DSS-8j (E) 01/08/2024 (page 3 of 4) Department of Social Services
Human Resources Administration
What if I am offering a rented room?
If you are offering a rented room, the maximum rent is $1,100, and the CityFHEPS rental supplement will be the
difference between the actual rent (up to $1,100) and the tenant’s contribution ($50 or their monthly shelter
allowance, whichever is greater). Heat, hot water, electricity and, if the stove is not electric, cooking gas, must be
included in the rent.
What is the unit approval and leasing process?
There are several steps to the unit approval and leasing process.
Once a tenant has identified a unit, the tenant’s housing specialist or case worker will begin the pre-clearance
process, which is conducted by DSS.
Then, the unit and building must be clear of a specific set of violations, and a physical walkthrough is scheduled to
review the unit. If the unit passes the walkthrough, the tenant’s housing specialist or case worker will prepare the
housing packet – including the request for a unit hold payment referenced earlier – and also schedule a lease
signing for you and the tenant.
To learn more about what is required for the preclearance and walkthrough, you can look at the Website Clearance
Checklist, Apartment Review Checklist, and the Apartment Review Checklist Guidance available on
www.nyc.gov/dsshousing.
The lease must be signed by both you and the tenant in order for the packet to be reviewed. The lease must reflect
the complete address of the unit, including the unit number.
Once the packet is complete and submitted, it undergoes a final review by DSS. If the packet is approved, a key
exchange is scheduled by the tenant’s housing specialist or case worker. The checks may be mailed or may be
picked up by the housing specialist. At the key and check exchange, you must provide the tenant with keys for the
unit they were shown, which must be the same as the unit indicated on the lease. At the key and check exchange,
you will receive several checks for any approved unit hold payment and the first several months of rent for the unit.
You will also be provided with the security voucher.
Tenants must renew their participation in the CityFHEPS program annually. DSS will recalculate the tenant
contribution of a participant based on their current income when they renew. Although CityFHEPS landlords are
not required to renew their tenants in the program unless otherwise required to do so by law, a landlord who does
not offer their CityFHEPS tenant a renewal lease will not be eligible for financial incentives to place another tenant
in the same unit, unless there was good cause not to renew.
What help is available once my tenant moves in?
For program information and payment inquiries, contact the HRA Rental Assistance Call Center, Monday-Friday
from 9 AM to 5 PM at 718-557-1399.
How do the monthly payments work?
DSS will issue a check to the landlord each month for the CityFHEPS portion of the rent.
Am I able to charge late fees?
As long as the payment is made in the month that the rent is due, it is not considered late.
Can I evict a tenant over late fees?
As per State law, a landlord cannot take the tenant to housing court successfully just for late fees. The landlord
also cannot take the tenant to small claims court for late fees charged for the CityFHEPS portion of the rent.
Are there additional CityFHEPS requirements?
Under the CityFHEPS rules, side deals are strictly prohibited. Landlords must not demand, request, or received
any amount above the rent or reasonable fees as stipulated in the lease or rental agreement regardless of any
changes in household composition.
Additionally:
• Similar to Section 8, all rents must pass a rent reasonableness test, meaning the rent charged may
not exceed other rents that are charged for comparable units in the neighborhood.
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