Housing Choice Voucher Program
(Formerly known as Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance to help low income person(s) afford decent and safe rental housing. HCV Programs are funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and administered by public housing agencies authorized under federal or state law to operate housing programs within an area or jurisdiction. The Fairfield Metropolitan Housing Authority (FMHA) is a housing agency that administers a HCV Program throughout Fairfield County.

A person selected to participate in the HCV Program is issued a rental voucher and is then free to locate a unit suitable to the family’s needs and desires in the private rental market. Once the family selects a unit, and turns in a Request for Tenancy Approval, FMHA must inspect the unit before initial leasing and at least annually thereafter to ensure that the unit meets HUD housing quality standards (HQS). Once the unit passes an HQS inspection, FMHA will enter into a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract with the Owner who leases the unit to the family. Thereafter, FMHA pays a portion of the rent- a housing assistance payment- to the owner on behalf of the family.

Under the rental voucher program, the family is generally required to pay approximately 30% - 40% of adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities. The Housing Assistance Payment made by FMHA to the Owner generally pays the remaining 60%-70% of the approved contract rent.

Important Tenant Obligations

1. Lease and Voucher Violations- click on link for tenant obligations.
2. Non-reporting of Income-
   When you receive any additional income (employment, raise, SS or SSI, OWF, Child Support, etc.) you must report this change to FMHA within 10 days. You will be asked to fill out an interim report and verification of such income. All changes must be received by your caseworker within that 10-day time period.
3. Unauthorized live-in-
   If you would like someone to be added to your lease you must contact your caseworker and request an add-on packet. You will be asked to provide various things for the person you are adding, as well as new income verification for all person(s) living in the unit.
4. Falsification of documents-
   Whenever you are asked to fill out a form or document with information from the Housing Authority, be sure to read it over carefully, and fill it out with correct information (that you can provide verification for), do not fill out something you do not understand, you may call your caseworker and ask that it be explained to you so that you are filling it out correctly.
5. Missed Deadlines-
   At various times throughout the year when you are reporting changes, and also during recertification time you will be given a deadline to turn in the requested information to the Housing Authority. When you are given this date you must provide this information to us by that date. If you need an extension you may contact your caseworker and request an extension, be sure to explain to your caseworker why you need the extension.
6. Moving without appropriate paperwork-
   When you are considering moving to another unit, whether that unit is owned by the same landlord or not, you must contact our Leasing Specialist and request the appropriate paperwork. The Leasing Specialist will explain what will be expected from you during this time. Available Rental Units.
7. Criminal and Drug Activity-
   Any kind of criminal or drug activity that you are convicted of is grounds for termination.
8. Missing Inspections-
   Every year around recertification time you will be sent a notice from the Inspection department informing you of when your inspection is scheduled for. Someone must be available to let the inspector in the unit when they come to inspect. If you need to reschedule an inspection you will want to inform the Inspection Department of this as soon as possible.
9. Making unauthorized side payments to the Landlord-
   You are informed by the Housing Authority what portion of the rent you are to pay; any additional monies requested from the Landlord would be considered side payments, with the exception of a Security Deposit. If you pay the landlord additional money you are in violation of your lease. You can report this information to your caseworker when asked for additional monies so that you are not in violation.
10. Eviction while participating on the HCV Program/Damage to Rental Unit and Property-
    Being evicted from a unit while participating on our program, which means: “To put out (a tenant, for example) by legal process; expel.” (Def. by dictionary.com). Damaging a rental unit or the property would include but not limited to:
    • Carpet stains (beyond normal wear and tear)
    • Holes in carpet
    • Damaging tile, vinyl, and linoleum floors
    • Excessive trash inside and outside of unit
    • Poor Housekeeping habits
    • Broken Windows and doors
    • Holes in walls and doors
    • Smoke detectors taken down or batteries not replaced
    • Ceiling fixtures being torn off or taken down
    • Various other things not mentioned here

Did You Know?

We offer a discount to use our community building for various functions you might have? We offer various programs that help you reach your goals and dreams? Click on the following links for more information.

• FSS- Family Self Sufficiency Program
• Homeownership Program

If you report any changes in income in the 10 day period your rent may be excluded until your annual recertification period.
If you pay childcare you could receive a deduction.
If you are disabled and begin working you may qualify for a disability exclusion for a period of 48 months.

Ask your caseworker for this and other information you may qualify for. We are happy to answer your questions! Please click here for contact information.