Tenants
Obligations of the Family
When the family’s unit is approved and the Housing Assistance Payments contract is executed, the family must follow the rules listed below in order to continue participating in the Section 8 Rental Program.
The family must:
• Supply any information that the Columbia Housing Authority (CHA) or Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines to be necessary including evidence of citizenship or eligible immigration status, and information for use in a regularly scheduled reexamination or interim reexamination of family income and composition
• Provide copies of Social Security cards, proofs of birth, picture IDs, and sign and submit consent forms for obtaining information
• Supply any information requested by CHA to verify that the family is living in the unit or information related to family absence from the unit
• Promptly notify CHA in writing when the family is away from the unit for an extended period of time in accordance with CHA policies
• Allow CHA to inspect the unit at reasonable times and after reasonable notice
• Notify CHA and owner in writing before moving out of the unit or terminating the lease
• Use the assisted unit for residence by the family. The unit must be the family’s only residence
• Promptly notify CHA in writing of the birth, adoption, or court-awarded custody of a child
• Request written approval from CHA to add any other family member as occupant of the unit
• Promptly notify CHA in writing if any family member no longer lives in the unit
• Give CHA a copy of any owner eviction notice
• Pay utility bills and supply appliances that the owner is not required to supply under the lease
Any information the family supplies must be true and complete.
The family (including each family member) must not:
• Own or have any interest in the unit (other than in a cooperative or homeownership arrangement)
• Commit any serious or repeated violation of the lease
• Commit fraud, bribery or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with the program.
• Participate in illegal drug or violent criminal activity
• Sublease or let the unit or assign the lease or transfer the unit
• Receive Section 8 tenant-based program housing assistance while receiving another housing subsidy, for the same unit or a different unit under any other federal, state, or local housing assistance program
• Damaging the unit or premises (other than damage from ordinary wear and tear) or permit any guest to damage the unit or premises
Illegal Discrimination
If the family has reason to believe that, in its search for suitable housing, it has been discriminated against because of age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, or familial status; the family may file a housing discrimination complaint with any HUD Field Office in person, by mail or by telephone. CHA will give the family information on how to fill out and file a complaint.
Voucher Expiration of Extension
The voucher will expire on the date stated at the top of the voucher, unless the family requests an extension in writing, and CHA grants one. CHA may grant a family’s request for one or more 30-day extensions of the initial term.
For more information, contact Roberta Gill at (573) 443-2556, ext. 1412 or rgill@columbiaha.com.
