The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program provides rental assistance for low-income families
in the private rental market. It differs from our public housing program in that families rent in the
private market and live anywhere they choose in Wythe County.  Rental assistance makes
market rate housing affordable.  Participants normally pay no more than 30% of their monthly
adjusted income toward rent and utilities.  The Housing Assistance Payment, which comes
directly from Wytheville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, subsidizes the balance of the
rent to the property owner.    
The contract rent plus the cost of utilities equals a gross rent, for which Wythe County has
maximum allowable levels.  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
established the Fair Market Rent and a rent reasonableness survey  to ensure that properties
on the program compare equally to other properties in the locality.   The payment standard
amount is the maximum amount that a unit can rent for including the utility allowance.
A home selected for rent must also meet established Housing Quality Standards.  These
standards ensure that the property provides safe, decent, sanitary living conditions for the
family.  The property is inspected before inclusion in the HCV program, and then inspected
again annually to maintain the standards.  A certified inspector performs each inspection.
Renting in the Private Market
The Housing Choice Voucher Program