Frequently Asked Questions
If I provide flexible applicant criteria through the LBHC, will it conflict with Fair Housing Laws?
No. The TN Fair Housing Council in a 2022 letter to the Metro Homeless Impact Division, said:
“The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of seven protected classes: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability. One’s status as housed or homeless is not a protected class and is not contemplated by the FHA.”
How will I get monthly rental payments?
A tenant will either use a Rapid Re-Housing subsidy or a Housing Choice Voucher, visit our “About” page for details on both programs.
RRH tenants have a rental payment agreement through the sponsoring service provider who pays the landlord directly each month.
Housing Choice Vouchers are paid through a direct deposit to the landlord via the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency.
I’m not a voucher certified property, but I’m interested. What do I do?
The first step is to go through an orientation with the Low Barrier Housing Collective. Once a member, the LBHC will personally connect you with MDHA for an expedited property inspection process. See the property standards here.
Are there limitations on rental payment amounts?
Both Rapid Re-Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers are based off the 2022 Nashville-Davidson County Fair Market Rent prices and cannot exceed the below amounts:
Studio/Efficiency: $1079
1 Bedroom: $1100
2 Bedroom: $1253
3 Bedroom: $1587
4+ Bedroom: $1975
If I join the LBHC, do I have to accept both Rapid Re-Housing & Vouchers?
No. Many of our landlord members only accept Rapid Re-Housing because it is a non-voucher program and does not require inspections by MDHA (they still must pass a service provider inspection).
Other properties accept both RRH and vouchers. It is up to you as the landlord to decide what type of subsidies make sense for your property.
What are wraparound services?
Wraparound services are the holistic approach to supporting a client into long-term housing stability. We understand everyone is different and may have differing needs. Local service providers offer expert support in areas such as: mental health, substance abuse, employment, disability support, and financial management.
Tenants referred through the LBHC have access to a wealth of knowledge and programming to guide them towards self-sufficiency.
Is there a set list of rental criteria that landlords have to follow in order to participate?
No. Properties choose their own rental criteria, though all individuals housed through the Collective will be exiting homelessness and therefore will likely have inconsistent rental history and limited income.
For the greatest impact and widest applicant pool, however, the Collective encourages landlords to consider flexibility on eviction history and criminal background.