Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program - Guidelines for Tenants

The Housing Choice Voucher [formerly know as Section 8] Program (HCV) is a federally funded program, administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), that provides money to help eligiblelow income households pay their rent.

Does my income affect eligibility for the programs?

Yes. To be eligible, your gross income must not exceed federally established income limits.

What will I pay for rent?

If you qualify and are accepted as a participant, the amount you personally pay for rent and utilities may vary, but generally your portion will not exceed 40 percent of your income.

What if I already live in, or am on a waiting list for assisted housing?

If you apply for this program, you will not lose your place on other public or assisted housing waiting lists.

Will I be screened for criminal convictions?

You must consent to release criminal conviction records including sexual offenses and alcohol abuse, and allow MSHDA to receive records from law enforcement agencies. The records will be used in accordance with federal regulations and MSHDA policy.

Does the housing have to meet any standards?

Yes. Whether you stay where you live now or find another place, your housing must be decent, safe and sanitary. The unit must have:

• Adequate living area;
• Adequate light and ventilation;
• Adequate heating, electrical, water, sewer, and structural systems;
• Freedom from any condition that endangers the health and safety of the occupants, including lead-based paint.

A MSHDA representative will be assigned to inspect your housing to see if it meets the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Quality Standards (HQS). This inspection does not have to comply with local or state laws, ordinances, or codes.

Do I pay a security deposit?

Yes. You are required to pay the security deposit to your landlord. The security deposit amount cannot exceed one and one-half month's rent.

Is there an annual re-examination?

Yes. MSHDA will inspect your rental unit and verify your eligibility each year. Your home will be inspected to see if it meets HQS. Updated information, including income verification, will be required. The amount you pay for rent may change based on this re-examination.

Your responsibilities as a tenant:

• Pay your rent on time. If it is specified in your Lease Agreement, your landlord can assess a late charge if your portion of the rent is late.
• Use the rental unit solely as a residence by the family, and as the family's principal place of residence. You cannot assign the lease or transfer the unit. Only persons approved in writing by the landlord and MSHDA, and listed on the Lease Agreement can live in the unit. The owner/landlord cannot occupy the unit.
• Make your utility payments on time.
• Provide and maintain any tenant-supplied appliances.
• Follow the rules in your Lease Agreement.
• Keep your housing decent, safe, and sanitary.
• Pay for or repair damages caused by you, your family, or your guests.
• Notify your Housing Specialist/Agent immediately of any changes in telephone number or family size.
• Tell your Family Independence Agency (FIA) caseworker of your rental assistance if you are receiving food stamps.
• Promptly give any information requested by MSHDA.
• Allow MSHDA to inspect your home after reasonable notice.
• Notify MSHDA before vacating your home.
• Give 30-day advance written notice to your landlord and MSHDA if you intend to terminate your Lease Agreement at any time after the initial lease term.
• If you sign a Tenant Repayment Agreement. Repay MSHDA all moneys paid on your behalf.
• Do not engage in any unlawful activities in the home or in your building's common areas.
• Use your unit in a quiet and peaceable manner, so as not to disturb your neighbors.

If you do not honor these responsibilities, you will lose your assistance and your participation in the program will be terminated.

As a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, neither you nor any member of your household can:

• Own or have an interest in the housing unit that youoccupy with HCV assistance. If the housing unit is in a cooperative, you may be a member of the cooperative.
• Commit any fraud in connection with the Section 8 Program (i.e. falsely report income or family composition).
• Receive assistance under a Section 8 Program while receiving assistance for occupancy of any other unit assisted under any federal housing assistance program (including any Section 8 program).
• Live in housing that is not in compliance with HQS.
• Violate any program obligation or agreement to pay or reimburse MSHDA for debts paid on your behalf (Tenant Repayment Agreement).
• Be related to the owner/landlord of the unit where you are receiving assistance. Relatives include parents, children, grandchildren, grandparents, and siblings. The owner/landlord can be related when necessary to provide reasonable accommodation for a family member with disabilities.

For more information contact your MSHDA Housing Agent.