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 I: Inspections

• A MSHDA 51b must be received and reviewed before inspecting a unit. Review this form for the rent amount, utility provider, etc.
• All units must satisfy Housing Quality Standards (HQS) in order to qualify for assistance. These requirements must be satisfied on or before the voucher assistance effective date. The HQS inspection process involves:
  1. Scheduling an inspection with the landlord and the applicant (MSHDA 104 [OPTIONAL]);
  2. Inspecting the unit and noting the deficiencies;
  3. Forwarding the Landlord and Tenant Deficiency Notice if applicable (MSHDA 105);
  4. Scheduling a re-inspection when repairs are completed (MSHDA104 [OPTIONAL]).
• If required, negotiate rent/utilities for rent reasonableness or affordability.