Vermont State Housing Authority

Landlord Relief Program

The Landlord Relief Program provides an incentive and added security to landlords statewide who house Vermonters receiving rental assistance or who are homeless.

 

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Program Goals

Landlord Relief Program

  • Open doors for landlords and tenants to establish successful and trusting relationships that result in successful tenancies and housing stability..    
  • Increase the inventory of rental units available to Vermonters who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness; and
  • Provide resources to prevent loss of housing opportunities for tenants and prevent vacancies for landlords.

 

Program DETAILS

Landlord Relief Program

The goal of the Landlord Relief Program is to increase rental opportunities to people who may not otherwise be able to access housing due to rental barriers. The program offers up to $5,000 for:
  • Prorated cost to hold the unit for a future program-eligible tenants, limited to two months’ rent
  • Prorated cost for loss of rent from a vacancy due to repairs needed (that exceed normal wear and tear), limited to one month of rent
  • Qualifying damages caused by a tenant
  • Rent associated with early termination of the lease by the tenant, limited to one month of rent

Who can APPLY

Examples of CLAIMS

Landlord Relief Program

Frequently Asked QUESTIONS

Landlord Relief Program

  • Landlords/Property Managers may be either for-profit or non-profit owners of rental housing.
  • Any landlord that has a lease or a completed and executed Rental Assistance Agreement (if a section 8 program you will have a HAP contract or Rental Assistance Agreement).

 

  • The unit must be a residential rental in the State of Vermont.
    The gross rent (rent plus all utilities) must meet affordability standards for an individual/family at 80% of AMI.  To see eligibility table click here.
  • Landlords must demonstrate regular inspections have been performed on the property and unit, and inspections will continue to occur after the claim is processed.
  • Properties owned by a housing authority are not eligible.
  • Properties owned by non-profit housing agencies with project-based subsidies or tax credits attached are not eligible.
  • Tenants aren’t eligible to apply for repairs or relief under this program.  Tenants seeking support may call 211 to learn about potential options.
  • No, this program isn’t like the VERAP Program. We cannot cover rental or utility arrears.
  • Other resources may be available for eligible tenants, and they can call 211 for a list of these potential resources.  Tenants can also contact their local Housing Lead Agencies at Vermont Lead Agencies – Vermont Coalition to End Homelessness (helpingtohousevt.org). Eligibility for some assistance is based on whether a household meets the AHS definition of at risk of homelessness.

 

  • Eligibility is based on the tenant receiving a subsidy or some form of rental assistance or homeless prior to moving in. There is NOT an income eligibility test for this program, and we will not be requesting income documentation. 

 

  • Any form of rental subsidy or payment assistance for rent is eligible. These include but are not limited to the following:
    • Housing Choice Vouchers/Section 8
    • State Rental Assistance
    • Local non-profit, faith-based initiative OR any local community agency giving financial assistance to secure or maintain tenancy.
    • Vermont Emergency Rental Assistance Program (VERAP)

 

  • The easiest solution to satisfy this requirement is to contact the Program that provided you with the subsidy and ask them to supply a formal letter with the details describing the amount and duration of the assistance.
  • If a landlord is not able to provide copies from the Housing Assistance Program, a signed statement from the tenant or case manager stating the amount and length of the rental subsidy or payment assistance will suffice.

 

  • A Housing Assistance Inspection Report is the form that is completed to verify that the property is habitable and meets the minimum standards of the Housing Assistance programs that is offering rental subsidy. (Agencies providing subsidies use these). PDF (hud.gov)

 

  • A Housing Assistance Inspection Report (subsidizing agencies use these) or move-in condition report is required prior to approval of funds.
  • A Move-In Condition Report is a form that is completed by the tenant and landlord to document the condition of the property at the time of move-in.
  • This same form can used again to document the condition of the property at moveout for ease of comparison.
  • If you don’t have a housing assistance inspection report or a move-in condition report, you must use the move-in condition report supplied by VSHA for this program.

 

  • A claim must be submitted within 45 days of the landlord incurring an eligible expense, discovering the claim, or an inspection of the unit.

 

  • The initial $500 of the repairs will not be reimbursed. Any amount above the initial $500 (and not exceeding program caps) will be reimbursed if the claim is approved.
  • The landlords may claim up to 2 months of vacancy loss (rent loss) that caused the move-in to be delayed by the needed inspection and/or repairs. Evidence of the delay must be submitted with the claim.

 

  • Landlords can receive up to $5,000 in repair reimbursement per tenancy. The minimum claim is $500.00.  Unlike the pre-move in, the initial $500 is reimbursable.
    • Important note: Any monies paid on a post move-in claim will nullify the landlord’s ability to pursue any other funds owed from the tenant through any means or agency for the funded claim.

 

  • Legal or mediation fees associated with eviction of the eligible tenant.

 

  • Each individual claim must be a minimum of $500.00
  • Multiple claims can be submitted but a maximum of all awarded combined claims cannot exceed $5,000 per tenancy OR $10,000 per unit.

 

  • Any claim that is submitted for move-out charges must first have the security deposit applied to the charges owed.

 

  • The LRP cannot guarantee a specific timeline, only that each application will be reviewed in the order it was received.
  • Once received, the administrator will review the information and materials submitted with the claim application within 10 business days.
  • The claimant will be notified of a decision in writing. The decision may include a request for additional information/documentation.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Incomplete applications and lack of supporting documentation could result in delays.

 

  • If an applicant is determined to be ineligible for assistance, VSHA will notify the applicant in writing with a detailed reason for the denial, including any facts relied on for the decision.
  • The claimant must notify VSHA, in writing or by phone, of their intent to appeal the decision within 10 business days from the date of the denial.

 

Under certain circumstances hoarding may lead to situations considered qualifying damages.  It must meet the threshold of excessive damages caused by eligible tenants or repairs needed to meet Housing Quality Standards for future eligible tenants.  This program does not cover ongoing issues of maintenance or cleaning.

 

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