Voucher Program Responsibilities and Obligations

The Authority's Responsibilities

Provide participant families and owners/landlords with adequate, courteous, and professional service.
Review all applications to determine program eligibility.
Explain the rules of the program to participants and owners/landlords.
Issue vouchers to eligible applicants and assist the families with finding a place to live.
Place families in Moderate Rehabilitation or Project Based Voucher units.
Approve the unit, the owner/landlord, and the lease.
Make Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) to the owner/landlord on time.
Ensure both parties continue to qualify under the program guidelines.
Comply with the terms of the HAP contract with the property owner/landlord.
Ensure compliance with the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act by participants and owner/landlords.

The Participant Family's Responsibilities

Take responsibility for the care of the rental unit.
Pay your portion of the rent on time and comply with the terms of lease.
Comply with the family obligations of the voucher, Moderate Rehabilitation, or Project Based Voucher Programs.
Voucher participants must work to find a place to live that is suitable and qualifies for the program.
Provide the authority with complete and accurate information.
Cooperate with the authority( attend all scheduled appointments, provide all information and return documents in a timely manner).
Comply with the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Familiarize yourself with the Participant Handbook and ask questions accordingly.

The Owner's/Landlord's Responsibilities

Screen families who apply to determine if they will be good tenants.
Maintain the housing unit, periodically inspect the property, make necessary repairs in a timely manner, and verify that the participant's family still lives there.
Collect rent due from the participant's family and otherwise enforce the lease.
Cooperate with the authority.
Comply with the terms of the HAP contract with the authority.
Comply with the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the Fair Housing laws.
Familiarize yourself with the owner's handbook and ask questions accordingly.

Maintenance and Services:

The owner/landlord must maintain the unit, equipment, and appliances. Also, any maintenance and utilities set for in the Lease
Must respond at a responsible time to the family for services in the unit
Must respect common areas.

May enter the unit in accordance with the lease only for the following:

In case of an emergency
To make repairs with 24-hour notice
To exhibit the unit to prospective purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, and workmen with 24-hour notice
When the family has abandoned the unit
Pursuant to a court order

Obligations of Family

All members of household 18+ must provide the following:

Photo ID
Birth Certificates and custody papers of all minors (if needed)
Proof of income, check stubs, and W2 forms
Landlord Preferences (past and present)
Social Security cards for all members of the household
Military records (if any)
Proof of legal residency for noncitizens

What to Expect

You can expect that all persons will be treated fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, handicap, or national origin in compliance with the Fair Housing Act.

What is Expected from You

Honesty in all communications.
Diligence in seeking a unit.
Politeness in our relationships.
Responsibility for tenant occupancy.
Knowledge of lease requirements.
Avoid all illegal activities.

The Lease

The lease should not be signed until the unit is inspected and approved by the HA. Only the persons approved by the Authority and your owner/landlord are allowed to reside in the unit. Allowing other persons to live in your unit may result in you losing eligibility for rental assistance. You may cancel the lease at any time after the initial one-year term. To remain eligible for assistance, you must provide the owner/landlord and Authority with at least a 30-day written notice.

Drugs

If suspected or convicted of the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispersion, possession, or use of a "controlled substance" while receiving Rental Assistance, it is grounds for immediate termination of rental assistance!

Evictions

If you violate the lease agreement, you may be evicted, sued, or lose your eligibility for rental assistance. Nonpayment of rent, damage to the unit, and drug-related or other criminal activities are common reasons for eviction. If you receive an eviction notice and do not understand it, contact the Magistrate who issued the notice and ask to explain it. You have certain rights and responsibilities under South Carolina law. You are also required to provide a copy of the eviction notice to the Authority.