Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority

HOMEOWNERS - FAQ's

Does the HCV (Section 8) Department screen the tenant?
The HCV (Section 8) department only qualifies the tenant to meet the program eligibility requirements. The landlord is encouraged to screen prospective tenants for suitability. We have no past history for an applicant just receiving their voucher. If the participant has been on the program for a period of time, the staff may provide you with current and previous landlord information upon request. If the participant signs a release, we may also review the file and give the landlord information as to previous inspection findings, complaints or eviction information that exists in the file.

If I take one HCV (Section 8) tenant, do I have to take more?
No, the landlord should select tenants based on their suitability for the unit and any other criteria the Landlord has for tenant selection.

Who pays the Security Deposit?
The Landlord is responsible for collecting the security deposit directly from the tenant. It is encouraged to settle this arrangement prior to allowing the tenant to move into the unit. The security deposit amount must be reported to the HCV (Section 8) office if it is different than what was reported on the Request for Lease Approval Form. The landlord may not collect any more from a HCV (Section 8) tenant than you would from a tenant that is not receiving HCV (Section 8) rental assistance.

Does HCV (Section 8) pay for utility services?
No. The lease states the utilities that are to be the responsibility of the landlord and/or tenant. The HCV (Section 8) office requires the tenant to provide proof of service before the lease can be signed. The landlord is encouraged to require proof of service prior to allowing the tenant to move into the unit. If the owner allows the tenant to move into the unit and the tenant cannot obtain service in their name, no rental assistance will be paid on behalf of the tenant.

Can a Landlord charge a tenant for damages to the unit?
The landlord may charge reasonable fees for tenant-caused damage. It is encouraged that you set up payment agreements with the tenant as soon as repairs are made and maintain a record of the payments. The security deposit may be used toward damages when a tenant vacates a unit. If your normal attempts are unsuccessful to collect any excessive damage costs from the tenant, you would then go through the court system just as you would for a tenant that does not receive rental assistance from HCV (Section 8).

Can the Landlord collect a pet deposit from HCV (Section 8) tenants?
A pet deposit is acceptable as long as you normally do this with all tenants. The landlord has the right to deny pets in the unit. Pet arrangements should be addressed in the lease.

Can the Landlord keep utility services in his/her name but charge the tenant?
NO. If the tenant is to pay for a utility service, there must be a separate meter for the tenant's unit when there are 2 or more units within the same building and the tenant must have this service connected in their name. If the landlord wishes the utility to be registered in the landlord's name, the rent requested for the unit should be adjusted accordingly for the anticipated cost. If the lease states the utility is the owner's responsibility, NO ADDITIONAL MONEY can be collected from the tenant no matter what the cost of the utility.

After the RFTA is submitted, can the Landlord or Tenant change their mind?
The Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) is not a binding contract. It is a document that is stating the owner and tenant have decided to enter into a rental agreement. At any time before both parties sign the lease, either party has the right to decide not to enter into the lease agreement.

Can the Landlord increase the rent of the HCV (Section 8) Tenant?
The landlord cannot raise the rent during the first year of the lease. The landlord also MUST NOT charge the tenant any more than the amount designated by HCV (Section 8) as the tenant portion. After the first year of the lease, the landlord may request an increase by giving a 60-day written notice to the tenant and the HCV (Section 8) office. A rent reasonableness analysis will be performed, and the Landlord and tenant will be notified whether the amount will be accepted.

Can the Landlord evict a HCV (Section 8) participant?
Yes. The landlord may file for eviction for nonpayment of rent or serious lease violation as governed by State or Local Laws. Copies of the eviction notices and findings MUST BE provided to the HCV (Section 8) department.

Can the Landlord have the HCV (Section 8) tenant sign an additional lease?
Eviction cases have been thrown out of court when 2 leases for the same tenant have been disclosed. If the landlord wishes to add an addendum to the lease to address issues not found in the Lease or Tenancy Addendum, the landlord MUST submit a copy of the signed document to the HCV (Section 8) office.