Voucher Program Lease Up Steps

Owners & Property Managers: please keep this page for your records

DETAILED LEASE UP STEPS THROUGH RECEIVING A VOUCHER PAYMENT

1. The landlord fills out the Request for Tenancy Approval and other forms in this packet. Both the landlord and family head of household must sign the forms.

2. The family or landlord returns the forms to MHR:

  • Email a photo or scan of form to the case worker at MHR OR

  • Fax to 651-659-2960 OR

  • Drop off in person at MHR – 762 Transfer Road – Suite 21; St. Paul, MN 55114

3. MHR approves the unit and rent amount as affordable for the family and reasonable compared to similar units.

4. MHR inspects the unit. We will notify landlords of the inspection date by email, mail, or phone.

5. After the unit passes inspection, sign the lease agreement with tenant and collect the security deposit. The security deposit should be the same amount charged to tenants without a voucher. Damages and unpaid rent are the tenant’s responsibility.

6. Provide the signed lease agreement and any other required forms to MHR.
The lease must include:

  • Names of all family members

  • Unit address

  • Contract rent amount, which must match the Tenancy Approval form

  • Security deposit amount

  • Lease terms

  • Start and end dates of a one-year term; the start date must match the approved subsidy start date

  • Utility responsibilities, which must match the Tenancy Approval form

7. MHR creates and emails/faxes/sends the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract to the landlord.

8. The landlord signs the HAP Contract/Lease Addendum and returns it to the Housing Authority.

9. The subsidy starts the day the unit passed inspection AND the family takes possession of the unit. If the family moves in before the unit passes inspection, the family is responsible for paying the full rent amount prior to the passed inspection. Payments are released after MHR receives the signed lease and HAP contract. Payments are send via mail on the 1st of the month.