Landlord FAQ

How Do I List My Property with the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program?
Property owners/managers who are interested in participating in the HCV Program can provide the unit information by submitting a Property Listing on www.affordablehousing.com. Once on the Affordable Housing website, mouse over the "Owners" drop down and then click on the "List Your Property" button.

Who qualifies and picks my tenant?
You must do your own tenant screening and test for suitability. The Housing Authority initially screens tenants and runs criminal history background checks on all adults. Any recent activity should be discovered during your screening.

How Much Can I Rent My Unit For?
JH has Payment Standards by bedroom size that are guidelines for determining the maximum subsidy we can pay for a family. This Payment Standard is generally a gauge of the current rental market. However, each unit is evaluated by the Inspector on a case-by-case basis. Each unit's rent must be reasonable and comparable to unassisted private market rental units of similar size, location, amenities, quality, unit type, maintenance, utilities and services. Current Payment Standards can be accessed from the JH Web Site.

Who Pays the Security Deposit?
All tenants are responsible for their own Security Deposit pursuant to State and local laws.

What Happens After I Find A Tenant?
Once you have identified an acceptable HCV Participant, complete the Request For Tenancy Approval (R4TA) form & package that the tenant provides you with. Once that document is received in our office, you will be contacted by the Inspections Department to schedule an inspection of the unit. The start date of your lease will be the date the tenant occupies the unit after it has passed inspection.

What Will The Inspector Be Looking For?
The Housing Inspector will be checking to see whether the unit is in compliance with Housing Quality Standards (HQS). These are minimum standards that any unit rented under the Housing Choice Voucher Program must meet. 

Can I Use My Own Lease?
You are free to use your own lease. However, HUD regulations require that the HUD Tenancy Addendum be attached to an owner provided lease. If the owner's lease contradicts anything in the HUD Tenancy Addendum, the HUD addendum shall prevail.

When Can I Expect My First Check?
After we have executed the Lease and Housing Assistance Payments Contract and the owner has provided JH with proof of legal ownership, the contract is processed for payment. Generally, the first check takes approximately two weeks. After the first payment is generated, subsequent checks are sent on the first of each month.

Who Do I Call If I have a Question or Problem With The Tenancy?
Each tenant is assigned a Housing Counselor, who handles any matters concerning the tenant and their household.

Is My Unit Inspected After The Initial Inspection?
Yes. JH must inspect all participant units biennially (every other year). This is generally done near the contract anniversary date. In addition, in the case of an emergency or complaint by the owner or tenant, an Audit inspection must be requested in writing/or via email to the Housing Counselor, who will request the inspection.

Can I Cancel the JH Contract If I'm Not Satisfied?
No. Only the JH can cancel the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract. An owner is free to terminate a lease agreement pursuant to the terms of the lease and applicable Florida law. Once the Lease agreement ends, the HAP Contract terminates automatically. In the case of malfeasance by the tenant, the owner is free to initiate eviction proceedings.

How Long Can I Rent To A HCV Family?
The initial lease term is for one year and will continue annually unless the tenant gives notice to move or the landlord does not wish to renew, subject to HUD's funding for the HCV Program.