Andre Serrette, AZQ Managing Director, helps Phoenix-area residents find affordable housing in one of the tightest rental markets in the country.

When addressing affordable housing inventory, Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs) are a powerful tool for public housing authorities (PHAs). These vouchers offer a unique way to provide stable housing for families by tying rental assistance directly to specific units, not the family. This helps create long-term affordability in communities. Arizona Quadel Managing Director, Andre Serrette, talks about PBV program benefits and ways PHAs can increase occupancy and lease these units effectively.

PBVs Guarantee Units for Participants

Serrette has worked in tight and limited housing markets for the entirety of his housing career. Spending time in LA County and now working and residing in the metro Phoenix area, Serrette noted PBVs can be a useful tool, especially for higher-cost areas.

“For many jurisdictions, especially higher-cost jurisdictions, it can be difficult for tenant-based voucher holders to find units and utilize their vouchers in them. PHAs like PBV projects because it gives them guaranteed units and can help them control their lease-up utilization more,” Serrette said. “In addition, many PBV units are in properties where many units are not PBV units. PBV families will often reside in mixed-income properties and not have a concentration of families on one property.”

Communication with Property Owners Helps Planning and Utilization

Per HUD regulations, PHAs may commit no more than 20 percent of its authorized voucher units. If a PHA wishes to do more, the PHA must conduct an impact analysis. And while these additional units help house more participants, Serrette said there tends to be unit turnover annually.

“It is often good to have weekly or monthly calls with property management so that the PHA and management can be aware of tenant statuses such as any notices to vacate, legal actions regarding tenants, or death. The sooner everybody knows about an upcoming or unexpected vacancy, the sooner everyone can work to get it backfilled,” Serrette said. “In addition, many tenants wish to leave the project after residing there for one year, which is when they can request a tenant-based voucher to move elsewhere. PHAs should be prepared for tenants to give notice to vacate after a year.”

Finding the Right PBV Unit Can be Challenging

Arizona Quadel staff are trained to help participants find housing that meets their daily needs. This includes location in relation to work, school, public transportation, and other community amenities. But, Serrette noted PBV participants will apply to any available PBV unit in the hopes of moving into a unit faster. This can prove frustrating for all involved.

“Many times, you’ll have to go through multiple waiting list applicants before finding someone that truly wishes to reside at the project. Applicants may apply to all of the PBV projects without truly knowing if they wish to reside at a particular project,” Serrette said. “When they are selected from a specific PBV project waiting list, they often go through the eligibility process, and then decide they don’t want to reside there. If a PHA wishes to utilize the PBV program, be prepared to be very involved.”

Thinking about implementing a PBV program? Need help utilizing your PBV units? Quadel is here to help. Request a proposal today to see how Quadel can elevate your PBV program today.