Tenants can actually be terminated from the Section 8 program for eviction for non-payment of rent, disconnection of utilities, serious lease violations, moving with not notice, not complying with requests by AHA for information and failure to be present for inspections and appointments, to name just a few.

We would appreciate any landlord notifying us of any disconnection notice that they may receive for utilities.

How much rent does the AHA pay on the tenant’s behalf?

Each client receives a different amount of housing assistance depending on his or her income and number of allowances. HUD will only allow a tenant to spend 30-40% of their income on rent and utilities. Tenants cannot pay any difference if the rent exceeds these figures.

Housing Quality Standards (HQS) are used for all inspections. HUD has determined the guidelines as to what is required for safe, sanitary, and affordable housing. City codes may require additional features.

Sample Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection Checklist

It is not the place or the unit that is on the Section 8 program, but the person that Section 8 assists. We will gladly add your contact and unit information to our Section 8 Rental Listing which is made available in our lobby and online.

Yes. Unless a tenant is transferring to another unit with the same owner, a 30-day notice is required. We inform the tenants that they must give their 30-day notice by the last business day of the month. We ask that they give us a copy of their notice signed by the landlord. If this notice will be breaking a lease and if the landlord agrees to break the lease, the tenant must also have the landlord sign a Mutual Rescission form.

• Amount of rent
• When, where, and to whom the rent is to be paid
• The period of the agreement

(Remember: HUD requires a new lease to be effective for one year. After the initial one-year, the lease may be either month-to-month or year-to-year, as preferred by the landlord.)
 

• Number and names of tenants
• Responsibility for utilities
• Pet policies
• Trash removal (if the unit is a single-family dwelling)

• Payment history of rent and utilities
• Caring for unit and premises
• Respecting the rights of others to the peaceful enjoyment of their housing
• Drug-related criminal activity or other criminal activity that is a threat to the life, safety or property of others
• Compliance with other essential conditions of tenancy

In addition, the owner is responsible for performing all of the owner’s obligations under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract and the Lease including:
 

• Complying with equal opportunity housing requirements
• Maintaining the unit in accordance with Housing Quality Standards (HQS) including performing routine maintenance
• Preparing and furnishing the AHA with information required under the HAP contract
• Enforcing tenant obligations under the lease
• Paying for utilities and services (Unless paid by the family under the lease)
• For provision on modifications to a dwelling unit occupied or to be occupied by a disabled person
• A move-in inspection is recommended and should be conducted with the tenant present. This move-in inspection should be signed by both the tenant and landlord to eliminate any disputes over damages at the time of move-out.

Please notify the AHA immediately. Tenants will be terminated from the Section 8 program for moving with no notice.

Please notify the AHA immediately. Family members listed on the lease agreement as approved by the AHA are the ONLY individuals permitted to reside in the unit. Additional family members must be pre-approved by the AHA (unless it is due to the birth of a child, adoption, etc.).

Landlords are also required to “…make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodations may be necessary to afford a handicapped person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling unit, including public and common use areas.” (24 CFR 100.204)