The Columbiana Metropolitan Housing Authority has the responsibility to provide safe, affordable housing to its residents. CMHA also works to promote customer satisfaction, pride and respect by working with residents for strong and safe neighborhoods.
Rent subsidy assistance is available to families with very low income throughout Columbiana County. The program is run according to CMHA's Administrative Plan adopted for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
If you qualify for housing assistance (families are taken from the top of the waiting list), you may find the housing of your choice. It must be inspected by CMHA and meet or exceed the housing quality standards. A list "Common Fail Items" is available on this site. You also may be able to remain where you now live if the unit passes the CMHA inspection and does not exceed the payment standard of maximum rents.
Once you qualify, you will pay no more than 30% of your adjusted gross income for rent.
You will rent directly from the landlord and have all the responsibilities like any other tenant in a private, unassisted dwelling. You must abide by the lease, including the provision that you give a 30 day notice if you intend to move. This is done through the HCV office.
What do I have to do to qualify as a HCV landlord?
The landlord has to be willing to participate in the HCV program and have a unit that can pass inspection. Owners further qualify by attesting they are not related to the assisted family, that they have not been debarred by HUD and that they are the rightful owner of the property. This does not occur until the landlord selects a HCV tenant. There is nothing an owner must do to pre-qualify or register as a landlord.
I want to list my unit for rent. How do I do that?
Landlords can contact CMHA and request that their information be made available to HCV tenants.
I have a tenant to rent my unit. Now what?
Can I charge a security deposit?
Yes. However, the amount cannot be higher than you would charge an unassisted tenant. It is recommended that you put the return policy in writing should the tenant not rent your unit.
How much can I rent my unit for?
CMHA has established payment standards by bedroom size and location within Columbiana County that are guidelines for determining the maximum subsidy we can pay for a family. This payment standard is generally a gauge of the current rental market. However, each unit is evaluated by the inspector on a case-by-case basis. Each unit's rent must be reasonable and comparable to unassisted private market rental units of similar size, location, amenities, quality, unit type, maintenance, utilities and services. In no case can the rent be more than comparable available unassisted units. Current payment standards can be obtained through the CMHA main office.
Does the family pay for utilities?
Yes, unless the landlord includes utilities in the rent. The landlord decides which utilities they will provide as a part of the rent and which utilities the family will be responsible to pay.
Can a voucher be used to rent from a relative?
Housing Choice Voucher holders cannot rent from their immediate relatives. This includes the participant's mother, father, brother, sister, grandparents, grandchildren, step-family, in-laws or any member of his or her household.
What types of housing can someone rent with a voucher?
Housing Choice Vouchers can be used to rent houses, duplexes. triplexes, apartments, condominiums and townhouses. Other housing types, such as group homes and shared rentals are only available as a reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities.
What are Housing Quality Standards?
Housing Quality Standards (HQS) are the HUD minimum quality standards for housing assisted under the rental assistance program. HQS have been developed for program use nationwide and help to ensure your home will be safe, decent and sanitary. These standards are applied by the Housing Inspector during the inspection. Please note: if the borough your unit is located in requires an occupancy permit, your unit will not pass without a copy of the passed occupancy permit.
Are inspections required?
Yes. Inspections will be completed prior to the unit being places under Housing Assistance Payment contract and annually. A special inspection may be requested by tenants or landlords under different circumstances.
How can I help my unit to pass the inspection the first time?
A list of common fail items is available on this website
Does the owner have to be present when the inspection occurs?
No. There must be a responsible adult (age 18 or over) present to let the inspector into the unit. We advise that landlords be present for inspections. This is an opportunity for you to find out first hand why the unit did not pass inspection.
I'm not satisfied with the rental amount CMHA is offering. Can the tenant pay extra rent to make up the amount I want?
No. The CMHA determines the tenant's portion of the rent. The owner, cannot under any circumstances, charge or accept additional payments from the family for their share of the rent that has not been approved by CMHA.
When will I receive my money?
If it is a new contract, you will be paid in the next scheduled check run after we have received both signed copies of the contract and the lease that matches the occupancy dates on the contract. CMHA will not pay subsidy before the contract terms have been agreed upon. If the owner permits the tenant to move into the unit before the contract begins, the tenant will be responsible for the full amount of the rent and CMHA will not pay the back amount retroactively.
Will you send me a check?
No. All landlords are required to have direct deposit or receive their money on a debit card. The CMHA will not mail checks to landlords. The direct deposit form can be found on our website.
My tenant is on the program, but I didn't get a rent check this month.
There are vaious reasons you may not have gotten a check:
My tenant was not home for the annual HQS inspection.
If the first inspection is missed, the unit will automatically be rescheduled for a second inspection within the next 30 days. If a second appointment is missed, the family will be recommended for termination of assistance. In addition, the HAP and utility allowance (UAP), if received, will be placed on hold and the check will not be released until an inspection is done. If possible, it is recommended you are present at the inspection so you can learn first-hand any repairs need to be made.
I sold my unit. How do I notify the Housing Authority?
As soon as you know that you are closing with the new landlord, please inform the Housing Counselor that ownership will change. We can then stop payment to you and issue the rent check to the new owner. Once the rent check has gone to you, and you no longer own this unit, you will need to forward the funds to the new owner.
When can I ask for a rent increase?
ACHA must receive, at a minimum of sixty (60) days prior to your tenant's re-examination date, the request for a rent increase. Every rent increase will be reviewed to ensure it is reasonable rent. If your request places your rental amount above the payment standard, please note that the tenant will be responsible for the entire amount above the payment standard. For this reason, you will need to have the teant's approval to raise the rent. If approved, your rent will increase on the effective date of your tenant's recertification date. You may only request a rent increase once per year.
What are my rights and responsibilities as a landlord?
Landlords have the same rights and responsibilities in the Housing Choice Voucher Program as they have with any open market renter, including:
What should I expect from Housing Choice Voucher tenants?
Who do I call if I have questions or problems with my tenant?
The CMHA is not a party to the lease. Generally, the role of the Housing Counselor is to handle any matters concerning the family's income, Household composition changes and all matters concerning the unit and payments. To find out who your tenant's staff representative is, contact our main office number at 330.386.5865.
how long can I rent to a Housing Choice Voucher Particpant?
The initial lease is for one year. After the initial term, the lease continues on a month-to-month basis indefinitely as long as there are available funds and the unit, family and landlord are in compliance with program requirements, including family income.
Can I cancel the CMHA contract if I'm not satisfied?
No. Only CMHA can cancel the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract. A landlord is free to terminate a lease agreement pursuant to state and local laws. Once a lease agreement ends, the HAP contract terminates automatically.
I have a specific question that isn't answered here. Where can I get the answer?
If your question isn't answered in this list, please contact us.
Is this how I find out if my fax or paperwork has been received?
Yes. Due to the large volume of paperwork our office receives, it is not practical to answer via telephone.
Columbiana Metropolitan Housing Authority
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