KPCB Edge — Keep Pushing Costs Back
Menu
A family with their arms up in front of a new home

Module 5 of 6

Getting your voucher and a home

Lesson 2 of 2 in this module

Lesson 10 of 120% of the course done

Lesson 10

Inspection, rent check and moving in

⏱ 2 min

Key points

  • The agency inspects the unit before you move in.
  • It checks that the rent is reasonable for the area.
  • When you first move in, your share can't be more than 40% of your monthly adjusted income if the rent is above the payment standard.

Step 7: Inspection, rent check and lease signing

After you submit the RFTA, three things happen before you move in.

First, the PHA inspects the unit. It checks the inside of the unit, shared areas of the building, and outside areas tied to your unit. Inspectors look for working plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, windows that open and have screens, working appliances, and lead-based paint compliance. HUD is moving voucher inspections to a newer standard called NSPIRE, so ask your PHA which checklist it uses.

Second, the PHA checks that the rent is reasonable compared with similar unassisted units nearby. It may negotiate with the landlord.

Third, the PHA checks what you would pay. When you first move into a unit whose rent plus utilities is above the payment standard, your share cannot be more than 40% of your monthly adjusted income. If it would be, the PHA cannot approve that unit.

Once all three are done, you sign the lease with the landlord, and the PHA signs a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract with the landlord.

From our guide: The Steps to Section 8: How to Apply and Get a Voucher

Quick check

If the rent plus utilities is above the payment standard, what's the most your share can be when you first move in?

Want more detail? Read our full guide: The Steps to Section 8: How to Apply and Get a Voucher