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The HCV Process Explained

Home > Housing Opportunities > Housing / Rental Assistance Programs > Housing Choice Voucher Program > The HCV Process Explained
HCV explainer graphic
Step # Step Description
1 Application Visit wl.hochousingpath.com to complete an application for a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV). The application includes choosing properties/programs and sharing details about your income, residency, housing status, background, and housing needs. The application process takes an average of one hour.

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email from Housing Path. You may also receive a text message if you opted in.
2 Waitlist/Renewal Your application will be placed on HOC’s waitlist. Every two years, you must renew your application to remain on the waitlist. You will receive email reminders starting 30 days before the application renewal date. You may also receive a text message if opted in.
3 Selection Your application will be selected based on the date and time of your application, program requirements, and the number of vouchers available based on HUD funding availability. Once selected, you will be notified via email and mail. You may also receive a text message if opted in. The average waiting time to be selected is 6.5 years.
4 Certification Packet Once selected, you will receive a certification packet via email and mail (address on file). The certification packet and supporting documentation must be completed and returned within 10 calendar days. You may return your certification packet via email, via mail, or in person at one of our two customer service centers.

If your certification packet is not returned by the due date, you will not be able to move forward with the process. You may appeal this decision within 10 days of denial, present your case to a hearing officer, and receive a final decision.

Please refer to the checklist to ensure you have included all required documentation.
5 Eligibility Review Once submitted, your certification packet will be reviewed by a housing specialist to confirm eligibility.

If your application is determined to be eligible based on the review of your certification packet, you will be invited to a briefing (meeting).

If your application is determined to be ineligible, you will receive a notice explaining the reason for ineligibility. You may appeal this decision within 10 days of denial, present your case to a hearing officer, and receive a final decision.
6 Briefing Within 10-15 days, you will be required to attend an in-person or virtual program overview briefing, which provides an overview of the HCV program and your responsibilities as an HCV participant.
7 Voucher Issued After attending the briefing, you will receive an HCV packet which includes your voucher, a 30/40 sheet (an estimate of your subsidy and max gross rent), and a Request For Tenancy Approval (RFTA) form via email. Your voucher packet will be valid for 90 calendar days.
8 Search for Housing You will be responsible for searching for a housing unit (i.e., house, apartment, etc.). You are strongly encouraged to begin your search right away to ensure the process is completed within the 90-day period.

If you are not able to successfully secure a unit within the 90-day voucher term, you may request an extension prior to the voucher expiration date. You will be required to submit a search record with a minimum of 10 detailed entries to demonstrate that you have made a good faith effort to find a unit.
9 Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) The RFTA is a form that needs to be completed by the landlord. Please make sure you sign the second page before submitting the form. You will be responsible for submitting the RFTA within your 90-day voucher period.

Note: The 90-day voucher time clock stops once the RFTA is submitted.
10 Inspection HOC’s third-party vendor will schedule an inspection of the unit with the landlord.

If the unit fails inspection, the landlord will be required to make repairs and contact HOC for re-inspection within 30 calendar days in order for the process to move forward. If the landlord does not complete the repairs, you must use remaining time to find a new unit.
11 Rent Reasonableness & Affordability Within five days, a rental market analyst will conduct a comparison of similarly unassisted units to ensure rent reasonableness and also conduct an affordability study.

Note: You may not pay more than 40% of your adjusted income for rent and utilities.

If the test is successful, the move-in will be approved and you and the landlord will receive a notification of the approval via email.

If the test is not successful, the market analyst may negotiate the rent with the landlord or you may be required to find another unit.
12 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract Once the unit passes the inspection and rent reasonableness, HOC will enter into a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with your landlord and you should enter into a lease agreement with your landlord. HOC must obtain a copy of the executed lease.

Note: Your landlord will receive their first payment within the first two calendar months after the contract is executed.