This page provides a clear overview of how to rent with MainStreet Renewal using the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, commonly known as Section 8, including key requirements, timelines, and next steps to help you move forward with confidence.
We allow up to 30 days from application approval to lease start date. Should we experience any delayed responses from your caseworker that may affect this 30-day allowance, and/or your voucher expiration, we may ask for your assistance in contacting your caseworker for needed responses. Due to the timing associated with the Housing Choice Voucher approval process, HCV applicants will not be permitted to lease “Available Soon” homes as they are currently occupied, and MainStreet Renewal cannot complete a Request for Tenancy Approval (“RFTA”) form as the available dates for “Available Soon” homes are uncertain.
Housing Choice Vouchers must remain valid through the application approval process. Your voucher should have a minimum of 35 Days prior to expiration when you apply. If your voucher is due to expire before the application approval process has been completed or does not meet the 35-Day minimum requirement, you will be required to provide an updated voucher prior to approval.
Once MainStreet Renewal receives all required documentation and determines that the requested home is within the appropriate payment standards and affordability, the security deposit must be paid in FULL or a letter of intent from a third-party vendor must be provided. All letters of intent will be verified prior to approval and must contain the following information:
Rent reductions prior to the RFTA being sent are not optional nor guaranteed at any time in the process.
Further approval of the home is determined by the applicants’ eligibility by the Housing Authority, not MainStreet Renewal. The move-in date will be determined after the home passes required inspections and is approved by the Housing Authority and MainStreet Renewal. Guaranteed move-in dates will not be given prior to this approval. We require a move-in date within 30 days of final MainStreet Renewal and Housing Authority approval.
Select homes participate in affordable housing programs and may be subject to income restrictions. Eligibility depends on your household income and applicable program guidelines. Income limits vary by household size, and a third party will verify qualifications during the application process.
The maximum occupancy per home is two persons per bedroom, plus one*. For example, a one-bedroom home may have a maximum of three residents, and a two-bedroom home may have a maximum of five residents. Any residents who exceed these occupancy standards during their lease term will be required, upon the end of the current lease term, to either:
*Please note that occupancy guidelines do not apply to children under one year old.
Contact MainStreet Renewal for further details as Occupancy Guidelines are subject to local laws and Homeowners Association (“HOA”) requirements.
All individuals 18+ years of age residing in the home must complete the following:
These requirements must also be completed by any resident 18+ years of age added to the household during the lease term.
All applications are reviewed following established screening criteria and using services of TransUnion, a third-party screening provider, for credit and criminal background checks. You can obtain a copy of the screening report by contacting TransUnion directly. Visit TransUnion online at www.transunion.com.
During the application process, a credit report will be obtained for all leaseholder applicants to verify credit history and credit score. Credit report results, excluding the applicant’s income, will collectively determine rental eligibility.
Factors that can negatively affect rental eligibility per the results of a credit report include, but are not limited to (and subject to applicable law), the following:
A criminal background check will be completed for each applicant and occupant 18+ years of age. All criminal records are evaluated from the date of disposition, regardless of the applicant’s or occupant’s age at the time such offense was committed. The application will be denied for the following:
These requirements do not guarantee that residents or occupants currently residing in our homes have not been convicted of, or subject to, deferred adjudication for a felony, misdemeanor, or sex offense requiring registration under applicable law. Our ability to verify this information is limited to the information made available to us by the applicant and third-party screening service.
Each resident is required to provide evidence of a minimum of $100,000.00 personal liability insurance policy prior to their move-in date, which must remain in effect throughout the entire lease term. ‘MainStreet Renewal’ must be named as the ‘Interested Party’ on the policy at the time of the commencement of the lease and throughout the entirety of the lease term. MainStreet Renewal also offers an option to opt into a renters insurance policy with a third-party Assurant as an additional monthly cost.
For additional information on Renters Insurance requirements, please contact the local branch representative for further details.
Smoking or vaping is not permitted inside any of our homes.
We allow a maximum of four pets per property, subject to applicable HOA rules. Approval is required for each animal and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Some breeds are restricted, and charges may apply. Service or assistance animals are exempt from restrictions and charges. Learn more about our policies regarding pets.
A monthly pool service charge of $150 per household will be due in addition to the monthly rent if the home includes a pool. This charge is included in the marketing to make applicants aware of the charge. Please contact the local branch representative for further details.
Other monthly charges may apply depending on the characteristics of the home you choose. For additional information regarding other charges, please see the property listing or contact the local branch representative for further details.
Vehicles must remain operational throughout a lease term and must maintain current registration. In addition, all vehicles must be compliant with all state laws and municipal ordinances. Parking requirements of the municipality and HOA, if applicable, must be followed. Please contact the local branch representative for further details. Boats, trailers and any other non-ordinary vehicle or object parked outside are not permitted on the property at any time unless approved in writing by the Landlord.