HCV Participants

As a current participant in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), you have an opportunity to select and rent decent and affordable homes in the private market. Participants residing in voucher units pay 30% of their income for rent and utilities. Housing subsidies are paid directly to the landlord on the participants’ behalf. Tenant-Based Voucher participants are eligible to move or transfer after 12 months of holding their lease.

The initial voucher term is 60-days. 30-day extensions may be requested, however no voucher may exceed 120 days. An additional 30 day extension may be requested as a Reasonable Accommodation for persons with disabilities.

What are the participant’s obligations?

No unauthorized household members
No criminal activity
Compliance with the lease
Compliance with program requirements
Pay rent on time
Maintain unit in good condition
Respond to HABC correspondence
Attend required HABC appointments
Provide HABC with required information
Allow HUD mandated unit inspections
Not subletting the unit, assigning the lease, or having any interest in the unit
Promptly notifying HABC of any changes in the family composition
Notifying the owners and HABC before moving to terminate the lease with landlord (60 day vacate notice required)

2024 Tenant Coffee Breaks

The Housing of Bergen County will be hosting Coffee Breaks throughout the 2024 Year for Program Tenants/Participants who would like to stop in with questions regarding the Housing Choice Voucher Program process.

February 26, 2024
May 28, 2024
August 26, 2024
November 25, 2024

The purpose of these sessions is so that HCV Section 8, current and future, participants can ask questions and gain a better understanding of how their voucher and the HCV Section 8 program works.

Join us on any of these dates at 12:30pm – 1:30pm. All sessions will be via Zoom.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87940365840?pwd=Ujd3V0xWZ0NjbHlsUWg2UHVHN2ZLUT09
Meeting ID: 879 4036 5840
Passcode: 820908
Dial In - 929 436 2866 US (New York)

Questions? Comments? Contact: info@habcnj.org

** We will not be discussing specific and personal LL/tenant issues. Please email the address above for any specific LL/tenant issue you may be having. **

How do I find a rental property?

Housing Choice Voucher participants may search for available rental properties using the HABC housing locator tool. Click here for AffordableHousing.com

You may also find properties on the following sites:

Participants may choose any housing type that suits the needs of their family, as long as the requirements of the program are met.

HCV FAQ

What is the HCV Program?

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) is a federally funded, locally administered rental assistance program that helps low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities afford decent, safe housing in the private market.

The participant is free to choose any housing type that meets the requirements of the program. The Housing Authority of Bergen County (HABC) receives funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to administer the Housing Choice Voucher Program in Bergen County.

What are the next steps after selecting a tenant?

It is strongly recommended that the landlord screen participating families as they would any unassisted tenant. If, after screening the family, the landlord is interested in renting to the HCVP family, the owner and the tenant will complete and sign the RFTA form indicating the rent desired and responsibility for the utilities.

Do not use the HCVP inspection process as a punch list of items that are in need of repair. It is expected that the unit will be ready for occupancy at the time of the HCVP inspection.

How is the unit size determined?

The unit size is determined by age, gender and the number of family members in the household. Landlords should verify, that the unit size listed on the voucher matches the bedroom size of their unit before accepting the family. All units are subjected to HABC approval.

How do I find a family with a Housing Choice Voucher?

The Housing Authority of Bergen County has partnered with GoSection8.com to provide free listing options for owners and landlords. For more information on how to list your property, please visit www.gosection8.com.

How much rent does the tenant pay?

The amount of rent paid by HCVP families is determined by a number of factors. Typically, tenants pay 30% of their adjusted income towards the rent. The Adjusted income is the household’s gross income minus all HUD approved deductions.

What towns are under your jurisdiction for HCV Section 8?

Our agency HCV program covers all the municipalities in Bergen County except for the following towns:

Englewood
Fort Lee
Cliffside Park
Edgewater
Lodi

How does the program work for a family?

After having qualified for the program, the family receives a housing voucher. The family then is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit where the owner agrees to rent under the program. (This unit may include the family’s present residence.)

The Housing Authority of Bergen County(HABC) then pays a housing subsidy directly to the landlord on behalf of the participating family. The family is responsible for paying the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program.