Expanding Housing Choice: Incentives for Landlords and Easier Access to Vouchers.
This Act aims to increase the number of landlords accepting Housing Choice Vouchers, particularly in low-poverty, high-opportunity neighborhoods. It introduces one-time incentive payments for new participating landlords, facilitates security deposit payments for tenants, and streamlines housing inspection processes. The goal is to provide low-income families with a greater selection of safe, decent housing and better access to quality schools and jobs.
Key points
Financial Incentives: Landlords in low-poverty areas (less than 20% poverty rate) can receive a one-time payment up to 200% of the monthly housing assistance payment for joining the program.
Security Deposit Assistance: Public housing agencies will be authorized to pay the security deposit, or a substantial portion thereof, on behalf of the tenant, reducing upfront costs for low-income families.
Streamlined Inspections: Units already inspected and approved under other federal housing programs (like LIHTC or HOME) will be deemed to meet voucher inspection standards, speeding up the leasing process.
Expanded Location Choice: Public housing agencies will be required to use Small Area Fair Market Rents more frequently, encouraging the use of vouchers in higher-cost, high-opportunity areas.
Dedicated Support: Public housing agencies will receive bonus payments for employing dedicated Landlord Liaisons to recruit, educate, and address concerns of participating landlords.
Expired
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