What do I have to do to qualify as a HCVP landlord?
The landlord has to be willing to participate in the HCVP program and have a unit that can pass inspection. Owners further qualify by attesting that they are not related to the assisted family, that they have not been debarred by HUD, and that they are the rightful owner of the property. This does not occur until the landlord selects a HCVP tenant. There is nothing an owner must do to pre-qualify or register as a landlord. If you would like more information, please request a Landlord Handbook from our receptionist.
I want to list my unit for rent. How do I do that?
Landlords can list units free on the bulletin board in our lobby at 600 S. Main St, Lima 45804. We also encourage landlords to list their available rental units on www.affordablehousing.com. Additional landlord questions may be directed to the Receptionist or Section 8 Manager at 419.228.6065.
I requested a rent increase. When will it be effective?
Rent increase requests are processed in the order received. Requests can be made on a form issued by AMHA. In order for us to consider processing a rent increase effective for a certain date, the lease and housing contract must be at least one year old and not currently in a term period specified in the lease, such as the initial term. AMHA must receive a copy of the written 60-day Notice to the tenant at the time the Notice is delivered to the tenant. Following receipt of the copy of the Notice, Occupancy staff next determines if the request meets the rent reasonable threshold. If a rent increase can be approved, the rent increase becomes effective on the first of the month following at least 60 days after the Notice was received.
Can my tenant pay the extra rent to make up the amount I want for my unit?
No. The Housing Authority determines the tenant’s portion of the contract rent and also approves the contract rent. Our Rent Notification letters clearly show the total rent that is payable to the landlord each month (until further notice).
How can I help get my unit to pass the inspection the first time?
Visit our Forms section and click on the Inspection Checklist icon.
Why was my rent or unit abated?
Our administration of the HCVP requires us to inspect units at least biennially. Rent is abated (stopped) when units fail to pass an inspection by the stated deadline. The unit will be taken out of abatement if it passes before the final deadline for a passed inspection. If the unit does not pass by the end of the abatement period, the housing contract is terminated. To help ensure your unit passes inspection the first time (or at least before rent would begin to be abated), review the inspection checklist by visiting our Forms section.
I want to evict my tenant. What do I have to do?
AMHA cannot give legal advice. We recommend you seek the advice of an attorney. Landlords and tenants are required to give AMHA a copy of any eviction notice.
How can I get paid for tenant caused damages?
AMHA’s HCVP does not pay for tenant caused damages. Landlords should bill tenants directly (if the tenant still resides in the unit) or take the amount from the security deposit (if the tenant has moved). If the security deposit is insufficient, we recommend the landlord pursue the tenant in court.
If, as a result of court action, there is a “for-cause” judgment, the landlord should provide HCVP with a copy so that AMHA is aware the tenant has been held responsible.
YOUR HCVP HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENT
When will I receive my payment?
If it is a new contract, you will be paid on the next scheduled check run after we have received the signed contract paperwork. AMHA will not pay subsidy before the contract terms have been agreed upon. If the owner permits the tenant to move into the unit, the tenant will be responsible for the full amount of the rent until or unless AMHA executes the housing contract. AMHA does pay prorated HAP if the contract starts any day other than the 1st of a month.
If the unit was in abatement and recently passed inspection, you will be paid on the next scheduled check run, usually within 10 days. There is no retroactive payment for the time a unit was in abatement.
The tenant has been in the unit, and I have not received payment. Why?
Payment cannot be made prior to the unit having passed the inspection, tenant has the keys to the property and a HAP contract is signed. AMHA strives to issue its initial payment as soon as possible during the next check run.
The contract has been cancelled, but the tenant is still living in my unit. Can I get paid?
Participants are responsible for all rent once the contract is cancelled.
I didn’t receive a payment direct deposit this month. Why not?
There could be several reasons why you did not receive a check this month. If the unit is in abatement, then payments are stopped until repairs are made, and the unit passes an inspection. If this is a new contract, the signed contracts may have been returned too late to make the check run. You will be paid on the next check run. If your tenant has had a recent re-exam, his/her income may have increased to a level where he/she is no longer eligible for HCVP assistance. If this is the case, you will receive a letter from the HCVP office regarding the changes. If you are unable to determine why you did not receive a deposit, you may contact the Occupancy staff for further guidance.
Why was money deducted from my check?
If you owed us money from a previous or current tenant, we will deduct the money owed from your total HAP payment. We do this whenever possible so as to avoid needing a landlord to manually pay us back previously paid HAP.