Recertifications
- Regular Recertification. Bridge Voucher tenants recertify their household information and income every two years. They must submit information and documents to their tenant services coordinator. Some Bridge Voucher tenants may also have to recertify annually with their property manager for compliance with the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.
- Interim Recertification. If there are changes in household size or income between recertifications, the tenant must request an interim recertification with their tenant services coordinator within 3 weeks of the change.
- Rent Calculation. Bridge Voucher tenant rent is calculated as approximately 30% of their monthly income minus a utility allowance. All tenants who pay for utilities have a utility allowance included in their rent calculation.
- For more information about recertifications in the Bridge Voucher program, talk to your tenant services coordinator or get legal help.
Transfers / Moves
- Requesting transfer. Tenants who want to move from their Bridge Voucher unit must request a voucher to move from their tenant services coordinator. The Bridge Program will not issue a voucher to move if the tenant owes rent to the landlord.
- Reasons for Transfers. Tenants can request a transfer on the following basis:
- End of Lease. Near the end of any 2-year lease term, a tenant may request a voucher to move during their regular recertification.
- Agreement to Terminate Lease. If a landlord and tenant agree to end the lease, the tenant may request a voucher to move using a signed agreement to terminate the lease.
- Reasonable Accommodation for Disability. If a tenant needs to move for reasons related to a disability, the tenant may request a voucher using a doctor’s note.
- Domestic Violence. If a tenant needs to move for reasons related to violence in the home from an intimate partner or family member, the tenant may request a voucher using evidence such as a Protection from Abuse petition (PFA) or self-certification.
- Failed Inspections. If a unit fails multiple inspections by the Office of Homeless Services, then the Bridge Program may issue a voucher to the move to the tenant.
- Moving Out. If a tenant is evicted or moves out of a Bridge Voucher unit voluntarily, they may keep their subsidy. However, if the Bridge Program determines that the tenant got a court judgment for non-payment or rent or breach of lease, then they may move to terminate the tenant from the Bridge Voucher program.
- For more information about transfers in the Bridge Voucher program, talk to your tenant services coordinator or get legal help.
Repairs
- Requesting repairs. Bridge Voucher tenants may request repairs by phone or by mailing a letter to the landlord or property manager.
- Inspections. OHS inspects Bridge Voucher units every two years. Tenants may ask their tenant services coordinator to request an inspection. The Bridge Program may stop payments to the landlord after multiple failed inspections.
- Complaint Line. Tenants may submit complaints regarding repairs or other administrative issues by contacting the Office of Homeless Service at 215-686-4700 or ohs-generalinfo@phila.gov.
- For more information about a tenant’s legal rights to address repair issues, go to Repairs.
Eviction
- Third Party Complaint. If a landlord sues to evict a tenant for non-payment of rent owed by the Bridge Program, then the tenant may file a 3rd Party Complaint against PMHCC to bring them into the eviction case as an additional defendant.
- For additional information about the eviction process, go to Evictions.
Subsidy Termination
- Grounds. The Bridge Program may terminate a tenant’s subsidy for failing to follow program rules. Common reasons for termination include: failure to recertify, failure to comply with a payment agreement, failure to maintain utilities or other breach of the lease agreement.
- Hearing Process. Tenants have the right to appeal a program termination by requesting an administrative hearing from the Office of Homeless Services. If the tenant loses at the administrative hearing, they have the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Common Pleas.
Rules & Regulations
The Bridge Program is a funded by the City of Philadelphia, so unlike federally subsidized housing programs, the rules and regulations are not published. To learn more about the rules and regulations, tenants should review their Bridge Voucher Program contracts including their lease agreement, contact their tenant services coordinator or get legal help.