Housing

 It is your responsibility to pay the security deposit. The landlord can charge you the same amount that is charged to regular tenants who don't have housing assistance. Virginia State law limits the security deposit to no more than two months rent.

 Your portion of the rent is based on 30% of your adjusted gross income. Your Housing Agent will calculate this amount for you. If your income changes, your portion of the rent can also change.

The landlord or his agent must manage the rental property. You will need to provide the housing office with a copy of the management agreement if you use a management company. The Housing Office does not provide management services.

The Housing Choice Voucher is a Federally funded rental assistance program that helps low-income persons to pay the rent. Families must meet HUD-established income criteria for their specific geographical area.

The Housing Choice Voucher is a Federally funded rental assistance program that helps low-income persons to pay the rent. Families must meet HUD-established income criteria for their specific geographical area.

The Housing Office is located in the City of Manassas Department of Social Services and administers the program for the Virginia Housing Development Authority(VHDA).

It is the responsibility of the landlord to screen the tenants for suitability. It is recommended that the landlord screen references and credit histories to determine suitability. You have the right to choose your tenants as long as there is no illegal discrimination. The Housing Office only determines financial eligibility for the program.

It is the responsibility of the tenant to pay the security deposit. The amount you charge should be the same as what you charge unassisted tenants. Virginia State law limits the amount to no more than two months rent.

The rent must be based on other comparable units. Contact a realtor for assistance.

If you have more than one rental unit, you must use the same lease for all tenants. If you only have one unit, you may opt to use the VHDA model lease. You must attach the HUD addendum to any lease.

The initial lease is for one year after which they revert to month-to-month. If you desire another year's lease, you must issue 60 day written notice to the tenant and housing office. The tenant should not be asked to sign another lease without the Housing Office's knowledge.

No increases are allowed during the initial term of the lease. After the first year, you must give 60 days written notice to the tenant and the Housing Office.

 The tenant and VHDA will pay their respective portions directly to the landlord. The check should arrive from VHDA, not the City of Manassas, around the 1st of the month. If VHDA's portion has not reached you by the 5th of the month, please contact the Housing Office who will check on the status for you. The first rent check may be delayed due to processing time and check run dates.

The landlord has the right to evict the tenant in accordance with Virginia law. You must send appropriate written notices with a copy to the Housing Office.

 The tenant must pay for any utilities not included in the rent. It is the landlord's responsibility to ensure that the utilities are put in the tenant's name. If the utilities are turned off for non-payment, the housing assistance may be terminated.

 All units must meet health, safety, and occupancy standards to be qualified for the program under Housing Quality Standards (HQS). If the unit does not meet these standards, the landlord will be given the opportunity to correct it.

As long as your unit complies with city codes, it should pass our inspection. Be sure there is a working smoke detector on every level.

 The property must be inspected at least once a year. The recertification process begins 120 days before the anniversary date of the lease. If there is an item that fails inspection you will be given 14 days to fix it. If the problem is not corrected, the tenant must move.

Tenants can move after the initial lease has expired as long as they issue 30 days written notice to the landlord and the Housing Office. This notice should be in your hand by the first of the month in order to be considered valid.

The landlord is responsible for maintaining the unit and its appliances that are included in the lease agreement. Tenants are responsible for any damages caused by their abuse or neglect of the unit. The Housing Office strongly recommends that the landlord verify references through previous landlords. You may want to even consider visiting the tenant's current residence to be assured that the tenant will maintain your unit.

You will need to treat these tenants as you would any other tenant. Please notify the Housing Office of the problems you are experiencing. We will address program violations with the tenants and discuss other concerns. However, if the problems are not program violations, the issue mu

The Housing Office maintains a list of properties and provides it to any participants who may be looking for housing. Tenants will contact you directly if they are interested in renting your property. Listing your property with the Housing Office does not guarantee it will be selected and leased. The decision to rent a particular unit or not is up to the tenants. The Housing Office does not place tenants. Contact the Housing Office if you are interested in listing your unit.

 It is your responsibility to pay the security deposit. The landlord can charge you the same amount that is charged to regular tenants who don't have housing assistance. Virginia State law limits the security deposit to no more than two months rent.

Your portion of the rent is based on 30% of your adjusted gross income. Your Housing Agent will calculate this amount for you. If your income changes, your portion of the rent can also change.

 You pay your portion of the rent that the Housing Agent calculates directly to the landlord. Do NOT pay any other amounts to the landlord without the Housing Agent's knowledge.

The initial lease is for one year. After the first year, the lease automatically reverts to a month-to-month lease. If the owner and tenant agree, another year's lease can be drawn up. Do NOT sign another lease without the Housing Agent's knowledge.

No, you can live wherever you want to. Your case would have to be transferred. This is called Portability.

 You must have prior WRITTEN approval from the landlord before you get a pet. You may have to pay an additional security deposit for the pet. Remember you will be responsible for any damage that your pet causes.

 You do if the utilities are not included in the rent. You must keep your utilities on at all times. If your utility service is disconnected, your housing assistance may be terminated.

You MUST give your landlord at least 30 days WRITTEN notice with copy to the Housing Office. It must be in their hands no later than the first of the month in order to move out on the last day of the month. If you plan to mail this notice, it is recommended that you mail it a least six weeks in advance and use certified mail with return receipt requested.

 You will be recertified at least once a year.

You MUST have PRIOR WRITTEN approval from both your landlord and the Housing Office before anyone can move in with you. If you do not get approval, you may lose the assistance.

 You MUST report all changes in WRITING directly to the Housing Agent. Reporting changes to your TANF/Food Stamp worker does not guarantee that the Housing Office will be made aware of the changes. You are 100% responsible for making certain your Housing Agent is aware of any changes. Failure to report changes may result in the loss of your housing assistance.

You are responsible to keep your house and yard clean and free of debris. You are responsible to immediately notify your landlord of any maintenance problems that you are having with the unit. You are responsible for any damage that is caused by your family or guests.

Your landlord-tenant relationship is just like any other relationship. To make it work, you must follow your lease provisions. If you landlord is refusing to fix problems with your unit, call the Housing Office for assistance.

 Your portion of the rent is due on the 1st of the month. Failure to pay your rent by the 5th of the month could result in eviction. If you are evicted, you may lose your housing assistance. You are also responsible to pay any late chages due to the landlord if your portion of the rent is late.