Tenant FAQ
When Is My Rent Due?
Rent is on the 1st of each month. Failure to pay rent by close of business on the 5th of each month will result in a $25 late fee. If rent is not paid after late fee notification is sent, tenants will be served a Demand for Rent and Eviction Notice in accordance with HUD Regulations and New Hampshire State Law.
Can I pay rent with cash or card?
No. Rent must be paid with check or money order. If a check is returned for insufficient funds, you will be charged a $25 fee and will be required to pay with money orders.
How do I add or remove someone from my lease?
The Head of Household must notify their Property Manager if they’d like to add or remove someone from their lease. Property Managers help tenants through the process. Any new adult household members (excluding additions by birth or adoption) are screened by DHA to make sure that they meet DHA’s eligibility criteria. Please contact your Property Manager to request information for adding or removing someone. DHA written approval is required before someone new can move into your unit.
Additions to the household will not be approved if you are not a tenant in good standing or if you are within your first year of lease up.
How do I apply for a transfer to a new unit or to receive a voucher to move out?
Tenants can apply for a transfer from their Property Manager. Transfers are approved based on need and availability. Households must meet all eligibility requirements for the new unit.
If you are a resident of Whittier Falls, you can reach out to your property manager to be added to the HCV transfer list.
How is my rent determined?
Rent is based on household income. Families contribute 30% of their gross adjusted income for rent and utilities or a minimum rent of $50 per month, whichever is higher.
What are the House Rules?
Do I need a parking permit to park on DHA property?
Each DHA development has its own parking policy. Tenants do need a permit to park in a DHA lot. Each development’s parking policies are included in the Lease Packet tenants receive at move-in. Cars must be registered, inspected, and operable receive a permit and park on property. DHA reserves the right to revoke parking privileges if tenant owes DHA money for unpaid rent, late fees, damages, etc. Parking illegally on property will result in the vehicle being towed at owner’s liability and expense. Please contact your Property Manager to apply for a parking permit and to review the Parking Policy.
Do I need renter’s insurance?
DHA encourages all tenants to carry renters’ insurance to protect their personal belongings in case of damage or theft. Please make sure to provide us with proof of insurance before the move-in date.
Can I have a pet?
All pets require approval from DHA BEFORE moving into your unit.
Family properties and Elderly/Disabled properties have different pet policies.
In the family properties, the following pets are allowed: one cat, or one bird, or one 10-gallon fish tank, or one hamster or gerbil. If your pet is approved, you must abide by the pet policy which includes providing current proof of registration, spaying/neutering, and vaccinations. All cats must be kept inside. There is a monthly cat fee of $15.
For information on the pet policy for our elderly/disabled properties, please reach out to the Public Housing Property Manager at ph@doverhousingauthority.org.
Is DHA a smoke free property?
Smoking is NOT ALLOWED anywhere on DHA property. Open flames, including fire pits, chimeneas, firework devices are not allowed to be stored or ignited on DHA property.
Violation of this policy will result in eviction from your unit.
How do I report changes in income?
Tenants are required to report any change in household’s income or family composition within 10 days of the change in writing. Changes and required verifications must be received prior to the 20th of each month for a decrease on the first of the following month. The best method of reporting the change is to email your property manager by emailing the appropriate department:
- WFalls@DoverHousingAuthority.org
- AddisonPlace@DoverHousingAuthority.org
- PH@DoverHousingAuthority.org
If tenants do not report a change in household income or the people living in the household within 10 days, the Housing Authority will increase your rent retroactively or refuse to decrease your rent until the following full month, or the Housing Authority will begin eviction proceedings. Intentionally falsifying statements or information may constitute a crime and are grounds for eviction.