| 1. |
ARE LEASES RENEWABLE? |
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Yes. After the initial term of one year, the lease will automatically renew on a month-to-month basis. |
| 2. |
CAN I GET AN INSPECTION OF MY RENTAL UNIT BEFORE I FIND AN ELIGIBLE FAMILY TO BE MY TENANT? |
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- The resources of the Housing Agency are limited, and we usually do inspections after your unit is selected by an eligible family and a Request for Lease Approval is completed.
- If you intend to place the unit on our available property list, an exception can be made.
- We request that you make any necessary repairs prior to an inspection to avoid the necessity of a second inspection and a delay in the start of the lease and contract effective period.
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| 3. |
CAN THE HOUSING AGENCY PROVIDE A CREDIT CHECK FOR ME ON A CLIENT? |
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No. The Landlord may contact a Tenant Screening Service or credit reporting company. |
| 4. |
HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS FAMILY WILL BE A GOOD TENANT IN MY RENTAL PROPERTY? |
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The Housing Agency does not know. It is the Landlord's responsibility to screen all prospective renters. |
| 5. |
HOW DO I REPORT A VIOLATION OF THE LIVABILITY CODE? |
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Residents within the town limits of Bel Air, Havre de Grace, or Aberdeen:
Contact your town office:
Bel Air: 410-879-9500
Havre de Grace: 410-939-1800
Aberdeen: 410-272-1600
Residents outside the corporate town limits:
Click on the "Downloads" link (above) and fill out the Tenant Complaint Form. Submit the completed form online, or print the form and submit it in person or by FAX to the Housing Agency:
15 South Main Street
Suite 106
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3045
FAX: 410-893-9816 |
| 6. |
HOW DOES A PERSON OR FAMILY APPLY FOR A VOUCHER? |
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There are four steps to applying for a rental subsidy:
- The head of household's name is placed on the Housing Agency's waiting list.
- When selected from the waiting list, a formal application must be completed.
- The applicant must attend a briefing on rules, regulations, and family obligations.
- The Housing Choice Voucher is issued at the briefing.
To apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), click on "Downloads" (above) and complete the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Preliminary Application. |
| 7. |
HOW LONG CAN A FAMILY REMAIN ON THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM? |
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Provided that there is continued funding of the Program, families can remain on the Program for as long as they are eligible for a rent subsidy, and remain in compliance with their family obligations under the Program. |
| 8. |
HOW OFTEN ARE THE RENTAL UNITS INSPECTED BY THE HOUSING AGENCY? |
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The units are inspected prior to a contract being signed, and at least annually thereafter. |
| 9. |
I AM HOMELESS -OR- I AM ABOUT TO BE EVICTED. WHAT ASSISTANCE CAN I RECEIVE? |
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- Emergency Shelter Services and Placements are available for homeless individuals and families.
- Emergency Eviction Services are available.
Apply at Department of Social Services:
2 South Bond Street
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-836-4700
After hours, call: 410-838-6600
Apply through Housing Counseling Services:
Harford County Housing Agency
15 South Main Street
Suite 106
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3045
FAX: 410-893-9816 |
| 10. |
I WANT TO BUY A HOME. WHAT ASSISTANCE CAN I RECEIVE? |
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Contact the Housing Agency for information:
15 South Main Street, Suite 106
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3045
FAX: 410-893-9816 |
| 11. |
I'M HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY LANDLORD. |
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- Contact the Housing Agency for assistance and referral:
15 South Main Street
Suite 106
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3045
FAX: 410-893-9816
To file a complaint, click on "Downloads" (above) and complete the Tenant Complaint Form.
-or-
- Call the Landlord/Tenant hotline number at 1-800-487-6007
-or-
- Baltimore Neighborhoods, Inc. can advise on state and Harford County laws for tenants and landlords at 410-243-6007.
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| 12. |
I'M HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY TENANT. |
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- Contact the Housing Agency for assistance and referral:
15 South Main Street
Suite 106
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3045
FAX: 410-893-9816
-or-
- Call the Landlord/Tenant hotline number at 1-800-487-6007
-or-
- Baltimore Neighborhoods, Inc. can advise on state and Harford County laws for tenants and landlords at 410-243-6007.
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| 13. |
I'M HAVING PROBLEMS MEETING MY MORTGAGE. WHAT ASSISTANCE CAN I RECEIVE? |
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Contact the Housing Agency for information:
15 South Main Street
Suite 106
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3045
FAX: 410-893-9816 |
| 14. |
IS THERE A CODE FOR RENTAL HOUSING STANDARDS? |
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Yes, the Livability Code for Rental Housing. All rental units located in Harford County must meet the health and safety standards for basic equipment and facilities used for light, ventilation, heating, and sanitation. |
| 15. |
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY TENANT MOVES OUT AND LEAVES DAMAGES TO MY HOUSE? |
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- The tenant is responsible for any damages to the unit. The security deposit is intended to cover damages.
- If the rental unit is damaged, the tenant will lose his/her eligibility to receive future rental assistance.
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| 16. |
WHAT IS A HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER? |
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The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally funded rent subsidy program (Section 8) for lower-income persons.
To apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), click on "Downloads" (above) and complete the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Preliminary Application. |
| 17. |
WHAT RENTAL SUBSIDY PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE? |
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- Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher Program)
- Rental Allowance Program (RAP)
Apply at Housing Agency. No appointments necessary.
15 South Main Street
Suite 106
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-638-3045
FAX: 410-893-9816 |
| 18. |
WHAT TYPE OF HOUSING QUALIFIES FOR THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM? |
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Any housing unit (whether a single family house, apartment, duplex, condominium, elderly high-rise, or handicap accessible unit) that is decent, safe, and sanitary. The rent must be reasonably priced. |
| 19. |
WHO QUALIFIES FOR THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM? |
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Single people, families, elderly people, and disabled people qualify for the Program. Qualification is based on income and family composition. |
| 20. |
WHO WILL PAY ME THE RENT MONEY, AND HOW MUCH WILL THE TENANT PAY? |
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- The Housing Agency pays directly to the Landlord an amount based on the tenant's income and the Fair Market Rent.
- The tenant's share of the rent is paid directly to the Landlord.
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| 21. |
WHO WILL PAY ME THE SECURITY DEPOSIT, AND HOW MUCH WILL I GET? |
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The tenant pays the amount that you are requiring, as long as it is within the State law. The Housing Agency does not pay the security deposit. |
