Housing Choice Voucher Program

Currently more than 3,000 families receive Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and over 800 landlords participate in the very popular rental assistance program in Lexington. This program utilizes privately owned rental properties which are leased to voucher holders who pay the greater of $50.00 or 30% of their adjusted income or 10% of gross income, with the Housing Authority paying the balance based on comparable and reasonable rents with other unassisted units in the area. All units must meet Housing Quality Standards and the landlord must be willing to participate in the program.  The HCV program provides assistance for low income families in the private rental market through the Housing Assistance Payments Program.

HUD DELAYS NSPIRE FOR VOUCHER IMPLEMENTATION UNTIL 2026

According to the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), HUD sent an email notice to PHA executive directors extending the mandatory compliance date for the new voucher inspection protocol — NSPIRE-V or NSPIRE for vouchers — to February 1, 2027. The extension is being given to “ … give PHAs additional time to implement the requirements effectively.” The Department will provide additional guidance in the form of a PIH notice and notice in the Federal Register.

The email has additional information on the implementation of the new deadline. The extension applies to changes in the definition of Housing Quality Standards (HQS) from the NSPIRE final rule and the HOTMA final rule, though certain changes still remain in effect. The requirements for carbon monoxide and smoke alarms remain in place as those requirements are statutory in nature. Additionally, the lead-based paint visual assessment standards remain unchanged. Current HQS variations and alternative inspection methods remain in place (except for fuel-burning space heaters). Variations and alternative inspection methods must be re-reviewed the sooner of either the date when an agency implements NSPIRE-V or February 1, 2027.

LHA's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Department will not implement NSPIRE until 07/01/2026.  LHA HCV Department will continue using HQS standards until 07/01/2026. 

Advertising and locating property has never been easier!

The Housing Authority has partnered with GoSection8, which provides an enhanced program to list rental properties online. Listings are available to potential Housing Choice Voucher tenants seeking apartment units, duplexes, single-family homes or town homes in the private market. If you have any questions regarding registering, creating or viewing property listings, please contact the GoSection8 toll-free help line at 1-866-466-7328.

*Landlords click here to add your rental property.

*It is recommended that landlords add photos to their listings for better advertising and faster lease up.

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