How Vouchers Are Provided
There are six steps in determining how vouchers are provided:

• To establish whether a family will qualify for the program.
• Applicant household income must not exceed the income limit established by HUD for the locality in which they will be initially assisted.
• HUD Median Income - VHDA
• Families with vouchers find a home they would like to live in.
• Neither VHDA or our office tell families with vouchers where they have to live.
• Landlords and tenants find a match.
• An inspection of the property takes place to ensure that voucher holders will live in a safe, quality environment.
• If a landlord agrees to participate in the program, they are strongly encouraged by VHDA and our office to go through the same qualification and screening processes they would for non-voucher holder families.
• Lease agreements are signed by the landlord and family.
• Rents are paid by VHDA and families who hold vouchers.
• Rent charged by the landlord must be considered reasonable when compared to other similar unassisted units.
• Utility allowances are used to estimate the cost of tenant-paid utilities and vary based upon the type of housing that is selected.
• A Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is paid by VHDA directly to the landlord.
• The family pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount paid by the voucher program.