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Support for Participants & Landlords

The DC Housing Authority has pathways to support voucher program participants and landlords. These resources are provided directly through DCHA or its authorized partners to encourage and support voucher participant success and strengthen our partnerships with landlords.

SUPPORT FOR VOUCHER PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS


Housing Search Support*

Made possible thanks to support from DCHA’s MTW program.
*Subject to available funding.

Housing Locators

Housing Locators are available to support voucher participants in their housing search. Voucher participants are encouraged to search for housing by:

  • Reviewing listings for available homes in local media outlets;
  • Reviewing listings for available homes on online real estate websites, such as AffordableHousing.com, Zillow.com or Apartments.com;
  • Physically visit their preferred neighborhoods to look for “For Rent” signs near property entrances.

If a voucher participant needs additional support to find available units, email navigators@dchousing.org.

Meet & Lease Events

Meet & Lease events are an opportunity for voucher participants seeking a new home to meet landlords with available units. At the events, voucher participants can schedule unit tours with landlords and learn next steps to complete lease up.

The in-person Meet & Lease events occur two times per month. Dates, times and locations of Meet & Lease events are sent via email and text notifications to voucher participants who have been issued their voucher and have not yet signed a lease.

To ensure these notifications are received, voucher participants are encouraged to keep their contact information up to date with DCHA. Voucher participants can confirm their contact information:

  • In the online RentCafe resident portal.
    Visit the Resources webpage for RentCafe reference guides.
  • By contacting their assigned Housing Program Specialist.
    To find contact information for your Housing Program Specialist, visit RentCafe .
  • By calling the DCHA Call Center at 202-535-1000.


Security Deposit Assistance*

*Subject to available funding. For participants in both federal and local programs.

DCHA administers several Security Deposit Assistance programs for eligible voucher participants. The maximum Security Deposit Assistance payment is equivalent to one month’s contract rent.

To apply for Security Deposit Assistance, prospective landlords must submit a completed Request for Security Deposit Assistance Form with the Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet.

The lease must be executed and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract signed before DCHA sends the Security Deposit Assistance payment.

DCHA sends the Security Deposit Assistance payment directly to the landlord or the landlord’s designated management entity. The Security Deposit Assistance payment and the first HAP are sent at the same time.

To be eligible:

  • Landlord must be renting to voucher participant.
  • Landlord must be in compliance on all existing Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts with DCHA.

Landlord must maintain the deposit in accordance with all security deposit laws and landlord must return the balance of the security deposit subject to any lawful deductions.

To apply, a voucher participant should ask their prospective landlord to submit a completed Security Deposit Request Form with their Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet.

SUPPORT FOR VOUCHER PROGRAM LANDLORDS


Landlord Assurance Fund*

Made possible thanks to support from DCHA’s MTW program.
*Subject to available funding. For landlords renting to federal voucher participants only.

The DCHA Landlord Assurance Fund may reimburse up to $2,500 to landlords for tenant-caused damages to units that have exceeded normal wear and tear and are not fully covered by the security deposit. Normal wear and tear of the unit remains the responsibility of the landlord and tenant, as described in their lease agreement. The Landlord Assurance Fund is available to qualifying landlords only.

An application is required.

For more information including FAQs, visit The Coalition’s Landlord Assurance Fund webpage.

Once eligibility is confirmed, DCHA sends the reimbursement directly to the landlord or their designated management entity.

DCHA values its partnerships with landlords and the affordable housing that landlords provide to voucher program participants.

  • Landlord must be renting to federal HCVP participants. 
  • Landlord must be in compliance on all existing Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts with DCHA. 

To apply, landlords must submit:

 

And include:

  • Copy of security deposit disposition statement;
  • Copies of invoices, receipts, or contractor-provided written estimates for repair or replacement of damaged items;
  • Move-out inspection documentation and photos of unit condition.

 

Completed applications must be submitted within 45 days of the federal voucher holder vacating unit.

For more info, visit www.TheCoalitionDC.org/laf.


Landlord Liasons

Made possible thanks to support from DCHA’s MTW program.
For current or prospective landlords interested in participating in DCHA’s voucher programs.

Landlord Liaisons serve as a direct point-of-contact for current and prospective landlords to support understanding of the voucher programs. Landlord Liaisons answer landlords’ questions and troubleshoot their concerns.

Two times per month, Landlord Liaisons conduct landlord briefing sessions for current and prospective landlords. The sessions educate and inform landlords on DCHA’s voucher programs, and support the landlords successful participation in voucher program(s).

Landlord Liaisons are also available at Meet & Lease events, and routinely attend community meetings and external organizations’ housing support events.

To attend the next landlord briefing session, submit a Become a Landlord form.

To contact DCHA’s Landlord Liaisons, email landlordliaison@dchousing.org or make an appointment for an in person session.

Want to Connect with Renters?

DCHA’s reoccurring Meet & Lease Events connect landlords with voucher applicants seeking affordable housing. Space is limited and granted on a first-come basis. Landlords are strongly encouraged to register.

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