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General

How long is the wait for the open wait list?
The wait list will vary by property. Please contact the individual property for more information.

If your income changes after you have moved into your unit, does your rent then change?
It may. If your income changes, notify your property manager within 10 days, so they can determine if a change is needed.

Are utilities included?
This will vary by property. Please contact the individual property for more information.

Where can I pay my rent?
Click here to find the Rent Payment Center that’s closest to you. 

Housing Choice Voucher Program

What is the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
The actual name of the program commonly known as “Section 8” is the Housing Choice Voucher Program. It is a federally funded program that subsidizes rents for eligible participants who rent units in the private market. It is designed to assist extremely to very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled to rent decent, safe and sanitary housing. A housing subsidy is paid directly to the landlord on behalf of a participating family.

Am I eligible for a Housing Choice Voucher?
Eligibility is based on total annual gross income and family size. Eligibility is also limited to U. S. citizens and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status. Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) is based on Fair Market Rents and Payment Standard guidelines issued by HUD to determine contract rents. See our “Where to Start” page to see what housing programs you may qualify for. In addition, criminal background checks will be conducted on all family members 16 years of age or older.

How can I apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program?
You must first check to see if our wait list is currently open- as of today it is not. We will update our website with any announcement openings. If the wait list is open, there will be further information explaining how to apply.

How long will I have to wait to get my voucher?
Unfortunately, the need for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers far exceeds their availability. When vouchers are available, applicants will be selected from the Housing Choice Voucher wait list.

What if I move while I am on the waiting list?
Be sure to go into the Applicant Portal and update your application. If you do not have internet access, you must notify us of the change by sending it to us in writing. The address is P.O. Box 36795 Charlotte, NC 28236.

What happens when I am chosen for a Housing Choice Voucher?
Once your name reaches the top of the waiting list, you will be notified by mail. The notice will provide detailed information regarding what you will need to provide.

What are Housing Quality Standards?
Our housing inspectors inspect units according to minimum habitability and program requirements as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Charlotte Mecklenburg County’s Inspection Department. These standards are collectively referred to as Housing Quality Standards (HQS).

Housing Quality Standards were developed to ensure that all homes leased under Section 8 will be safe, decent and sanitary. It is important to remember that these are minimum standards, and that under North Carolina law, all rental properties must meet State Sanitary Codes as well.

Can a Housing Choice Voucher unit contain lead paint?
If a child is under six years of age, the owner must provide us with a certification that the unit has been inspected and is free or properly abated of Lead-Based Paint or that the property was built after December 31, 1977.

How long do I have to stay in the apartment that I chose?
The initial lease cannot be less than 12 months. A landlord can choose to establish an initial lease longer than 12 months. After the initial 12 months, the lease term whether month to month or a certain amount of years is the decision of the provider. INLIVIAN does have a policy that participants must remain in their unit for at least 18 months unless the landlord has given them notice to vacate or some other approved waiver is provided in writing.

How much rent will I have to pay?
At the briefing, you will learn how the amount of your rental subsidy is calculated based on the appropriate Payment Standard (PS). The amounts will differ depending on how many bedrooms your family is eligible for. You must pay 30% of your monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities. A utility allowance is determined by the bedroom size unit you are eligible for. By law however, a family that moves into a new unit can pay up to 40% of its adjusted monthly income for rent. All tenant rental amounts are determined by INLIVIAN and you must not pay more than what is indicated by your Housing Specialist or you could be terminated from the program.

You pay your share of rent to the owner on the first of the month just like you would if you didn’t have a voucher. The remaining balance of the Contract Rent will be sent to your landlord through our direct deposit set up.

Will I have to pay a security deposit?
If the Owner/Agent requires a security deposit, and most do, you must pay the amount to the Owner/Agent. INLIVIAN does not pay security deposits. The amount of the security deposit should follow the state legislation. At the time of this update, that is no more than two month’s rent.

Will the rent increase?
After the first year, owners can request rent increases. The request is sent in writing to us at least sixty days prior to the effective date. Rent increase requests are reviewed to make sure it is reasonable. If sufficient funding is available and the request is reasonable, the change is made automatically. If the increase exceeds the reasonable amount, the owner has the opportunity to negotiate an acceptable increase. If the owner won’t negotiate the increase they may decide not to renew your lease, and you will have to find a new home when the lease expires.

What if there is a change in my family?
The lease lists all of the people who will live in the apartment. You, your landlord and INLIVIAN must agree in writing to add or subtract people from your household. The owner or INLIVIAN is not obligated to allow you to add family members, unless someone already on your lease has a child through birth, adoption or foster care.

What if there is a change in my income?
Any time the income of any household member changes, you must notify INLIVIAN and provide us with documentation of the change within ten days. Failure to notify us could result in you owing us. As a Moving to Work agency, INLIVIAN has elected that all income increases must be reported; however, the rental portion will not increase until your next recertification.

What if I want to move?
You must remain in the rental unit for at least 18 months, unless you have been authorized to move sooner based on written documentation such as landlord notice to vacate or unit is in abatement. If you elect to move, you must come to the INLIVIAN office during walk in days/times to begin the transfer process. You will need to give notice as it is spelled out in your lease. Please allow ample time to go through paperwork processing, transfer voucher and search amount issuance, securing a new unit and having it pass inspection as you determine how much time to factor in to your notice. Most families are successful with a 60 day notice, when they do not have a unit approved at the time of request.

Can I move out of North Carolina?
Yes. A Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holder may take the voucher anywhere in the United States where a Public Housing Authority administers a tenant-based voucher program. This process is called portability.

In order to move, you must give proper notice to your landlord and INLIVIAN

Notify your Housing Specialist that you wish to move to another state.

Have a place in mind and preferably have the name of a Housing Authority in that area that administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.

INLIVIAN will send a portability package to the receiving Housing Agency, which would include a new 60-day Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. At this time, you should be in the jurisdiction of the receiving Housing Agency and must make an appointment with them to determine eligibility in their area and to begin the process according to their standards.

Call the Portability Hotline number 704-336-8271.

Income Based (Low Income) Housing

Do you qualify?
We determine eligibility based on:
– Proof of full time employment (over 30 hours) for 6 months and income verification.
– Your ability to pass a credit, criminal and eviction background check
– Your annual gross income falls with in the year’s Annual Income Limit
– U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Family Self-Sufficiency program eligibility may be required

How do you apply?
If you are interested in applying for assisted housing that currently have open wait lists, please view our properties with open wait lists here.

What happens when you apply?
If you and your family are eligible, we will check references to ensure that you will be a good tenant. We must deny admission to any applicant whose habits and practices may be expected to have a detrimental effect on other tenants or on the community’s environment.

In addition to subsidizing living units for various family sizes, we offer assisted housing units that are specifically designated for seniors and young adults with disabilities.

After your application is accepted, you will be placed on a wait list, and wait list times will vary by property. Please make sure to keep your address updated with the property, so when your application reaches the top of the wait list, we can reach you.

Once you have reached the top of the waiting list, the Property will contact you to come into the site and bring ID, employment and income verification. The property will do a criminal, credit and rental history background check to ensure that you will be a good tenant. We must deny admission to any applicant whose habits and practices may be expected to have a detrimental effect on other tenants or on the community’s environment.

What INLIVIAN properties qualify as Income Base?
Click here to view INLIVIAN’s Income Based housing.

Can I apply to the main office or do I have to apply at the property?
Applications for the waiting list are accepted at the property if the waiting list is open. Use the “find housing” search feature to locate housing and a list of communities with an open waiting list will appear. Click on the property and you will see additional information about the community, including information on how to apply, including the location of the leasing office. Applications can be submitted in person or via mail.

If I have an eviction on my record does that disqualify?
Each Property has different requirements when reviewing an applicant’s credit, criminal and rental history, so the best answer will come directly from the property you are applying for. A few things worth generally noting: 1) An eviction in the past may not disqualify the household depending on the length of time since. 2) A balance owed to a former landlord or Housing Authority will likely disqualify the household. 3) In many communities, if a household is initially disqualified, they have the right to an informal hearing if requested timely to present additional information regarding the application.

Is the online application good for all of INLIVIAN’s properties?
No, you will need to complete a separate application for each community you are interested in.

Does INLIVIAN provide emergency or temporary housing?
No, INLIVIAN does not provide emergency or temporary housing.

All agencies providing emergency services to homeless individuals and families or to those who are at risk of becoming homeless participate in Coordinated Assessment so you only need to go to one of the three agencies listed below if you are homeless now or you believe you will become homeless within the next 72 hours. All three agencies have access to all services so, for example, a homeless woman with children can be assessed at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte.

– Men’s Shelter of Charlotte:  1210 North Tryon Street, (704) 334-3187
– Urban Ministry Center:  935 N. College Street, (704) 347-0278
– Salvation Army Center of Hope:  534 Spratt Street, (704) 348-2560

Mixed-Incoming Housing

Do you qualify?
We determine eligibility based on:
– Proof of full-time employment (over 30 hours) for 6 months and income verification.
– Your ability to pass credit, criminal and eviction background checks
– Your annual gross income falls within the year’s Annual Income Limits
– U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Family Self-Sufficiency program eligibility may be required

How do you apply?
1. If you are interested in applying for mixed income housing, please view our properties with open wait lists here.
2. INLIVIAN utilizes a site-based wait list system. Applicants must complete a separate rental application for each apartment community they are interested in.
3. Visit the property to complete an application. Although the quickest way to apply for mixed-income housing is to visit the property in person, you may also mail in your completed application directly to the property.
4. The property manager will conduct an initial review of the application and determine which waiting lists, if any, you are eligible to be placed on. Wait list times will vary by property. Please make sure to keep your address updated with the property, so when your application reaches the top of the wait list, we can reach you.
5. When your application reaches the top of the wait list, the property will do a background, criminal and credit check. If you pass all three, the property manager will determine your security deposit amount and schedule a move-in date once the deposit is submitted.

Workforce Housing

Do you qualify?
We determine eligibility based on your ability to pass a credit, criminal and eviction background checks.

How do you apply?
1. If you are interested in applying for workforce or market housing that currently have availability, please view our properties with open wait lists here.
2. Choose which apartment community where you would like to apply.
3. Visit the property to apply on site and bring ID, employment and income verification. Although the quickest way to apply is to visit the property in person, you may also mail in you completed application directly to the property.
4. The property will do a background, criminal and credit check. If you pass all three the property manager will let you know if there is an immediate opening or if you will be placed on a wait list for the property. After your application is accepted, you will be placed on a wait list, and wait list times will vary by property. Please make sure to keep your address updated with the property, so when your application reaches the top of the wait list, we can reach you.
5. Submit a deposit.

Resident Programs

General

Where can I pay my rent?
If you live in an INLIVIAN managed property, click here to find the Rent Payment Center that’s closest to you.

Greater Steps Scholars

When should I start the scholarship application process?
We encourage students to start the application process as early as 9th grade.

What is the first thing I should do to apply for a scholarship?
Schedule your initial interview with Youth Services Program Manager Millard McCluney by email or at 704-336-5782 and find out if you are eligible.

What if I am not interested in college planning with INLIVIAN?
We still encourage you to contact Mr. McCluney before you start the application process for your initial interview.

What makes me eligible for the Greater Steps Scholars program?
All Greater Steps Scholars applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a resident of public housing owned or managed by INLIVIAN (including the Housing Choice Voucher program) and be named as an occupant in the current lease for at least one year prior to the scholarship application deadline.

Applicants attending college, vocational or technical school for the first time must not be over 21 years of age as of September 1 of the school year for which the scholarship award is to be made. Applicants already attending or who have previously attended a college, vocational or technical school must not be over 24 years of age as of September 1 of the school year for which the scholarship award is to be made

Can I apply online?
Yes! Visit www.fftc.org and select “Scholarships”. You will be navigated to the Community Force online application system. Search to find the Greater Steps Scholars Scholarship Fund application.

What information do I need before I start the online application?
Your Official Transcript

Obtain the name and email address of the school official who will be responsible for uploading a copy of your official high school or college transcript. The transcript should reflect your most recently completed coursework. This may include high school transcripts, GED score report, or any post secondary transcripts. You will need to enter their information under the “Request” section of the application.

2015-2016 FAFSA (SAR Report)

Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Click on “Login”.
Login with your Name, SSN and Date of Birth.
Click on the “View Processed Information (PDF Version)”.
Enter your PIN.
Download the file called “FAFSA”. This is your SAR report.
Save the document as a PDF file.
Upload the PDF file to your online application under “Financial Information” icon.
Cost of Attendance for the college(s) you are applying. For more information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid of the college(s) you are applying
Reference Form – Names and email addresses of a teacher who knows you best and a non-school and non-related adult who has worked with you in a supervisory relationship. We strongly encourage you to make personal contact with all references prior to submitting his or her name on your online application. You will need to enter their information under the “Request” section of the application.
Prepare a list of extracurricular activities, community service, honors, awards, leadership and employment history. You will need to be prepared to input dates and descriptions. Please do not use abbreviations.
Personal Statement in which you develop your position on all of the topics below (Your online session will time-out so be sure to prepare your responses in Microsoft Word first, then copy and paste into the appropriate section in Community Force.):
Describe what your life’s goals and objectives are and how obtaining additional education or a college degree will further these goals and objectives.
Explain what qualifies you for this scholarship.
Describe your financial need for scholarship assistance.

Self-Sufficiency

What is the Self-Sufficiency program?
The family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program is designed to assist individuals and families in achieving the goal of employment in order to have enough income to meet their basic needs and help facilitate the transition from subsidized housing to market rate rental housing or homeownership. Participants work with a Case Manager to establish goals that will increase their income.

How do I join the Self-Sufficiency program?
The Self-Sufficiency program is mandatory at select housing communities. To join the Self-Sufficiency program, you must go directly to the community and request an application.

Current Housing Choice Voucher and public housing residents may also apply to the Self-Sufficiency program by downloading the application and submitting to our main office.

Where can I get an application?
Applications are located at the communities with supportive services. For the Self-Sufficiency Program or Housing Choice Voucher application click here and return to our main office at 400 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203.

What are some benefits of the program?
Program participants receive support from a Case Manager, transportation assistance, childcare assistance, referrals, and assistance with budgeting based on funding availability.

How do I qualify for the Self-Sufficiency program?
For the Self-Sufficiency program within a Mixed-Income property, you must have been employed continuously for at least six months, work a minimum of 30 hours per week at the time of application, or must be employed a minimum of 20 hours per week if in school or pursuing a trade. School and work hours must total no less than 30 hours per week. For Income-Based properties, applicants must be working able, or employed at a minimum of 15-hours per week.

Do I have the option to be a part of the Self-Sufficiency program or not?
Yes, residents have an option if they wish to participate in the program or not, however depending on the site, residents can receive a sanction for not participating in self-sufficiency or employment activities.

How long do I have to stay in the program?
The Self-Sufficiency program is 5 years. Participants may graduate or voluntarily withdraw from the program prior to the completion of the 5-year term. At sites with a mandatory Self-Sufficiency program, failure to comply with the Self-Sufficiency program could result in sanctions and/or termination from assisted housing.

Is the Self-Sufficiency program free?
Yes, there are no costs for participants to participate in the program.

Do I receive help with childcare and bus passes?
Yes. Childcare Assistance and Transportation Assistance are available based upon funding availability.

Let’s Do Business

General Procurement

I am a vendor and would like to do business with the INLIVIAN. Who should I contact?
We welcome new vendors and the most convenient means by which a vendor can register is by filling out the Online Vendor Registration Form at www.ebidexchange.com/cha

What is the purpose of doing a Competitive Solicitation?
To obtain the best price and highest quality service for the INLIVIAN.

What is the Competitive Solicitation threshold amount?
The Competitive Solicitation threshold amount is $2,000 for construction and $5,000 for goods and services.

Who should I contact regarding a Competitive Solicitation?
Go to the www.cha-nc.org or www.ebidexchange.com/cha.

Where can I obtain a copy of a INLIVIAN Solicitation?
Go to the Business Opportunities page or www.ebidexchange.com/cha.

What are the types of Competitive Solicitations?
– ITB – Invitation to Bid
– RFP – Request for Proposals
– RFQ – Request for Qualifications

Where can I find information on when a Competitive Solicitation opening is taking place?
Go to the Let’s Do Business page or log onto www.ebidexchange.com/cha.

Is insurance necessary to do business with the INLIVIAN?
YES. See Insurance requirements at www.ebidexchange.com/cha.

What address should we mail an invoice to for payment?
All invoices must be sent to: Accounts Payable, PO Box 36795. Charlotte, NC 28236.  Faxed and email copies of invoices are not accepted.

How long does it take to get paid?
All payments are net 30 days.

What should I do if I’ve got a Procurement related question and don’t know who to contact regarding my particular issue?
If you have reviewed the entire list of frequently asked questions and you still cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact Procurement via email at procure@cha-nc.org

Section 3

What does the term “Section 3 resident” mean?

A section 3 resident is:
A public housing resident; or
A low- or extra low-income person residing in the metropolitan area or Non-metropolitan County in which the Section 3 covered assistance is expended.  In Mecklenburg County, it is the following:
(Updated Income Limits)
Note:  Mecklenburg County is part of the Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC HUD Metro FMR Area.  The Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord HUD Metro FMR Area contains the following areas: Cabarrus County, NC; Gaston County, NC; Mecklenburg County, NC; Union County, NC; and York County, SC.

What does the term “Section 3 Business Concern” mean?
Section 3 business concerns are businesses that can provide evidence that they meet one of the following:
– 51% or more owned by Section 3 residents.
– At Least 30% of its full time employees include persons that are currently Section 3 residents, or within three years of the date of first employment with the business concern were Section 3 residents.
– Provides evidence, as required, of a commitment to subcontract in excess of 25% of the dollar award of all subcontracts to be awarded to business concerns that meet the qualifications in the above two paragraphs.

What are the contract requirements under Section 3?
– 30% of all new hires must be Section 3 employees (including INLIVIAN residents and low-income employees).
– Contractors are required to subcontract with Section 3 Business Concerns 10% of construction contracts; and 3% of non-construction contracts or other economic opportunities.

Are Section 3 residents or business concerns guaranteed employment or contracting opportunities under Section 3?

No. Section 3 residents must demonstrate that they meet the qualifications for new employment opportunities created as a result of the expenditure of covered assistance.
Section 3 business concerns must submit evidence to the satisfaction of the party awarding the contract to demonstrate that they are responsible firms and have the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of the proposed contract.

About Inlivian

General

How long has INLIVIAN been involved in the Charlotte community?
INLIVIAN was successfully established by the North Carolina Secretary of State in June 1939. For more information on our History please visit our History Page!

What is the Moving Forward Program?
The Moving Forward Program is INLIVIAN’s local Moving to Work (MTW) program developed to encourage the forward movement and the use of housing that is affordable as a safety net and platform for rebuilding lives. Our current MTW Agreement will expire March 31, 2018. We are working with other participating housing authorities, HUD representatives and local congressional delegates for approval of an extension of the agreement.

How is INLIVIAN funded?
INLIVIAN receives operating funds primarily through HUD. Funding from HUD comes from three different programs (Capital Fund, Operating Fund and Housing Choice Voucher). Through INLIVIAN’s MTW flexibility, we have the ability to combine all three funding sources into one, and prioritize our spending in accordance with our Strategic Plan.

Who is the Press contact at INLIVIAN?
All press inquiries can be made to INLIVIAN’s Senior Vice President of Public Relations, Cheron Porter
who can be reached at (704) 353-0788 or by email at cporter@inlivian.com.

How do I find the right INLIVIAN staff member to help me?
Please visit the Employee Directory. You can search by any of the following fields: Last name, First Name, Department and Location.