March 20, 2020

In order to continue our commitment to provide Housing Choice Voucher assistance and ensure the health and safety of our participants, landlord partners and staff during the coronavirus outbreak, SHA has made the following temporary adjustments to policies and procedures.

Effective Friday, March 20, 2020 through Thursday, April 30, 2020, we will be suspending all HQS inspections except emergency complaint inspections. 

Additionally, the voucher issuance process for both new participants and participants moving with continued assistance will be conducted remotely.

The following is a summary of actions for each inspection type.

Inspections for New Clients Moving into Units

SHA will require landlord self-certifications that a unit meets the required HQS inspection standards, to serve in lieu of an SHA-performed HQS inspection. Staff will be providing more information directly to landlords who have notified us they are ready to lease units to . SHA voucher holders.

Annual and Biennial Inspections

Annual and Biennial Inspections were suspended effective March 13, 2020 through April 30, 2020.

Emergency Complaint Inspections

SHA will continue to conduct emergency complaint inspections.

Clients or landlords who have concerns or questions related to inspections may contact HCVInspectionsDesk@SeattleHousing.Org.

For all other SHA Housing Choice Voucher program concerns, please contact 206.239.1728 or HCV@SeattleHousing.Org.