Having Issues paying your Portion of the rent?
Review your reported expenses as this may reduce your annual income.
As a participant, you may be eligible to reduce your annual income. Two of the most common are:
- Childcare: children 12 and under if Head of
Household is working OR searching for work.
Keep records regarding employment search activities. The expenses need to be verifiable. - Medical expenses: for the whole household
(including insurance premiums) if head of household or spouse is disabled.
Minimum Rent Hardship Exemptions
If you are unable to pay the $50 minimum rent because of financial hardship, you may apply for a hardship exemption from the minimum rent. Exemptions may be temporary or long-term exemption (in some cases a repayment agreement is required to reimburse DHA for the exemption later). Situations that qualify individuals for a financial hardship exemption include situations Keep the Housing Choice Voucher Program in the loop Notify the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) of notices received by the Housing Provider (landlord). For example, notices regarding increases to the contract rent, changes to utility or appliance responsibility, notices to quit due to lease violations etc. Keeping the HCVP informed of notices and/or changes allows for the documents to be placed in your file and get ahead of possible compliance related issues. when the family has lost eligibility for or is awaiting an eligibility determination for a Federal, State, or local assistance program; if the family would be evicted because of inability to pay the minimum rent; the family’s income has decreased because of changed circumstances, including loss of employment; a death has occurred in the family; and other circumstances determined DHA.
To learn more, visit with your caseworker.
Keep the Housing Choice Voucher Program in the loop
Notify the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) of notices received by the Housing Provider (landlord). For example, notices regarding increases to the contract rent, changes to utility or appliance responsibility, notices to quit due to lease violations etc. Keeping the HCVP informed of notices and/or changes allows for the documents to be placed in your file and get ahead of possible compliance related issues.
You might be responsible for utilities
Take the time to review your lease, understand what you are responsible to pay. Some utilities are paid to the service provider (i.e. Xcel) and some are paid to the Housing Provider. You may have extra charges for things the Denver Housing Authority does not pay for, including parking, pet fees, pest control, etc. Make a point to read your lease annually. Make sure adult household members are aware of house rules and other requirements.
Check your mailbox
DHA mails written notifications to Housing Choice participants including annual recertifications, inspections, etc. Ensure you have access to your mailbox and check it regularly. It is important not to miss anything time sensitive.
Contact Us
In addition to phone calls, HCV specialists are available via email and virtually (Microsoft Teams). If you would like to set up a virtual meeting with HCV, reach out to your assigned Certification Specialist for assistance. Contact the front desk receptionist at 720-932-3030 to verify your assigned Certification Specialist.
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