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Research shows that stable, decent, and affordable housing, particularly housing in a safe neighborhood with a good school, is highly beneficial for the health and safety of adults and for the economic future of their children. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program was established to provide housing assistance and to allow low-income households choice of where to live. That choice depends on landlords willing to accept housing vouchers. Recent research shows that there are elements of the program that discourage landlord participation, which can limit tenant choice and success at leasing units. Please join us for a discussion of that research and hear from landlords about what HUD can do to make the Housing Choice Voucher program more appealing to them
Landlord corner
What is HUD?
HUD stands for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It was created in 1965 under President Lyndon Johnson. HUD's mission is to provide decent housing for all Americans. HUD's programs include voucher assistance, community housing development, including low income and senior housing, mortgage loans and the education and enforcement of fair housing
What to know about HUDs Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Mission:
HUD is responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act of 1968. The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate based on color, disability, familial status, national original, race, religion or sex , when selling a house, renting a house, or lending on a mortgage.
Process:
If a person feels they have been discriminated against in a housing related activity, they can file a claim with HUD. HUD will investigate the claim. It will first notify the “alleged” offending party of the claim and allow them to respond. HUD will then determine if there is any merit to the claim.
HUD can offer the parties the ability to reconcile their complaint with a HUD Conciliation Agreement. If conciliation fails and HUD has “reasonable cause” to believe discrimination has occurred, the case will go to an administrative hearing or to Federal District Court if the parties prefer.
Significance for Landlords:
As a landlord, who will be renting out or selling your property, you need to understand and follow the Fair Housing Act, so you will not be accused of discrimination. If you are trying to get a mortgage for your investment, you need to understand the Fair Housing Act so you yourself are not discriminated against.
What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is funded by HUD and enacted through local El Paso County Housing Authority (EPCHA). Commonly referred to as Section 8 Housing this program provides low-income tenants, seniors, or the disabled with subsidized rental vouchers .
The Process:
If approved for a Section 8 voucher, the individuals can use these vouchers to select the housing of their choice, as long as the property owner has agreed to accept this program. The housing must also comply with the EPCHAs health and safety codes. EPCHA will directly pay the landlord an agreed upon portion of the rent. The tenant will be responsible for any additional rent that the government voucher has not covered.
Subsidy Payment by EPCHA:
All payments are done via direct deposit. Landlords will complete the direct deposit/EFT with EPCHA staff.
Who conducts the HCV inspections?
A certified inspector employed through EPCHA will schedule the HCV HQS inspection with the landlord. landlords may dial the main office at 915-764-3559 should they need to get a hold of the inspection department.
For more information contact:
Housing Choice Voucher Department
Phone: 915-764-3559
Email: landlord@epcha.org