The Program. The Enhanced Leasing Assistance Program is a managed, Tenant-Based Voucher Section 8 program. Tenant-Based vouchers allow eligible families to pay up to 40% of their incomes to rent good quality housing; the balance of the rent is paid directly to the landlords under the HCV program.
 

For Tenant-Based vouchers, the lease and contract may be extended if the landlord and tenant agree, or the landlord may choose not to renew at the end of the lease term. The initial term of the lease is one year, but renewals may be made on an annual or monthly basis.
 

The Participants. Program participants are non-elderly disabled individuals who seek the opportunity to live in a good safe neighborhood.
 

Case Management. The families receive training and counseling to prepare for moving ,as well as being a good tenant. A case manager is assigned to each ELA participant to develop an action plan to locate and rent housing. The case manager will also maintain contact with the ELA participant for six months after move-in and can help resolve any issues that arise during that time.
 

Benefits to the Landlord.

• Referral of a well-prepared individual who is motivated to be a good tenant and improve his housing and economic circumstances.

• If modification to the unit is necessary due to a reasonable accommodation need, there is a fund established to assist landlords make the necessary renovations.

• Landlords apply the same screening and selection criteria to program participants as they would other applicants. Although screening for drug and violent criminal behavior is done, ultimately the landlord is responsible for screening his own applicants.
   

Housing Stock. In addition to meeting program standards and the rent being reasonable, the housing units must be located in the City of Baltimore and be one bedroom units.

If you have questions about the Enhanced Leasing Assistance program, contact Stephanie Shirey at (410) 332-1874 or at sshirey@ihibalto.org.

22 Light Street, Suite 300 • Baltimore, MD 21202 • Phone (410) 332-9939 • Fax (410) 332-1577