Housing Voucher Programs - Policy and Procedures Manual

Chapter VI Sections

1. Required Initial Verifications
2. Family Locates Unit
3. Eligibility of Unit
4. Landlord Screening/Selection of Tenant
5. Landlord Registration Requirements and Procedures
6. Owner Disapproval and Restrictions
7. Affordability (40%) Cap
8. Rent Reasonableness
9. Inspection
10. Lease Requirements
11. Changes in Family Size/Income Prior to Effective Date
12. Executing Initial HAP Contract
13. Landlord Unit Information in Elite
14. Tenant/Landlord Late Fees
15. Portability Option
16. Project-Based Assistance
17. Applicable Forms List

Exhibits

• Exhibit 2

Chapter VI: Initial Contracts

Section B: Family Locates Unit

Upon receipt of a voucher, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) applicant must locate their own rental unit. Per the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) requirements, the Housing Agent (HA) encourages the applicant not to reside in an area concentrated with poverty or minority populations, but does not direct (i.e. steer or pressure) the applicant in choosing housing. HA’s are required to maintain a ‘Landlord Referral List’ for each county they administer vouchers in to assist clients in their search for safe, decent, and sanitary housing. Refer to Chapter III, Section H for additional information.

The Applicant must submit the Rental Unit Information form (MSHDA 51b) to their HA by the end of the voucher issuance period. Receipt of this form indicates the landlord and tenant have agreed to rental assistance in the subject unit. Refer to Chapter VII, Rent Reasonableness.