What is a Voucher?
The Housing Choice Voucher and the Mainstream Voucher Programs are federally
funded rent subsidy programs designed to supplement the rent payments
of low and moderate-income families. They enable families to select
the housing in which they wish to live, in Quincy and other areas.
These programs allow families to pay up to 40% of the total income toward
rent, with the Housing Authority paying the difference between the family
portion and the appropriate payment standard.
These vouchers specify the applicable fair market rent for the unit
size appropriate for the family and the maximum amount the family can pay
for rent.
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Who is Eligible?
Elderly, disabled, families or single adults over the age of 18 residing
in Quincy and fall in the low- or very low-income category. Income
limits may change from year to year.
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How Does the Program Work?
The Quincy Housing Authority will have a limited number of Vouchers
to issue to applicants. Applicants who receive Vouchers have 60 days
to find a qualifying rental unit which the owner must be willing to
rent under the program. THe Housing Authority inspects and approves
the unit if it meets the program standards for decent, safe and sanitary
housing.
The Housing Authority signs a contract with the landlord to pay a set
portion of the rent. Once participating in the Program, a family remains
eligible as long as their share of rent does not exceed the rent plus
utility allowance.
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How much does the Family Receive?
They pay approximately 30% of their income for rent and utilities. The
family's portion is dependant on the total rent charged. THe lower
the cost of the unit, the less they pay.
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How Much Security Deposit
is Charged?
The tenant is responsible for payment of the deposit. The Housing Authority
encourages the landlord to charge a deposit equal to the tenant's portion
of the rent or $75.00, whichever is greater. The Housing AUthority
would then guarantee to the landlord the remainder of the month's rent
toward damages or unpaid rent when the tenant moves.
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Can a Voucher Holder Rent Any
Size Unit?
The size unit for which a family qualifies will be set by the Housing
Authority on the basis of the family's size and makeup.
Generally, a one bedroom is allowed for every two persons in the household.
However, if a family can rent a larger unit, it may do so. Occasionally,
a family can rent a smaller unit than the size set by the Housing Authority,
provided there is at least one living/sleeping room for every two persons
in the family.
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QHA Responsibilities ...
The Quincy Housing Authority will
conduct "Family Briefings" which covers housing standards, how to find
affordable housing, compliance with HUD guidelines governing the programs,
and policies and procedures to follow when participating in both Voucher
Programs.
QHA will provide the landlord with monthly housing
assistance payments for your unit.
QHA and officials from the City of Quincy will
initially inspect your unit to make sure it meets housing quality standards,
and the Authority will inspect it annually to assure that it is in
decent, safe and sanitary condition.
The Authority will also re-examine the family's
income, composition and the extent of deductible considerations to
determine any adjustments.
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Landlord Responsibilities ...
- Proper management of the unit, including performance
of all ordinary and extraordinary maintenance and payment of utilities
(unless paid
by
the tenant).
- Collection of family rent.
- Compliance with Equal Opportunity and Fair Housing requirements.
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How to Apply ...
An application must be completed with the Quincy Housing Authority. Applications
are accepted Tuesday through Thursday from 1:00 to 3:30 pm.
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