how the program works

Lincoln Housing Authority (LHA) takes applications from persons eligible for the program and places them on a waiting list.  After a family is selected, the following sequence occurs:

LHA issues the eligible family a voucher and explains program rules and regulations to the family.

The family locates a rental unit.

The family and owner negotiate the rent and discuss the terms of the rental lease.

The family and owner complete a Request for Inspection and Unit Information (RIUI) Form and return the original copy to LHA.

The Inspections Department schedules an appointment with the owner or family for a to Housing Inspector to inspect the unit for compliance with  Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and to determine if the rent requested by the owner is reasonable.

If the unit fails the inspection the owner must correct the defect(s).  LHA cannot start rent payments until a unit has passed inspection and the tenant is living in the unit.

After the LHA Housing Specialist receives a passed inspection report, LHA will request the owners lease and mail the Addendum to the Lease and the Housing Assistance Payment Contract to the owner for signatures.  The owner will return the signed papers and a copy of a new lease meeting minimum HUD requirements promptly in order to begin receiving rent payments from LHA.

Each month, the tenant pays approximately 27% of their income toward rent    to the owner.  LHA sends the balance directly to the owner’s or owner’s agent’s bank account.