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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Renters

  1. The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority’s Housing Choice Voucher Program is administered in seven counties. Can I get on multiple county waiting lists within the Authority’s jurisdiction?
    You are only able to be placed on one county waiting list within the Authority’s jurisdiction. However, you are able to get on other PHA’s or other housing provider’s waiting lists at the same time.


  2. Once I apply how long is the waiting period before I can start receiving rental assistance?
    Unfortunately, there is no emergency assistance. Waiting list timeframes vary but applicants are informed that the process could take in excess of 24 months or longer before assistance will be provided. Remember, the waiting lists are ranked by date and time of application as well as by local preferences. However, when your name reaches the top of the list you will be notified, in writing, and an appointment will be scheduled.  Remember to notify us if your address changes.


  3. If the Authority notifies me that my name has reached the top of the waiting list, do I have to find a unit in the county that I applied for rental assistance or can I transfer to some other location (city, county, state)?
    The simplest way to explain this policy is by an example: If you were a resident in, let’s say, Lexington county when you first applied, and you were placed on the Lexington county waiting list, upon being issued a Housing Choice Voucher you have the flexibility of:
         1.  Locating a unit in Lexington county or
         2.  Locating a unit anywhere in the United States where the Voucher program
             is administered by a PHA.

    On the other hand, if you were not a resident of Lexington county when you applied but you requested to be placed on the Lexington county waiting list (which is fine), upon being issued a Housing Choice Voucher you must:
         1.  Locate a unit in Lexington county and complete an initial lease term of 
              at least one year. At the end of the initial lease term if you are interested
              in relocating, please consult with your Housing Program Coordinator (HPC)
              for correct procedures and options.


  4. If I am currently in Public Housing, Moderate Rehabilitation or other Project Based unit can I move with continued rental assistance?
    The assistance for those programs mentioned above is not transferable. If you decide to move, your rental assistance will terminate.


  5. If I am currently on the Housing Choice Voucher program, can I move with continued rental assistance?
    Yes. Of course there are procedures to be followed so please consult with your Housing Program Coordinator (or PHA representative) for further details. Also you may want check out the Portability tab on this section of the website.


  6. If I would like to have my rental property on the Voucher program, what are the requirements for my unit to meet program standards?
    The unit must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards and the rent must be within HUD’s Fair Market Rents and market rate comparables.  Please refer to the Owner Handbook that can be found as an associated document on the Roles and Responsibilities tab of this website.


  7. How can I let potential tenants know about the availability of my rental unit(s)?
    Owners, landlords and/or managing agents often choose to advertise their properties in various newspapers. In addition, “For Rent” signs are sometimes placed on the properties available. However, the Authority has implemented its primary listing/searching tool for affordable housing. This free, convenient and easy resource can be utilized by clicking on this link SCHousingSearch.com.


  8. As a Voucher Owner, can I collect a security deposit?
    Yes. You may collect a security deposit in an amount not to exceed one month’s rent. Also, you cannot charge an assisted tenant family more than you charge an unassisted tenant family.


  9. What do I do if a Voucher holder is interested in my unit?
    It is the landlord’s responsibility to screen tenants for suitability. The PHA determines if an individual or family is eligible for the program.

    The tenant family will have a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA). You and the potential tenant will need to complete that form and return it to the Housing Program Coordinator team that is assigned to you.

    You will also need to provide a copy of your proposed lease. One of the Housing Program Coordinator team members will contact you to schedule an inspection. Please note that the utilities must be on for the inspection.

    The unit will be inspected to ensure that it meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards (HQS). Repairs, if any, and the rent amount will be discussed with you by the HPC.

    After the unit has passed the inspection and the rent has been approved, the landlord and tenant enter into a lease. The Authority and the landlord sign a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract through which the rent is assisted on behalf of the tenant.


  10. If I am currently a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher program and receive rental assistance, can I use my voucher to buy a home and receive monthly assistance in meeting homeownership expenses?
    Yes. If your PHA participates in the Homeownership Voucher Program and you meet income and other eligibility requirements, you could realize the dream of being a homeowner. Please check out the Homeownership Voucher Program tab on this section of the website.


  11. Who should I contact if I have questions or need to obtain more information about the Rental Assistance Programs administered by the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority?
    You can call our main divisional number at (803) 896-8888.