WHAT IS A PROJECT BASED VOUCHER?

A HUD Project-Based Voucher (PBV) is a housing assistance program within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides rental subsidies for eligible low-income households. The key feature of PBVs is that the subsidy is tied to a specific housing unit or development rather than to the tenant. Here’s an overview of the PBV program

Overview of Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs)

1. Subsidy Tied to the Unit:

• PBVs are attached to specific units within a housing development, rather than to the tenant as in the Tenant-Based Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.
• If a tenant moves, the assistance remains with the unit for the next eligible occupant.

2. Administration:

• Administered by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs), which may choose to allocate a portion of their tenant-based voucher funding to PBVs.
• PHAs enter into contracts with property owners, agreeing to provide rental assistance for a set number of units in a property for a specified term (usually up to 20 years).

3. Eligibility and Selection:

• Tenants must be low-income and meet the eligibility criteria for the PBV program.
• Selection for units can be based on the waiting list managed by the PHA or directly by the property owner, subject to fair housing regulations. Other units are filled by referral from Home Connect/CES.

4. Rent and Payment Standards:

• Rent for PBV units is capped at 110% of the fair market rent (FMR) for the area, or as determined by HUD.
• Tenants typically pay 30% of their adjusted gross income towards rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to the payment standard.

5. Flexibility and Use:

• PBVs can be used for new construction, rehabilitation, or existing housing.
• They provide stable funding for landlords, encouraging the development and preservation of affordable housing.

6. Benefits for Tenants and Communities:

• Increases access to affordable housing in specific locations, potentially including areas with better access to jobs, transportation, and services.
• Provides stability for tenants, knowing their rent assistance is tied to the unit.

7. Project Types and Special Programs:

• PBVs can be used in special projects, such as supportive housing for homeless individuals or housing for the elderly.
• Special allocations or preferences might be in place for certain populations (e.g., veterans, disabled individuals).

Comparison to Tenant-Based Vouchers:

Aspect	Project-Based Voucher (PBV)	Tenant-Based Voucher (HCV)
Subsidy Location	Attached to a specific housing unit	Moves with the tenant
Flexibility for Tenants	Limited, must live in the specific unit	Tenant can choose any qualifying unit
Rental Assistance Stability	Stable for units, helps maintain affordable housing stock	More flexible for tenants, but assistance moves with them

You can conveniently submit your applications for our Project-Based Voucher (PBV) locations by clicking here.

If you have already applied and find yourself on the PBV waitlist, please be informed that there is NO estimated wait time for when you will be released, and our representatives are unable to provide such estimates.

 

If your name has been released from the wait list and you have received an PBV application, here is what you should expect:

 

Determining eligibility for the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program involves a multi-step process managed by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). This process ensures that only qualified applicants receive assistance. Here’s how a PHA typically determines eligibility for PBVs:

Steps in Determining Eligibility for Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)

1.  Eligibility Review:

• Comprehensive Review: Once selected from the waiting list, applicants undergo a detailed eligibility review.
• Documents Submission: They must provide all required documentation, such as proof of income, identification, and previous rental history.

2. Screening Criteria:

• Income Eligibility:
  • Income Limits: Applicants must have incomes at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The income limits are adjusted based on family size and locality.
  • Verification: Income is verified through pay stubs, tax returns, and third-party verification sources.
• Citizenship/Eligible Immigration Status:
  • Requirement: At least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
  • Documentation: Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status is required, such as birth certificates, passports, or immigration documents.
• Criminal Background Check:
  • Criteria: PHAs screen for criminal history. Federal guidelines prohibit assistance to individuals involved in drug-related criminal activity, violent crime, or registered sex offenders.
  • Review: Background checks are conducted to identify disqualifying criminal history.
• Rental History:
  • Previous Tenancies: PHAs review applicants' past rental history for issues such as evictions or poor tenant behavior.
  • Verification: This can involve contacting previous landlords or examining court records.

3. Verification of Information:

• Income and Assets:
  • Assets Review: Assets such as savings accounts, investments, and property ownership are reviewed to assess financial eligibility.
  • Calculation: The PHA calculates the total household income, considering all sources and any applicable deductions.
• Household Composition:
  • Verification: Household size and composition are verified through documents like birth certificates, marriage certificates, or affidavits.
  • Dependents: Dependents and their eligibility for the program are verified.
• Eligibility for Preferences:
  • Special Preferences: Some PBV programs may give preferences to specific groups (e.g., veterans, elderly, disabled). Documentation for such preferences is reviewed.

4. Notification of Eligibility:

• Approval: Applicants are notified of their eligibility and the next steps, including unit selection and move-in procedures.
• Denial: If found ineligible, applicants receive a written notice explaining the reason and their right to appeal.

5. Final Eligibility Determination:

• Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection:
  • Unit Inspection: The PHA inspects the unit to ensure it meets HUD’s Housing Quality Standards.
  • Compliance: The unit must pass inspection before the applicant can move in.
• Lease and Contract:
  • Lease Signing: Eligible applicants sign a lease with the property owner.
  • HAP Contract: The PHA enters into a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract with the property owner for the PBV unit.

Detailed Verification Process

Here’s a breakdown of what each verification step typically entails:

Verification Type	Description	Documentation Needed
Income Verification	Confirms total household income	Pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements
Assets Verification	Assesses value of assets	Bank statements, property deeds, investment records
Citizenship/Immigration	Confirms legal status for assistance	Birth certificates, passports, immigration documents
Criminal Background	Checks for disqualifying criminal history	Background check reports, court records
Rental History	Reviews past rental behavior	Previous landlord references, eviction records
Household Composition	Verifies family size and members	Birth/marriage certificates, affidavits
Special Preferences	Determines eligibility for special groups	Veteran status proof, disability documents

 

If you require emergency housing, we recommend calling 2-1-1, reaching out to a local shelter, or visiting your local DPSS office for additional resources.

If you need more information regarding PBV please call 951-351-0700, After the initial announcement select (0) for FAQ in Spanish, or select 7 for FAQ's in English then select 6.