HUD HCV Guidebook § 1

This chapter explains the briefing, voucher issuance, housing search,
tenancy approval, and leasing processes for the Housing Choice                    Briefing Objectives
Voucher (HCV) program.1 Housing search and leasing are critical
activities in the administration of the HCV program. Until the family
finds a unit that meets both their needs and program requirements, the
family cannot benefit from the many opportunities offered by the HCV              • Introduce the Housing Choice
program. At the same time, the PHA cannot earn ongoing administrative                 Voucher program and the
fees needed to operate the program until a unit is leased and placed                  benefits it offers to
under the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract. When a family                   participating families,
receives adequate information about program rules and PHA
                                                                                  • Provide step-by-step
expectations and assistance during the housing search and leasing
processes, both the family and PHA benefit. Families are likely to lease              instructions on how and
units more quickly and better understand program requirements, while                  where (including how
the PHA increases its ability to meet SEMAP leasing requirements,                     much time they have) to
improve its leasing success rate, and control costs.                                  search for a unit,
The voucher is the family’s authorization to search for housing. The
                                                                                  • Explain how rent and subsidy
family receives the voucher after the PHA selects the family from the
waiting list, determines the family is eligible for assistance, and                   are calculated,
conducts the program briefing. Upon issuance of a Housing Choice                  • Inform families of their rights
Voucher, the housing search process begins. Once the family finds a
                                                                                      under the HCV program,
suitable unit, the PHA begins its process of approving or denying the
assisted tenancy. If the tenancy is approved, leasing activities begin.           • Inform families of their
                                                                                      responsibilities as HCV
                                                                                      program participants,