The PBV Process Explained – Housing Opportunities Commission

The PBV Process Explained

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PBV explainer graphic

Step #	Step	Description
1	Application	Visit hochousingpath.com to complete an application for a Project Based Voucher (PBV). 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.
3	Waitlist/Renewal	Your application will be placed on HOC’s waitlist. Each year, 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 you opted in.
4	Selection	Once a PBV unit becomes available, your application will be selected based on the date and time of your application, program requirements, and according to funding availability. Once selected, you will be notified via email and mail. You may also receive a text message if you opted in.
5	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 electronically via email, mail, or in person at one of our two customer service centers. If your certification packet is not returned by the requested deadline, your application will be denied and you will be removed from the Wait List. You may appeal this decision in writing within 10 days of denial, present your case to a hearing officer, and receive a final decision. Note: If you also applied for a Housing Choice Voucher, you will still remain on the HCV Wait List.
6	Briefing	You will be required to attend an in-person or virtual briefing which provides an overview of the PBV program and your responsibilities.
7	Eligibility Review	Once submitted, your certification application 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 referred to the available units according to your application date, time stamp, and household composition. If you decline the PBV unit or your application is denied by the PBV landlord, you will be returned to the waitlist. You will maintain your original place on the waitlist until another PBV unit becomes available. You will be offered a maximum of two PBV property referrals. Your name will be removed from the waitlist after two unsuccessful PBV referrals. If you are not referred, your application will be returned to the waitlist for future selection of another PBV unit when available. You will maintain your original place on the waitlist. If your application is determined to be ineligible, you may appeal this decision in writing within 10 days of denial, present your case to a hearing officer, and receive a final decision.
8	PBV Packet	After attending the briefing, you will receive a PBV statement of eligibility, a 30/40 sheet (an estimate of your subsidy and max gross rent), and a Request For Tenancy Approval (RFTA) form via email. Once you are determined eligible and attended the required briefing, you will be referred to a specific PBV property and must apply directly within 5 days. Upon applying, you must meet the landlord’s requirements which may include a credit, background check, and tenancy history review.
9	Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA)	RFTA is a form that needs to be completed by the landlord. Please make sure you sign the second page before submitting the form. If approved by the PBV property, an RFTA must be submitted to HOC.
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	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.