Housing Counselor Certification (HUD) Practice Exam

A tenant has a Housing Choice Voucher for a two-bedroom apartment but lives in a three-bedroom apartment. What should the counselor encourage the client to do after falling behind on rent?

1. Negotiate a reduced rent amount with the landlord

2. Move into a two-bedroom unit to reduce costs and negotiate a repayment plan

3. Use the voucher for a larger unit

4. Explore local rent assistance programs

The correct answer is: Move into a two-bedroom unit to reduce costs and negotiate a repayment plan

Encouraging the client to move into a two-bedroom unit to reduce costs and negotiate a repayment plan is the most appropriate action. The Housing Choice Voucher program is designed to assist participants in affording rental housing that meets their needs, but it typically only covers the rental costs for units that accommodate the family size indicated in their voucher. By advising the client to transition to a two-bedroom unit, the counselor helps align the client’s housing situation with the terms of the voucher, thereby preventing further complications or violations of program rules. Additionally, moving to a more affordable unit would help the tenant manage their finances better and address the rent arrears. Negotiating a repayment plan with the landlord is crucial, as it allows the tenant to address outstanding rent while aiming for a more sustainable monthly budget in the future. This approach not only encourages financial responsibility but also promotes long-term housing stability. In contrast, negotiating a reduced rent amount with the landlord may not be a viable solution since the landlord is not obligated to lower the rent. Using the voucher for a larger unit does not solve the immediate financial issues, as it could potentially amplify the tenant's financial burden rather than alleviate it. Lastly, exploring local rent assistance programs is a supportive action but may not directly address the root