Frequently Asked Questions
Does Raise Up Screen the Tenant?
Raise Up qualifies that the tenant meets program HCV eligibility requirements. Landlords are encouraged to screen prospective tenants for suitability. Raise Up does not check or verify an applicant’s past rental history. If the participant has been on the HCV program for a period of time, staff may provide you with current and previous Landlord information, previous inspection findings, complaints, or eviction information that exist in the file.
If I take one HCV tenant, do I have to take more?
No. Landlords should select tenants based on their suitability for the unit and any other criteria the Landlord has follows for tenant selection.
Who pays the Security Deposit?
Tenants are responsible for paying the Security Deposit directly to the landlord. The Security Deposit amount must be reported to the HCV (Section 8) office if it is different than what was reported on the RFTA. Security Deposits for HCV renters must be the same as the landlord charges for non-HCV renters.
Does HCV pay for utility services?
No. The lease agreement should specify the utilities that are to be the responsibility of the Landlord and/or tenant.
Can a Landlord charge a tenant for damages to the unit?
The Landlord may charge reasonable fees for tenant-caused damage. The Security Deposit may be used toward damages when a tenant vacates a unit. If the tenant refuses to pay for damages the landlord could file with court just as with a tenant that does not receive HCV rental assistance.
Can the Landlord collect a pet deposit from HCV tenants?
Yes. A pet deposit is acceptable if you charge all tenant’s pet deposits.
Can the Landlord keep utility services in his or her name but charge the tenant?
Yes. If the tenant is to pay for a utility service, there must be a separate meter for the tenant’s unit when there are two or more units within the same building.
After the RFTA is submitted, can the Landlord or Tenant change their minds?
Yes. The RFTA is not a binding contract. It is a document that states the owner and tenant have decided to enter into a rental agreement. Either party has the right to decide not to enter into the lease agreement.
Can the Landlord increase the rent of the HCV Tenant?
The Landlord cannot raise the rent during the first year of a tenant’s lease. The Landlord may request a rent increase after the first year of lease. Rent increase forms can be found on the landlord portal.
Can the Landlord evict a HCV participant?
Yes. The Landlord may file for eviction for nonpayment of rent or serious lease violation as governed by state or local laws. Copies of the eviction notices and findings must be provided to Raise Up.
Can the landlord charge the tenant a month-to-month fee after the first year of the lease?
Yes. This is permissible so long as the month to month fee is included in the lease and this fee is charged to all tenants, not just HCV tenants.
Can the landlord charge the tenant for other fees such as satellite, cable TV, internet usage, rental fee for air conditioning, late rent fees, and pet deposit?
Yes. The landlord may charge the tenant for fees if they are included in the lease agreement and are charged to all tenants, not just HCV tenants. The amounts cannot be included in the rent and must be reasonable and within industry standards.