LANDLORD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• IF I CURRENTLY HAVE SOMEONE IN MY RENTAL UNIT WHO IS IN NEED OF FINANCIAL HELP, CAN THEY APPLY FOR THE EPHA HCV PROGRAM FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE?

​No. All persons who receive financial help through the EPHA made an application when the wait list was opened and have waited their turn on the list.

• CAN I USE MY OWN LEASE AGREEMENT?

Yes. Landlords may utilize their own lease agreements or they can choose to utilize the EPHA model lease. If you decide to use your own lease agreement, there must be a provision in it for automatic continuation of the lease terms after the initial required one-year lease period.

• HOW DO I MAKE MY UNIT AVAILABLE TO VOUCHER HOLDERS?​

Our vacancy list is a means of free advertising. You may list it on our vacancy list by calling the office and providing us with some general information about the unit.

• CAN YOU ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FAMILY TO ASSIT WITH THE SCREENING PROCESS?

Yes. To some degree, we can give you information about the family statistics and if they are in compliance with their obligations under our housing program. If you want information in regards to their rental history; you will need to contact their current/ previous landlord(s).

• HOW MUCH RENT CAN I CHARGE?​

You CANNOT charge more than comparable units in the area. 

• WILL YOU INSPECT MY UNIT BEFORE I FIND AN EPHA-QUALIFIED FAMILY TO RENT?​

No. We do not inspect units until you have a voucher family selected and the preliminary paperwork is completed and turned in (Request For Tenancy Approval). At that time, we will run a preliminary calculation to be sure the rent amount does not cost the family more than 40% of their income. Inspections are generally scheduled within 3 - 5 business days from the date that the RFTA is submitted.

• DOES THE EPHA PAY FOR ANY TENANT DAMAGES?

No. We encourage you to screen the tenant and collect a full deposit. It is also permissible for you to collect an extra amount as a pet deposit. You are not permitted t collect a deposit that is above the customary practice for our geographical area. One months rent, for the most part; is the standard customary practice. 

• WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER BEFORE LEASING TO AN EPHA CLIENT?

Of course, you should screen the potential tenant based upon past patterns of behavior of property damages and timely rental payments. You should also review your policy on visitors, their frequency and if; how long are they staying. You also will want to review your policies about pets and fees for late rental payments.

• CAN I CHARGE THE TENANT EXTRA ABOVE THE AMOUNT STATED ON THE LEASE AGREEMENT?

No! We have established the maximum rental portion the tenant can afford based upon their income. Asking them to pay extra amounts not stated on the lease agreement is considered fraud. 

• IF I DO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TENANT, DOES THE EPHA TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR ME?

No. We still expect our landlords to be the landlord and take responsibility for enforcing the lease agreement. If the situation warrants eviction, as a landlord; you must follow the proper procedures as established by state statute. We do require you to give our office copies of ANY/ ALL eviction or termination notices you serve. In some cases, we can assist with problems, especially if it is a violation of our program rules.