What is one of the key roles of a landlord in the HCV program?

One of the key roles of a landlord in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is to provide housing that meets the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s requirements. This involves ensuring that the property adheres to the necessary health and safety standards, as outlined in the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). Landlords are responsible for maintaining their properties to these standards so that they remain safe and habitable for tenants receiving housing assistance.

By fulfilling this role, landlords contribute to the overall effectiveness of the HCV program, as it ensures that beneficiaries have access to decent and affordable housing. Meeting HUD’s requirements is crucial because it helps to protect the well-being of tenants and supports the program's goal of providing safe living environments for low-income families.

While landlords have other responsibilities, such as managing security deposits and entering into lease agreements, these tasks are secondary to ensuring that the housing they provide is up to code with HUD standards.