HUD HCV Guidebook § 7

One method for improving leasing success rates is providing assistance to families during the housing search
process. A PHA’s goal is to keep the number of vouchers that are issued but never result in a HAP contract to
a minimum. Periodic contact with voucher holders during the search process has proven to be an effective
method to improve leasing success. Such contact allows the PHA to assess the family’s progress in locating
units and to resolve any issues and clarify program requirements before the expiration of the voucher term.
The PHA can also use this communication with the participants to remind them of the expiration date of the
voucher and to reinforce the importance of locating a unit and returning a request for tenancy approval or
requesting an extension prior to the date of expiration.
Depending upon an agency’s leasing status and the availability of funds and staff, other services that a PHA
may wish to provide to families include:
     •   Briefings and information on neighborhoods and amenities in the PHA’s jurisdiction;
     •   Transportation to visit units;
     •   Neighborhood tours;
     •   Counseling services/search assistance;
     •   Childcare for parents searching for units;
     •   Listings of vacant rental units in a variety of areas; and
     •   Loans or financial assistance to pay for security deposits, utility deposits, and moving costs.

46
   24 CFR §982.304
47
   24 CFR part 5, Subpart L; 24 CFR 982.452(b)(1); PIH Notice 2017-08 Violence Against Women Reauthorization
Act of 2013 Guidance
48
   24 CFR 982.452(b)(1)
49
   Notice PIH 2014-20

A housing search log can be a helpful tool for families to track their search efforts and to discuss with PHA
staff any obstacles the family encounters, answer additional questions, and reinforce that paperwork is due
prior to the voucher expiration date. PHA staff are also encouraged to allow families to email search logs or
submit the logs online if the housing authority has that capability.
PHAs have an obligation to make their HCV program readily accessible to and usable by persons with
disabilities. Engaging with applicants with disabilities in the housing search process will help PHAs identify
and address specific obstacles to securing housing that meets applicants’ disability-related needs and help
ensure applicants with disabilities can access the HCV program. Applicants with disabilities cannot be
excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of the HCV program, which means a PHA must consider
the availability of affordable accessible housing when evaluating its HCV program in its entirety. PHAs must50
provide a current listing of available accessible housing units known to the PHA when issuing a voucher to a
family that it knows includes an individual with disabilities and must otherwise assist the family in locating an
available accessible unit. Actions a PHA may take in addition to approving individual reasonable
accommodation requests include enhancing the list of known accessible HCV units by including additional
information, such as bedroom size, amenities, proximity to transportation, encouraging private landlords with
known accessible units to participate in HCV programs, and adopting more flexible policies related to
portability and extensions of search time.