Frequently Asked Questions
If you are participating in the King County Housing
Authority’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, you may have
questions about the program from time to time. KCHA wants to help you by
providing answers
here to the most frequently asked questions.
What is the King County Housing Authority’s jurisdiction?
The King County Housing Authority administers all Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers for units in King County, outside incorporated Renton and Seattle. If you have other questions, please consult the staff directory for assistance.
What are my responsibilities?
You have a number of responsibilities to your landlord and to the Housing Authority. Complete list of responsibilities.
What are Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections?
Housing Quality Standards inspections ensure that units meet HUD standards for safety. More information about HQS inspections.
Can I move from my unit and still keep my voucher?
Yes, you can move after the initial 12-month lease term. More information about moving while participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice voucher program.
What rights do I have if the property where I live goes into forclosure?
On May 20, 2009, a new federal law protecting your rights became law. Section 8 housing choice voucher tenants have new rights regarding eviction from units that have been foreclosed upon. Find out more by reading the Tenant Foreclosure Notice (pdf).
Tenant Foreclosure Notice (html)
What do I do if I believe a landlord
is illegally discriminating against me?
Illegal discrimination should not
prevent you from seeking to live in a particular location. Fair Housing laws
make it illegal for somebody to
discriminate
against groups of people because they have certain characteristics. Federal
law forbids
any building owner or landlord from discriminating because of race, color,
sex, religion, national origin, disability or presence of children in
one’s
household. In some parts of King County, it is also illegal to discriminate
because of Section 8 status.
It is important to remember that not all
discrimination is illegal. For example, a landlord has the right to deny
you a rental unit if you have
bad credit
history, insufficient income to pay the rent or if you have more family
members than
the unit can hold.
In general, landlords should apply the same rules
and requirements when screening all applicants. If you suspect illegal discrimination
or want
more information
on fair housing, contact the local HUD Fair Housing Office at 206-220-5170
or 1-800-877-0246. You may also access information online .
King County’s Office of Civil Rights also
has information about fair housing.