Welcome Current HCV Tenant

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW AS A VOUCHER HOLDER

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). 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 10 calendar days of the occurrence. These changes must be in writing, and include, but are not limited to changes resulting from:

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

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

d. 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 10 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 repairing any defects to the unit for which they are obligated under the lease.

For example:

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

b. Maintain utility service if required under the lease.

c. Repair damages caused by the tenant’s family or guests.

FAMILY MUST NOT COMMIT SERIOUS OR REPEATED VIOLATIONS OF THE LEASE

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

4. Must not commit fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with the
program.

3. If a Housing Agency has ever terminated assistance under the certificate or voucher program
to any member of the family.

4. If any family member commits violent criminal activity or drug related criminal activity.

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

6. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

ADDITIONAL POINTS TO REMEMBER (After your family is under HCV Lease and Contract)