A maximum adjusted fair market will be used in determining the contract rent on a case-by-case basis. The tenant’s portion of the rent is determined by the household income and is paid directly to the property owners; the balance of the rent is paid to the property owners by DCRHA. Rent is paid on the first of each month. Contract rents will be determined annually at least thirty days prior to the anniversary date of the lease by the property owner and the DCRHA.
Property owners may require that the tenant pay a
security deposit up to the amount of one month’s contract rent. Security
deposits must be held in an interest bearing account accordance with MGL 186.
Tenants are responsible for security deposits and the DCRHA is not able to
subsidize this cost at this time.
The DCRHA can pre-screen eligible tenants for the property owners’ selection by processing criminal background checks, income and bank account verification and personal and landlord references. Tenant screening for suitability and final selection are the property owner’s responsibility and the DCRHA encourages owners to follow the process used to screen families in the private market.
An inspection by the DCRHA is scheduled prior to enactment of a new tenant/landlord lease and upon annual renewal as agreed to by all parties. The landlord is responsible for satisfying any applicable town requirements for apartment rental.
A lease is signed between
the property owner and the tenant and a housing assistance contract is signed
between the property owner and the DCRHA. As part of its services, the DCRHA
can provide a model lease for use by the property owner, including the rental
assistance addendum. If a property owner uses a standard lease form, the lease
must include the DCRHA’s rental assistance addendum with copies of all lease
materials kept on file by the DCRHA.
Program
Representatives
The
DCRHA will prepare the leasing and rental assistance contract documents and
will remain the Landlord’s contact for as long as the tenancy is in effect.