Finding a Home
You have 60 days to find a home after receiving your voucher. You may be eligible for two 30-day extensions, providing up to 120 days to find a home.
It’s important to remember DHA’s voucher payment standards — the highest amount DHA will pay each month to help you with rent and utilities. Click here to see DHA’s current payment standards by bedroom size.
The landlord of the home in which you’re interested must be also willing to take part in the HCV program.
In addition, the home’s rent needs to meet two standards:
- Your portion of the rent must not exceed 40% of your monthly household income.
- The rent must be reasonable, as compared to rents charged for similar, non-HCV homes in the area.
If the rent does not meet these standards, DHA may ask the landlord to lower the rent. If they decline, you will need to find a different home. We do not allow side agreements where you pay the difference to your landlord. Side agreements are a violation of your voucher and will result in loss of the voucher and the landlord being banned from DHA’s HCV Program.
If DHA accepts the rent, we will set up a time to inspect the home. It takes between 5 and 10 business days to schedule and then conduct the inspection, depending on the availability of the inspector. If the home passes, you may set a move in date between DHA and your landlord. If the unit does not pass initial inspection, the landlord will have the chance to repair any failed items. Once the repairs have been made and the home passes re-inspection, you may set a move in date between DHA and your landlord.
The average processing time to move into a new unit can take up to 30 days. DHA must approve the unit financially using the RFTA and your most recent income. You may be asked to submit updated income or household composition information.
When you rent an apartment, you and your landlord will sign a lease agreement. This lease agreement details your rights and responsibilities, as well as those of your landlord.
As a tenant, some of your basic responsibilities are:
- Paying your rent on time
- Paying for all utility costs if not provided by your landlord under the lease agreement
- Keeping the property clean and tidy
- Notifying the landlord as soon as possible of any damage or repairs needed
- Making sure that only the individuals that are on the lease are living in the rental unit
- Making sure that no illegal activities or other use other than residential purpose is happening in the home
- Allowing access to the owner into the home or property for any necessary repairs
- Allowing access into your home or property for the annual inspection
- Completing your recertification