For an apartment to be leased by a Metro Housing|Boston Section 8 voucher holder, the apartment must meet the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the supplemental inspection requirements of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). For this reason, it is important to address inspectional issues accordingly as they are occurring and address matters with the tenant first. Units in which are not within HQS may result in termination of payments or termination in the HAP contract.
What is Metro Housing|Boston’s role when it comes to issues with the tenant and their unit?
Metro Housing|Boston’s role is program administration and confirming units meet Housing quality Standards in order to release housing assistance payments. Our role is not property management or lease enforcement, or case work. Our HAP Contract is between our agency and the owner, while the voucher is between the participant/tenant and our agency. The lease which is legally binding contract, is only between the owner and participant/tenant.
There has been a fire/flood or structural damage in the unit. What do I do?
The first step is to call 911 in the event of a fire. Our agency will then need a fire report from the fire department or applicable agency. We will conduct an inspection within 24 hours of receiving the report. If the inspection reveals the unit is uninhabitable, the tenant will be provided a voucher and allowed to relocate. If the unit is still habitable, the owner will be given time to make repairs. The time will vary depending on the condition of the unit.
There is mold in the unit. What do I do?
Any mold in the unit should be addressed with the tenant directly and a licensed professional for mold removal. This issue needs to be resolved within 30 days and our agency will conduct an inspections within the 30 days as it can have negative health effects on the family occupying the unit.
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