The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally funded program monitored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program is administered by local public housing agencies and provides rental assistance to eligible low-income households to enable them to obtain decent, safe, and sanitary housing. The program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord and the assisted family is responsible for the remainder of the rent.
The role of the landlord in the voucher program is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing to a tenant at a reasonable rent. The dwelling unit must pass the program’s housing quality standards and be maintained up to those standards as long as the owner receives housing assistance payments. In addition, the landlord is expected to provide the services agreed to as part of the lease signed with the tenant and the contract signed with the Housing Authority. The Housing Authority completes a rent reasonableness study on every unit before the initial leasing can take place and each time a rent increase is requested after the first initial lease term. This is done to ensure that the rent for your unit is reasonable compared to other similar units in the area.
Many landlords who already participate in the HCV program across the United States have shared their testimonials regarding the HCV program.
Step #1
HCV Program landlords interested in participating in the HCV program can list their rental units on the Affordable Housing website. The listing is accessible to all voucher holders.
You then select a tenant who is qualified, eligible, and acceptable to you. You may conduct any screening and background checks that you normally complete, such as those relating to credit and/or criminal backgrounds.
Step #2
HCV Program landlords interested in participating in the HCV program can list their rental units on the Affordable Housing website. The listing is accessible to all voucher holders.
You then select a tenant who is qualified, eligible, and acceptable to you. You may conduct any screening and background checks that you normally complete, such as those relating to credit and/or criminal backgrounds.
Step #3
The HATC will inspect the property. Once the submitted RFTA has been approved, a representative will contact you to schedule an inspection. Initial inspections usually take place within 15 days of RFTA approval. If repairs are needed, time is given to complete them.
Step #4
Lease and Housing Assistance Payment contracts are executed. The HATC will produce and arrange for you to sign, all documents once the property is approved. Generally, the initial lease term will be for one year (12 months). After the initial contract term expires, the lease renews on a month-to-month basis, or you may sign a new lease.
Step #5
Payment will be made by the HATC, directly to you by direct deposit, within the first 5 days of each month. Payments are issued twice a month and begin as soon as all documents are signed to include execution of the Housing Assistance Contract (HAP) and lease.
All units must pass a Housing Quality Standards inspection before the subsidy can start. An information sheet about our Inspection Process and Inspection Checklist is available for you to use to prepare your unit for inspection. For detailed information on inspection standards, review “A Good Place to Live” published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Learn more about the HATC inspection checklist below.
HATC’s Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan offers policies for carrying out programs in a manner consistent with HUD requirements and local goals and objectives. The Admin Plan sets forth local policies for operation of the housing programs in accordance with federal laws and regulations. All issues related to the HCV program not addressed in this document are governed by such federal regulations, HUD handbooks and guidebooks, notices, and other applicable law.
If you have any questions about becoming a landlord, please check out our FAQs, and contact us if you have any additional questions.
The Housing Authority of Travis County strives to reduce housing discrimination in all areas of housing
As a landlord, it is important for you to understand and implement fair housing to all families. You may find more information about housing and discrimination on HUD’s website under Fair Housing.
HATC is committed to providing services to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities, including information on the availability of accessible units. If landlords have accessible rental units, they should consider listing their units with the HATC and Affordable Housing.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s website provides additional resources to landlords for review.
Need information about your legal rights? The Austin Tenant’s Council website offers information on many topics related to your rights and obligations.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Director of Voucher Programs and Homeless Initiatives at (512) 854-1883.
