RLRA at Your Property

The leasing process timeline can vary depending on a variety of factors, the most important is communication.

Process

1. Household Applies

2. Application Decision

3. If approved, the RFTA and LBPD need to be completed and signed by the property.

4. Next, Home Forward will schedule a HQS inspection

5. After an approved inspection, the ARA will be sent for signing

To speed up this process, we always recommend the landlord and service provider take an active role in facilitating communication with Home Forward.

Best practices

1. Immediately upon application approval, notify Home Forward to receive the RFTA and LBPD - the Home Forward representative’s contact information can be found in the RLRA Award Letter submitted with the application.

2. When returning the signed RFTA and LBPD, share available times over the next 10 business days to schedule the inspection.

3. Stay on the same email chain, this keeps information in one place. Include the tenant, service provider, and Home Forward when possible.

4. Save all Home Forward tenant documents in one place.

5. Complete a pre-move-in condition form - this may be required to have repair costs reimbursed through Risk Mitigation. Take pictures when possible.

Home Forward uses a database of comparable properties to determine if a unit has a fair market rent. They reference amenities, property type, utility responsibility, and location among other market factors.

The lease, rent increase notices, lease violations, non-payment notices, and eviction notices must be shared with Home Forward.

Home Forward must receive 90-day notice for rent increases.

You can find the full list of requirements in the Agreement for Rental Assistance (ARA) Contract signed before move-in. A copy can also be request for Home Forward. When in doubt, share it with Home Forward.

Home Forward’s portion of rent is either mailed or transferred via ACH. Payment is considered received the next business day after mailing. Home Forward’s portion cannot be subject to late fees.

The household’s portion is paid using a method established in the lease on the timeline required in the lease. Household’s portion can be subject to late fees.

The utility subsidy is determined using the most recent Utility Allowances Schedule from Home Forward. These amounts are updated annually.

Households with an income are provided the subsidy as a reduction in their rent portion. Households without income are mailed a check each month.

RLRA households cannot be required to have renter’s insurance as they fall below 50% AMI per ORS 90.222.

However, households may receive financial support from their Supportive Housing Service Provider or may personally obtain a policy in compliance with the lease requirements.

You have a variety of options to resolve challenges.

Depending on the situation you may contact:

• Landlord Liaison team. We act as a first line to most quickly resolve nearly any issue. Save time, contact us.

• The household’s Supportive Housing Service Provider (household’s case manager)

• Home Forward Rent Assistance Specialist (Home Forward staff member assigned to household). Contact information can be found in the RLRA Award Letter.

The RLRA Risk Mitigation Program (RMP) provides financial reimbursement to properties for excessive costs incurred by RLRA households. It can cover costs like unpaid rent, utilities, or repairs that occur during or after tenancy. Documentation is required. Start a claim with us.

Yes! Risk Mitigation funds can be accessed during or up to 12 months after tenancy. Submit a request to get a claim started.

Yes. Households with an RLRA voucher pay a maximum of 28.5% of their income for rent and utilities. This means that at any property requiring a rent to income ratio of 3x or below, all RLRA households will income qualify.