Effective: April 2010
MSHDA policy allows a remaining family member to retain the MSHDA voucher when the head of household dies or leaves the unit permanently. A remaining tenant situation is usually related to death or medical reasons, but could be the result of a family break-up. The remaining tenant becomes the head of household and MSHDA rental assistance continues.
In most instances, if the participating family member separates during the lease term, the remaining participant (i.e. person who remains in the unit) retains the voucher. In some circumstances, the separating family member has a legitimate reason to relocate (i.e. spousal or child abuse) and the issuance of two vouchers is desirable. If the assigned Housing agent (HA) determines that issuance of two vouchers is warranted, the case should be reviewed with the Resource Specialist and approved prior to issuance of the second voucher.
The person(s) who remain in the unit if the head of household leaves the unit permanently and meets the eligibility criteria of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.