The SCCHA increased tenant contribution rates for families receiving Housing Choice Vouchers from about 27 percent to 35 percent (and later reduced this rate to 32 percent). The policy also eliminated all allowances and deductions (such as child care or medical expenses) and reduced the number of bedrooms on a household’s voucher for some families. (Before the intervention, separate bedrooms were provided for household members older than 5 in different generations, genders, or family relations; after the reform, one bedroom was allocated to the head of household plus partner, and an additional bedroom was allocated for every two additional household members.) The SCCHA allowed households to temporarily include child care or medical deductions in their tenant contribution for up to 90 days after the start of the rent reform. In addition, the SCCHA provided financial assistance to cover rental payments or security deposits and free legal services to prevent eviction that might have resulted from the policy change. The reform began in 2013 and was in effect as of 2020. It took place in Santa Clara County, CA.
Summary
This program increased tenant contribution rates for families receiving Housing Choice Vouchers to avoid terminating households from the program because of budget cuts.
Populations and employment barriers:
Studies of this intervention
| Study quality rating | Study counts per rating |
|---|---|
 Low
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1 |
Implementation details
State(s) where implemented
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