Interested persons submit an application during open enrollment
Applications are stored on the waiting list
Applicants are selected from the waiting list when funding becomes available (applicants are selected based on a working and residency preference)
Applicants are interviewed, preferences are verified, household income is verified, and criminal background history is checked
Applicants determined to be eligible receive a Housing Choice Voucher, an orientation briefing and instructions on what to do next
Qualified applicants search for and select suitable rental housing
The AHA inspects the selected dwelling unit
If the dwelling unit passes inspection the AHA will perform a rent reasonableness assessment and negotiate a reasonable rent with the owner
AHA signs a contract with the owner
Tenant signs a lease with the owner
AHA establishes the tenant portion of rent and housing assistance payment
AHA authorizes the client to move in to the dwelling unit
AHA pays a portion of rent to the owner
Tenant pays a portion of rent to the owner
Total of both payments equals the contract rent
AHA performs a biennial unit inspection
Continued Tenant eligibility is assessed annually
Criminal background history is checked annually at time of re-certification

General Information:
Clients are assisted in privately owned rental housing (apartment, single-family home, duplex, mobile home)
Tenant identifies rental housing of their choice
Landlord determines to rent to the tenant
Landlord is responsible to maintain and manage dwelling unit
Landlord is responsible to enforce their lease

City of Arlington

FAQ-English (General Program)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Housing Choice Voucher Program