What must a landlord do before the first rent payment is made under the Housing Choice Voucher program?

Before the first rent payment is made under the Housing Choice Voucher program, the landlord is required to complete and submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) to the Public Housing Authority (PHA). This step is essential as it notifies the PHA of the landlord's intention to rent a specific unit to a voucher holder and initiates the review process.

The RTA is crucial because it allows the PHA to ensure the chosen unit is eligible and meets the program's regulations. This process includes confirming that the rental agreement aligns with the program's requirements and that the property meets the necessary standards before any payments are made. The approval from the PHA must be obtained to proceed with the leasing process, making it a prerequisite for the housing assistance payment.

In this context, while the landlord must indeed sign a lease agreement and ensure the property meets HUD minimum standards, these steps occur after the RTA has been approved by the PHA. Providing a security deposit is typically a separate matter determined by the terms of the lease and state or local laws, rather than a requirement specific to the Housing Choice Voucher program prior to the first rent payment. Hence, completing and submitting the RTA is the correct answer as it establishes the necessary foundation for the subsequent steps