Housing Assistance Payments (HAP)
Housing Assistance Payments are mailed to the landlords on the last day of the month (i.e. February HAP is mailed on January 31st). If the last day falls on a weekend or holiday, they will be mailed the next business day.
Tenants are responsible for paying their portion directly to the landlord.
Please become familiar with the HAP Contract*. HRA staff will prepare this document and will obtain signatures when appropriate.
National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE)
NSPIRE is a new HUD initiative that replaces Housing Quality Standards (HQS). NSPIRE aims to improve the safety and habitability of HUD-assisted housing. The program establishes three inspectable areas: Unit, Inside, and Outside, streamlining the inspection process and identifying where deficiencies are located.
NSPIRE’s Mission is to ensure that all residents live in safe, habitable dwellings, the items and components located inside the building, outside the building, and within the units of HUD housing must be functionally adequate, operable, and free of health and safety hazards.
The goal of NSPIRE:
- Align housing quality expectations across HUD programs
- Prioritize health and safety of residents
- Less focus on appearance
- Increased emphasis on the unit
- Modernize HUD’s inspection process
HUD has put out instructional videos to assist and provide guidance related to the application of NSPIRE standards for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program. To learn more, watch the NSPIRE Inspection videos. CLICK HERE
An NSPIRE inspection will review the items listed on the NSPIRE HCV Checklist. CLICK HERE to access the checklist.
CLICK HERE to view the NSPIRE Final Standards Publised June 22, 2023.
Payment Standards and Rent Reasonableness
To determine what the current rates established by HUD are based on bedroom size, and for an explanation of what rent reasonableness is, please see Payment Standards and Rent Reasonableness.
Listing of Available Rental Units
If you have information regarding an upcoming vacancy in one of your rental properties, you may send that information to our office to be posted for potential tenants to view. Please send the pertinent information regarding the unit (unit size, location, rent amount, and availability date) by email to info@itascacountyhra.org or by fax to 218-326-8031.
Fair Housing Laws
For information regarding Fair Housing Laws, please visit HUD.gov or click here.
