HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as “Section 8”, provides assistance for very low-income households (single or family), the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Participants who receive vouchers search for their own housing, which may include single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, or even the family's present residence. Housing Choice Voucher assistance is portable anywhere in the United States, including Guam, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands. The housing subsidy (by way of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) is paid to the participating landlord directly by the Howard County Housing on behalf of the resident. This payment is paid with the caveat that the housing unit meets the requirements of the program.

Should you need to contact the Housing Choice Voucher program with questions concerns or comments, please access the following email link: hcvhousing@howardcountymd.gov or call at 410.313.6320.

Resident Responsibilities

• Provide accurate information about your family and your income. Cooperate during your annual reexaminations with HCH’s staffers.
• As soon as your household undergoes a changes, notify HCH in writing if you or any other adult in your family has a change in income.
• Live in the unit as your primary home. You may not sublet it to someone else.
• Take care of the unit. Do not allow anyone in your family or guests damage it.
• Notify HCH in writing if:

1) you are away from home for more than a month;
2) you move out or end your lease; or
3) you receive an eviction notice.

• Allow HCH’s annual unit inspection to proceed as well as other inspections as long as they are in accordance with the lease agreement and HCH’s rights as landlord.
• Notify HCH in writing if your household composition changes, specifically if:

1) any member of your family moves out; or
2) if you add any children to your family by birth, adoption, or legal custody.

• Request permission in writing from both the landlord and from HCH if anyone else in your family wants to move.
• Pay your portion of the rent and your utilities on time.
• Abide by all the provisions in your lease. You and your family MUST NOT get involved with crime, drugs, or violence.