Nan Mckay Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Specialist Practice Exam

The Public Housing Agency (PHA) is the entity responsible for selecting and screening tenants in a housing program. The PHA administers the Housing Choice Voucher program and is tasked with ensuring that the selection process adheres to federal regulations and local policies. This includes evaluating applicants based on their eligibility criteria, such as income levels, family composition, and other factors critical to determining suitability for housing assistance.

The PHA also implements the waiting list systems and can establish preference criteria to prioritize certain groups of applicants. Furthermore, they conduct necessary background checks and coordinate with local partners to assess potential tenants' qualifications for the program. This central role ensures that the PHA is equipped with the authority and the mandate to make decisions regarding tenant selection, ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the housing program.

In contrast, other options may play supportive or regulatory roles but do not have the direct responsibility for tenant selection within the housing program. The Office of Public and Indian Housing provides oversight and compliance guidance, local governments may influence policies or support infrastructure but do not select tenants, and the Housing Authority Commission typically focuses on governance and policy-making rather than the day-to-day functions of tenant screening.