Role of the Voucher Holder (Tenant)Voucher Holder ResourcesTransferring a Voucher - PortabilityHCV Landlord Contact InformationForms & DocumentsFrequently Asked Questions
Role of the Voucher Holder (Tenant)
When a family selects a housing unit, and HPHA approves the unit and lease, the family signs a lease with the landlord for at least one year. The tenant may be required to pay a security deposit to the landlord. After the first year the landlord may initiate a new lease or allow the family to remain in the unit on a month-to-month lease.
When the family is settled in a new home, the family is expected to comply with the lease and the program requirements, pay its share of rent on time, maintain the unit in good condition and notify HPHA of any changes in income or family composition.
When the family is settled in a new home, the family is expected to comply with the lease and the program requirements, pay its share of rent on time, maintain the unit in good condition and notify HPHA of any changes in income or family composition.
Voucher Holder Resources
If you are interested in becoming part of our team, please check here regularly for opportunities. We have various departments always looking for talented people from diverse backgrounds to help us fulfill our mission of providing adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity, and a suitable living environment for, low-income families and individuals, free from discrimination.
General Information
As a recipient of the Housing Choice Voucher program, here are some items to consider in finding a suitable unit for your family.
- Is the unit in good condition and suitable for your family needs?
- Have you considered location in proximity to public transportation, centers of employment, schools and shopping?
- Are utilities included? (Gas, Water, Electric)
- Is the rent reasonable?
What is a payment standard?
The payment standard is determined on an annual basis by comparing market rents on each island jurisdiction by bedroom size. the payment standard includes utilities.
How do you determine what your will pay or total tenant payment (TTP)? The following is an example of what you will pay:
Example: Your payment standard is $788.00 for a one-bedroom unit. the unit you found is $700.00 including utilities. Next we check if your rent is reasonable by checking rent comparable. If rent is reasonable, your 30% adjust incomes in $300.00 The $300.00 is what you would be paying the Landlord monthly and the state will be paying $400.00 monthly on your behalf.
What is Rent Comparable?
The state is required to insure you that the unit you plan to rent is reasonable according to prevailing market conditions. If the rent is too high according to market conditions you will not be able to rent unit or the landlord will have to lower rent charged.
What if my income changes?
If your income changes, you are to notify your Section 8 Occupancy Specialist immediately.
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
FSS is a program that enables HUD-assisted families to increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on welfare assistance and rental subsidies.
Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) work in collaboration with a Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) to secure commitments of public and private resources for the operation of the FSS program, to develop the PHA’s FSS Action Plan (the FSS policy framework), and to implement the program.
Once an eligible family is selected to participate in the program, the PHA, and the head of each participating family execute a FSS Contract of Participation that specifies the rights and responsibilities of both parties. The term of the FSS contract is generally 5 years, but it may be extended for another 2 years by the PHA for good cause.
The FSS contract also incorporates the family’s individual training and services plan (ITSP). The ITSP is the document that records the plan for the family. That is, the series of intermediate and long-term goals and the steps the family needs to take – and the services and resources they may need to access – to achieve those goals.”
Learn More
Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) work in collaboration with a Program Coordinating Committee (PCC) to secure commitments of public and private resources for the operation of the FSS program, to develop the PHA’s FSS Action Plan (the FSS policy framework), and to implement the program.
Once an eligible family is selected to participate in the program, the PHA, and the head of each participating family execute a FSS Contract of Participation that specifies the rights and responsibilities of both parties. The term of the FSS contract is generally 5 years, but it may be extended for another 2 years by the PHA for good cause.
The FSS contract also incorporates the family’s individual training and services plan (ITSP). The ITSP is the document that records the plan for the family. That is, the series of intermediate and long-term goals and the steps the family needs to take – and the services and resources they may need to access – to achieve those goals.”
Landlord Tenant Mediation
What is mediation?
Mediation is an informal, confidential process that provides landlords and tenants with the opportunity to talk through their differences with the assistance of an impartial third-party (the mediator). The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for the participants. The mediator empowers the participants to reach agreements that work for their situation.
When Should Landlord & Tenants Mediate?
Anytime a dispute arises between a landlord and a tenant, mediation is a good first step to consider, before the situation becomes too emotional or the tenant is too far behind in paying the rent. Participating in mediation early gives the landlord and tenant time to prepare for a successful mediation, and access other resources, if needed.
How do I schedule a Mediation at MCP?
- Call 521-6767 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and ask for the Client Services Department to schedule a mediation.
- A Client Service Specialist will assist you in scheduling a mediation session on a day and time that works for you and the other party. Mediations are available at the MCP office located at 245 N. Kukui St. #206, at HCAP Center (85-555 Farrington Hwy., Waianae), and at Surfing the Nations (44 Ohai St.). You may also mediate via phone or video conference.
- You will be required to provide general information about the case and the issues that you would like to address, as well as specific information about yourself, including but not limited to any accommodations you may need to participate in the mediation process.
- You will also be required to provide the names and contact information of the other party.
- Depending on your availability and that of the other party, a mediation session will generally be schedules within two weeks.
Transferring a Voucher - Portability
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.
Moving to Hawai'i
If you have a current, valid Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher, you may use the voucher in any jurisdiction that accepts your voucher. This is called "portable." There are also "project-based" vouchers, which are not "portable" because they remain with the housing project. You must contact your current Section 8 voucher administrator to begin the process of transferring your Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher to Hawaii.
Moving from Hawai'i
You need to check to be sure that the area you intend to move to has a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. If the area does, you must contact the HPHA Application Office or county office to inform them of your pending move. The office personnel will provide you with instructions on how to transfer your voucher and assistance in the preparation of the required paperwork.
HCV Landlord Contact Information
The HCV Program places the choice of housing in the hands of the individual family. To assist families with their search, HPHA provides a list of landlords and properties that already accept Housing Choice Vouchers.
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Forms & Documents Library
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HPHA's proposal for the new (effiective May 1st, 2017) monthly utility allowances?
Do you have a list of Section 8 landlords you can send to me in the mainland?
I have a complaint with my current Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher landlord. Who can I contact?
