🌟 HCV Steps to Success: Your Housing Journey
Welcome to your one-stop guide for navigating your Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) assistance. Whether you’re preparing for your annual recertification, reporting a change, planning a move, or getting ready for inspection — this page breaks everything down into simple steps so you always know exactly what to do next.
🗂️ Choose Your Path:
Step 1: Watch for Your Notice
-
Sent 120 days before your due date.
-
Appears in your ** Rent Café account**, by email, and by mail.
-
You must respond even if you do not receive the mailed copy.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
-
Proof of income for all adult household members
-
Bank statements (all accounts)
-
Childcare, school, disability, or medical expense documentation (if applicable)
-
Updated IDs or Social Security cards for new household members
💡 Tip: Make sure your documents are clear and complete before uploading.
Step 3: Submit Your Documents
-
Upload via Rent Café (Preferred)
-
OR submit via email or drop off at the front desk
Include your full name and updated contact info.
Step 4: Respond to Requests
-
Your Housing Advisor may request missing documents
-
Respond within 7 business days
Step 5: Review Your Rent Portion Letter
-
Watch your email, mail, or Rent Café account for the final amount
-
Contact your Housing Advisor if something appears incorrect
Important Reminders
-
Keep copies of everything you submit
-
Report all income/household changes within 10 days
-
Late documents can delay or end assistance
Step 1: Know When to Report (Within 10 Days)
Report when:
-
You start or end a job
-
Your income increases or decreases
-
Your household size changes
-
Childcare or medical expenses change
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Depending on the change, you may need:
-
Pay stubs or employer letter
-
Termination letter
-
Birth/marriage/legal documents
-
Updated childcare or medical expense info
Step 3: Submit Your Interim Request
-
Log into Rent Café → Submit Interim Change
-
Upload documents and include a brief explanation
-
Or email or drop off at the front desk
Step 4: Processing Time
-
Up to 30 days
-
You will receive a Rent Portion Letter if your amount changes
Step 5: Confirm Your Update
-
Review the Rent Portion Letter for accuracy
-
Save all documents for your records
Important Reminders
-
Failure to report can result in repayment or loss of assistance
-
Keep email, phone number, and mailing address updated
Step 1: Notify PCHA Before You Move
-
Get written approval first
-
Submit a Request to Move form
-
Provide 30-day notice to your landlord
⚠️ Do not sign a new lease or move out before approval
Step 2: Attend a Briefing (If Required)
-
Some moves require a move briefing
-
Bring Request to Move form and lease info
Step 3: Wait for Approval
-
If eligible, you’ll receive a Moving Packet or Port Packet
-
Includes affordability info, inspection requirements, deadlines
Step 4: Submit the RFTA (Request for Tenancy Approval)
-
Give packet to your future landlord to complete
-
Unit must pass inspection before move-in
Step 5: Move & Update Information
-
Move in after inspection passes and HAP contract is signed
-
Update your mailing address and utilities
Important Reminders
-
You cannot owe unpaid rent or damages to your current landlord
-
Keep utilities on until your move-out is final
-
Port transfers take 30–45 days
Step 1: Review Your Inspection Notice
-
Notices sent by email, mail, and Rent Café
-
Required for move-ins and annually
Step 2: Prepare the Home
-
All utilities turned on
-
Smoke detectors working
-
No tripping hazards
-
Windows/doors working properly
💡 Cleanliness does not fail an inspection — safety does.
Step 3: During the Inspection
-
Takes 30–45 minutes
-
Inspector checks electrical, plumbing, safety items
Step 4: After the Inspection
-
Pass: Landlord receives approval
-
Fail: You and landlord receive a deficiency list
Step 5: Re-Inspection
-
Landlord usually has 30 days to complete repairs
Important Reminders
-
Tenants handle minor items (bulbs, batteries)
-
Landlords must fix structural issues
-
Missing your inspection may affect your assistance
📋 Quick Reference Checklist
| Process | What You Need to Do | Deadline |
| Annual Recertification | Upload documents through Rent Café | 120 days before recert date |
| Interim Change | Report changes + upload documents | Within 10 days |
| Move / Port | Request approval before moving | 30+ days before move |
| Inspection | Ensure utilities on + access provided | Day of inspection |
Call 727-443-7684 or log into your Rent Café Tenant Portal for updates.