Applicant FAQs

There are some eligibility criteria, such as income limits, that apply to all properties and programs. Eligibility screening is performed in a manner that is reasonable, consistent and complies with fair housing laws. The eligibility criteria can be found in Keene Housing’s Tenant Selection and Occupancy Plan (TSOP).

Screening is used to help ensure that households admitted to a property will abide by the terms of the lease, pay rent on time, take care of the property and apartment, and will allow their neighbors to peacefully enjoy their homes.

Suitability criteria include, but is not limited to, household income, record of meeting financial obligations, including rent, the household’s ability to obtain tenant-supplied utilities, and housing history.

Waitlist times vary from property to property. Unit size plays a factor as well as how often tenants move from the property. Though unable to give applicants precise waiting times, KH can tell applicants where they are on the waiting list/s. Contact KH at 603-352-6161 or email info@keenehousing.org for more information.

When applicants are selected from the waiting list, they can request to see the apartment that is being offered or a similar unit if the unit being offered is not available to show. KH offers, as a first choice, virtual tours of our units. Pictures are also available as are in-person viewings, if requested. Contact KH at 603-352-6161 or email info@keenehousing.org for more information about seeing apartments.

When you come close to the top of a waiting list KH will contact you to schedule an eligibility appointment. During the eligibility process KH collects the documentation necessary to determine your eligibility. Some of the documentation you are required to provide are paystubs, benefit letters, bank statements, photo IDs (adult household members only), birth certificates, and copies of social security cards. Applicants must also provide the immigration status of all household members.

The tenant portion of rent is determined during the eligibility process. While there are some exceptions, tenants usually pay around 30% of their monthly income towards rent.

KH’s Pet Policy found in the Tenant Selection and Occupancy Plan (TSOP) describes when and where pets are permitted in KH apartments. Individuals with disabilities can request exemptions to the Pet Policy under KH’s Reasonable Accommodation Policy.

The following will prevent KH from placing you on the waiting list:

  • Any adult member of the household owes KH, or a KH affiliate, or the owner of a KH managed property money.
  • A household member is subject to a state lifetime sex offender registry.
  • Failure to submit a complete application.
  • The Head of Household is not of an age to have legal capacity to enter into a lease under New Hampshire state or local law.

If you are denied placement on the waitlist you may submit a request for an informal review. The informal review gives you an opportunity to discuss the reason for the denial and present any information to the Hearing Officer that you feel may help to reverse the denial decision. You can request an informal review by contacting the Hearing Officer at 603-352-6161 or by email at info@keenehousing.org.

Housing Choice Voucher Applicant FAQs

Your portion of rent depends on your income and the rent your landlord charges. Typically, voucher holders pay around 30% of their income towards rent and KH pays the rest of the rent up to the payment standard for which your household is eligible. If the rent your landlord charges is more than the payment standard you are responsible for the difference. You should consider the size of the unit most suitable for your household. Choosing a unit that is larger than what you need may increase your rent burden and make it difficult for you to pay your portion of the rent.

A voucher can be used in a unit where the owner agrees to accept the voucher, the unit passes Housing Quality Standards, and KH determines that the tenant portion of rent won’t exceed 45% of their income. There are a few other requirements and exceptions, which are found in the MTW Administrative Plan.

KH does not provide assistance with security deposits. You can contact Southwestern Community Services at www.SCShelps.org for information about their Security Deposit Loan Program.

You are responsible for your portion of the rent and KH will pay the rest, up to the payment standard. In NH, it is unlawful for landlords to charge a security deposit and first and last months’ rent. Owners can charge a security deposit and first months’ rent.

The following will prevent KH from placing you on the waiting list:

  • Any adult member of the household owes KH, or a KH affiliate, or the owner of a KH managed property money.
  • A household member is subject to a state lifetime sex offender registry.
  • Failure to submit a complete application.
  • The Head of Household is not of an age to have legal capacity to enter into a lease under New Hampshire state or local law.

If you are denied placement on the waitlist you may submit a request for an informal review. The informal review gives you an opportunity to discuss the reason for the denial and present any information to the Hearing Officer that you feel may help to reverse the denial decision. You can request an informal review by contacting the Hearing Officer at 603-352-6161 or by email at info@keenehousing.org.

KH has several preferences, some apply to all voucher programs and some that apply to specific voucher programs.

A preference may be granted to you if you are verified to meet the criteria for a specific preference. You can find more information about KH preferences in the MTW Administrative Plan.

KH does not provide emergency housing. Southwestern Community Services offers housing stabilization services including emergency housing. You can find more information about the housing stabilization services at www.SCShelps.org.

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