Tenant Rights
What document explains the rules between landlord and tenant?
What is a lease?
How many times do you need to recertify for the RAHP program every year?
Once a year.
What should you do before signing a lease?
Read it carefully and ask questions
Name one document you may need when applying for an apartment.
ID, pay stubs, references, etc.
What’s the general rule for the percentage of income you should spend on rent?
30% percent
True or False: A landlord must give notice before entering your home.
True
Does a person in the RAHP program have an assigned social worker? True or False
True, Case managers provide ongoing support, such as assertive engagement, home visits, and connections to community resources to help participants achieve and maintain housing stability.
Name one thing you should do to be a good tenant.
Pay rent on time, follow rules, keep unit clean, etc.
What fee do many landlords charge to check your background and credit?
An application fee
Name one fixed expense in a monthly budget.
Rent, Car payment, insurance
If your heat breaks in the winter, who is responsible for fixing it?
The landlord (essential repairs)
How long can a person stay in the RAHP program?
As long as they qualify, and there is funding.
What’s a good way to build a positive rental history?
Pay on time, good communication with landlord, following lease terms
If you can’t afford a security deposit, what’s one resource that may help?
Nonprofits, rental assistance programs, housing agencies
What’s the difference between a “need” and a “want” in budgeting?
Needs are essentials, wants are extras
What’s it called when a landlord tries to force you out without going through the court system?
A: An illegal eviction
What is the goal of the RAHP program?
Primary goal is to help individuals...
1. Maintain their housing
2. Improve their quality of life
3. Prevent future instances of homelessness.
If you know you will be late on rent, what’s the first thing you should do?
Contact your landlord right away
What’s the difference between subsidized housing and market-rate housing?
Subsidized = government or nonprofit help; Market-rate = full price
If you make $2,000 a month, how much should you plan to spend on housing?
$600.00 or 30%
What’s the minimum notice a landlord usually must give before raising rent or ending a month-to-month lease?
30 days (varies by state)
How do you qualify for the RAHP program?
Eligibility
1. Income
2. Experiencing homelessness
3. Having a qualifying disability, as defined by HUD and state/local guidelines.
Why is it important to keep copies of your lease and rent receipts?
To protect yourself in case of disputes.
When looking for an apartment, why is it important to check the neighborhood at different times of the day?
To see safety, noise, and activity levels
Name two strategies to cut back on spending when money is tight.
Cooking at home, reducing subscriptions, using coupons, etc.