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To learn more about the Housing Authority's Section 8 subsidy program, or to add your name to our mailing list for upcoming landlord workshops, contact the Housing Programs Office at 672 S. Waterman, San Bernardino, CA 92408. Phone: 909.890.9533 ext 3201 or 3202.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program (HCVP) is administered by the HACSB with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HCVP is a federally- funded program offering much needed rental assistance to low-income families through the issuance of housing vouchers. These vouchers give our families the freedom to select decent, safe and sanitary housing based on their individual needs. Participating landlords provide our families with a greater choice and better housing opportunities for rental units located throughout the San Bernardino County. There are many advantages for the landlord as well. These include:
GREATER CHOICE
The Housing Authority issues housing vouchers on a continuous basis. The choice is the landlord's. Tenant selection is based on the landlord's own selection criteria.
THE LANDLORD LEASE
As part of our continuing effort to help our landlords comply with HUD regulations for the Housing Choice Voucher program, HACSB will no longer provide a standardized lease for use by landlords and HCV participants. We at HACSB believe that this will be a beneficial change for our participants and local landlords, streamlining the lease-up process and bringing clarity to the three separate contracts that support the landlord and participants of the HCV program. For further details please see our Landlord and Tenant Lease FACTSHEET
MAXIMUM UNIT UPKEEP
Annual inspections by the Housing Authority ensure the unit is being well-maintained by the owner, manager and family.
ASSURED RENT
The Housing Authority monitors the family's income to ensure the family never becomes overburdened by their portion of the rent. The Housing Authority subsidizes the balance directly to the landlord.
DIRECT DEPOSIT
The Housing Authority officers direct deposit to our landlords. Direct Deposit Form.pdf.
RENT INCREASE REQUEST FORM - ATTACHMENT
Voucher holders are responsible for finding suitable housing based upon the size of the family and the requirements of the program. Voucher holders may remain in their current dwelling if the unit is acceptable under the program. The Housing Choice Voucher must be used within the HACSB's jurisdiction in the first year. After the first year, the voucher may be transferred to any agency within the continental United States that administers the Section 8 program.
Eligibility is based on the income of the household and the number of people living in that household. The tenant's portion is generally 30% of their adjusted monthly income but may go as high as 40% depending on the amount authorized as rent for the unit. The Housing Authority will be responsible for the difference between the contract rent and the tenant's portion. The Housing Authority will determine the extent of assistance the tenant(s) will receive and notify the owner(s) as to the Housing Authority's portion of the contract rent. The participant will pay a portion of the authorized rent directly to the landlord and the Housing Authority subsidizes the balance directly to the landlord.
HOW IT ALL WORKS
- List your property. Starting April 1, 2008, all owners contacting the Housing Authority to list their unit will be referred to the GoSection8 Service (either website or the available phone number). Tenants looking for a unit can go to the website to search for a home, or printed lists can be picked up at our Section 8 offices for those who don't have a computer. For more information go to:
For Landlords: http://www.GoSection8.com/logreg.aspx Landlords are encouraged to advertise their property in local newspapers with a wide circulation and include "Section 8 OK" in the advertisement.
- Screen prospective participants. The Housing Authority will screen our waiting list applicants as well as applicants or participants from other Housing Authorities requesting portability into this jurisdiction as thoroughly and fairly as possible. The Housing Authority will screen for sex offender registration (Megan's Law), drug-related or violent criminal activity, and for other patterns of behavior that pose a threat to the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other participants of the program. However, final selection of a family for tenancy is the responsibility of the property owner and the Housing Authority strongly encourages owners participating in the program to screen all potential tenant families for criminal, credit, and rental history. This would include grandchild, grandparent, sister, or brother of the Section 8 participant you select.
- Select a participant. The choice is the landlord's. Tenant selection is based on the landlord's own selection criteria. Charging an application fee is acceptable as long as Section 8 participants are charged the same fee as non-Section 8 participants. The use of renter reference services is encouraged. As in all cases, Fair Housing is the law.
- Submit a "Request for Tenancy Approval" (RFTA). Once the landlord has agreed to rent a unit to a Section 8 participant, the landlord will be provided with an RFTA which must be completed. The information provided on the RFTA is used to determine if the family is eligible for the unit selected. The tenant will return the completed RFTA to the Housing Authority for processing.
- Perform a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. Upon receipt of an RFTA, a HQS inspection is scheduled and conducted to ensure that the unit is decent, safe, and sanitary and to determine whether the total monthly rent requested for the unit is acceptable. The rent is negotiable and must be comparable to other unassisted units in that area.
- Negotiate the rent. The Housing Authority will determine the "authorized rent" which is the maximum rent allowable for that unit. It is established through a process by which an inspector obtains "rent comparables" of other properties located in the same area as the unit selected. In making their determination, inspectors will consider factors such as the condition and size of the unit (square footage), the unit type, amenities, age, and utilities paid. The Housing Authority uses a "payment standard" developed from fair market rents published by HUD to determine the maximum rent the Housing Authority will pay. The amount will vary from unit to unit and from community to community.
- Sign the lease and contract. Once the unit passes inspection and the rent is determined, the landlord and the tenant can sign their lease. The Housing Assistance Payments Contract will be signed by the landlord and a Housing Authority representative for each portion of the total rent payable.
PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES
- To pay their portion of the rent in a timely manner.
- To notify the HACSB and landlord of any changes of income or family composition as they occur.
- To pay for utilities and services as obligated.
- To keep the unit clean and undamaged.
- To not engage in any illegal activities.
- To be responsible for the actions of their guest.
- To permit access to the unit for repairs.
- To refrain from disturbing others.
- To allow only occupants on the lease to reside in the unit.
- To abide by the terms of the Housing Choice Voucher, the lease, and all applicable HACSB policies.
LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES
- To maintain the property in good condition and complete repairs within a reasonable amount of time upon request by the HACSB or the participant.
- To refrain from entering the unit without the participant's permission and proper notice (except for emergencies or participant-requested repairs).
- To comply with equal opportunity requirements.
- To enforce family obligations under the lease.
- To comply with the terms and conditions of the lease and contract.
- To evict the participant when necessary for violations of the lease.
- To collect from the participant any security deposit required under the lease, the participant's portion of rent, and charges for any damages caused by the participant.
- To pay for utilities and services as obligated.
- To make reasonable modifications for participants with disabilities.
- To treat the participant fairly. Demanding side payments in excess of the participant's share of the rent is prohibited.
HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS CHECKLIST
Housing Quality Standard Guidelines. Click here for more information.
If you would like more information please contact any of the HCVP branch offices. If you would like to list your property please contact any of the HCVP branch offices or simply click on the following link: List Your Property Online |
