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HOC Bridge

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HOC Bridge is a rental assistance program that provides housing subsidies directly to tenants instead of to their landlords. HOC Bridge aims to create a stronger pathway for HCV recipients to achieve financial independence, redirect HCV resources to households with the greater subsidy needs, reduce administrative burdens, and yield lessons that can improve other rental assistance programs. This program is only available to Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holders who meet eligibility requirements.

Without the constraints of federal regulations, this local program can be easier for recipients to use, result in substantial long-term benefits to them and maximize administrative efficiency. Unlike other direct cash benefit programs such as Guaranteed Income programs, the amount of the subsidy will be calculated based on what is needed to make housing affordable in the recipient’s area.

Important: Not all HCV voucher holders will qualify for HOC Bridge.

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HOC Bridge has been developed in partnership with the Housing Solutions Lab at the NYU Furman Center and is funded by the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA).

HOC Bridge infographic

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Customer FAQs

What is HOC Bridge?

HOC Bridge is a direct rental assistance program that provides housing subsidies directly to tenants, instead of their landlords.

How does HOC Bridge differ from the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program?

Unlike the federally funded voucher program, HOC Bridge is a locally-funded Direct Rental Assistance (DRA) program. Under HOC Bridge, landlords no longer contract with HOC and there is no Rent Reasonableness Analysis conducted. Since tenants receive the housing subsidy payment, they will pay their full rent directly to landlords.

What are the benefits of HOC Bridge?
  • The core benefits of HOC Bridge include receiving cash directly instead of a payment to the landlord
  • 24 months of Earned Income Disregard (any increases in income will not be calculated for subsidy purposes)
  • No annual unit inspections
  • Simplified award calculation
Who is eligible for HOC Bridge?

Households currently participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program with a qualifying income are eligible for HOC Bridge.

How can someone apply for HOC Bridge?

Eligible households will receive a personal invitation to apply and are welcome to attend an information session to learn more.

What happens if a participant does not maintain income eligibility while in the program?

If the reduction is temporary, for a period of 90 days or less, participants will remain in the HOC Bridge program and their direct rental assistance will increase for the length of the reduction.

Can the HOC Bridge program be used outside of Montgomery County?

No, HOC Bridge is a local program and only available for eligible Montgomery County residents.

 

Landlord FAQs

What is HOC Bridge?

HOC Bridge is a direct rental assistance program that provides housing subsidies directly to tenants, instead of their landlords.

How does HOC Bridge differ from the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program?

Unlike the federally funded voucher program, HOC Bridge is a locally-funded Direct Rental Assistance (DRA) program. Under HOC Bridge, landlords no longer contract with HOC and there is no Rent Reasonableness Analysis conducted. Since tenants receive the housing subsidy payment, they will pay their full rent directly to landlords.

What are landlords’ obligations under HOC Bridge?
  • Landlords do not need to take any actions specific to HOC Bridge. Landlords are not required to provide anything to HOC, however, landlords must provide a lease for a licensed rental unit to their tenants.
  • There are no HUD-mandated rental unit inspections, however, landlords are still required to follow Montgomery County regulations pertaining to inspections of rental properties.
  • There are no costs or fees for landlords with HOC Bridge.
Will landlords be notified if a tenant is an HOC Bridge program participant?

Tenants who participate in the program will be provided with an HOC Bridge award letter that they can present to the landlord.

How long will a tenant receive HOC Bridge DRA payments?

Tenants may remain enrolled in the program as long as their income remains within the program requirements. Participants’ income eligibility is evaluated annually.

How and when will landlords receive payments from HOC Bridge program participants?

HOC Bridge participants are required to pay their rent as mandated in their lease agreement.

How should landlords handle delayed, partial or missing payments?

Landlords should treat HOC Bridge participants like all other tenants and follow the steps directed in their lease agreement. First contact should be made to the tenant. If an issue persists and remains unresolved, landlords should contact HOCBridge@hocmc.org.

Does accepting HOC Bridge tenants affect landlords’ rights to file for eviction on grounds of non-payment of rent?

It does not. Landlords must comply with the Montgomery County laws as they pertain to evictions. Detailed information is available on the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Resources (DHCA) website.