Frequently Asked Questions
If I provide flexible applicant criteria through the Low Barrier Housing Collective, will it conflict with Fair Housing Laws?
No. The Tennessee Fair Housing Council in a 2022 letter to Metro Nashville, 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.”
If my tenant uses a subsidy to pay rent, how will I get monthly rent payments?
RRH tenants and TBRA voucher holders have a rental payment agreement through the sponsoring service provider who pays the landlord directly each month.
Special Purpose Voucher subsidies are paid by Metropolitan Development & Housing Agency (MDHA) via direct deposit directly to the landlord.
I’m not an approved housing voucher landlord, but I’m interested. What do I do?
The first step is to complete the Low Barrier Housing Collective orientation. Once the orientation is completed, a Low Barrier Housing Collective staff member will personally connect you with MDHA to begin the landlord registration process so that you can become eligible to receive housing voucher subsidies.
Are there limitations on how much I can charge for rent?
Rent for tenants who participate in rental assistance programs such as Rapid Re-Housing (RRH), Special Purpose Vouchers, and TBRA Vouchers cannot exceed Nashville-Davidson County housing voucher payment standards. Please see below for the 2024 housing voucher payment standards:
Studio/Efficiency: $1404
1 Bedroom: $1442
2 Bedroom: $1619
3 Bedroom: $2035
4 Bedroom: $2482
5 Bedroom: $2854
If I join the Low Barrier Housing Collective, do I have to accept both Rapid Re-Housing and housing vouchers?
No. Many of our property owners/landlords only accept Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) because it is a non-voucher program and does not require inspections by MDHA (units must pass a service provider inspection).
Other property owners/landlords accept both RRH and housing vouchers. It is up to you as the property owner/landlord to decide what type of subsidies make sense for your property.
What are wrap-around services?
Wraparound services are a holistic approach to supporting a tenant into long-term housing stability. We understand that everyone is different and may have differing needs. Local service providers offer expert support in areas such as: mental health, recovery support, employment, and disability support, etc.
Tenants referred through the Low Barrier Housing Collective have access to a wide range of programming to guide them towards self-sufficiency.
More About the Collective
- Landlord Engagement for Homelessness
- Low Barrier Housing Collective Incentives
- How the Low Barrier Housing Collective Works
- Rental Assistance Programs
- Join the Collective
- Membership Benefits
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Partners
- Local Service Providers
- Homeless Service Providers App Fee and Security Deposit Assistance Requests
- Low Barrier Housing Collective Incentive Requests
- Service Provider Furniture Request Form for Office of Homeless Services