What are Project Based Vouchers?
The Project Based Vouchers (PBV) program attaches rental assistance to specific housing units in properties that are determined to be decent, save, and sanitary through the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection process. HACFM refers families from its waiting list to property owners to fill vacancies. Families do not receive a voucher and are not eligible for continued assistance when they move. However, after 12 months of occupancy in a PBV unit, a PBV family in good standing is eligible to receive a Housing Choice Voucher from HACFM if a regular voucher is available.

Am I eligible?

Eligibility for a PBV is determined by HACFM based on the total annual gross income and family size and is limited to US citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. The family's income may not exceed 50% of the median income. HACFM can provide you with the income limits for your area and family size. During the application process, HACFM will collect information on family income, assets, and family composition. HACFM will verify this information with other local agencies, your employer and bank, and will use the information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment. If HACFM determines that your family is eligible, HACFM will put your name on the waiting list, unless it is able to assist you immediately. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, HACFM will contact you and refer you to the Development where the unit is located for final landlord approval and unit placement.

Preferences and waiting list
The demand for housing assistance often exceeds the limited resources available to HUD and the local housing agencies, long waiting periods are common. HACFM may close its waiting list when it has more families on the list than can be assisted in the near future. HACFM has the following preferences, Emergency/Federally Displaced; Displaced by State/Local Government Action/Subsidized Housing Demolition; Veterans; Victims of Domestic Violence

PBV and how they function
PBV program places the assistance at a specific unit within a specific development. A family is selected by HACFM from the waitlist to participate. A PBV recipient is assigned a specific unit size based on family composition. The housing unit selected by HACFM must meet HQS standards before it can be approved. The PBV family must pay 30% of its monthly adjusted gross income minus the HACFM allowance for utilities for rent.

Roles - the tenant, the landlord, HACFM
Once HACFM and the Landlord approve an eligible family, the family and the landlord sign a lease. Tenant's Obligation - When a family receives the PBV Assistance the family signs a lease with the landlord for at least one year. The tenant may be required to pay a security deposit to the landlord.. After the first year the family may request a Regular Housing Choice Voucher. The family is expected to comply with the lease and the program requirements, pay its share of rent on time, maintain the unit in good condition and notify the HACFM of any changes in income or family composition. Landlord's Obligation - The landlord is to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing to a tenant at a reasonable rent. The dwelling unit must pass the program's HQS and be maintained up to those standards as long as the owner receives housing assistance payments. The landlord is expected to provide the services agreed to as part of the lease signed with the tenant. Housing Authority's Obligation - HACFM provides the family with the housing assistance and enters into a contract with the landlord to provide housing assistance payments on behalf of the unit. If the landlord fails to meet the owner's obligations under the lease, HACFM has the right to terminate assistance payments. HACFM must inspect the units in accordance with the regulations.