| Q. |
Who participates in the Housing Choice Voucher Program? |
| |
A. |
The HCV program assists low-income households. Families are selected from a waiting list and are determined eligible according to income limits and eligibility requirements established by Housing and Urban Development. A participating household may choose to remain in the unit they are currently living in or move to a unit anywhere in the city of Rockford. |
| Q. |
How is rental assistance provided? |
| |
A. |
The housing authority calculates the amount of assistance each family will receive. The level of assistance is based upon family size, income, and current reasonable market rates. A household is expected to pay 30% to 40% of their adjusted income toward rent and utilities. The difference in the contract rent and tenant rent will be directly deposited each month into the landlords checking/savings account. (see attached calculation formula examples) |
| Q. |
What are the terms of the Lease? |
| |
A. |
A written lease is required. The first initial term will be for one year according to housing authority policy and the renewal terms can be monthly, yearly, every 6 months, etc… this must be stated in the original lease if not renewed on a yearly basis |
| Q. |
How much may a landlord charge for a security deposit? |
| |
A. |
The landlord is allowed to charge a security deposit similar to what is charged to other market tenants – the housing authority does not assist with security deposits |
| Q. |
What if the tenant does not pay their portion of the rent? |
| |
A. |
Contact the tenant regarding why they are not paying their portion, if no results serve client with a 5-day notice to vacate and file for eviction. |
| Q. |
How can I terminate the lease and evict the tenant? |
| |
A. |
An owner may terminate a lease for the following reasons
1) Serious or repeated violation of the lease
2) Violation of Federal, State, or local law that imposes obligations on the tenant in connection with the occupancy or use of the premises
3) Drug or criminal activity
4) Other good cause |
| Q. |
What is considered other good cause? |
| |
A. |
During the initial term of the lease, an owner can evict the tenant for good cause such as history of disturbing neighbors, destroying property, or damaging a unit or property.
Other good cause after the first year of the lease includes:
1) Business or economic reason for regaining possession of the unit
2) Owner’s desire to repossess the unit for personal use
3) Tenant’s refusal to accept an offer of new lease |
| Q. |
How do I evict a tenant? |
| |
A. |
An owner may evict a tenant only by a court action in accordance with state and local law. It is recommended that you consult with an attorney if you are not familiar with the eviction process.
The owner must provide the tenant with a written notice specifying the grounds for termination of tenancy, at or before the beginning of the eviction action. The notice may be included in, or may be combined with any owner eviction notice to the tenant. The owner must also provide the housing authority with a copy of the eviction notice and all other legal documents served to the tenant. You must also notify the housing authority occupancy specialist immediately of the Sheriff’s lockout date or the date the tenant vacates. |
| Q. |
Does the housing authority help me with eviction? |
| |
A. |
No. The housing authority does not assist owners with evictions. The lease is between you and the tenant.
|
| Q. |
Will I continue to receive housing assistance payments through the eviction process? |
| |
A. |
Yes, as long as the housing authority has not already terminated the family from the program and you are in compliance with the housing assistance payment contract. Payments will continue through the date of the Sheriff’s lockout or the date the family vacates the unit, whichever comes first. |
| Q. |
What if the tenant vacates the unit in violation of the lease? |
| |
A. |
Housing payments will stop and the landlord may retain the security deposit for the amount of unpaid rent and any damages caused to the unit. |
