Housing Choice Voucher Holders

How the Program Works

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a national rental assistance program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The goal of the program is to assist low- and moderate-income families to rent housing in the private market, by paying a portion of the family’s rent each month. 

Because there are more families who need voucher program assistance than there are vouchers available, HCVP uses a waiting list to administer the program to eligible families.  When a voucher becomes available, the next family at the top of the waiting list is contacted and screened for program eligibility. Eligible families who meet the income guidelines are issued vouchers, which entitle them to have a portion of their rent subsidized.

There are six steps to participation in the program.  They are as follows:

1. Participant Briefing and Issuance of Voucher
2. Voucher Holder Searches for Housing
3. Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection Performed on Property Selected
4. Rent Reasonableness Determination
5. Execution of Lease and HAP Contract
6. Rent & Housing Assistance Payments Begin

Under the program, both families and Property Owners have requirements and responsibilities.

Voucher Holder requirements include:

• Comply with HCV program rules
• Comply with the terms of their lease with the Property Owner
• Permit housing inspections
• Report changes in income and household composition
• Maintain good condition of the unit throughout the terms of the lease

Property Owner responsibilities include:

• Screen all applicants for suitability as tenants
• Collect the tenant’s portion of the rent
• Comply with landlord-tenant and fair housing laws
• Comply with the terms of their lease with the tenant
• Comply with the terms of their contract with CHA
• Permit inspections
• Make timely repairs to keep the property in good condition

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