing unit, or if the family is willing or wants to move into a unit that deviates from the standards, e.g., landlord's approval of a Mother with two (2) infants living in a one-bedroom unit.  

Participants will be allowed to use non-sleeping areas as a bedroom (subject to landlord approval); however, the unit bedroom size will be determined by the Housing Authority.  Additional rooms for sleeping will not be counted as bedrooms unless the room has been redesigned as a bedroom (includes closet and HQS required operable window).  In these exceptions, the Housing Authority reserves the right to approve or disapprove such accommodations that may lead to unsafe or overcrowded conditions.

Conditions of the Apartment/House

You should be looking for housing that is decent, safe, and sanitary. Decent would be free from leafing roofs and rotted floors. It must have an adequate heating system, good plumbing, and electrical wiring. The windows and doors must be in good condition. Safe would be no visible hazards in the neighborhood yards or structure as well as potential drug activity. Decent includes clean, safe and has the proper conditions for adequate living. Please refer to the brochure "A Good Place to Live!" for additional assistance.

Is the Rent Reasonable?

Apartments/Homes placed on the Section 8 Program must be considered rent reasonable for comparable, unassisted apartments/homes in the area or comparable assisted apartments/homes or unassisted apartments/homes (in the building or premises). The program regulations permit the Housing Authority to disapprove any apartment/home that is not considered rent-reasonable. Check local rental properties and compare rents to see if the apartment/home you want is rent-reasonable. You should ask how much the monthly rental amount is and compare this to other rental properties in that area with the same bedroom size and offer the same or similar amenities.

Who Pays Utilities?

You should ask what utilities the owner will furnish and what you will, look to see if it is energy efficient, such as what you will be paying (lights, water, gas, etc.). storm windows, weatherstripping, etc., as it may cost you too much to heat and cool the apartment/home.

Is the Location Convenient?

Is there public transportation nearby? Are the schools close for your children? Are there adequate shopping areas nearby? Please consider these when selecting an apartment/home.