The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families. Created to assist low-income households secure decent housing in the private market, the program has proven to be a lifeline for many — including landlords.
“My experience with all my tenants has been amazing,” said Antonio Sisco, who has partnered as a landlord with the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) HCV program for 24 years.
“They’ve been very responsible in paying their rent on time. They’ve done a great job in taking care of my properties, which is a really key thing for landlords. And they’re caring parents to their kids and want to raise them in a quality environment.
“Also, a big plus is the fact that we get market value for our units.” HCV rent is comparable with rents charged for rental properties leased by non-assisted households.
A big plus is the fact that we get market value for our units.
A major federal government program, Housing Choice Vouchers help very-low- and low-income households find housing in single-family homes, townhouses, mobile homes and apartments in the private market.
On average, 70-80% of tenants’ rent is covered by vouchers. NRHA pays these funds by direct deposit to landlords. Tenants are responsible for paying the remaining share of rent.
NRHA currently partners with close to 850 landlords in Norfolk.
Denise Wilson, NRHA’s landlord liaison, said, “I work directly with new and seasoned landlords, educating them on program guidelines as well as assisting them with necessary paperwork. As the liaison, I am here to ensure that their partnership in the program is an efficient, simple, and straightforward process.”
Asked by other landlords what he feels is a key benefit of the program, Sisco says, “Biannual inspections. Can’t beat that.”
Rental properties are inspected free of charge to make sure they continue to meet HUD’s housing quality standards. Results of these inspections allow landlords to regularly maintain their investments and avoid costly major repairs.
Landlords typically experience low turnover with HCV tenants, since on average program participants stay in their homes for five years.
Since criminal background checks are completed on applicants before program admission, landlords are guaranteed quality tenants. Repeat criminal background checks are conducted every three years.
NRHA also advertises landlord’s rental units at no cost.
Through the HCV program, more than 3,800 Norfolk families are living in places they are proud to call ‘home.’
“Prior to being on the HCV program, many of our participants were street homeless or paying more than 40% of their income in rent plus utilities while living in substandard conditions,” said Pamela Jones-Watford, NRHA’s chief of rental assistance programs. “Now, through the HCV program, more than 3,800 Norfolk families are living in places they are proud to call ‘home.’”
“The HCV program empowers landlords to be conduits in repairing generations of economic and racial segregation in Norfolk,” said NRHA’s Executive Director Nathan Simms. “Too often, very low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities moving out of Norfolk public housing end up in just another poor, racially segregated area.
”Landlords partnering with NRHA help provide quality housing in the private market for these citizens and foster sustainable mixed-income communities in Norfolk,” said Simms.
“I love being a part of NRHA and the partnership that we’ve had together for over 24 years,” said Sisco, “I love being a part of something excellent. I encourage all landlords who are private owners to be a part of this program. Come and ask questions and go through their orientation. I assure you, you will be happy that you did.”
NRHA landlord orientations are held virtually every third Wednesday from 11 – 12 p.m. Click here to register. You can reach the landlord liaison at (757) 314-2022.