landlord forum june 24, 2015. basic knowledge of housing choice voucher some different cha...

Landlord ForumJune 24, 2015

Basic knowledge of Housing Choice Voucher Some different CHA Programs

VASHHousing First

Benefits of Landlord Participation How you can help

A copy of this presentation is available.

Columbia Housing Authority

Public Housing – 2100 units of permanent housing

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers – 3100o Rent Assistance Programo Serving different populations

VASH Program – part of Section 8 – 405 vouchers◦ Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing◦ A HUD/VA Partnership

Homeless Programs – Housing First – 61 Affordable Housing – about 500 units inventory Homeownership Programs


Three Way Partnership How it works

TenantColumbia Housing AuthorityRole changes based on the programLandlord / Owner


Determine the family eligibilityIssue a voucherExplain the program to familiesApprove the tenancyPay assistance payments to the ownerMake sure owners and families comply with program rules


Provide all information requested by the CHAFind suitable housingTake good care of the housing unitAbide by the terms of the leaseComply with the obligations of the voucher program


Screen families and determine their suitability as renters

Comply with fair housing laws Make repairs to the unit Comply with the contract between the

owner and the housing agency Collect the rent due by the family Enforce the lease


Client is given a Briefing Packet and a voucher to present to the Landlord

Request for Tenancy (in your packet) In Section 8 – have 60 days to find a unit In VASH – have 120 days to find a unit CHA has jurisdiction only in Richland County The CHA calculates the rent to be paid by

the client (generally at 30% of their adjusted income); balance paid by CHA to landlord


Can stay in their current unit For homeless clients, need to search:

Exterior grounds and interiorLow crime rate/ securitySchoolsTransportationProximity to employment

Look for QUALITY HOUSING


We encourage search Quality Housing

CHA may provide listings for available housing

www.schousingsearch.com Internet Classified Ads Booklets around

Columbia FOR RENT signs


http://www.schousingsearch.com/

Request for Tenancy Approval submitted to CHA – then scheduled for inspection

Look at the HUD Checklist Look at the Section 8 Package – page 3 These are the most common deficiencies Reducing Inspection Time is critical Have the unit ready when the Inspector

arrives NOTE: Lease should not be signed until

CHA approves the unit.


As part of the inspection process:

1. Staff checks for Rent Reasonableness – Is rent comparable to surrounding properties?

2. What is the utility calculation?Utility calculation table at www.chasc.org under the Section 8 tab


Also known as FMR For Richland County it is (October 1, 2014):

One Bedroom $656Two Bedroom $778Three Bedroom $1026Four Bedroom $1301

Note: FMR includes rent AND utility allowanceExample: 1 BR = $100 utilities and under $556We have requested HUD to increase 10/1/15


Partnership between HUD and the VAPart of the Section 8 ProgramDifference:Eligibility is determined by VA – Garners Ferry

Requirements: Homeless and VeteranIndividuals and families

Immediate referral to CHAScheduled for next orientation –

Every 2 weeks on TuesdaysLocate a unit and quickly inspected


Great support staff at the VA – staff of 23HUD/VA has just awarded funding to –

Alston Wilkes SocietyONE80 – a new local non-profit

They provide supportive services and can:Pay Security DepositsPay Utility Deposits and any past due

amt.OUR GOAL: Reduce the time to house those who served our country!


Serves Homeless clients with disabilitiesRole of CHA changes:We determine eligibilityWe pay 100% of the rentWe pay the Security DepositWe pay 100% of utilities

All in the name of the CHA. We provide strong supportive services.USC School of Medicine and CHAWe can serve homeless families


Columbia is growing Four years ago, 0 vouchers for VASH. Now one of the largest programs in country

and have been rated as one of top 10 programs in country

Occupancy rate in Midlands is 94% and there is a real shortage of housing

Clients and CHA need to find housing


Why be a landlord in the CHA’s programs?Assured payment at first of the monthCan be paid by Direct Deposit in your accountSupportive Services are always available for VASH and Housing First

Each client has Case ManagerThere are systems of support

Deposits can be paid in some programs(VASH, Housing First; not for regular Section 8)

Your unit can be filled quicklyNo need to advertise in paper (avoid $$$)Helping veterans, homeless, and low-income families


Use www.SCHousingSearch.com Landlord lists the property and removes it FREE – no cost to Landlord or tenant Answers all questions the tenant has Tell them you accept Section 8 HCV


If you have a vacant one bedroom unit that you would like to place in VASH or Housing First, you can list it directly by contacting:

Dave ArmstrongCase Manager for Homeless Programs(803) 254-3886, extension [email protected] will refer to CHA and VA Staff for leasing


CHA is committed to Zero:2016We want 100% occupancy by Year End 2015We want to eliminate homelessness in ColumbiaWe want to continue to work with Landlords in this area to provide affordable housing.DO YOU HAVE A VACANT UNIT?Stay tuned for City of Columbia Program.ARE YOU DEVELOPING MORE HOUSING?Keep us in mind.


We have several staff and our partners here ready to answer your questions.

At the end of the program, Q and A. Thank you for what you do!


landlord forum june 24, 2015. basic knowledge of housing choice voucher some different cha...

Documents

affordable housing

housing unitabide

housing agencycollect

fair housing lawsmake

rent reasonableness

richland countythe cha

packetin section

utility calculation