All the below processes now occur through the DCA Yardi platform for HCV. It may still require some document upload to the portal but submission and communication with DCA should happen there.
Please view this article for the Yardi training materials.
Annual Recertification (it happens every year!)
Every year, HCV requires an annual recertification of continued participation and eligibility to be in the program, similar to GHVP's annual requirement.
This process asks participants to renew agreements and provide updated information about the household, income, etc. It is a critical process to remaining in the program. Individuals will receive an annual reminder about their need to recertify in the lead up to their lease renewal and Housing Support Program providers should anticipate the 12-month renewal and communicate with the individual to ensure recertification is being done timely.
HCV does not provide the same flexibility as GHVP. If things are completed and submitted late, it can result in termination of the subsidy and the provider will be considered responsible for this happening to individuals under their care.
In addition, there are some change events that could occur mid-lease that would require the household to take action to update the Public Housing Authority that administers their voucher. It is essential to notify the PHA promptly to avoid penalties.
Interim Re-examination Packet
The interim re-examination packet should be completed due to changes in your family circumstances during the course of the lease. Changes must be reported within ten (10) business days so do not delay with submission as soon as a household has reported a change.
This form is used to report:
- Income, increase or decrease
- Household composition, add or remove a member
- Assets, increase or decrease
- Expenses: increase or decreases for medical, childcare or disability assistance
- Student status, for persons ages 18 or older who attend or no longer attend school full-time
Please review the checklist for documents needed to process the request and follow all instructions. Failure to submit required documentation will result in your request being denied or delayed.
Rent Increase Request (from Property)
The Housing Choice Voucher Program requires that a written request for a rent increase be submitted by the owner/management agent and signed by the tenant. This request, if approved by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), will be effective the first of the month following sixty (60) days after DCA’s receipt of this request or the date specified below, whichever is later.
Important Notice to Owner/Management Agent:
• All increases are based on rent reasonableness (i.e. rents of comparable non-assisted units).
• No rent increases can occur during the first 12 months of a new contract.
• A unit that has been in abatement within the previous 12 months is not eligible for a rent increase.
• There are no automatic annual rent increases.
• Only one rent increase will be permitted per lease term.
Notice to Vacate Packet
If an individual with an HCV voucher needs to relocate or move mid-lease, they have to submit a Notice to Vacate packet that helps approve the relocation and allows payments to be scheduled to end at the current residence and restart once a new property is identified. All the same requirements apply to the properties. Fewer documents are required from the household.