This is an accessible HTML version of the HCV Myth-Busting and Benefits Fact Sheet. Download the original PDF for printing.
Download PDF (opens in new tab)Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)
Myth-Busting and Benefits Fact Sheet
Common misconceptions about renting to HCV participants — and the facts every landlord should know.
Myth-Busting for HCV Landlords
"Landlords can’t charge HCV participants the same rent as their non-HCV tenants."
FALSE Landlords can charge the full rent no matter who the tenant is. The Housing Authority must determine that the proposed rent is reasonable and is not higher than units in that area with similar amenities. (24 CFR § 982.507)
"HCV voucher tenants are problem tenants."
FALSE HCV tenants are typically long-term tenants, living in a unit for 7–8 years on average. There are no documented statistics showing that HCV participants are any more likely to damage units or fail to pay rent than non-HCV tenants. Landlords use their own screening criteria and should screen HCV tenants as they would screen any other tenant. (24 CFR § 982.307)
"It is almost impossible to evict an HCV tenant when they violate the lease."
FALSE HCV tenants are bound by the terms of their rental agreements and are subject to eviction as is any non-HCV tenant. (24 CFR § 982.310)
"If you accept one HCV Program tenant, then all of your units must be rented to HCV Program tenants."
FALSE Renting unit(s) to HCV tenants does not in itself further obligate you to rent to other HCV tenants. For each vacancy, you should follow your established policies for screening prospective tenants.
Benefits of the HCV Program for Landlords
- Timely and dependable payments from the public housing authority (PHA). Participating, compliant landlords receive timely and dependable Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) each month once the HAP contract and lease are signed. (24 CFR § 982.451, 982.4)
- Full rental payment. When an HCV tenant’s income permanently changes, the portion of rent paid by the PHA and the tenant is adjusted to reflect this change. If a tenant’s income decreases, there is a process for the PHA to pay a larger portion of the rent so the landlord continues to receive a full rental payment. (24 CFR § 982.505)
- Regular inspections. Routine inspections give landlords the opportunity to check on unit condition and identify maintenance needs that might otherwise go unnoticed. Landlords managing properties across wide geographies often find this routine, objective inspection valuable.
- Annual reasonable rent increases. Compliant landlords may request a rent increase at the annual anniversary of the HAP contract by written notice to the PHA. (24 CFR § 983.302)
- Help low-income elderly, disabled, and veteran households, as well as families with children. More than 50% of vouchers serve elderly or non-elderly disabled families, and about 45% assist single-parent families.
Resources & Citations
- 24 CFR § Part 982.507 — Rent reasonableness
- 24 CFR § Part 982.307 — Tenant screening
- 24 CFR § Part 982.310 — Owner termination of tenancy
- 24 CFR § Part 982.4 & 982.451 — Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract
- 24 CFR § Part 982.505 — Rent and HAP determination
- 24 CFR § Part 983.302 — Annual rent adjustments
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