Public Housing Agency

The Public Housing Agency is a local agency that oversees the Housing Choice Voucher Program in that particular jurisdiction. They are responsible for many aspects of the program, including, but not limited to: 

  • Comply with the Annual Contributions Contract that provides access to the federal funding, including applying correct accounting principles. 
  • Comply with all applicable federal laws, including but not limited too Fair Housing Laws, ADA, Civil Rights Act, VAWA 
  • Comply with all local laws 
  • Have a written administrative plan that establishes local policies for governing the Housing Choice Voucher Program 
  • Properly educate and train all agency representatives working with the Housing Choice Voucher program 
  • Properly and consistently communicate with constituents, applicants, participants, and owners.   
  • Maintain a Waiting List in compliance with policies and regulations 
  • Determine Family Initial Eligibility  
  • Educate the family and the landlord on the program rules and regulations. 
  • Issue vouchers per policies and regulations  
  • Ensure selected unit meets Housing Quality Standards before approving the eligible family to enter into a lease 
  • Enters a Housing Assistance Payments contract with the landlord to provide the housing assistance payments on your behalf.  
  • Ensure proper subsidy levels by recertifying families at least annually 
  • Ensure the leased unit meets Housing Quality Standards and inspect the unit at least every other year.  
  • Ensure the contract rent is reasonable at all times. 
  • Ensure family and landlord compliance with the program 

 

Compliance 

Every housing authority is governed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is bound to audits at any time.  

 

The U.S. Department of Justice can also audit the agency and its representatives. 

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