DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

The voucher is the family’s authorization to search for housing.

It specifies the unit size for which the family qualifies, and includes both the date of voucher issuance and date of expiration. It contains a brief description of how the program works and explains the family obligations under the program.

However, MDOC does not have any liability to any party by the issuance of the voucher, and the voucher does not give the family any right to participate in the MDOC’s housing choice voucher program. 

A voucher can be issued to an applicant family only after the MDOC has determined that the family is eligible for the program based on information received within the 60 days prior to issuance and after the family has attended a briefing with the local field agency.

HUD requires that all units occupied by families receiving Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance meet HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and permits MDOC to establish additional requirements. The use of the term "HQS" in this plan refers to the HUD established requirements. MDOC has not established additional requirements.

HUD requires that all units occupied by families receiving Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance meet HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and permits MDOC to establish additional requirements. The use of the term "HQS" in this plan refers to the HUD established requirements. MDOC has not established additional requirements.

HQS inspections are required before the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract is signed and at least annually during the term of the contract. HUD also requires the MDOC's local field agents to determine that units rented by Section 8 tenants are reasonable rents comparable to unassisted units in the market.