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ZZZ-Landlords

About the Program

To address the shortage of safe, decent, and affordable housing in our community, the Falmouth Housing Authority (FHA) works in partnership with local landlords through the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, commonly known as Section 8.

The HCV Program provides rental subsidies that help eligible participants secure housing in the communities where they work, where their children attend school, and where they have established support networks. Participants may include elderly households, families with children, individuals with disabilities, and working families who may not otherwise be able to maintain stable housing in today’s rental market.

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Landlord Resources

Landlord Resources

New Tenant Lease-Up

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract & Lease Requirements

Once a landlord and voucher participant agree to enter into a lease, the lease-up process begins.

Landlords must provide their own lease agreement. FHA will supply the required HUD Tenancy Addendum, which must be reviewed and signed along with other required documents.

Landlords must sign a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract with the Falmouth Housing Authority. This contract governs the subsidy payments made on behalf of the participant.

A copy of the fully executed lease must be provided to FHA for review. FHA is not a party to the lease but is required to receive and review it.

FHA conducts a briefing for the landlord and the participant to finalize documentation and review program requirements. Briefings are typically held separately but may be conducted jointly if preferred. FHA’s goal is to support stable, long-term tenancies by ensuring that all program requirements are clearly understood at the outset.

Rent Increase Requests (Existing Tenancy)

Landlords with an existing Housing Choice Voucher tenancy may request a rent increase, subject to program rules and approval by the Falmouth Housing Authority.

Timing Requirements

Rent increases may be requested once per year at the anniversary of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Contract. Rent increases are not permitted during the initial lease term.

Notice Requirement

A written rent increase request must be submitted to FHA at least 60 days prior to the HAP Contract anniversary date. Approved rent increases generally take effect on the first day of the month following the 60-day notice period, or on a later requested date if applicable.

Required Submission

Rent increase requests must include:

  • A written request stating the tenant name, unit address, current rent, proposed rent, and requested effective date.
  • A completed Rent Reasonable Form.
  • Comparable rent information, if requested by FHA.

FHA Review Process

FHA reviews all rent increase requests for compliance with program requirements. Rent reasonableness is re-determined prior to approval. The unit must be HQS-compliant at the time of the request. FHA will notify the landlord and the tenant in writing of its decision.

If Approved

If approved, FHA will process the rent increase based on the approved effective date. All approved rents remain subject to HUD rent reasonableness requirements.

A downloadable flowchart outlining the rent increase process is available on this page for landlord reference.

Landlords (HCV Program)

Landlords or property owners interested in working with the Falmouth Housing Authority are encouraged to contact us.

Phone: (508) 548-1977
Email: info@falmouthhousing.org

Upon request, FHA will provide The Owner’s Handbook: A Guide to the Housing Choice Voucher Program for Owners and Property Managers. The Falmouth Housing Authority participates in the Nan McKay subscription service; Nan McKay is the author of this guide.