Obligations and Responsibilities​

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​​Once a PHA approves an eligible participant's housing unit, the participant and the landlord sign a lease, and, at the same time, the landlord and the PHA sign a housing assistance payments contract that runs for the same term as the lease. This means that everyone - participant, landlord, and PHA -- has obligations and responsibilities under the voucher program.

 

• Participant's Obligations: When a participant selects a housing unit, and the PHA approves the unit and lease, the participant signs a lease with the landlord for at least one year. The participant may be required to pay a security deposit to the landlord.

 

When the participant is settled in a new home, the participant is expected to comply with the lease and the program requirements, pay their share of rent on time, maintain the unit in good condition and notify the PHA of any changes in income or family composition.

 

• Landlord's Obligations: The role of the landlord in the voucher program is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing to a tenant at a reasonable rent. The dwelling unit must pass the program's housing quality standards and be maintained up to those standards as long as the owner receives housing assistance payments. In addition, the landlord is expected to provide the services agreed to as part of the lease signed with the tenant and the contract signed with the PHA.

 

• Housing Authority's Obligations: The PHA administers the voucher program locally. The PHA provides a participant with the housing assistance that enables him/her to seek out suitable housing and the PHA enters into a contract with the landlord to provide housing assistance payments on behalf of the participant.  The PHA must reexamine the family's income and composition at least annually and inspect each unit to ensure that it meets minimum housing quality standards.

 

• HUD's Role: To cover the cost of the program, HUD provides funds to allow PHAs to make housing assistance payments on behalf of the participants.  HUD also pays the PHA a fee for the costs of administering the program.  HUD monitors the PHA administration of the program to ensure program rules are properly followed.

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When all of these components are combined, the Housing Choice Voucher program works for everyone. Whether you are currently participating as a landlord or are considering participating, PCHA thanks you for your interest and willingness to accept rental assistance on behalf of families who deserve a safe, healthy and affordable home.

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