The City of Tempe Human Services Department through its Housing Services division, a public housing authority (PHA), provides rent subsidy to eligible low to extremely-low income individuals and families through the Housing Choice Voucher Housing Choice Voucher Program. The program gives individuals and families the same choices as other renters.

Once an individual or family receives their Housing Choice Voucher, they will have 60 days to find suitable housing that meets their own particular needs and Program requirements.

After the individual or family locates a suitable apartment or house, the Housing Authority inspects it to be sure it qualifies as decent, safe and sanitary housing.

The individual will sign a Lease with their Landlord.

The Landlord will sign a contract with the Housing Authority. The Housing Authority will pay part of the rent directly to the Landlord.

On the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the tenant pays approximately 30% of their adjusted gross income, depending on the actual rent of the unit they find.

Landlord Certification - a form that states that you are the legal owner (or agent) of the property and you understand the Housing Choice Voucher program regulations. The tenant will supply you with this form.

Request for Tenancy Approval - a form requesting approval of a lease at the property listed on the form.

Deposits and Fees

Security Deposits - The Housing Choice Voucher Program does not regulate security deposits but it must be administered in accordance with Arizona State Law, (Arizona Residential Landlord & Tenant Act, Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 33, Chapter 10 and Title 12, Chapter 8, Article 4).

Late Fees - Tenants will be responsible for the payment of late fees if the Landlord charges late fees for their non-Section 8 tenants also.

Inspections

The inspection is to insure the unit is in decent, safe and sanitary condition. The unit must meet HUD's Housing Quality Standards, the City of Tempe Uniform Housing Code and Tempe Rental Code.

Leases, Contracts and Terminations

Once a unit passes the inspection, a Lease Agreement and a Housing Choice Voucher Contract including the Lease Addendum will be executed. Even though the term of the assisted tenancy is indefinite, the Lease and Contract can still be terminated.

NOTE:  Effective July 1, 2002, State law requires anyone who owns residential rental property in Arizona to register with the County Assessor’s office in the county where the rental property is located. A person who fails to comply shall be assessed a civil penalty of one thousand dollars, plus an additional one hundred dollars fore each month after the date of the original violation until compliance occurs. For more information about this requirement, contact the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office at (602) 506-3406 or at www.maricopa.gov/assessor.