The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program provides rental assistance to eligible low-income families while allowing landlords to maintain a typical tenant-landlord relationship—just as they would in the unassisted rental market. This guide offers essential information for landlords interested in participating in the program through the Housing Authority of the County of Chester (HACC).

Leasing Your Unit to an HCV Participant

HACC does not assign applicants or tenants to landlords. However, if you would like to make your rental units available to HCV participants, you can:

• List your units on www.pahousingsearch.com
• Advertise your willingness to accept HCV (Section 8) participants in local newspapers or rental listings

You may only lease to a participant in the HCV program if a voucher holder contacts you directly and expresses interest in your available unit.

Tenant Screening

As a landlord, you are fully responsible for screening and selecting your tenant—just as you would in the private market. HACC only verifies a family’s income eligibility for the program and does not screen tenants for rental history, behavior, or suitability.

Federal regulations allow us to provide the prospective tenant’s current address and the name and address of their current and previous landlords upon your request to assist you in screening. If you want this information, please complete and return the attached Request to Release Information Form.

Landlord-Tenant Lease Requirements

Landlords are required to use their lease agreements when renting to HCV participants. However, the lease must include a reference to and incorporate the HUD Tenancy Addendum, which HACC will provide.

Suggested lease language:
“The HUD Tenancy Addendum is incorporated into this lease.”

When the unit is approved, HACC will provide a lease addendum and prepare the contract documents for signature. Please also offer HACC a copy of your lease when you complete the required paperwork.

Steps to Lease-Up and Contract Finalization

1. Screen and select a tenant.
2. Complete the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA). The tenant will receive this form from HACC.
3. Rent Reasonableness Review – HACC will ensure that the requested rent falls within program guidelines.
4. Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection – HACC will schedule an inspection of the unit.
   
   • Important: If the tenant moves in before the unit passes inspection, they are responsible for the full rent until the unit is approved.
5. Once the unit passes inspection:
   
   • HACC will finalize the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract and HUD Tenancy Addendum.
   • HACC will prepare all necessary documents based on the RFTA.
   • If there are discrepancies between the lease and the HUD Addendum, the HUD Tenancy Addendum takes precedence.

Housing Assistance Payments will begin retroactively to the latest of the following:

• The unit passes inspection
• The lease is signed by both landlord and tenant
• The tenant occupies the unit
• The HAP contract is signed by both the landlord and HACC

 

Security Deposit

Landlords may collect a security deposit that is consistent with private market practices. The amount must be listed on the Request for Tenancy Approval form.

• If the tenant vacates the unit without notice or causes damage, landlords may use the security deposit to cover unpaid rent or repairs.
• If the deposit is insufficient, the landlord may seek the remaining balance from the tenant—not from HACC.
• HACC does not cover security deposits or rent due before executing the HAP contract.

 

Non-Discrimination and Accessibility

Landlords participating in the HCV program must comply with all applicable fair housing and non-discrimination laws, including those protecting individuals with disabilities. For more information, please refer to HUD Notice PIH 2010-26, which outlines federal requirements regarding non-discrimination and accessibility in federally funded housing programs.