Show All Answers

1. Who provides the funding for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funds to Portland Housing Authority so we can provide rent subsidies to eligible, low-income individuals and families under the HCV program.

Housing Authorities throughout the United States operate this same program in their areas. If a landlord participates in the HCV program the administering housing authority sends a payment for a portion of the rent around the first of the month.

2. How does the program work?

Check out HUD's video on how Housing Choice Vouchers work for Landlords. 

3. What are the basic requirements for the unit?

The unit must meet the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection. This inspection will be conducted by a HQS Inspector who works for the Portland Housing Authority.

The rent the landlord is asking for must be a reasonable and affordable. This will be determined by the Housing Officer assigned to the voucher-holder (the name of the Housing Officer is on the voucher). The family cannot pay more than 40% of their household income for housing costs, including any utilities that they are responsible for.

For more information on the Housing Quality Standards, please visit the HUD website.

4. What are the landlord's obligations?

For landlords participating in or wishing to take part in the Housing Choice Voucher program, please visit our helpful guide to landlords' obligations.

5. How can a landlord make a unit available?

A landlord can go to www.mainehousingsearch.org to post their unit. Voucher holders are all given this resource to locate affordable housing units. Landlords are also welcome to call (207) 773-4753 and housing authority staff will inform current voucher holders of the availability.