Q: Are you accepting HCV Portability participants?

A:

Yes. We are accepting incoming Portability Requests. However, we are NOT absorbing at this time.

See: https://www.johnstonnc.gov/happ/content.cfm?pageid=portability and https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/HCV_Guidebook_Moves_and_Portability.pdf

Q: How do I report a change in my income or household composition?

A:

Please contact your Housing Specialist via email, phone or through your online Tenant Portal. You may also stop by the office to fill out a Change Form in person.

Note: It is likely you will be asked to provide additional documentation depending on the type of change you are requesting (pay stubs, proof of termination, marriage documents, birth certificates, social security cards, etc). Be prepared to provide what your Housing Specialist will need to complete the change.

Q: Does Johnston Co HAPP (JCHAPP) do screening?

A:

Only for criminal, sex offender, and if an applicant or Port In owes another agency or HCV Landlord money. We use guidance provided via HUD and adopted through the JCHAPP Administrative Plan.

Q: Can Landlords set their own screening criteria for items such as credit, criminal, rental history, etc.?

A:

YES! Landlords are encouraged to develop their own screening criteria as long as it doesn’t violate any federal Fair Housing standards.

See: https://www.justice.gov/crt/fair-housing-act-1 or https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/fair-housing-act-overview#The_Fair_Housing

Q: How often is my property inspected?

A:

Prior to moving in your property must undergo and pass an Initial Inspection. Afterwards, you will be subject to a new Annual Inspection every 11-12 months. In addition, HUD requires a certain percent of properties to undergo a Quality Control Inspection. Units chosen for QC inspections are chosen at random, and Tenants will receive a separate notice for these from JCHAPP.

Please note, properties that fail the Annual or QC inspections will be subject to a re-inspection once the necessary repairs are made. JCHAPP uses HQS and NSPIRE standards as set forth by HUD.

See: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/NSPIRE%20HCV%20Checklist.pdf and https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/52580.pdf

Q: Can my landlord require or conduct additional inspections?

A:

Yes. The owner/landlord can set up any kind of inspection schedule they wish for their property. NC General Statutes do not set a specific time period for tenants to be given for notice of entry for inspections or repairs. Refer to your lease agreement for any time/notice requirements.

See: https://ipropertymanagement.com/laws/north-carolina-landlord-entry-rights.

Q: Are you allowing participants to Port out to another agency?

A:

Yes, under certain circumstances. At this time our office has been designated as being in shortfall. Therefore, if you are trying to port to a higher cost area the receiving agency must absorb your voucher. Otherwise, a participant will not be able to port to that area. You must also be in good standing to Port Out.

See: https://www.johnstonnc.gov/happ/content.cfm?pageid=portability and https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/HCV_Guidebook_Moves_and_Portability.pdf

Q: What are the Payment Standards in Johnston County based on HUD’s FMR (Fair Market Rents)?

A:

Check the HAPP Portability page or directly from HUD's website without the percentage adjustments.

Q: Where can I find a list of affordable apartments in Johnston County and other areas in NC?

A:

See the NC Housing Search website.

Q: Does your office rent properties or have apartments?

A:

No. We do not own or rent any type of property. We only assist in subsidizing rent for participants who have a HCV (Housing Choice Voucher).

Q: Do you assist with light bills, security deposits, or delinquent rent?

A:

No. Please contact agencies such as the Department of Social Services, Johnston Lee Harnett Community Action, Salvation Army, and other local churches or agencies. Some of these will have funds, or will know where you can apply for funds for assistance with these items.

Q: Is your waiting list open?

A:

Not at this time. When we intend to open our waiting list the information will be posted on the front page of our website, on the Johnston county website under announcements, and in a local publication(s).

Q: I am on the Waiting List. How can I find my position?

A:

How can I find my position? You can sign into your portal or register for one at https://www.johnstonnc.gov/happ/content.cfm?pageid=change to find your position. You can also upload required documents through your portal.

Q: How much will my portion of rent be?

A:

It changes with your income, type of housing, etc. Generally, participants pay around 30% of their adjusted monthly income. Some may pay up to 40%. It differs per household, income, location, utilities, size/cost of property, etc.

See: HUD HCV Guidebook