FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Does a landlord need to register in order participate in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Rental Assistance Program?

A:  No. Landlords only need to be interested in participating and have a basic understanding of the program process steps. Please call Bill Paape at 448-4568 if you have specific questions or email billpa@ics-gb.org. Integrated Community Services does not pre-approve any landlords in advance.

Q: Are there different rules that apply to specifically to HCV tenants?

A:  No. Landlords treat HCV tenants the same way as any other tenant and act in accordance with all laws that govern landlords and tenants. As in any business venture, landlords should be knowledgeable about  their industry, educate themselves and utilize standard business practices.

Q:  Where can I find an HCV tenant?

A:  Integrated Community Services will post your vacancies on a list free of charge. The  list is kept in the lobby and available to visitors at our office. Tenants with a current voucher may then contact you directly. If you are advertising in the newspaper or rental publication, you may include that you are willing to participate in the HCV program.

Q:  Can I screen the rental applicant using my own tenant selection criteria?

A:  Yes. Landlords are 100% responsible for screening and approving who they rent to. Integrated Community Services does not select your tenant or screen for tenant suitability. You should develop your own screening criteria and and use it consistently for every applicant. REMEMBER: Landlords are strictly responsible for their tenants and lease enforcement, not Integrated Community Services.

Q: Does Integrated Community Services screen its HCV applicants?

A:  Yes. Each HCV applicant is screened for income-eligibility and a thorough criminal background investigation is performed by a professional private investigation agency. Applicants with criminal activity for drugs, violence, gang-related activity or on the Sexual Offenders Register are not eligible for assistance in the HCV program. The investigation looks at back 3 years for a misdemeanor and 5 years for felony charges.

Q:  Can I use my own lease?

A. Yes. Integrated Community Services does not provide the lease. It is the landlord's responsibility to use a good lease that is consistent with Wisconsin statutes, as well as to enforce the lease. 

The initial lease period is for one year. After that, a client may reside in the unit as a month to month tenant or sign a brand new lease. (If a new lease is signed between the landlord and tenant after the initial lease period, landlords must submit the new lease to Integrated Community Services. HUD requires that a new HAP Contract be issued to the landlord and the client's Specialist will mail one.

Q:  How do I know if my rental unit will pass the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection?

A:  Please refer to the HQS Inspection Checklist. If your property has been maintained and is in good condition, it should pass the inspection. Landlords can use the HQS Inspection Checklist as a general guide or call the City Inspection Division at 448-3300 for specific questions on building codes, local ordinances, etc.

Q:  How long will it take before I receive a rental assistance payment once my unit passes the HQS inspection?

A:  It depends on how long it takes to complete the client's case. Every case we process is unique and will vary depending on any changes that may occur with the client. The average time is 6-8 weeks. We must rely on varies outside sources for the necessary third-party verification information in compliance with HUD requirements. These may include the Social Security Administration, employers, unemployment benefits agency, child support agencies, banks and colleges.

Payments will not be authorized by the Client Services Specialist until the client's case is fully completed in accordance with HUD regulations and the signed Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract is received by the Specialist. The dates of the HAP Contract must with match the lease term dates.Once the payment is authorized by the Client Services Specialist, authorization letters are mailed to both the landlord and client. 

In most cases, the landlord will receive a payment for the first two months of rent  from the date the client is eligible for benefits. Typically, cases are made effective the month after the unit passed the HQS inspection.Cases are processed in systematic order and it does take time.

Note: Integrated Community Services is not responsible for a tenant's rent prior to enrolling them in the HCV program. 

Q:  How long can the tenant receive rental assistance in the unit?

A:  As long as the tenant is income-eligible to receive rental assistance and comply with the HCV Family Obligations and are good tenants, they may reside in the unit as long as they wish and the unit continues to meet HQS inspection.

PLEASE CONTACT INTEGRATED COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.  WE BELIEVE THAT SAFE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROVIDES STABILITY IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS AND WE WELCOME YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THIS VALUABLE COMMUNITY PROGRAM THAT SERVES LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSEHOLDS.