DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

 APPLICATION

A family applies to MDOC and is placed on their selected district wait list.

 CERTIFICATION

Once the family reaches the top of the waiting list, MDOC issues a voucher to for prospective tenants to search for housing that meets program requirements.

 HOUSING SEARCH

The Housing Choice Voucher is valid for a total period of 60 days from the date of issuance. The prospective tenant  will provide the landlord with a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) form, which is to be completed by the tenant and landlord. The  tenant  or landlord will submit the completed form to the field agency. The field agency arranges an inspection date.

 • A family with a current HCV voucher wants to rent an available unit from you.

• You screen the tenant(s) to make sure they are suitable. You agree to lease to the tenants and contact the local field agency for approval.

 RENT AMOUNT AND MARKET COMPARABILITY SURVEY

The HA surveys the surrounding rental market to compare the requested rent amount with rents being charged for like units.

• Field Agents check to make sure the family can afford the rent. The rent must be reasonable compared to other rents in the community, and the lease is acceptable.

HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS(HQS)

 The local field agency inspects the dwelling unit to determine that it is decent, safe, and  sanitary according to Federal Housing Quality Standards (HQS).

• After the unit passes inspection, the field agency sends you a contract to sign; the contract is then initiated.

 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS CONTRACT AND PAYMENT

The landlord and MDOC execute the Housing Assistance Payments Contract in order for rental assistance payments to begin.

 LEASE

The landlord and family may sign a lease that is in standard form and consistent with state and local law, provided it does not conflict with HUD regulations. The tenant’s initial lease must be for a minimum of 12 months. After the initial 12 month lease, if in the dwelling unit, the tenant may remain on a month-to-month lease basis or sign another 12 month lease (with 60 day notice to tenant).

• You sign the contract with MDOC and sign the lease with your tenants, and the family moves in.

• The family pays its portion of the rent and MDOC pays the balance.

 SECURITY DEPOSIT

The tenant is responsible for the entire security deposit. You must collect the security deposit from the tenant. The  Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program has no responsibility for damages, unpaid tenant rent, or other claims you might have against  the tenant. The security deposit you may collect should not exceed what you charge on the open market. You may not collect the last  month’s rent.

TERMINATION OF TENANCY

The landlord and/or family may terminate tenancy when the 12 month lease expires or certain conditions exist.