Residents

Resident News

HQS Inspection: Common Fail Items

March 9, 2021

Each assisted unit must pass Housing Quality Standards Inspection at initial move-in and periodically during tenancy. Below are common fail items of which each resident should be aware.

Utilities not turned on (All utilities must be on and all appliances and equipment operable.)
Missing light globes
Cracked/missing electrical switch plates and receptacle covers
Missing smoke detectors or smoke detectors missing batteries
Blocked egress (windows, doors) (At least one window must provide unobstructed egress from the room.)
Windows not operating properly, cracked or broken panes
Stove burners and/or oven inoperable (All knobs must be present and marked)
Refrigerator missing components or inoperable
Doors not weather tight with workable locks
Holes in walls/ doors
Excessively dirty carpet/walls

Report Changes in Income and Family Composition

August 5, 2020

Our regular offices hours are 8:00 – 5:00 Monday through Thursday and every other Friday. Currently, offices are closed to the public. You can report changes to your income or family composition and request assistance by contacting your Community Manager or HCV Manager by phone or email. BHA staff listing available here.

Family Responsibilities

All participants of must comply with the following guidelines.

Supply information determined necessary by BHA or HUD to administer the program, including completion of scheduled income reviews.
Report changes in family income or composition within ten (10) days.
Request BHA written approval to add any other family member as an occupant of the unit.
Supply any information requested by BHA to verify that the family is living in the unit or information related to family absence from the unit.
Pay your portion of rent, your utility bills and provide and maintain any appliances that the owner is not required to provide under the lease.
Promptly notify BHA in writing when the family is away from the unit for an extended period of time in accordance with BHA policies.
Allow BHA to inspect the unit at reasonable times and after reasonable notice.
Correct all damages beyond normal wear and tear, or tenant-caused damages, to the unit within the specified time frame.
Notify BHA and the owner in writing before moving out of the unit or terminating the lease.
Use the assisted unit as the only residence of the family.
Promptly notify the BHA in writing of the birth, adoption, or court-awarded custody of a child.
Request BHA written approval to add any other family member as an occupant of the unit.
Promptly notify BHA in writing if any family member no longer lives in the unit.
Give BHA a copy of any owner eviction notice.
Not allow anyone other than the family members approved for your household live in your assisted unit.
Not sublease or let the unit or assign the lease or transfer the unit.
Not receive project-based voucher assistance while receiving another housing subsidy for the same unit or a different unit under any other Federal, State or local housing assistance program.
Not commit any serious or repeated violations of the lease.
Not commit fraud, bribery or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with the program.
Not breach a repayment agreement with BHA.
Not engage in drug-related or violent criminal activity at or away from the assisted unit. Additionally, a guest of the family may not engage in drug or criminal activity at the assisted unit.
Not engage in abuse of alcohol in a way that threatens the health, safety or right of peaceful enjoyment of the other residents and persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises.

Community-Based Rental Assistance

Choice Mobility

After living in a Housing Authority unit for one year, residents have the option to request a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) in the private market. BHA will issue available vouchers in date and time order of the requests.

If you have been in your unit at least one year and are interested in exercising Choice Mobility, please contact your Community Manager for more information.

FAQs

When is rent due? When is it late?

Rent is due on the 1^st of the month, late after the 5^th. A $40 late fee is assessed on the 6^th of the month if rent has not been paid.

Can I pay rent online?

No. Currently, you must pay your rent by mail or drop box.

Why am I being charged maintenance fees?

Maintenance fees are charged when the unit has been damaged beyond normal wear and tear.

Can I move during my lease term?

Your lease is a contract. You must abide by the terms of your lease and give proper notice to move.

Can I have a pet?

Please review the Animal Addendum of your lease for details on the rules regarding animals, including service animals.

Am I responsible for trash in my yard?

Yes, it is your responsibility to keep the area around your unit free of trash and looking nice for your family and your community.

Tenant Based Vouchers

Portability

Tenants may choose to transfer or “port” their voucher when they move to a location outside of the city of Biloxi. In this instance, BHA is the “initial” PHA, and the PHA that has jurisdiction where the tenant will be moving is called the “receiving” PHA. The receiving PHA must administer the voucher, although it has the choice of absorbing the cost of the ported voucher or billing the initial PHA.

If you are interested in exercising portability, please contact your HCV Case Manager for more information.

To search for available units, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What must I do to keep my Housing Choice Voucher?

Follow the rules and regulations of the housing program, including the annual recertification and HQS requirement, and adhere to the lease.

My unit needs a repair. What should I do?

Repairs should be reported to your landlord in writing, with a copy provided to BHA. If repairs are not completed in a timely manner, the BHA will contact the landlord and may schedule an inspection with the family.

What should I do if I want to move?

Complete an Intent to Vacate form. Once the form is returned, BHA will confirm good standing with the landlord and issue a voucher and Owner Packet.

How do I get my security deposit back when I move?

Return the unit to the owner in good condition. Clean the unit thoroughly and return the keys.

Can I have a pet?

Please review the Animal Addendum of your lease for details on the rules regarding animals, including service animals.

Am I responsible for trash in my yard?

Yes, it is your responsibility to keep the area around your unit free of trash and looking nice for your family and your community.

Residents

Resident News

HQS Inspection: Common Fail Items

Report Changes in Income and Family Composition

Family Responsibilities

Community-Based Rental Assistance

FAQs

Tenant Based Vouchers

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