Who can apply to the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) helps low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities afford safe, decent housing in Baltimore City's private market. Very low-income families are those with incomes below 50% of area median income (AMI).
Currently, the Housing Authority of Baltimore City HCVP Tenant Based Waiting List is closed to new applicants.
How does the Housing Choice Voucher Program work?
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) takes families from the waiting list and determines eligibility and the amount of assistance families will receive. Eligible families are issued a Voucher and a Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA). The family then searches for a unit that suits their needs. The property owner must agree to rent under the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
How long does it take to get to the top of the list?
The amount of time that an applicant waits for assistance cannot be predicted and is based on the following conditions:
- The number of applications ranked higher than your application.
- Funding Availability – there must be funds available to issue vouchers to eligible families.
What happens when I get to the top of the list?
When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, HABC will send you a notice by mail. This notice will give you a date and time to meet with HABC for an eligibility interview.
How long is the Voucher good for?
The initial voucher term is 90 days. 30-day extensions may be requested, however no voucher may exceed 120 days. An additional 30 day extension may be requested as a Reasonable Accommodation for persons with disabilities.
How can I update or check the status of my application?
Applicants currently on the waiting list may update, change their contact information and family composition and view the current status of their housing application using a computer, smart phone or tablet without having to call or come into the HCVP office.
To access the HCVP Applicant Portal, click on the button below.
Or, you may call HCVP's Automated Customer Relations Call Center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 443-984-2222.
How much do tenants pay for rent?
HCVP and the landlord will negotiate the monthly rent for the housing unit. HCVP then pays the housing assistance payment directly to the landlord on behalf of the participating family. If applicable, the family is responsible for paying the difference between the rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the HCVP. Tenants residing in voucher units pay 30% of their income for rent and utilities.
Can I use my voucher outside of Baltimore?
A family that has been issued a Housing Choice Voucher by HABC may use that voucher to lease a unit anywhere in the United States where there is a Public Housing Authority (PHA) that administers the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Applicants are not eligible for portability if the family lived outside of Baltimore City when they initially applied for HCV assistance; when a resident outside of Baltimore City receives a voucher administered by Baltimore City, they must use that voucher within City limits for the first year – only at the end of this year may a request to port-out be made.
