Baltimore Landlord’s Guide to the Housing Choice Voucher Program

Considering a voucher holder for your Baltimore City rental? This guide walks you through how the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) process works—from application to move-in—so you know what to expect before you get started. Prepared as a general informational resource; HABC/HUD rules and forms control if requirements change.

How a New Voucher Move Works

Once a voucher holder selects a property, the landlord or authorized agent submits a complete Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) packet to HABC. A complete packet helps keep the process moving.

1. RFTA Review

   HABC reviews the RFTA, ownership documents, and lease. HABC’s 2026 packet estimates 7 business days for eligibility review.

2. Inspection

   After RFTA eligibility, HABC schedules an inspection of the rent-ready unit—typically within 3 business days.

3. Rent Determination

   After the unit passes inspection, HABC analyzes comparable units, the proposed rent, and family affordability to determine the contract rent.

4. Rent Acceptance

   The owner reviews HABC’s rent offer. The RFTA may be closed if the offer isn’t accepted within the stated response window.

5. Lease + HAP Contract

   HABC schedules lease signing and sends the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract. Executed documents are returned to HABC.

6. Move Authorized

   After execution, the move is authorized. The first HAP payment and any applicable security deposit/landlord incentive are issued within 30 calendar days of move-in.

   Important: Do not allow move-in before authorization. Before the family moves in, the unit must pass inspection, the owner must accept the rent offer, and the lease and HAP Contract must be signed and returned to HABC.

Landlord Document Checklist

HABC’s 2026 RFTA packet lists the following documents. Some items apply only to new ownder or specific ownership/management arrangements.

• HUD Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA) form

• Disclosure of Information for Pre-1978 Housing Rentals and Leases

• Direct Deposit Authorization Form + IRS Form W-9 (new HCV property owners only)

• Affidavit of Ownership

• Property Owner Certification Form

• Management Authorization Form (if applicable)

• Joint Property Ownership Authorization Form (if applicable)

• Photo ID (new HCV property owners only)

• EIN documentation on IRS letterhead (business payee) OR Social Security card (individual payee)

Tip: HABC’s direct deposit instructions require a copy of photo ID plus a voided check or a letter from your financial institution verifying routing and account numbers.

Preparing the Property

Rent-ready condition: The unity must meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and be ready for immediate occupancy. Repairs and reinspection may be required if a unit fails; repeated failures can stop the move process.

Lead-based paint: For housing built before 1978, federal lead disclosure requirements apply. Units with outstanding Baltimore City lead orders aren’t eligible for lease under the HCV Program until proof of closed orders is submitted.

Requested vs. approved rent: Your requested rent inst automatically the final contract rent—HABC reviews comparables and family affordability to determine a reasonable rent.

Screening is still on you: The voucher program doesn’t replace tenant screening. Suitability and reference checks remain solely the property owner’s responsibility.

No side payments: Rent-related agreements must go through HABC. No additional unapproved amounts outside the lease/program requirements.

After Approval: Lease, Payments & Owner Responsibilities

The lease and HAP Contract: HUD’s tenancy addendum/HAP requirements apply. Keep copies of all executed documents.

How rent is paid: HABC pays the Housing Assistance Payment to the owner. The tenant remains responsible for collecting their portion—that responsibility falls to the owner, not HABC.

During the tenancy:

• Keep the unity in compliant condition and address required repairs

• Notify HABC promptly if the unit becomes vacant

• Get HABC approval for changes requiring program approval, including rent changes

• Don’t add unauthorized residents outside HABC requirements

• Follow the lease, HAP Contract, fair housing requirements, and applicable landlord-tenant law

Quick-Start Checklist

Use this as a simple pre-submission check before uploading the RFTA packet:

• The property owner is open to the Housing Choice Voucher tenancy

• The applicant has been screened using the owner’s normal, lawful criteria

• The unit is rent-ready and prepared for HABC inspection

• Proposed rent and security deposit are identified

• All applicable owner/ownership documents are ready

• Lead disclosure/compliance documentation is ready, if applicable

• The complete RFTA packet is ready to upload through the HCV Owner Portal

Have a Baltimore City property available for a voucher holder?

Let’s connect—I can help facilitate communication and keep the real estate side of the process organized.

Kia-Lillian Hayes, REALTOR

(410) 645-0211 | kia@ththomes.com

eXp Realty | The Haghgoo Team

This guide summarizes selected information from the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC) 2026 Request for Tenancy Approval materials and is provided for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice, does not guarantee HABC approval, rent amount, inspection outcome, payment timing, or tenancy approval, and does not replace current HABC/HUD forms, policies, contacts, fair housing requirements, or Maryland/Baltimore landlord-tenant law. Owners should verify current requirements directly with HABC.