Q:

What are my family’s responsibilities as a participant of the Housing Choice Voucher Program?

A:

  • Provide the WHA with complete and accurate information. 
  • Give your best effort to find a place to live that is suitable for your family and qualifies for the program. 
  • Cooperate in attending all appointments scheduled by the WHA.
  • Take responsibility for the general care and housekeeping of your housing unit.
  • Comply with the terms of your lease with the Landlord.
  • Comply with the Family Obligations as listed on your Voucher.

Q:

How is rent determined?

A:

Rent is determined based on household income. Typically, renters pay about 30% of adjusted income, or 10% of gross household income. Rent is calculated in accordance with HUD regulations.

Q:

What is an Annual Recertification?

A:

One year from your initial lease you will be required by HUD regulations to attend an annual certification appointment.
 

  • ALL family members 18 years of age or older must be in attendance. 
  • HUD requires mandatory documents to be supplied & completed by each tenant (Current proof of income for all sources for all family members & any changes to family composition). 
  • Appointment letter will outline what is required to submit and complete, prepare before appointment. 
  • Failure to be prepared or failure to attend this appointment will result in program termination. 

Q:

How do I Report Changes in Income or Family Composition?

A:

Follow the steps on the Change in Income page or the Change in Family Composition page.

Q:

How long may I remain on the Section 8 program?

A:

The program currently allows you to continue receiving housing assistance as long as you are income-eligible and are fulfilling your tenant obligations established by HUD for the program. You will no longer be eligible for assistance once your income rises to the point that your portion of rent matches or exceeds the full amount of rent and stays that way for a period of 6 months. You can also be asked to leave the program if you have violated rules.

Q:

Can I move and continue receiving housing choice voucher assistance?

A:

A family's housing needs change over time with changes in family size, job locations, and for other reasons. The housing choice voucher program is designed to allow families to move without the loss of housing assistance. Moves are permissible as long as the family notifies the PHA ahead of time, terminates its existing lease within the lease provisions, and finds acceptable alternate housing. Those new voucher-holders not living within the jurisdiction of the PHA at the time the family applied for housing assistance must initially lease a unit within that jurisdiction for the first twelve months of assistance. 

Q:

How do I Request a Transfer Out of Waterbury?

A:

Complete the Portability Transfer Request Form and return to your assigned caseworker.