THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

COOPERATION
The family must supply all information needed to determine eligibility and level of rental subsidy. This includes information or verification of family income and composition required for initial eligibility, annual or interim recertification. Failure or refusal to do so may result in delays, possible termination of assistance or eviction.

The family must allow the HCV Inspector access to the dwelling unit at reasonable times and after reasonable notice. An inspection at least every twelve months is mandatory.

The family must not move into a new unit prior to the unit passing inspection and the negotiation of reasonable rent by CMHA with the owner.

NO DUPLICATE RESIDENCE, DUPLICATE ASSISTANCE OR OWNERSHIP
I certify that the HCV dwelling unit will be my only residence and that I will not duplicate federal housing assistance under another Federal housing assistance program (including an HCV program). HCV must be the only housing subsidy received by the family. The family must not own or have any interest in the dwelling unit (other than in a manufactured home or a cooperative). In addition, the family must not sublease or assign the lease or transfer the unit.

The family must notify the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and the owner in writing before moving or terminating the lease. The lease termination form is available at the HCV office. Families must provide CMHA with a copy of any eviction notice.

REPORT CHANGES IN FAMILY COMPOSITION AND INCOME
Families are required to report to CMHA any change in household composition or income within 30 calendar days of the occurrence. These changes must be in writing, and include, but are not limited to changes resulting from:

1. Lump sum payments received from sources such as unemployment, welfare assistance and pensions.

2. A family member leaves the household.

3. All changes in household income including additional income added to the household.

4. All income of minor children in the household, whether earned from employment, received from a government agency, child support or paid to a payee on the behalf of the minor child.

The addition of family members or others to the household must normally be approved by CMHA and the owner before the change occurs. Families must promptly report all changes, within 30 calendar days, such as, but not limited to changes due to marriage, death, adoption, birth, court custody awards, persons moving in or out of household, etc.

Families must report marriages by any household member, whether or not the spouse will reside in the assisted unit.

Families must report the incarceration of any household member.

Families must also report changes that could result in a decrease in their rental portion. These changes include decreases in income, or changes that result in larger deductions from income (such as child care expenses, or handicapped assistance).

FAMILY RESPONSIBLE FOR SOME HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS
The owner is not responsible for a breach of Housing Quality Standards caused by the family. The family is responsible for any defects to the unit for which they are obligated under the lease.

1. Provide and maintain range and refrigerator if required by the lease.

2. Maintain utility service in the name of the head of household or other authorized adult member of the assisted household, if required under the lease.

3. Report any unsafe housing conditions to the HCV Program if the Owner fails to do repairs in a timely manner.

1. Paying the rent late, or not paying the rent.

2. Not allowing for the peaceful and quiet enjoyment by neighbors.

3. Causing damages to the unit.

CMHA may terminate assistance for violent criminal activity or drug related criminal activity by any family member, guest or person under the tenant’s control .

1. Give 30 days written notice to CMHA and the owner before vacating the unit.

2. Give CMHA a copy of any eviction notice served on the family by the owner.

3. Notify CMHA of any absence of any household member from the unit that are more than 30 days in duration.

• If the family violates any of the family obligations.

• If a Housing Agency has ever terminated assistance under the certificate or voucher program to any member of the family. If a family member has ever been evicted from public housing.

• If any family commits fraud, bribery or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program.

• If the family currently owes rent or other amounts to CMHA or to another Housing Agency in connection with HCV, public housing, or any other program under the 1937 Housing Act.

• If the family had not reimbursed any Housing Agency for amounts owed to CMHA.

• It the family breaches an agreement to repay CMHA for any amounts owed to CMHA.

• It the family has engages in or threatened abusive or violent behavior toward CMHA personnel.

• If the family engages in side payments with the landlord.

• If the family leases a unit from a family member without prior approval from CMHA.

VISITOR POLICY
Any adult or child who has been in the unit more than 14 consecutive days without CMHA approval or a total of 30 days in a 12-month period will be considered to be living in the unit as an unauthorized household member and could result in termination of the family’s assistance.

YOUR ABLITIY TO MOVE
Any family issued a Voucher by CMHA may have the right to move anywhere within the United States of America.

• Report any unsafe housing conditions to the HCV Program if the Owner fails to do repairs in a timely manner.

• Pay only the amount of rent and for only those utilities listed on the Lease or Addendum. Your failure to follow this policy may result in termination of your rental assistance.