Becoming a HACC Landlord!
The Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance for very-low and low-income households. Rental assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual participants to private landlords. Program participants are responsible for choosing the type of housing they feel best suits their household. They can select a single-family home, townhouse or an apartment.
Step 1:
Screen the potential tenant based on the same criteria you use to screen any other tenant.
Step 2:
Participants of Housing Choice Vouchers will have a packet for you to complete. In addition to the forms, you will need to provide proof of ownership, a management agreement (if applicable), complete a W-9 and Direct Deposit form.
Step 3:
We will inspect the unit to ensure that it meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards. HACC requests that the landlord be present at the initial inspection.
Step 4:
After your unit passes inspection, and the amount of rent you are requesting has been approved by HACC, you and the tenant enter into an initial lease.
HACC First Time Landlord Incentives!
First-Time Landlord Lease-up Incentive HACC will offer a $500 incentive to new landlords who agree to lease a unit to a voucher holder. New landlords can earn the incentive for up to five (5) units for a total of $2,500.
Vacancy Payments HACC will offer vacancy payments to participating landlords who agree to re-lease their units to families on the voucher program. Landlords may receive up to 80% of the contract rent for up to one month annually for renting their unit to another voucher holder within 60 days of a previous voucher holder vacating the unit.
If you are a landlord considering the HCV program, I strongly encourage you to consider it. You are getting a participant that is knowledgeable, and informed. The staff does an excellent job at making sure the tenants are educated in the rules of the program and renting.
My experience with the inspection process was easily accessed on the Housing Authority website, those things are part of the check list and you know in advance before the inspection it was easy and helpful.
FAQs
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal rent subsidy program that assists low-income households with monthly rental payments.
The Housing Authority of Champaign County administers funds received from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and distributes them, in the form of Section Housing Choice Vouchers, to eligible families and individuals. A voucher allows program participants to rent housing that meet their needs at a price they can afford.
All eligible families are required to pay at least 30% (but no more than 40% initially) of their monthly-adjusted income toward rent and utilities, directly to the landlord. The Housing Authority of Champaign County pays the landlord the difference between the Contract Rent and the tenant’s portion. A tenant must find housing within 60 days or risk losing the voucher.
The Housing Authority of Champaign County reviews the eligibility of the participant(s) based on household income and family composition. The landlord is responsible for screening occupants of the rental unit. This screening process must be in accordance with federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws.
All clients eligible to transfer to a new unit should have a current Housing Choice Voucher in their possession. You should verify that the Voucher has NOT yet expired and that the bedroom size on the voucher corresponds to the bedroom size that the client states they are eligible for. In addition, you should have the potential tenant complete any rental application, and reference information that you require. Once you have determined that the client is suitable for your unit, then complete and submit the Request for Tenancy Approval.
Typically, the Housing Authority of Champaign County will notify the tenant of the status of the RFTA within ten (10) days.
Typically, the Housing Authority of Champaign County will inspect the proposed unit and notify the owner/tenant of the outcome within fifteen (15) days.
When a tenant receives the voucher from their Housing Counselor, they are instructed to pay their TTP (Total Tenant Payment) until they receive an official letter from the Housing Authority of their new rent portion. This amount should be notated at the bottom of the client’s Housing Choice Voucher (which should be reviewed by you – prior to completing the Request for Tenancy Approval). If there is any discrepancy, the tenant’s Housing Counselor can be contacted for clarification.
2008 N. Market Street
Champaign IL, 61822
leasing@hacc.net
+1 217.378.7100
www.HACC.net
HACC has dedicated staff to provide assistance through the leasing process. If you have any questions, you can contact our Leasing Specialist Team at (217) 378-7100
If you are interested in becoming a HACC landlord, please fill out the information below and one of our Leasing Specialist Team Members will be in touch as soon as possible.