Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program (previously referred to as Section 8) assists families and individuals to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects. Once tenant and landlord sign a lease, the tenant family is responsible for 30% of their rent depending on their income, and the HCV program pays the remainder directly to the landlord.
CDCLI is the Suffolk County Local Administrator for the New York State Homes & Community Renewal (HCR) Housing Choice Voucher program.
Information for prospective HCV Property Owners: click here
Information for existing HCV Property Owners: click here
Information on Payment Standards or Rent Increase click here
Prospective HCV Property Owners:
Benefits of Being an HCV Participating Property Owner:
- You will get timely and dependable payments from the public housing authority (PHA).
- Participating, compliant landlords will receive timely and dependable housing assistance payments (HAP) each month once the HAP contract and lease are signed. Payments are made directly into the property owner’s account, no worrying about lost checks or late payments.
- Potential for limited unit turnover.
- The average HCV participant remains in a unit 7-8 years.
- You will get your full rental payment.
- When a HCV tenant’s income permanently changes, the portion of rent paid by the PHA and the tenant is adjusted to reflect this change. This provides financial protection to landlords in that if a HCV tenant’s income decreases, there is a process for the PHA to pay a larger portion of the rent to the landlord so the landlord continues to receive a full rental payment.
- You will receive regular inspections.
- Some landlords appreciate the routine inspections because they provide an opportunity to check on the condition of the unit. This can result in identifying maintenance needs that may have otherwise gone unnoticed for some time. Landlords that own or manage properties across wide geographies in particular tend to appreciate the value in having a routine, objective inspection of their rental units.
- Please note property owners of subsidized units are required to comply with all relevant state and local codes in addition to HQS requirements. If a property owner has units in a municipality where rental permits are required, it is expected that property owners obtain and maintain compliance with all applicable rental permit requirements. CDCLI may, upon request, require submission of documentation to demonstrate rental permit or other state/local code compliance.
- You may request annual reasonable rent increases.
- Compliant landlords may request a rent increase at the annual anniversary of the HAP contract by written notice to the PHA.
- You can help low-income elderly, disabled, and veteran households, as well as families with children by providing affordable housing.
- More than 50 percent of vouchers serve elderly or non-elderly disabled families. About 45 percent of vouchers assist single-parent families.
- Some landlords appreciate the routine inspections because they provide an opportunity to check on the condition of the unit. This can result in identifying maintenance needs that may have otherwise gone unnoticed for some time. Landlords that own or manage properties across wide geographies in particular tend to appreciate the value in having a routine, objective inspection of their rental units.
Learn more about participating in the HCV Program:
- Information about the benefits and myths about being an HCV Property Owner: English Spanish
- HCV Property Owner Basics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6n9bwwMH30
- Landlord Testimonials: https://youtu.be/7Ry-E0KSAqA
- Steps to become an HCV Participating Property Owner: English Spanish
Landlord Forums
Join us for a virtual Landlord Forum to learn more about the HCV and Neighborhood Choice Long Island Programs, landlord roles and responsibilities, and the benefits of becoming an HCV landlord.
Upcoming Dates:
September 15th, 2023 at 10:00AM
Existing HCV Property Owners
If you are a landlord and have a listing you would like to add to our Housing Resource Booklet that is shared with tenant participants, click here to fill out our online form.
Payment Standards and Rent Increase Information
The resources below provide information regarding potential rental rates and rent increases for units participating in the HCV program.
Please read through the HCV Program Payment Standard and Rental Increase Guidance document to assist in determining potential rent or opportunities for rental increases.
- HCV Program Payment Standard and Rent Increase Guidance
- Long Island Payment Standards
- Nassau Utility Allowances
- Suffolk Utility Allowances
- Village of Freeport Utility Allowances
- NYC Utility Allowances
- NYC Payment Standards
Making Moves
The Making Moves program provides housing mobility coaching and financial assistance to Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) families that have children aged 18 or under who are interested in living in well-resourced areas and offers possible additional landlord incentives.
Visit our Making Moves Page to learn more.
Source of Income Discrimination
Everyone deserves a place to make their home, including tenants who receive government assistance. A rental applicant cannot be rejected or steered based on their lawful source of income.
Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspections Resources
Property owners must maintain compliance with all HQS requirements.
Please note property owners of subsidized units are required to comply with all relevant state and local codes in addition to HQS requirements. If a property owner has units in a municipality where rental permits are required, it is expected property owners obtain and maintain compliance with all applicable rental permit requirements. CDCLI may, upon request, require submission of documentation to demonstrate rental permit or other state/local code compliance.
Below are some resources related to HQS inspections:
- HQS Form: Form utilized to complete HQS inspections, along with summary information regarding minimum criteria.
https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/52580A.PDF
- HQS Administrative Plan Chapter: Full HQS requirements.
https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_35620.PDF
- Most Common HQS Failures: Reviewing your property and correcting for common HQS failures reduces the likelihood of a failed inspection.
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- No Access – Inspector must have access to basement and all rooms for inspection. Inspection appointment letters are mailed to tenants ~2 weeks prior to inspection. Please follow up with tenant to confirm their typical inspection month and/or date.
- Electrical – Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GCFI) outlets are required within 6 ft of water sources (Tubs, sinks, etc.). Outlets must be wired properly (no open grounds, reverse polarity, hot/neutral reverse, etc.). No exposed wiring, missing cover plates, or open gaps in electrical panel.
- Inoperable Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Smoke detectors are required in each bedroom. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are required on each level.
- Deteriorated and Unstable Paint Surfaces – Peeling, cracking, chipping paint.
- Security – All doors and windows accessible from outside must lock and be Double keyed deadbolts not permitted.
- Cutting Hazards – Broken glass, cracked floor tiles, countertops, protruding nails, etc.
- Infestations – Presence of roaches, mice, bedbugs, fleas, etc.
- Utilities – All utilities must be in service.
- Missing Handrails – Handrails are required for four or more steps.
Update your contact information
- Stay connected electronically by providing your email and mobile: https://cdcli.tfaforms.net/4866621
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https://www.hud.gov/subscribe/signup?listname=Landlord&list=LANDLORD-L
Contact Information
Housing Development & Planning
landlordforum@cdcli.org