Landlord Forum June 24, 2015

 Basic knowledge of Housing Choice Voucher  Some different CHA Programs VASH Housing First  Benefits of Landlord Participation  How you can help A copy of this presentation is available. Columbia Housing Authority

 Public Housing – 2100 units of permanent housing  Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers – 3100 o Rent Assistance Program o Serving different populations  VASH Program – part of Section 8 – 405 vouchers ◦ Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing ◦ A HUD/VA Partnership  Homeless Programs – Housing First – 61  Affordable Housing – about 500 units inventory  Homeownership Programs Columbia Housing Authority

Three Way PartnershipHow it works  Tenant  Columbia Housing Authority Role changes based on the program  Landlord / Owner Columbia Housing Authority

Determine the family eligibility Issue a voucher Explain the program to families Approve the tenancy Pay assistance payments to the owner Make sure owners and families comply with program rules Columbia Housing Authority

Provide all information requested by the CHA Find suitable housing Take good care of the housing unit Abide by the terms of the lease Comply with the obligations of the voucher program Columbia Housing Authority

 Screen families and determine their suitability as renters  Comply with fair housing laws  Make repairs to the unit  Comply with the contract between the owner and the housing agency  Collect the rent due by the family  Enforce the lease Columbia Housing Authority

 Client is given a Briefing Packet and a voucher to present to the Landlord  Request for Tenancy (in your packet)  In Section 8 – have 60 days to find a unit  In VASH – have 120 days to find a unit  CHA has jurisdiction only in Richland County  The CHA calculates the rent to be paid by the client (generally at 30% of their adjusted income); balance paid by CHA to landlord Columbia Housing Authority

 Can stay in their current unit  For homeless clients, need to search: Exterior grounds and interior Low crime rate/ security Schools Transportation Proximity to employment Look for QUALITY HOUSING Columbia Housing Authority

We encourage searchQuality Housing  CHA may provide listings for available housing   Internet  Classified Ads  Booklets around Columbia  FOR RENT signs Columbia Housing Authority

 Request for Tenancy Approval submitted to CHA – then scheduled for inspection  Look at the HUD Checklist  Look at the Section 8 Package – page 3 These are the most common deficiencies  Reducing Inspection Time is critical  Have the unit ready when the Inspector arrives  NOTE: Lease should not be signed until CHA approves the unit. Columbia Housing Authority

As part of the inspection process: 1. Staff checks for Rent Reasonableness – Is rent comparable to surrounding properties? 2. What is the utility calculation? Utility calculation table at under the Section 8 tabwww.chasc.org Columbia Housing Authority

 Also known as FMR  For Richland County it is (October 1, 2014): One Bedroom$656 Two Bedroom$778 Three Bedroom$1026 Four Bedroom$1301 Note: FMR includes rent AND utility allowance Example: 1 BR = $100 utilities and under $556 We have requested HUD to increase 10/1/15 Columbia Housing Authority

Partnership between HUD and the VA Part of the Section 8 Program Difference: Eligibility is determined by VA – Garners Ferry Requirements: Homeless and Veteran Individuals and families Immediate referral to CHA Scheduled for next orientation – Every 2 weeks on Tuesdays Locate a unit and quickly inspected Columbia Housing Authority

Great support staff at the VA – staff of 23 HUD/VA has just awarded funding to – Alston Wilkes Society ONE80 – a new local non-profit They provide supportive services and can: Pay Security Deposits Pay Utility Deposits and any past due amt. OUR GOAL: Reduce the time to house those who served our country! Columbia Housing Authority

Serves Homeless clients with disabilities Role of CHA changes:  We determine eligibility  We pay 100% of the rent  We pay the Security Deposit  We pay 100% of utilities All in the name of the CHA.  We provide strong supportive services.  USC School of Medicine and CHA  We can serve homeless families Columbia Housing Authority

 Columbia is growing  Four years ago, 0 vouchers for VASH.  Now one of the largest programs in country and have been rated as one of top 10 programs in country  Occupancy rate in Midlands is 94% and there is a real shortage of housing  Clients and CHA need to find housing Columbia Housing Authority

Why be a landlord in the CHA’s programs? Assured payment at first of the month Can be paid by Direct Deposit in your account Supportive Services are always available for VASH and Housing First Each client has Case Manager There are systems of support Deposits can be paid in some programs (VASH, Housing First; not for regular Section 8) Your unit can be filled quickly No need to advertise in paper (avoid $$$) Helping veterans, homeless, and low-income families Columbia Housing Authority

 Use  Landlord lists the property and removes it  FREE – no cost to Landlord or tenant  Answers all questions the tenant has  Tell them you accept Section 8 HCV Columbia Housing Authority

 If you have a vacant one bedroom unit that you would like to place in VASH or Housing First, you can list it directly by contacting:  Dave Armstrong Case Manager for Homeless Programs (803) , extension 343 He will refer to CHA and VA Staff for leasing Columbia Housing Authority

CHA is committed to Zero:2016 We want 100% occupancy by Year End 2015 We want to eliminate homelessness in Columbia We want to continue to work with Landlords in this area to provide affordable housing. DO YOU HAVE A VACANT UNIT? Stay tuned for City of Columbia Program. ARE YOU DEVELOPING MORE HOUSING? Keep us in mind. Columbia Housing Authority

 We have several staff and our partners here ready to answer your questions.  At the end of the program, Q and A.  Thank you for what you do! Columbia Housing Authority