FAQs • Harford County, MD • CivicEngage

What type of housing qualifies for the Housing Choice Voucher Program?: 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.

▼
Landlords

1. Can I get an inspection of my rental unit before I find an eligible family to be my tenant?: 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 may 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.

2. Can the Housing Agency provide a credit check for me on a client?: No, but the Landlord may contact a Tenant Screening Service or credit reporting company.

3. How do I know if this family will be a good tenant in my rental property?: The Housing Agency does not know. It is the Landlord's responsibility to screen all prospective renters.

4. I'm having a problem with my tenant, can you help?: If you are having issues with your tenant, please contact the Housing Agency for assistance and referral:
15 S Main Street, Suite 106

Bel Air, MD 21014

Phone: 410-638-3045

Email: housing@harfordcountymd.gov

Another option is to call the Landlord/Tenant hotline (Baltimore Neighborhoods, Inc.) at 800-487-6007.

5. What happens if my tenant moves out and leaves damages to my house?: 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.

6. What type of housing qualifies for the Housing Choice Voucher Program?: 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.

7. Who will pay me the rent money, and how much will the tenant pay?: The Housing Agency pays directly to the Landlord an amount based on the tenant's income and the Fair Market Rent.
The tenant pays their share of the rent directly to the Landlord.

8. Who will pay me the security deposit, and how much will I get?: 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.