Housing Choice Vouchers

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program empowers participants with the flexibility to choose their own rental homes from the private market. This program offers assistance in paying rent, allowing families to secure housing that meets their preferences while staying within their budget.

Application

Due to the overwhelming demand for affordable housing in the Frederick area, the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is currently closed for applications. However, we invite you to apply as soon as the waiting list reopens.

Waiting List

We’ve introduced a convenient way to check the online waiting list which will provide you with up-to-date information. Please keep in mind that the position numbers are subject to change based on your application preferences and the choices of other applicants. [link to Housing Choice Voucher Preference Definitions Form] To review your status on the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list, simply click here.

Updating Your Contact Information:

When a Housing Choice Voucher becomes available or when the waiting list is being updated, ensuring we can reach you is crucial. If we cannot reach you, your application may be withdrawn. If your contact information has changed, click here to make the necessary changes.

Important Note to Applicants:

If you previously applied for Public Housing and your application status displays as “withdrawn,” please note that you can only reapply when the waiting list is open. We encourage you to stay connected with us for future opportunities.

Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) homeownership program allows families that are assisted under the HCV program to use their voucher to buy a home and receive monthly assistance in meeting homeownership expenses. The HCV homeownership program is available only to families that have been admitted to the HCV program. To participate in the HCV homeownership program, the HCV family must meet specific income and employment requirements (the employment requirement does not apply to elderly and disabled families), be a first time homeowner as defined in the regulation, attend and satisfactorily complete the preassistance homeownership, and housing counseling program required by the PHA, and meet any additional eligibility requirements set by the PHA.

For more information, please contact our Family Services department at (301) 696-1875.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the HUD Housing Choice Voucher {Section 8) Program:

The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally funded program that assists low-income individuals and families in affording safe and decent housing in the private  rental market.

Eligible participants receive vouchers that subsidize a portion of their rent. They can  then find housing from private landlords.

Eligibility is based on income, family size, and citizenship status. Applicants must  typically have a low income as defined by the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) and  be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.

When the waiting list is open, you will need to complete an application, either online or in-person, and meet other eligibility requirements.

Rent is generally set at 30% of your adjusted gross income, with the voucher covering  the difference between this amount and the market rent of the unit.

You can select any eligible rental property in the private market if the unit passes a  Housing Quality Standards inspection.

Some PHAs have asset limits. Check with your local PHA for specific guidelines.

Yes, you can be evicted for reasons such as lease violations, non-payment of your  portion of the rent, or criminal activity. The eviction process follows local and state laws.

Landlords may have specific pet policies. Some allow pets with restrictions, while  others may not. Check with the Landlord regarding their rules.

There is no specific time limit for participating in the Housing Choice Voucher  program,  as long as you meet income and eligibility requirements and abide by the Family Obligations.

Yes, portability is allowed, which means you can transfer your voucher to another PHA jurisdiction within the same state or another state that offers the Housing Choice  Voucher Program.

Yes, you can apply for other Public Housing Agency (PHA) assistance programs. However, you cannot receive housing assistance for more than one PHA program while receiving assistance from another PHA program

Yes, the HACF offers supportive services through the Family Services Department such  as job training, educational programs, and childcare services.

The Housing Authority of the City of Frederick is located at 209 Madison Street,  Frederick, MD 21701. Office 301-662-8173 Fax 301-663-1464 www.hacfrederick.org

Contact HACF’'s management office to address concerns or problems with your  Housing Choice Voucher. They should be able to assist you or direct you to the appropriate resources. Contact the Landlord for concerns or problems with the rental unit.

Housing Choice Voucher Forms

Find access to all essential Housing Choice Voucher forms and documents below: