Owner Update "Question of The Month"

Q: What are the major responsibilities of the owner in renting under the  Voucher Program?

A. OK, here goes. Following is a list of the major ones:

Give TMHA the rightful name of the owner of the property at lease-up. The owner can name a management agent to act in the owner's behalf by submitting this request in writing to TMHA.

Inform TMHA of the sale of the program unit, and be willing to sign HAP Contract transfer paperwork and give the name of the new owner, and the effective date of the transfer.

Screen prospective families for suitability for tenancy. Screening should be done in a manner similar to non-program tenants, and with respect for Fair Housing regulations. (See other side of this newsletter)

Understand that the owner can collect a security deposit not in excess of market practice, generally one month's rent. Security deposits under the Voucher program are subject to Ohio Tenant-Landlord law just like non-program tenants.

Understand that the family members listed on the HAP Contract are the ONLY individuals permitted to reside in the unit, unless both the owner and TMHA give approval to add other persons (exceptions are the birth of new child or court-awarded custody of dependent).

Agree to provide the TMHA and the tenant a written request for any rent increase and/or change to utilities with a minimum of 60 days advance notice.

Understand that the tenant's portion of the rent is calculated by TMHA under program regulations and that it is illegal to charge any additional amounts for rent or for utilities that the owner has specified are included in the rent.

Understand that the owner may not rent a unit to related family members who are parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sister or brother of the owner, unless TMHA approves such a rental as a reasonable accommodation for a disabled tenant family member.

Agree to comply with Housing Quality Standards, and to perform necessary maintenance so the unit continues to meet HQS requirements.

Agree to inform TMHA when a tenant moves from the unit, and to understand that the HAP Contract ends automatically when the tenant family vacates the unit.

Understand that the provisions of Ohio Tenant Landlord law apply in the same way that they apply to a non-program unit. As owner you have the same rights to enforce the lease and to evict a tenant for non-compliance.

Agree to give TMHA a copy of any owner eviction notice, and to comply with all State and local eviction procedures.

Understand that knowingly supplying false, incomplete, or inaccurate information is punishable under Federal law.

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