Housing Choice Vouchers

KHA administers a Housing Choice Voucher Program, which subsidizes rents for privately-owned housing. The eligible applicant looks for housing on the private market and signs the lease directly with the owner. Since the lease is between the landlord and the tenant, the landlord will treat the HCV participant the same as any other tenant.

Having an HCV tenant assures the landlord of timely rent payments from the Housing Agency. Because a tenant's rent is based on 30% of his or her income, it allows that person to pay his or her portion of the rent in a timely and consistent manner.

All properties using this program must meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and rental price guidelines. The HQS inspection provides the landlord with information about the condition of his or her property. This allows a landlord to make repairs before they become major expense items.

The amount of rent a tenant pays will be based on 30% of his or her adjusted gross income. A tenant may not pay more than 40% of their income for rent when first leasing up.

It allows families, single individuals, elderly, or disabled persons options in the housing search. Vouchers may be used for apartments, single family homes, duplexes, or mobile homes. The participant can chose the location and amenities that are right for their family, such as a pet friendly home, or a unit where snow removal or lawn care is provided. Families may use the assistance in their current home or to find housing that better suits their needs.

Participants are required to comply with the lease, and are expected to live harmoniously with neighbors, and care for the unit inside and out.

HCV participants also have the opportunity to enroll in the Kearney Housing Agency's Family Self Sufficiency Rewards Program, which includes goal setting and encouraging financial independence for low income housing residents.

Landlords

For information on becoming a landlord for Housing Choice Voucher participants, you may contact the Housing Agency. KHA will be glad to answer your questions, and if desired, send a landlord packet that explains the program and includes sample forms that will be required for signatures.

All payments to landlords and property management are made via direct deposit. A monthly landlord newsletter is distributed to keep owners/managers up to date on happenings and regulations within the program. An annual landlord open house is held in order to maintain relationships and better serve the rental community.