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FEDERAL SECTION 8 VOUCHER PROGRAM

If you are interested in becoming a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) landlord. Please review the following:

  • Contact Dennis Housing Authority (DHA) to list your rental.
  • Voucher Participants searching for a unit will be given your contact information.
  • Owners are responsible for screening all potential tenants as they would in the private market.
  • Housing units with HCV tenants must meet the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) – Frequently Asked Questions 

(HCV) Section 8 – Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA): This will be completed by the Owner and signed by both Owner and Voucher Holder. Return this to the DHA to determine if rent is reasonable, falls within the Current DHA Pmt Standards  and affordable for the Voucher holder. A tenant is not permitted to enter a lease paying more than 40% of their monthly adjusted income. If all the above is approved, the DHA will inform the inspection company to schedule an initial move in inspection with the Owner.

The following documentation must be provided:

  • Completed W-9 Form
  • Proof of Ownership: Deed or Tax Bill
  • Direct Deposit Form (optional)
  • Lead Certification: If the Household has a child under the age 6 that will be residing in the unit, you must provide the DHA with a letter of lead compliance certifying that the unit is lead free. If the unit was built on or after January 1, 1978, you may provide the DHA with the building permit.
  • Once a unit has been approved and passed inspection, and owner will enter into a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract with the DHA and a Lease with the tenant.
  • Dennis Housing Authority (DHA) will pay a monthly subsidy on the family’s behalf. When family income changes, an adjustment to the rent will be made. If their income decreases, so will their portion of the rent and DHA portion will increase.
  • Upon signing a lease, a landlord may ask for the tenant’s share of the first month and a security deposit. A security deposit may not exceed one month’s approved rent.
  • Should you evict a tenant for cause, DHA will pay our portion until the tenant vacates the unit.  At which time, the subsidy is terminated.
  • Restrictions: (Section 8) Federal law prohibits DHA to grant approval of an apartment where the owner is a relative; parent, grandparent, sister, brother, child, etc. of the Voucher holder or any member of the Voucher holders’ family. The exception would be if the apartment would provide a reasonable accommodation for the Voucher holder’s family, who is a person with a disability.
  • The Owner is responsible for maintaining the unit in accordance with the Housing Quality Standards (HQS).
  • Owners may request annual reasonable rent increases 60 days in advance of the lease renewal date. Complete the rent increase request form and submit it to the DHA. The tenant must also be informed by the owner in writing they are requesting this increase.