Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) Administrative Plan

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF ERIE

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

Administrative Plan

(Month/Day/Year)

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF ERIE ERIE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM

ADMINISTRATIVE PLAN

Revised Month/Day/Year Board Approved Month/Day/Year

HUD Submittal Month/Day/Year

Chapter Page1. PROGRAMAPPROACHANDOBJECTIVES.......................................................................................................................1-1

A. PURPOSEOFTHEADMINISTRATIVEPLAN.........................................................................................................................1-1B. OVERALLPROGRAMOBJECTIVES.......................................................................................................................................1-1C. STAFFINGANDADMINISTRATIVERESPONSIBILITY............................................................................................................1-2D. OUTREACHINITIATIVES.....................................................................................................................................................1-2E. ELIGIBLETYPESOFHOUSING.............................................................................................................................................1-3F. REGULATIONSGOVERNINGTHEPROGRAM......................................................................................................................1-4G. EQUALOPPORTUNITYREQUIREMENTS.............................................................................................................................1-3H. PRIVACYSTATEMENT.........................................................................................................................................................1-5

2. ELIGIBILITYANDADMISSION.........................................................................................................................................2-1

A. APPLICANTELIGIBILITY......................................................................................................................................................2-1B. WAITINGLIST.....................................................................................................................................................................2-6C. APPLICATIONPROCESS......................................................................................................................................................2-8D. INCOMETARGETING........................................................................................................................................................2-10E. PREFERENCES..................................................................................................................................................................2-11F. PREFERENCEDENIAL........................................................................................................................................................2-11G. SPECIALADMISSION(NON-WAITINGLISTSELECTION)....................................................................................................2-12H. FOSTERYOUTHTOINDEPENDENCEINITIATIVE(FYI).......................................................................................................2-12I. VASH……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..2-13

3. VERIFICATION,INCOMEANDDETERMINATIONOFTTP.................................................................................................3-1

A. VERIFICATIONPOLICY......................................................................................................................................................3-1B. INCOME,ASSETSANDINCOMEEXCLUSIONS...................................................................................................................3-4C. TOTALTENANTPAYMENTANDMINIMUMRENT.............................................................................................................3-5

4. BRIEFINGSANDVOUCHERISSUANCE............................................................................................................................4-1

A. BRIEFINGS..........................................................................................................................................................................4-1B. FAMILYOBLIGATIONS........................................................................................................................................................4-2C. SUBSIDYSTANDARDS.........................................................................................................................................................4-4D. VOUCHERTERM.................................................................................................................................................................4-6E. VOUCHERPORTABILITY.....................................................................................................................................................4-6

5. APPROVALOFANINITIALLEASE...................................................................................................................................5-1

A. REQUESTFORAPPROVALTOLEASEAUNIT.......................................................................................................................5-1B. APPROVALPROCESS..........................................................................................................................................................5-1C. ADDITIONALDOCUMENTATION........................................................................................................................................5-1D. DISAPPROVALOFOWNER.................................................................................................................................................5-2E. FAIRMARKETRENT/PAYMENTSTANDARDLIMITATIONS..................................................................................................5-3F. EXCEPTIONPAYMENTSTANDARDS...................................................................................................................................5-3G. REASONABLERENTDETERMINATIONS..............................................................................................................................5-3H. SECURITYDEPOSITREQUIREMENTS..................................................................................................................................5-4I. SEPARATEAGREEMENTSACCEPTABLETOTHEHACE........................................................................................................5-4

6. HOUSINGQUALITYSTANDARDSINSPECTIONS..............................................................................................................6-1

A. HOUSINGQUALITYSTANDARDSAPPROACH.....................................................................................................................6-1B. VARIATIONSTOHQS..........................................................................................................................................................6-1C. ACCEPTABLEMETHODSOFINSPECTIONS..........................................................................................................................6-1D. INITIALINSPECTIONS.........................................................................................................................................................6-2E. BIENNIALINSPECTIONS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6-2F. SPECIALINSPECTIONS........................................................................................................................................................6-3G. ENFORCEMENTOFINSPECTION……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………..…6-3H. 24HOURDEFICIENCIES......................................................................................................................................................6-5I. ABATEMENTOFPAYMENT................................................................................................................................................6-5J. HAPCONTRACTTERMINATION.........................................................................................................................................6-6K. NOTIFICATIONOFINSPECTION..........................................................................................................................................6-6

7. PAYMENTSTOOWNERS................................................................................................................................................7-1

A. HOUSINGASSISTANCEPAYMENTS....................................................................................................................................7-1B. ADJUSTMENTSOFRENTTOOWNER..................................................................................................................................7-1

8. REEXAMINATIONS........................................................................................................................................................8-1

A. REPORTINGREQUIREMENTS........................................................................................................................................................8-1B. REPORTINGEXCEPTIONS..............................................................................................................................................................8-1C. ZEROINCOME...............................................................................................................................................................................8-2D. ANNUALREEXAMINATION............................................................................................................................................................8-2E. TRIENNIALREEXAMINATION.........................................................................................................................................................8-3F. INTERIMREEXAMINATION………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………8-3G. DISALLOWANCEOFEARNEDINCOMEFORPERSONSWITHDISABILITIES.....................................................................................8-4H. REPORTINGREQUIREMENT..........................................................................................................................................................8-5I. INCORRECTREPORTING................................................................................................................................................................8-5

9. SPECIALFAMILYCIRCUMSTANCES.................................................................................................................................9-1

A. FAMILYBREAKUP................................................................................................................................................................9-1B. REMAININGMEMBEROFTHEFAMILY................................................................................................................................9-1C. SINGLEMEMBERHOUSEHOLD...........................................................................................................................................9-1D. TEMPORARILYABSENTCHILD.............................................................................................................................................9-2E. JOINTCUSTODYOFMINORS...............................................................................................................................................9-2F. LIVE-INAIDE........................................................................................................................................................................9-2G. DISAPPROVALOFLIVE-INAIDE............................................................................................................................................9-3H. VAWA………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………….9-3

10. EXCLUSIONSTOHOUSEHOLD......................................................................................................................................10-1

A. GENERALPOLICY..............................................................................................................................................................10-1B. ABSENTFAMILY/FAMILYMEMBER..................................................................................................................................10-1C. TEMPORARILYABSENTFAMILYMEMBERS’INCOME.......................................................................................................10-1D. OTHERABSENTFAMILYMEMBERS..................................................................................................................................10-2E. VISITORS..........................................................................................................................................................................10-2F. ABANDONMENTOFUNIT................................................................................................................................................10-2

11. TERMINATIONSANDFAMILYMOVES..........................................................................................................................11-1

A. LEASETERMINATION.......................................................................................................................................................11-1B. HAPCONTRACTTERMINATION.......................................................................................................................................11-2C. TERMINATIONOFASSISTANCETOFAMILY......................................................................................................................11-2D. FAMILYMOVES................................................................................................................................................................11-3E. DEFINITIONOFCONTINUOUSLYASSISTED......................................................................................................................11-4

12. INFORMALREVIEWS&HEARINGS...............................................................................................................................12-1

A. INFORMALREVIEWSFORAPPLICANTS............................................................................................................................12-1B. INFORMALHEARINGFORPARTICIPANTS........................................................................................................................12-3C. HEARINGOFFICERANDCONDUCTOFINFORMALREVIEWS/HEARINGS..........................................................................12-5D. INFORMALREVIEW&HEARINGDECISIONS.....................................................................................................................12-6E. RESTRICTIONONASSISTANCETONON-CITIZENS............................................................................................................12-6

13. REPAYMENTAGREEMENTS.........................................................................................................................................13-1

A. MISREPORTEDORUNREPORTEDINCOME.....................................................................................................................13-1B. OTHERAMOUNTSOWEDHACE.....................................................................................................................................13-1C. REPAYMENTAGREEMENTPOLICY..................................................................................................................................13-2D. REPAYMENTAGREEMENTBYOWNERS.........................................................................................................................13-2E. PROSECUTIONFORFRAUD............................................................................................................................................13-3

14. PROGRAMINTEGRITYANDPERFORMANCE................................................................................................................14-1

A. PROGRAMMONITORING.....................................................................................................................................................14-1B. ETHICS..................................................................................................................................................................................14-1C. QUALITYCONTROL...............................................................................................................................................................14-2D. FINANCIALREPORTING.........................................................................................................................................................14-2E. EXPENDITURETHRESHOLD...................................................................................................................................................14-2

1.PROGRAMAPPROACHANDOBJECTIVES

A. PURPOSEOFTHEADMINISTRATIVEPLAN

ThisHousingChoiceVoucherProgramAdministrativePlan(“Plan”)establishestheHousingAuthorityoftheCityofErie’s(“HACE”)discretionarypoliciesandproceduresthatwillbeusedintheadministrationoftheHousingChoiceVoucherProgram(“HCVProgram”)inaccordancewithU.S.DepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopment(“HUD”)requirements.TheapproachtoprogramfunctionscontainedinthisPlanisapplicabletoadmissionandcontinuedoccupancyintheHousingChoiceVoucherProgram.TheModerateRehabilitationProgramwillbeadministeredinaccordancewiththeapprovedModerateRehabilitationPlan.TheSection8NewConstructionManagementPlanwillgoverntheoperationoftheSection8NewConstructiondevelopments,C.TedDombrowskiandBetterHousing.OtherPoliciesandPlansthatareusedintheadministrationofHACEprogramscanbefoundatwww.hace.org.

ThisAdministrativePlancomplieswiththerequirementsofTitle24oftheCodeofFederalRegulations(“CFR”)part982.54.ThegoalsoftheHousingChoiceVoucherProgramareconsistentwiththeCityofErie’sComprehensivePlan.HACEoperateswithinthelimitsoftheCityofErie,Pennsylvania,exceptforassistancethatisadministeredunderHACE’sportabilityprocedures.B. OVERALLPROGRAMOBJECTIVESTheoverallobjectivesfortheHousingAuthorityoftheCityofErieHCVProgramareintendedtoachievethefollowing:

• Providedecent,safeandsanitaryhousingataffordablecosttovery-lowincomefamilies;

• Expandhousingopportunitiesintheprivaterentalmarket.Includingareasoflowpoverty;

• Encourageparticipationbyownersofresidentialunitsoutsideofareasofpovertyor

minorityconcentration;

• Encourageself-sufficiencyofProgramparticipants;and

• AssurecompliancewiththeHUDregulations,EqualHousingOpportunityrequirements,andHACE’spolicies.

C. STAFFINGANDADMINISTRATIVERESPONSIBILITYHACE’sHCVProgramDepartmentisresponsibleforadministeringtheHousingChoiceVoucherProgram.TheHCVProgramoperationsarespecialized,andthestaffisassignedtoperformsuchdutiesasintake;outreachtoownersandfamilies;eligibility;leasing/contracting;inspections;andincomeverification,includingreexaminationandcomputationoftenantrent.TheProgramCoordinator,AssistantProgramCoordinatorandHousingSpecialistshandleallphasesoftheHCVprogram,includinginitialexaminationsandlease-up,annualreexaminations,interimreexaminations.Temporarystaffmaybeassignedasneededtosupportdepartmentalfunctions.TheInspectorisresponsibleforalltheHousingQualityStandards(HQS)inspectionsfortheHCVProgramwiththeexceptionofqualitycontrol.TheHCVProgramCoordinatorreportstotheExecutiveDirector.Inaddition,theExecutiveDirector,theControllerandoneAccountantallocateaportionoftheirtimetoHCVProgramfunctions.HACEHCVProgramofficesareopenduringnormalworkinghoursof8:30amto4:30pm,MondaythroughFriday(exceptholidays).ThemaintelephonenumberofHACE’sHCVProgramis(814)456-2028.D. OUTREACHINITIATIVESFamilyParticipationHACEwillmakeavailableinformationaboutthebenefitsofparticipatingintheHCVprogram.Additionalmarketingtargetedtovery-low-incomefamilieswilloccurwhenthepoolofavailableapplicantsonthewaitinglistdecreasestoalevelthatmayaffecttheadmissionsofnewparticipantsorcausetheProgramleasingratestodecrease.Marketingmayincludethepublicationofinformationinlocalnewspaperofgeneralcirculation,publicannouncements,radioadvertisements,and/orspecificmarketingthrough“minoritymedia”.OwnerParticipationHACEwillcontinuetoencouragetheparticipationofqualifiedownersofeligibleaffordablehousinginallareasofitsjurisdiction,provideassistancetoHCVfamiliestoincreasehousingchoice,andtotakereasonableactiontobroadenarea-widehousingchoice.MarketingandoutreachtoownersareinitiatedbyHACEthroughthefollowingfunctions:

1. TheHCVProgrammaintainsup-to-datelistingsofavailableunitsandinterestedowners.Ownersmayrequesttobeplacedonthelistingsheet.OwnersofrentalpropertywhocontacttheHCVProgramOfficewillbeencouragedtolistadditionalproperties.TheHCVProgramstaffcontinuouslymarketstheProgramthroughcontactswithexistingownersofHCVProgramproperties,generaldiscussionsdesignedtointerestnewownerparticipationandowneroutreachsymposiums.

2. InformationaboutowneropportunitiesinHACE’sHCVProgramisobtainablebycontacting

theHCVProgrammanagementoffice.Owner’sguidebooksareavailabletoprovidegeneralPrograminformationandtohighlightthebenefitsofprogramparticipationasanowner.

3. GeneralmarketingbyHACEmayincludethepublicationofadvertisementsinalocal

newspaperofgeneralcirculation,publicannouncements,radioadvertisementsand/orspecificmarketingthrough“minoritymedia”.

E. ELIGIBLETYPESOFHOUSINGTheHCVProgramprovidesparticipantswiththeopportunitytochooseaffordableprivate-markethousingthatmeetstheirneeds.ThefollowingtypesofhousingmaybeselectedbyparticipantsoftheHousingChoiceVoucherProgram(unlessotherwisedesignated)andareconsideredapprovablebyHACE.

• Single-familyresidences,duplexes,low-riseandgardenapartments,townhousesandhigh-rises.

HACEalsoapprovesthefollowingspecialhousingtypeintheHCVProgram:

• SingleRoomOccupancy(SRO)unitsasdefinedin24CFR982sub-partM.

Ingeneral,HACEisnotrequiredtopermituseofspecialtypesofhousinginitsprogram.However,HACEwillpermituseofanyspecialhousingtypeifneededasareasonableaccommodationsothattheprogramisreadilyaccessibletoandusablebypersonswithdisabilitiesinaccordancewith24CFRPart8.F. REGULATIONSGOVERNINGTHEPROGRAMTheHCVProgramisgovernedbyHUDHandbook7420.7,whereapplicable,federalregulation(24CFRparts5,982and985),HUDMemos,PIHNotices,HUDguidelinesand/orotherapplicablelaw.IfanyamendmentstoHUD’srules,regulationsorguidelinesconflictwiththisPlan,suchrules,regulationsorguidelineswillsupersede.

G. EQUALOPPORTUNITYREQUIREMENTSHACEcomplieswithallapplicablefederal,stateandlocalnondiscriminationandequalopportunitylawsincludingtheFairHousingAct;TitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964;theAgeDiscriminationActof1975;ExecutiveOrder11063;Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973;andTitleIIoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActandHUD’SEqualAccessRule24CFR5.106.TheHousingChoiceVoucherprogramrequiresallcompliancewithallequalopportunityrequirementsimposedbycontractorfederallaw,includingtheauthoritiescitedat24CFR5.105(a)andTitleIIoftheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,42U.S.C.12101,etseq.HACEprohibitsdiscriminationbasedonrace,color,religion,gender,age,nationalorigin,disabilityorfamilystatus,andprovideshousingwithoutregardtoperceivedsexualorientation,genderidentityormaritalstatus.HACE’sadministrativeofficeisaccessibletopersonswithphysicaldisabilities.ThemaintelephonenumberofHACEis(814)452-2425.HearingimpairedindividualsmaycontactHACEat(814)455-1797whichisaTDD/TDY/Voicetelephonenumber,orDial711forthePARelayServiceasindicatedinthissection.Informationonhousingdiscriminationwillbeprovidedtoeacheligibleapplicantincludedintheirvoucherbriefingpacket.IfafamilyclaimsthatillegaldiscriminationhaspreventedthemfromfindingorleasingasuitableunitundertheProgram,HACEwillprovidethefamilywithinformationonhowtocompleteandfileahousingdiscriminationcomplaint.OwnersofpropertyassistedundertheHCVProgrammustcomplywithallfederal,stateandlocalequalopportunityandfairhousinglaws,includingtheFairHousingAct.AnownerwhoviolatestheselawswillbedeemedtobeineligibleforparticipationintheHCVProgramandmaybesubjecttoprosecution.SpecialNeedsandReasonableAccommodationHACEwillmakeeveryefforttoreasonablyaccommodatepersonswithdocumentedspecialneedsasmandatedbytheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,42U.S.C.12101etseq.TheseeffortswillbemadeforallpersonswithwhomHACEconductsbusinessincludingbothapplicantsandtenantsinaccordancewith24CFRPart8.Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973asamendedandHACE’sReasonableAccommodationPolicy.Additionalactions,whichmaybetaken,includebutarenotlimitedto:1. Additionaltelephonecallstoaccommodatethespecialneeds2. Schedulingadditionalappointments

3. Contactingafamilymember,caseworkerorotherpersonwhoassiststhefamily,withtheapplicant/participant’spriorpermission

4. ProvidingalternateequallyeffectiveformsofcommunicationHomevisits5. Communicationsusingemailortextmessaging6. TheuseofaTTD/TTYtelephonenumber7. PARelayServiceDial711orthebelowtoll-freenumbers:

• TTY:1-800-654-5984• Voice:1-800-654-5988• Speech-to-Speech:1-800-308-9292• Spanish:1-844-308-9291

DocumentedSpecialNeed–mustbeasignedstatement,fromaqualifiedprofessionalwhoisfamiliarwiththeindividual(applicantorresident)andtheirdisability,indicatingthattheindividualwouldbenefitfromtheaccommodation.TheHousingAuthorityoftheCityofErieiscommittedtotheFairHousingAct,whichamongotherthings,prohibitsdiscriminationagainstpersonwithdisabilities.Inaccordancewithourstatutoryresponsibilitiesandmanagementpolicies,wewillmakereasonableaccommodationsinourrules,policies,practices,orservices,whensuchaccommodationsmaybenecessarytoaffordpersonswithdisabilitiesanequalopportunitytobeabletouseandenjoytheirhousingcommunity.HACEReasonableAccommodationPolicystatestheprocesstorequestareasonableaccommodationcanbefoundatwww.hace.org.IfatanytimeafamilyisuncooperativewithHACE’seffortswithrespecttoreasonableaccommodation,HACEwilltakeactioninaccordancewiththeregularoperatingpoliciesandproceduresofHACE,includingthosecontainedwithinthisPlan.H. PRIVACYSTATEMENTItisthepolicyofHACEtofacilitatetheprivacyofindividualsconferredunderthePrivacyActof1974,andtoensuretheprotectionofsuchindividual’srecordsmaintainedbyHACE. Therefore,unlessitisrequiredorpermittedbylaw,HACEshallnotdiscloseanypersonalinformationcontainedinitsrecordstoanypersonoragencyunlesstheindividualaboutwhominformationisrequestedgivesHACEwrittenconsenttosuchdisclosure.ThisprivacypolicyinnowaylimitsHACE’sabilitytocollectsuchinformationasitmayneedtodetermineeligibility,computerentordetermineanapplicant’ssuitabilityfortenancy.

2. ELIGIBILITYANDADMISSION

A. APPLICANTELIGIBILITYEligiblefamiliesareadmittedtotheHCVProgrambaseduponfamilycomposition,incomelimits,citizenshipandothercriteriaasdefinedbyHACEandHUD.1. EligibilityCriteriaTobeeligibleforadmissionforparticipation,anapplicantmustmeetthecriteriaforeligibilitydeterminationasestablishedbyHUD,aswellasanyadditionalcriteriaestablishedbytheHousingAuthorityoftheCityofErie.HUDhasestablishedthefollowingbasicfactorsforeligibility:

• FamilyComposition• IncomeLimits• Citizenshipandeligiblenon-citizenstatus• AdmissioncriteriarelevanttopriorhistoryinanyHUD-assistedprogramsand

criminalhistorychecks.

2. FactorsforDeterminingEligibility

Thefamily’seligibilityforplacementonthewaitinglistwillbebasedonthefollowingfactorsandwillnotbeverifieduntilselectionfromtheapplicantpoolforhousingassistanceismade.Afamilyisdefinedasapersonorgroupofpersons:

a. Regularlylivingtogether,relatedbyblood,marriage,adoption,guardianship,

evidencingastablerelationship,operationoflaw;oranelderlyfamily,singleperson,singlepregnantwomanwithnootherchildren,oradisplacedperson,asdefinedbyHUD;

b. Whoseannualincome,atthetimeofadmission,doesnotexceedtheincomelimits

foroccupancyasestablishedbyHUDandpostedseparatelyinHACE’soffices;

c. Whomeetorexceedthescreeningcriteria;and

d. Otherindividuals,includingfosterchildren,live-inaides,andmemberstemporarilyabsent,maybeconsideredtobeapartofthefamilygroupiftheyarelivingorwillliveregularlywiththefamily.(RefertoChapter9ofthisplan.)

3. IncomeLimits

ApplicantsmustqualifyforadmissiontotheHCVProgrambasedupontotalannualincomeforallmembersofthehouseholdfamily.Eligibilityisdeterminedusingthefollowingincomecategories:

a. Extremely-low-incomefamilies(IncomeTargetingEligible)

Familieswhoseincomes,atthetimeofadmission,donotexceed30%oftheareamedianincome.Seventy-five(75%)ofallnewadmissionstotheHCVProgramwillbeinthiscategory.b. Very-low-incomefamilies

Familieswhoseincome,atthetimeofadmission,donotexceedthevery-low-incomelimitsestablishedbyHUD,butaregreaterthantheextremely-low-incomelimit.c. Low-incomefamilies

Familieswhoseincomes,atthetimeofadmission,donotexceedthelow-incomelimitestablishedbyHUDandmustmeetreasonsidentifiedin24CFR982.201(b),(ii),(iii),(iv),(v)&(vi).4. CitizenshipAnapplicantmustbeeligibleasaCitizenoftheUnitedStatesoraNon-Citizenwhohaseligibleimmigrationstatusasdeterminedinaccordancewith24CFRpart5SubpartE.CitizensoftheRepublicofMarshallIslands,theFederatedStatesofMicronesiaandtheRepublicofPalauwhoareeligibleforassistance,areentitledtoreceiveapreferenceforhousingassistance,exceptthatwithinGuam,suchpersonsarenotentitledtohousingassistanceinpreferencetoanyUnitedStatesCitizenornationalresident.ADeclarationofCitizenshipStatusformmustbesignedforallfamilymembers,includingchildren.Verificationofeligiblecitizenshipstatuswillbeconducteduponreceiptofthefinalapplication.5. OtherCriteriaAllapplicantsandparticipantsoftheHCVProgrammustmeetotherspecificeligibilitycriteria.HACEwillperformcriminalhistorybackgroundchecksinPAandnationallytoincludewherehouseholdmembersareknowntohaveresided,inaccordancewith24CFR5.856.PolicereportsmayalsobeusedforverificationTheHousingAuthorityoftheCityofEriemaydenyprogramassistancetoanapplicant(ormayterminateparticipationforaparticipant)ifanyoneofthefollowingoccurs:

a. Anymemberofthefamilyhasbeenevictedfromanypublichousing,Indianhousing,Section23oranyHCVProgrambecauseofdrug-relatedcriminalactivityasdefinedin24CFR982.4,orifanymemberofthefamilyhasbeenevictedfrompublichousingforanyotherreasoninthepast7years.The7yearperiodshallbeginonthedateofsucheviction.HACEwillobtainverificationfromthePublicHousingAuthority(“PHA”)ortheowneroffederallyassistedhousingifapplicable.

b. AnyPHAhasterminatedprogramassistanceforviolationoffamilyobligationsorprogram

regulationsundertheVoucherprogrambyanyfamilymemberinthepast7years.HACEwillobtainverificationfromthePHAifapplicable.

c. Anymemberofthefamilyhascommitteddrug-relatedcriminalactivityorviolent

criminalactivitywithinthepast7yearsasdefinedin24CFR982.4.

d. Anyfamilymember,inthepast7years,hasdemonstratedapatternoftheabuseofalcoholorapatternofillegaluseofacontrolledsubstancethatmayinterferewiththehealth,safetyorrighttopeacefulenjoymentofpersonsresidingintheimmediatevicinityoftheresidence(neighbors).IfHACEhasreasontobelievethatadetrimentalpatternexists,additionalinquirymaybeinitiatedthroughsuchresourcesaspoliceandmedicalrecords(ifavailable)todetermineifthereisathreattothehealth,safetyorrighttopeacefulenjoymentofneighbors.

e. Anyfamilymemberhaseverbeenconvictedofmanufacturingorproducing

methamphetamineonthepremisesofafederallyassistedhousingdevelopmentorunitinviolationofanyfederalorstatelaw.TheseindividualswillbepermanentlydeniedadmissiontoHACE’sHCVProgram.

f. Anymemberofthefamilycommitsseriousviolentcrimesasfollows:

• Anymemberhaseverbeenconvictedofamajorfelonysuchas:murder,rapeor

terrorism,butnotnecessarilylimitedtotheseitems,shallbedeniedhousingforaperiodof10yearsfromdateofsuchconviction;

• Haseverbeenconvictedofanyformofsexualcrime,orcrimesagainstminor

children,orhaveahistoryofarrestsforanyform(s)ofsexualcrimeorcrimesagainstminorchildrenshallbedeniedhousingforaperiodof10yearsfromdateofsuchconviction;or

• Anymemberhaseverbeenconvictedasasexoffenderandsubjecttoalifetime

registrationwithfederal,stateorlocallawenforcementagencies.TheseindividualswillbepermanentlydeniedadmissionbyHACE.

g. Thereisahistoryofcriminalactivityonthepartofanyapplicantfamilymemberinvolving

crimesofphysicalviolencetopersonsorpropertyandothercriminalactswhichwould

h. affectthehealth,safetyandwelfareofotherresidents,includingbutnotlimitedtoarrestorconvictionfordrug-relatedoffenses.AnymemberofthefamilyhaseverengagedinorthreatenedabusiveorviolentbehaviortowardHACEpersonnel.

i. Thereisarecordofdisturbanceofneighbors,destructionofproperty,or,livingor

housekeepinghabitsatpriorresidenceswhichmayadverselyaffectthehealth,safetyandwelfareofotherresidentsorneighbors.

j. Anyfamilymemberhascommittedanyfraud,briberyorothercorruptorcriminalactin

connectionwithanyfederalhousingprogram.

k. ThefamilycurrentlyowesrentorotheramountstoHACEorforanyprevioustenancyinHUD-assistedhousingprograms.

l. ThefamilyhasbreachedanagreementwithHACEtopayamountsowedtoHACE,or

amountspaidtoanownerbyHACE.

m. ThefamilyhasnotreimbursedaPHAorotherfederallysubsidizedprogramsforamountspaidtoanownerunderaHAPcontractforrent,damagestotheunit(contractseffectivepriorto10-2-1995)orotheramountsowedbythefamilyunderthelease.

n. Anymemberofthefamilyfailstosignandsubmittherequiredconsentformsfor

obtaininginformation,includingformHUD9886.

o. OtherreasonsarerequiredbyHUDregulationsorotherapplicablelaw.6. ProtectionsundertheViolenceAgainstWomenActTheViolenceAgainstWomenandJusticeDepartmentReauthorizationActof2017(VAWA)isagenderneutralprotectionforthevictimsofdomesticabuse.Accordingly,victimsofdomesticabusewillnotbediscriminatedagainstduringtheapplicationprocesswithregardtoeligibility,orhavepenaltiesregardingcontinuedparticipation/tenancyifahouseholdmemberisthevictimofdomesticviolence,datingviolence,sexualassaultandstalking.HACEmaynotconsiderincidentsofdomesticviolence,datingviolence,sexualassaultandstalkingasseriousorrepeatedviolationsoftheleaseor“goodcause”forterminationofassistance,tenancy,oroccupancyrightsofthevictimofabuse.HACEmaynotconsidercriminalactivitydirectlyrelatingtoabuse,engagedinbyamemberofthetenant’shouseholdoranyguestorotherpersonunderthetenant’scontrol,causeforterminationofassistance,tenancy,oroccupancyrightsifthetenantoranimmediatememberofthetenant’sfamilyisthevictimorthreatenedvictimofthatabuse.

HACEmayrequest,inwriting,thatthevictim,orafamilymemberonthevictim’sbehalf,certifythattheindividualisavictimofabuseadthattheformHUD-5382CertificationofDomesticViolence,DatingViolence,SexualAssault,orStalking,andAlternateDocumentationorotherdocumentationasnotedonthecertifiedform,becompletedandsubmittedwith14days,oranagreeduponextensiondate,toreceiveprotectionunderVAWA.Failuretoprovidethecertificationorothersupportingdocumentationwiththespecifiedtimeframemayresultinevictionortheterminationofrentalassistance.AllHACEtenant’s/participantswillsignaLeaseAddendum(FormHUD-91067)informingthemoftheirrightsunderVAWA.7. EvidenceofCriminalActivity

HACEwilldenyassistancetoafamilybasedupondrug-relatedcriminalactivity,violentcriminalactivity,oralcoholabuseifthepreponderanceofevidenceindicatesthatafamilymemberhasengagedinsuchactivity,regardlessofwhetherthefamilymemberhasbeenarrestedorconvicted.HACEwillusethepreponderanceofevidencedefinitioninBlack’sLawDictionary,whichis:“EvidencewhichisgreaterweightormoreconvincingthantheevidencewhichisofferedInoppositiontoit;thatis,evidencewhichasawholeshowsthatthefactsoughttobeprovedismoreprobablethannot.”8. EligibilityExceptions

a. HACEmaynotdenyadmissiontotheHCVProgramforafamilymember’sdrug-related

criminalactivityifthefamilymembercandemonstratethefollowing:

1) hasanaddictiontoacontrolledsubstance,hasarecordofsuchimpairment,orisaregardedashavingsuchanimpairment;and

2) hasrecoveredfromsuchaddiction,doesnotcurrentlyuseorpossesscontrolled

substances,and;• Hassuccessfullycompletedasuperviseddrugoralcoholrehabilitationprogram;

• Hasotherwisebeenrehabilitatedsuccessfully;or

• Isparticipatinginasuperviseddrugoralcoholrehabilitationprogram.

b. HACEwillnotdenytheadmissiontotheHCVprogramforafamilymember’sdrug-relatedcriminalactivity,violentcriminalactivityoralcoholabuseifthefamilymemberinvolvedinsuchactivityorabuseisnolongeramemberofthehousehold.

c. However,HACEshallpermanentlydenyadmissiontoanyindividualsconvictedof

manufacturingorproducingmethamphetamineonthepremisesofafederallyassistedhousingdevelopmentorunitinviolationofanyfederalorstatelaw.

B. WAITINGLIST1. WaitingListMaintenanceTheHCVProgramofHACEmaintainsaseparatewaitinglistfromitsPublicHousingProgram.HACEutilizesarandomlotterysystemtopositionapplicantsonthefinalHCVwaitinglist.TheAuthoritywilldetermineareasonableperiodfortheopeningandclosingofapplications.HACEwillnotacceptapplicationspriortotheopeningandaftertheclosingoftheenrollmentperiod.Applicantsareselectedfromthewaitinglistinnumericalorderfromlowesttohighest.Onlyafterafinalapplicationiscompletedwilladeterminationbemadeonanapplicant’seligibility.

ApplicantsmustinformHACEofanychangestoinformationlistedontheapplication(e.g.,address,phonenumber,email).FailuretonotifyHACEofsuchchangesmayresultintheapplicant’sremovalfromthewaitinglist. Atminimum,thewaitinglistwillcontainthefollowingapplicantinformation:

a. Applicantname,addressandSocialSecurityNumberb. Familymembersc. Dateofapplicationd. Racialandethnicdesignationofheadofhouseholde. Lead-SafeHousingPreferenceforlocalfamilieswithchildren

2. CrossListing

IfHACE’swaitinglistforthePublicHousingProgramisopenwhenanapplicantisplacedonthewaitinglistforitsHCVProgram,theapplicantcanrequesttocompleteaPublicHousingpreliminaryapplication.

3. Opening/ClosingoftheWaitingList

IfHACEistakingapplicationonanopen-enrollmentbasisanddecidestoclosethewaitinglist,HACEwilldosoinaccordancewithHUDregulations.

IfthewaitinglistisclosedandHACEdecidestoopenthewaitinglist,HACEshallpubliclyannouncetheopeninginthemannerprovidedin24CFR982.206.Duringtheperiodwhenthewaitinglistisclosed,HACEwillnotmaintainalistofindividualswhowishtobenotifiedwhenthewaitinglistisreopened.4. RemovingNamesfromtheWaitingListHACEwillremovethenameofanapplicantfromtheHCVwaitinglistwhenthereisnoresponsetoarequestforadditionalorupdatedinformation.SucharequestwillbemadebyHACEinwritingandaddressedtotheapplicantattheircurrentorupdatedaddresslistedontheapplication.Therequestwillincludeadeadlinedateandnoticeofremovalfromthewaitinglistfornon-compliance.Ifthereisnoresponsewithin14days,HACEwillnotifytheapplicant,bymail,thattheirrequestforhousingassistanceisdenied.ThenoticewillalsoinformtheapplicantoftheiropportunityforanInformalReview.Ifanapplicant’sfailuretorespondtoarequestforinformationorupdatewascausedbytheirverifieddisability,HACEwillprovidereasonableaccommodationtogivethemanopportunitytorespond.Anapplicantmayremovetheirnamefromthewaitinglistbyrequestingthattheirapplicationbecancelled.SuchrequestmustbemadeinwritingtoHACE.Subsequenttocancellation,anapplicantmayreapplywhenthewaitlistenrollmentperiodisopenagain,butwillnotbegivenconsiderationfortheirpositiononthewaitinglistundertheirpreviousapplication.5. FundingLimitationsIfHACEdoesnothavesufficientfundstosubsidizethefamilyunitsizeofthefamilyatthetopofthewaitinglist,HACEwillnotskipthetopwaitinglistfamilyinordertoadmitanapplicantfamilywithasmallerfamilyunitsizethatcanbeimmediatelysupportedwithavailablefunding.

C. APPLICATIONPROCESS1. ApplicationPolicyThepolicyofHACEistotreatallapplicantsinafairandconsistentmanner.AllfamilieswhoareinterestedinapplyingforHACE’sHousingChoiceVoucherProgrammustcompleteapreliminaryapplicationwhenenrollmentisopen.HACEmaintainsasinglewaitinglistfortheHCVProgram.Anyfamilywhohasfailedtopayanoutstandingbalanceconsistingofuncollectedrentand/ormiscellaneouschargesowedtoHACEoranyotherfederallyfundedhousingprogramwillbepermittedtocompleteanapplication.However,aninitialdeterminationofineligibilitywillbemadebaseduponsuchdebtsowed.2. PreliminaryApplicationToparticipateintheHCVProgram,familiesmustmakeapreliminaryapplicationtoHACEusingtheformsprescribedbyHACEandHUD.AprospectiveapplicantcanobtainanapplicationfromHACEHCVProgramofficeorapplyonthewebsiteduringtheopenenrollmentperiod.Instructionsareprovidedwiththeannouncement.Applicantswillbenotifiedbymailoftheirpositiononthewaitinglist.3. FinalApplication

Whenanapplicanthasreachedthetopofthewaitlistandisselectedtoprocesstheirapplication,afinalapplicationpacketwillbemailedtocompleteandprovidenecessarydocumentationondateinstructed.Communicationmaybeconductedbyphone,mail,inpersonorothermeansacceptabletoHACE.Thefinalapplicationpacketmustbecompletedandsignedbythehead-of-household,spouseandallotheradultmembers.Applicantswhosubmitapplicationsorrelateddocumentsthatareincompleteand/orunsignedwillbeconsideredtobeineligibleforplacementonthewaitinglist.IfthepacketisreturnedtoHACE(e.g.unknownaddress,vacant,etc.)orthereisnoresponsebyduedate,theapplicationwillbepurgedfromthewaitlist.Iftheapplicantisremovedfromthewaitinglistbecauseoftheirfailuretorespondwasduetoaverifieddisability,HACEwillreinstatetheapplicanttotheirformerpositiononthewaitinglist.AlladultmembersmustsigntheReleaseofInformationFormsfortheapplicationtobeconsideredcomplete.

Applicantswillberequiredtoprovidethefollowinginformationduringtheprocessingofthefinalapplication:

• Annualincome;• Assetinformation;• FamilyCompositionandproofofageofallfamilymembers;

(e.g.:BirthCertificates)• MedicalExpenses(disabledand/orelderly);• SocialSecurityCardsforallmembers;• Verificationofcitizenshipand/oreligiblenon-citizenstatus;• Verificationofdisabilitystatus;• PhotoIdforadults18yearsandover;and• OtherinformationHACEmayrequiretodetermineeligibility.

HACEwillmakespecialaccommodationstoassistanapplicantwithadisabilitytocompleteanapplication.Anapplicationinaccessibleformatmaybemadeavailableattherequestofthepersonwithadisability.4. NotificationofEligibilityforParticipationUponcompletionofthefinalapplicationandtheinformationcontainedtherein,theapplicantwillbesentoneofthefollowing:

a. Iftheapplicantmeetstheeligibilitycriteria,aletterwillbesent,whichwillindicate,

basedupontheapplicationsubmitted,thattheyappeartoqualifyforparticipationintheHCVprogram.TheywillalsoreceiveanextendedVoucherbriefingpacket.

Normally,uponnoticeofeligibility,anapplicantwillreceiveinformationregardingavoucherbriefing.IntheeventthatHACEisinashortfall(atimewhenfundingutilizationexceedsfundingreceivedbyHUD),applicantswillreceivenotificationofeligibilityonly.

Applicantswhoreceivedadeterminationofeligibilityduringshortfall,willbeissued

vouchersinapplicationnumberorderwhenadditionalfundingisavailabletoHACE.

b. ApplicantswhoaredeterminedtobeineligibleorunsuitableforadmissionwillbenotifiedpromptlybymailorothersuitablemeanssuchasemailofHACE’sdecision.TheseapplicantswillreceiveaNoticeofIneligibilityfromHACEstatingthebasisforsuchdetermination.HACEshallprovidesuchapplicantswithanopportunityforaninformalreviewofthedetermination.TheapplicantmustcontactHACEinwritingwithin14daysofreceiptoftheLetterofIneligibility.Upontimelyreceiptoftheapplicant’srequestforreview,HACEwillscheduletheinformalreview.Thereviewshalloccurwithina

reasonabletimeframefollowingthedeterminationofineligibilityorunsuitability.TheLetterofIneligibilitytotheapplicantwillincludethereasonforthedetermination.Applicantsdeterminedineligibleforviolentcriminalactivityordrugrelateactivityasaresultoftheinformalreview,willbeconsideredineligibletoreapplyforaperiodof1year.Applicantsdeniedforotherreasonsmayreapplybaseduponthedecisionissuedatthereview.

Aftertheineligibilityperiodhasexpired,applicantsmayreapplyforhousingsubjecttotheconditionsdescribedinthesepolicies.

c.Intheeventthefamilyisineligibleduetonon-citizenstatus,HACEwillnotifythe

familyinwritingofineligibility.TheletterwillinformthemoftheirrighttoaDepartmentofHomelandSecurity(DHS)appealand/orPHAInformalReviewandotherapplicablerequirementsof24CFR5.5.

Intheeventofasubsidyshortfall,HACEwillbeunabletoselectapplicantsandprocesswaitlisteligibilitydeterminationsuntilfundingisavailable.Applicantswhowereinprocessbeforetheshortfallwillreceiveeligibilitydeterminations(referto4a).D. INCOMETARGETINGAllinformationontheapplicationwillbeverifiedwhenHACEestimatesthataVouchercanbeissuedwithin60days.Afamilywillnotbeselectedforadmissionuntilverificationofallrequiredinformationhasbeenprovided.Toassurecompliancewith§513oftheQualityHousingandWorkResponsibilitiesActof1998,familieswillbeselectedfromthewaitinglistbaseduponIncomeTargetingrequirementsinaccordancewiththefollowing: 1. SelectionwillbemadebaseduponHACE’sobligationthatatleastseventy-fivepercent

(75%)ofallnewadmissionstotheHCVProgramdonothaveincomesthatexceed30%oftheareamedianincome;

2. HACEwillmonitoradmissionsevery6monthstodeterminecompliancewiththe75%

IncomeTargetingrequirement;and

3. HACEwilladmitfamiliestotheHCVProgramtocomplywiththeIncometargetingrequirementandmayadjustthewaitinglistselectiontodoso.

AtanytimeHACEmay,atitssolediscretionandwithoutnotice,adjusttheselectionofIncomeTargetingEligiblefamiliestoanamountbetween75%and100%,ifithasdetermined,thataninsufficientnumberofhouseholdincomesdonotexceedthe30%areamedianincome.

Wherenecessary,arequestwillbemadetoHUDbyHACEtoestablishandimplementdifferenttargetingstandards,for“goodcause”,inaccordancewithHACE’sAgencyplan.“Goodcause”mayinclude,butisnotlimitedto,therequirementtohouseeligiblefamiliesasspecialnon-waitinglistadmissionsandthetreatmentofthefamily’sincomeforthepurposesofeligibilityandFederalIncomeTargeting.E. PREFERENCESFamilieswhoqualifyforaPreference,asdefinedinthissection,willbeadmittedpriortofamilieswhodonothaveaPreference.AllPreferenceswillberatedasequal,havingnoindividualweightoraggregatevalueformultiplepreferences.HACEwillplacefamiliesonthewaitinglistbyapplicationnumber,andbythePreferencesasdescribedbelow:a. SpecialLead-SafeHousingPreferenceforLocalFamilieswithChildren

AnyapplicantfamilywhocurrentlyresidesinaunitwhichhasbeenselectedfortheHUD-fundedLeadHazardControlProgramoperatedbytheRedevelopmentAuthorityoftheCityofErieandwho:

• Has,asoneofitsmembers,achildunder6yearsofage;and

• ResidesintheCityofErie

b. YouthtoIndependence(FYI)VoucherPreferenceAneligibleFYIparticipantwhohascompletedtheir36monthvouchertermmaybeeligibleforaHCVpreferenceonthewaitinglist.F. PREFERENCEDENIALApreferencedoesnotguaranteeadmission.TheapplicantmustmeetallHACEtenantscreeningcriteriabeforebeingselectedasatenant.Iftheapplicant’sSpecialLead-SafeHousingpreferencecannotbeverified,theapplicantwillbeplacedbackonthewaitinglistintheiroriginalpositionandnotifiedofthepreferencedenialandgiventheopportunityforaninformalreview.IfanFYIparticipantwhosevoucherhasterminatedandisdeniedapreferenceforaHCV,theparticipantwillbenotifiedofthepreferencedenial,andgiventheopportunityforaninformalhearing.

G. SPECIALADMISSIONS(NON-WAITINGLISTSELECTION)AspecialadmissionistheadmissionofanapplicantwhoisnotonHACE’swaitinglistorwhoisadmittedwithoutconsiderationoftheapplicant’swaitinglistposition.HACEwilladmitfamiliesasspecialadmissionsunderthefollowingconditions: 1. IfHUDawardsfundingthatistargetedforfamilieslivinginspecifiedunits:

• HACEwillusetheassistanceforthefamilieslivingintheseunits;and

• HACEwillmaintainrecordsshowingthatafamilywasadmittedwithHUD-targetedassistance.

2. HACEwilladmitafamilywhoispartofaHUDOfficeofInspectorGeneral(“OIG”)

witnessprotectionprogram,providedthattheOIGfurnishesawrittenthreatassessmentthatrecommendsre-housingthefamilytoavoidorminimizeriskofviolenceagainstfamilymembersasareprisalforprovidinginformation.

H.FOSTERYOUTHTOINDEPENDENCEINITIATIVEVOUCHERS(FYI)

FYIvouchersarereservedforyouthages18andnotmorethan24yearsold,whohaveleftfostercareorwillbeleavingfostercarewithin120daysandareatriskofbecominghomeless.

FYIvoucherswillberequestedfromHUDonanasneededbasisasreferredapplicantsapplyforhousing.ReferralstoHACEareonlyavailableforindividualswhoqualifythroughtheErieCountyOfficeofChildrenandYouth.

IfareferredapplicantiscurrentlyontheHCVwaitlist,theywillbeselectedinorderoftheirpositionontheHCVwaitlistinaccordancewithHACEadmissionpolicies.Theirapplicationcannotberemoved,cancelledorwithdrawn,inanticipationofaFYIvoucheravailability.

IfHACEHCVwaitlistisclosed,itwillreopenandclose,toacceptanFYIapplicantyouth,withoutopeningthewaitlistforotherapplicants.

FYIapplicantsaresubjecttothesamescreeningproceduresandeligibilityrequirementsasanHCVapplicant.Ifeligible,theywillbeofferedavoucheronceHACEreceivesapprovalfromHUD.Ifineligible,theycanrequestanInformalReview(seechapter12).

Thefamilywillhaveamaximumofthree(3)yearstousethevoucher.Attheendof3years,thevoucherwillbegiventoanotherFYIqualifiedapplicantorturnedbackintoHUD.IfthereisanHCVavailableatthetimeoftheFYIvoucherexpirationHACEoranotherHousingAuthoritymayabsorbthetenantintotheirHCVprogram.

PortabilityrequirementsforaFYIvoucherarethesameasHACE’sstandardHCVwithoneexception.HACEhaselectedtowaivethe1styearresidencywithintheCityofEriesothatFYIapplicantsmayporttoErieCountyimmediatelywhentheyreceivetheirvoucher.OtherthanportingtotheCounty,aFYIvoucherholdermustresidewithintheCityofEriefor1yearbeforeportingelsewhere.I.VASHHACEadministersvouchersspecificallyforhomelessVeteransandtheirfamilieswhoarereferredbytheVeteransAffairsMedicalCenter(VAMC).TheVAMCmaintainstheVASHwaitlistandconductstheirscreeningforeligibility,priortoawrittenreferralforavoucher.HACEisrequiredtoverifyaLifetimeSexOffenderregistrationandincomelimitsfordeterminationofeligibility.Afteradmission,aparticipantwhowishestoaddanotherhouseholdmember,willbesubjecttotheHCVstandardscreeningcriteria.

VASHvouchersareportabletoanyHousingAuthoritythatadministersHCV’s.AspartoftheVASHvoucherrequirement,theVeteranmustagreetocomplywithrequiredcasemanagementactivitiesthroughtheVAMCorthevouchermaybeterminated.

3. VERIFICATION,INCOMEANDDETERMINATIONOFTTPA. VERIFICATIONPOLICY1. Third-PartyVerificationHACEwillrequirethatallapplicantsandparticipantssignHUDandHACErequiredReleaseandConsentformsforthepurposeofobtainingindependentverificationspertainingtoeligibilityandrentdeterminations.Third-partywrittenverificationwillberequestedbyHACEtotheextentthatsuchverificationispossible.Incaseswhereappropriatethird-partyverificationcannotbeused,HACEwilldocumentthefileastowhyanothermethodwasused.HACEwillattempttoobtainallverificationsforthepurposeofdetermininganticipatedincomeandexpensesforthesubsequent12monthperiod.EnterpriseIncomeVerification(EIV)asaccessedinaccordancewithHUDrequirementshallbethefirstsourceofthird-partyverificationtotheextentthatsuchinformationisavailable.HACE,atitsdiscretion,mayuseotherHUD-allowedvariationsapplicabletothisverificationpolicy.Inaccordancewith24CFR§982.516(a)(2),HACEwillmakeveryreasonableattempttoobtainanddocumentintheapplicant/participantfilethirdpartyverificationofthefollowingfactors:

• Reportedfamilyannualincome;• Thevalueofassets;• Expensesrelatedtodeductionsfromannualincome;and• Otherfactorsthataffectthedeterminationofadjustedincome.

HACEwillusethemosteffectivethirdpartyverificationtechniquesavailableandwillapplytheminthepriorityorderlistedbelow:

a. UpfrontIncomeVerification(UIV)(Priority1):Theverificationofincomebeforeor

duringafamilyreexamination,throughanindependentsourcethatsystematicallyanduniformlymaintainsincomeinformationincomputerizedformforanumberofindividuals.

HUD’sEnterpriseIncomeVerification(EIV)systemshallbethefirstchoiceofUpfrontIncomeVerificationtobeusedinitsentiretytoverifytenantincomeandemploymentinformation.

HACEmayuseotherUIVresourcesincluding,butnotlimitedto:• Privatesectordatabases(e.g.,TheWorkNumber)• Stategovernmentdatabases

b. WrittenThirdPartyVerification(Priority2):Anoriginalorauthenticdocumentgeneratedbyathirdpartysourcedatedeitherwithinthesixty(60)dayperiodprecedingthereexaminationorHACErequestdate.Suchdocumentationmaybeinthepossessionofthetenant(orapplicant),andiscommonlyreferredtoastenant-provideddocuments.HACEmay,atitsdiscretion,rejectanytenant-provideddocumentsandfollowupdirectlywiththesourcetoobtainnecessaryverificationofinformation.

Examplesofacceptabletenant-provideddocumentation(generatedbyathirdpartysource)include,butarenotlimitedto:paystubs,governmentawardletters,medicalbills,incometaxdocuments,checks,bankstatements,payrollreportsorotherdocumentsthatwouldprovideinformationastoapplicablecurrentorongoingamountsreceivedordisbursedbythefamily.HACEstaffwillreviewanddeterminethevalidityand/oraccuracyofthedocument.GovernmentcheckswillnotbephotocopiedbutwillbedocumentedbyHACE.Inallinstances,currentacceptabletenant-provideddocumentsmustbeusedforincomeandrentdeterminations.

HACEwillobtainataminimum,twocurrentandconsecutivepaystubsfordeterminingannualincomefromwages.Fornewincomesourcesorwhentwopaystubsarenotavailable,HACEmayprojectincomebasedontheinformationfromatraditionalwrittenthirdpartyverificationformorthebestavailableinformation.

Note: Documentsolderthan60daysareacceptableforconfirmingeffectivedatesofincome.c. WrittenThirdPartyVerificationForm(Priority3): Alsoknownastraditionalthirdparty

verification,itisastandardizedformtocollectinformationfromathirdpartysource.Theformiscompletedbythethirdpartybyhand(inwritingortypeset).HACEshallsendtheformdirectlytothethirdpartysourcebymail,faxoremail.

• MaildocumentationofarequestbyHACE,maileddirectlytoanappropriate

individualauthorizedtoreportapplicableinformationofthefamilymember,andreturneddirectlytoHACE.

• Facsimile-transmitteddocumentationdirectlyissuedtoHACEwhichhasbeen

signedorcertifiedbyanappropriateindividualauthorizedtocompletesuch verification.

• EmaildocumentationdirectlytransmittedtoHACEthatcontainsan

identifiableemailaddressfromwhichitoriginated,andindicatestheappropriate individualandentityrequestedtoverifytheinformation;oranattachedfilethat containstherequestedinformationthatclearlyindicatesauthenticity. ThisverificationmethodwillbeusedbyHACEwhereUIVandWrittenThirdParty Notification(Priority2)informationisnotavailable,ortoobtainadditional informationnecessarytoaccuratelyverifyinformationreceivedinhigherpriority categories.

d. OralThirdPartyVerification(Priority4):throughcontactsmadebytelephoneorin

person,toanappropriatethirdparty.HACEstaffmemberwilldocument thefactsobtained,thedateandtimeofthecontact,thespecificpartywhoprovidedtheinformation,andotherdataonaformprescribedHACE.

Thisverificationmethodisusedintheeventthateithertwoattemptshavebeenmade

toobtainanywrittenthird-partyverificationwithoutsuccess,orthirdpartyverificationisnotpossible.

2. Non-Third-PartyVerificationWherethirdpartyverificationisnotavailableorwhereHACEhasmadenumerousattemptstoobtaintherequiredverificationswithnosuccess,orininstanceswhereitmaynotbecosteffectivetoobtainthirdpartyverificationofincome,assetsorexpenses,whentheimpactontotaltenantpaymentisminimal,HACEwilldocumentinthefamilyfileastothereason(s)whythirdpartyverificationwasnotavailable.Thetenantwillthenberequiredtosubmitthefollowing:

o Self-Certification:bytheapplicablefamilymemberwhoprovidesanotarizedstatementoraffidavitthatindicatestheitem(s)tobeverified.Thisformofverificationwillbeusedwhenallothermethodsarenotpossible.

3. CitizenshipVerification

ParticipationintheHCVProgramisrestrictedtocitizensoreligiblenon-citizensoftheUnitedStates.CitizensoftheRepublicofMarshallIslands,theFederatedStatesofMicronesia,andtheRepublicofPalauwhoareeligibleforassistanceasnon-citizens,areentitledtoreceiveapreferenceforhousingassistance,exceptthatwithinGuam,suchpersonsarenotentitledtohousingassistanceinpreferencetoanyUnitedStatescitizenornationalresident.

IftheDeclarationofCitizenship/EligibleNon-CitizenStatusindicatesthatverificationmustbedone,HACEwillrequestinformationfromDHS.Thisinformationwillberequestedfirstthrough“SAVE”procedure,thensecondaryverificationif“SAVE”doesnotverifyeligiblestatus.Note:Thisverificationisonlytobedonepriortoadmissionunlessanewfamilymemberjoinsthefamily.

Ifitisdeterminedthatafamilyhasanineligiblefamilymember,assistancewillbeofferedonapro-ratabasisinaccordancewithHUDHandbook7465.7.Failuretoacceptpro-ratedassistancewillresultindenialofassistanceandthefamilywillberemovedfromthewaitinglist.Theverificationofcitizenshipwilloccuronlyonceforeachmemberofthehousehold.

4. HUD’sEIVSystem

HUD’sEIVsystemwillalsobeusedtoverifyifthefamilyisbeingassistedunderaHUDrentalassistanceprogramatanotherlocationorhasapastduebalanceatanotherlocation.HACEstaffwillrefertoHACE’sEIVpolicyforguidance.B. INCOME,ASSETSANDINCOMEEXCLUSIONS1. IncomeForthepurposeofdeterminingtenantrentandassistancepaymentsintheHousingChoiceVoucherProgram,incomeisconsideredtobetheannualincomeofallfamilymembers,monetaryornot,whichgoto,orareonbehalfof,thefamily,headorspouse,oranyotherfamilymember;orareanticipatedtobereceivedfromasourceoutsidethefamilyduringthe12-monthperiodfollowingadmissionorannualreexaminationeffectivedate;andasdefinedin24CFR5.609.Thisdefinitionincludesincomeearnedontangibleandintangibleasset(s)heldbyanyfamilymember,suchasinterest,dividendsandothernetincomeofanykindfromrealorpersonalproperty.2. AssetsOtherthanincome,assetsarealsousedtodetermineanapplicant’srent.Assetsincludethefollowingbutarenotlimitedto:

• Savingsaccounts;• Checkingaccounts;• Equityinrealproperty;• Stocks,bondsandtreasurynotes;and/or• Wholelifeinsurancepolicies.

Anyassetvaluedat$5,000orlesswillbeverifiedthe1styearandevery3rdyearthereafter.However,verificationofassetvaluedover$5,000canbemadethroughanythirdpartymeansinaccordancewithsectionAofthischapter.

3. IncomeExclusionsandDeductionsCertainincomewillbeexcludedwhendeterminingannualincomeofthefamily.HACEwillexcludefromitsannualincomedeterminationsthoseamountsidentifiedin24CFR5.609(c)andthoseamountsestablishedbyHUDinthefollowingcategories:

Deductions

• Exemptionforelderlyordisabledfamilies;• Medicalexpensesforelderlyordisabledfamilies;• Auxiliaryapparatusandattendantcareexpenseforamemberofthefamilywho

hasadisability;• Childcareexpenses;and• Exemptionforminors,studentsorpersonswithdisabilities.

Exclusions

• Earnedincomeofminors;• Incomeofaneligiblelive-inaide;and• Otheramountsasdefinedin24CFR5.609(c).

Eligiblechildcareexpenseswillbelimitedtothelesseroftheamountearnedbythefamilymemberenabledtowork.Wheremorethanonefamilymemberworks,HACEwillassume,forthepurposeofdeterminingthislimitation,thatthechildcareexpensesenablesthelowestpaidindividualtowork.C. TOTALTENANTPAYMENTANDMINIMUMRENT1. TotalTenantPaymentHACEwillcalculatetheTotalTenantPayment(“TTP”)ofallparticipantsintheVoucherPrograminaccordancewith24CFR5.628.TheTTPisusedtocalculatethetenantrentintheVoucherProgram.2. MinimumRentHACEhasestablishedaminimumrentoffiftydollars($50)forProgramparticipants.HACEwillgrantanexemptionfromtheminimumrentalamountincasesoffamilyhardshipforanyofthefollowing:

a. Thefamilyhaslosteligibility,orisawaitinganeligibilitydetermination,forafederal,

stateorlocalassistanceprogram,includingafamilythatincludesamemberwhoisanon-citizen,lawfullyadmittedforpermanentresidenceundertheImmigrationandNationalityActwhowouldbeentitledforpublicbenefitsbutforTitleIVofthePersonalResponsibilityandWorkOpportunityReconciliationActof1996;

b. Thefamilywouldbeevictedasaresultoftheimpositionoftheminimumrent

requirement;

c. Theincomeofthefamilyhasdecreasedbecauseofchangedcircumstance,includinglossofemployment;

d. Adeathinthefamilyhasoccurred;

e.OthervalidreasonsapprovedbyHACEonacase-by-casebasis.FamilieswillbeeligibleforthehardshipexemptiononlyifthehardshipisreportedinwritingtoHACE.HACEwillexemptthefamilybeginningthemonthfollowingthemonthinwhichtheexemptionwasrequested.VerificationwillbeconductedandHACEwilldetermineeligibilitybasedupontheabove-listedfactorsandHUDregulations.

a. Atemporaryhardshipis2monthsatminimumrentandmustbereimbursedtoHACE.b. Apermanenthardshipisover2months.Theminimumrentwillnotberequiredto

reimbursedHACE.3. ZeroIncomeInanyinstance,ifafamilyreportsthatithasnoincomebeingreceivedbyfamilymembers,HACEwillrequirethatthefamilyreportandcertifyevery90daysfollowingtheinitialreportingdateastothetotalhouseholdincome.HACEmaymakefurtherinvestigationintothefamily’sinformation,ifitappearsthatthefamilyisreceivingunreportedincomeasdefinedin24CFR5.609.

Toestablishanynon-monetarycontributionsreceivedbythefamily,HACEwillrequirethecompletionofthe“ZeroIncomeQuestionnaire”.4. UtilityAllowancesAUtilityAllowanceSchedulewillbedevelopedbyHACEfortheVoucherProgram.ThisUtilityAllowanceSchedulewillbecalculatedusingactualratesandaverageconsumptionestimatesprovidedbythelocalutilitycompanies.Theseallowanceswillbereviewedannually.Newallowanceswillbeissuedwheneverrateshavebeenincreasedordecreasedbyatleast10%cumulatively.Forutilitiespaidbythefamily,HACEwillincludeautilityallowanceinthecalculationofthefamily’sshareofrent.TheutilityallowanceisusedindeterminingthemonthlyHousingAssistancePayments(HAP)intheHousingChoiceVoucherProgram.5. UtilityAssistancePaymentsHACEwillpayonbehalfofthetenant,anamountbywhichthehousingassistancepaymentexceedstherenttoowner,directlytotheutilitycompanyforgas,electricor

water/sewer/trash.AUtilityAssistancePayments(“UAP”)checkwillbeissuedatthebeginningofeachmonth.Itshallbetheresponsibilityofthetenanttoprovideautilityaccountnumber.

4.BRIEFINGSANDVOUCHERISSUANCEA. BRIEFINGSHousingChoiceVoucherBriefingWhenafamilyistobeissuedaVoucher,theywillreceiveanextendedVoucherBriefingpacket.Thevoucherpacketisastepbystepguidetoleasinganapartment.ThefamilyisrequiredtoviewtheHACEHCVBriefingonourwebsiteincoordinationwiththepacket.

ThevoucherbriefingwillalsoinformthefamilyonhowtheHCVProgramworksincludingrecertificationsandinterims,HousingQualityStandardInspections,familyandownerresponsibilities,andwhereafamilymayleaseaunitinsideoroutsideHACE’sjurisdiction.ThefamilyisissuedtheirVoucherwiththepacket.

VoucherBriefingPacketInformation

Theapplicantwillbeprovidedataminimumthefollowingmaterials:

a. AVoucherpacketcontainingitemsrequiredby24CFR982.301(b);b. Printedpowerpointofthewebinar.c. Instructionsforsubmittingaunitd. RFTA,AmenitiesformandtheHUDTenancyAddendume. UtilityAllowanceschedulef. CityofEriecensustract

g.Acurrentlistofavailableunitsandinterestedowners h.Requirementstoreportingchangesinfamilyincomeandcircumstances I.TheHUDbrochure,AGoodPlacetoLive

j.HUDLead-BasedPaintBrochure/Notificationk.FSSProgrambrochurel.VAWAm.FairHousingEqualOpportunity(FHEO)housingdiscriminationn.LGBTQEqualAccesstoHUDProgramso.HACEMove-in/Move-outChecklist

RequiredViewingofVoucherBriefing Thefamilyisrequiredtoself-certifythattheycompletedwatchingthevideobysubmittinganemailorwrittenstatementalongwiththeirvouchernumber.FailuretosubmitthiscertificationwillvoidsubmissionsofRFTA’s.

ExpandedHousingOpportunitiesTheHousingAuthorityoftheCityofErieincludeswitheachvoucherorientationpacketaHousingResourcelistthatincludesthenamesandtelephonenumbersofownerswhoareofferinghousingunitsthroughoutErie.HACEwillassistfamiliesinnegotiationswithownersandprovideanyotherrecommendationsrelativetothefamilies’needsforhousing.B. FAMILYOBLIGATIONSTheVoucherProgramfamilymustcomplywiththeobligationsdescribedin24CFR982.551asidentifiedintheirsignedHousingChoiceVoucher,andaslistedherein:ProvidingRequireInformation

• ThefamilymustprovideanyinformationthatHACEorHUDdeterminesisnecessaryintheadministrationoftheProgram.

• ThefamilymustprovideanyinformationrequestedbyHACEorHUDforuseinaregularlyscheduledreexaminationorinterimexaminationoffamilyincomeandcompositioninaccordancewithHUDrequirements.

• Thefamilymustprovideandverifysocialsecuritynumbers,andmustsignandsubmitconsentforms,inaccordancewith24CFRpart5subpartB.

• Anyinformationprovidedbythefamilymustbetrueandcomplete.HQSBreachCausedbytheFamily

• ThefamilyisresponsibleforanHQSbreachcausedbythefamilyasdescribedin

24CFR982.404(b).AllowingPHAInspection

• ThefamilymustallowHACEtoinspecttheunitatreasonabletimesandafter

reasonablenotice.ViolationofLease

• Thefamilymaynotcommitanyseriousorrepeatedviolationsofthelease.

FamilyNoticeofMoveorLeaseTermination

• ThefamilymustnotifyHACEandtheownerbeforethefamilymovesoutoftheunitorterminatestheleaseuponnoticetotheowner.

OwnerEvictionNotice

• ThefamilymustpromptlygiveHACEacopyofanyownerevictionnotice.

UseandOccupancyoftheUnit

• Thefamilymustusetheassistedunitforresidencebythefamily,andtheunit

mustbethefamily’sonlyresidence.

• ThecompositionoftheassistedfamilyresidingintheunitmustbeapprovedbyHACE.

• ThefamilymustpromptlynotifyHACEifafamilymembernolongerresidesintheunit.

• IfHACEgivesapproval,afosterchildoralive-inaidemayresideintheunit.

• Membersofthehouseholdmayengageinlegalprofit-makingactivitiesintheunit,butonlyifsuchactivitiesareincidentaltoprimaryuseoftheunitforresidencebymembersofthefamily.

• Thefamilymustnotsubleaseorsublettheunit.

• Thefamilymustnotassigntheleaseortransfertheunit.AbsencefromUnit

• ThefamilymustsupplyanyinformationorcertificationrequestedbyHACEto

verifythatthefamilyislivingintheunit,orrelatingtothefamily’sabsencefromtheunit,includinganyrequestedinformationorcertificationregardingthepurposesoffamilyabsences.

InterestinUnit

• Thefamilymustnotownorhaveanyinterestintheunit.

FraudandOtherProgramViolation

• Themembersofthefamilymustnotcommitfraud,briberyoranyothercorrupt

orcriminalactinconnectionwiththeProgram.CrimebyFamilyMembers

• Themembersofthefamilymaynotengageindrug-relatedcriminalactivityorviolentcriminalactivity.

OtherHousingAssistance

• Anassistedfamily,oranymemberofthefamily,maynotreceiveHCVtenant-

basedassistancewhilereceivinganotherhousingsubsidy,forthesameunit,orforadifferentunitunderanyduplicativefederal,stateorlocalhousingassistanceprogram.

C. SUBSIDYSTANDARDSTheunitsizeindicatedontheVoucherissuedtothefamilywillbebasedonthefollowingsubsidystandardscriteria:1. HeadofHouseholdandspouseorpersonsengagedinanyformofspousalrelationship,

willbeassignedonebedroom.

2. Allfamilymembersofthesamegenderwillbeassignedsothattwopersonswillsharethesamebedroom.However,HACEhasthediscretiontoseparatesamegenderchildrenthatare5yearsapart.

3.Oppositegenderpersonsmaynotberequiredtosharethesamebedroom.

4. Personslivingasco-headsofthehousehold(e.g.,twosisters)canbeeligibleforseparatebedrooms.

5. SubsidystandardswillbebasedonaminimumofonepersonperbedroomsizeVoucherissued.

6. Familymembersmaybeissuedseparatebedroomsformedicalreasons.AmedicalprofessionalacceptabletoHACEmustverifyareasonableaccommodationrequesttocertifyitismedicallynecessary.

7. Afamilythatconsistsofapregnantwoman(withnootherpersons)willbetreatedasatwo-bedroomfamily.

IndeterminingtheVouchersizetobeissued,thefollowingwillalsoapply:

• Considerationwillbegivenforachildwhoisawayatschoolbutreturnstothe

unitduringrecesses.• Achildwhoistemporarilyplacedinfostercarewillbeconsideredtobea

memberofthefamilyhousehold.

• Anylive-inaideapprovedbyHACEtoresideintheunittocareforafamilymemberwhoisdisabled,orelderlywillbepermittedaseparatesleepingroom.Onlyone(1)bedroomperhouseholdispermitted.

• Anyfamilymemberleavingthehouseholdmustprovenewresidencyby

submittingverificationthatisacceptabletoHACE.HACEwillusethefollowingstandardsindeterminingVouchersize:

VOUCHERSIZEMINIMUMNO.

PERSONSMAXIMUMNO.

PERSONSSRO 1 10BR 1 21BR 1 22BR 2 43BR 3 64BR 5 85BR 6 106BR 9 12

• Reasonableexceptionstothesestandardsmaybemadeatthediscretionofthe

ExecutiveDirectorordesigneebaseduponindividualcircumstances.

• Afamilywhochoosestoleaseaunitwithfewerbedroomsthanislistedonthefamily’sVouchermustindicatetheirpreferencesinwriting.HACEwilldetermineiftheunitsizewillmeetHousingQualityStandards.

OverHousing/UnderHousing

a. Ifafamilysizedecreases,thevouchersizemayalsodecrease.Thiswillbeeffectiveat

theannualrecertification.

b. Ifafamilysizeincreasesandarenowunderhoused,theymaylocatesuitablehousingimmediatelyunlessthefamilysubmitsawrittenstatementtostayinunitandreceivesHACE’sapproval.

D. VOUCHERTERMAtHACE‘sdiscretion,vouchersmaybeissuedat60,90orthetotal120dayterm.Thevouchertermplusanyextensionsmaynotexceedatotalperiodof120daysfromthebeginningoftheinitialterm.HACEmaygrantanadditionalextensionbeyondthemaximumof120daysasreasonableaccommodationforafamilywhoincludesamemberwhohasadisability.ThefamilymustsubmitaRequestforTenancyApprovalwithinthisterm.E. VOUCHERPORTABILITYTheterm“portability”referstotheprocessofleasingadwellingunitwithtenant-basedhousingvoucherassistanceoutsideofthejurisdictionofthePHAthatinitiallyissuesthefamilyitsvoucher(theinitialPHA).HACEwilladheretotheProgramregulationscoveringwhereafamilymaymoveandtheresponsibilitiesoftheinitialPHAandthereceivingPHA(thePHAwithjurisdictionovertheareatowhichthefamilymoves)foundat§982.353through§982.355,andNoticePIH2008-43HA.IncomingVouchersHACEwillacceptfamilieswhohavevalidVouchersfromanotherHousingAuthority’sjurisdiction.HACEwillhavethediscretiontobillincomingportableVouchersortoabsorbthem.Ifanincomingportablefamily’sincomeisgreaterthan30%oftheareamedianincome,HACEmaybilltheinitialHousingAuthorityfortheVoucher.HACE,as“receivingHousingAuthority”,maygranta30dayextensioninaccordancewithHUD.OutgoingVouchersInsomeinstances,afamilymaychoosetomovetoaPHA’sjurisdictionwherehousingcostsandpaymentstandardsarehigherthanthoseinHACE’sjurisdiction.Inthesesituations,ifthereceivingPHAdoesnotwishtoabsorbthefamilyintoitsownprogram,andintendstobillHACE,thereisapossibilitythatHACEmayNOThavesufficientfundingtosupportthatassistancepaymentinthe“highercost”jurisdiction.Therefore,insomecases,becauseoflimitedavailabilityoffunds,afamilymaynotbeabletorelocateintoanotherjurisdictionwithhigherpaymentstandards.HACEwillmakeeveryefforttoinformthefamilyofthesetypesoflimitationspriortothefamilyelectingtousetheportabilityfeatureinahighercostarea.HACEalsohastherighttowaivethe12monthresidencyrequirementsothatafamilymaymovetoalocationoftheirchoicesolongasthereceivingHousingAuthorityagreestothisarrangement.

DenyingFamilyRequeststoMoveUnderthePortabilityProceduresThehousingchoicevoucherregulationsat§982.353providethatvoucherholders(withtheexceptionofnon-residentapplications)andparticipatingfamilieshavetherighttoreceivetenant-basedvoucherassistanceinaccordancewithprogramrequirementstoleaseaunitoutsideoftheinitialPHAjurisdiction.ThefamilymayleaseaunitanywhereintheUnitedStates,providedtheareaisinthejurisdictionofaPHAwithatenant-basedvoucherprogram.HACEmayonlydenyafamily’srequesttomoveunderportabilityifithasgroundstodosoundertheprogramregulations,whichareasfollows:

• HACEhasgroundstodenythemovebecauseofthefamily’sactionorfailuretoactasdescribedin§982.552or§932.553.TheViolenceAgainstWomenandDepartmentofJusticeReauthorizationActof2017(VAWA)definesexceptionstotheseprovisions.(SeeChapter2,SectionA7)

• Thefamilyisanon-residentapplicant,orthefamilywasanon-residentapplicantthathasnotyetbeenassistedinHACE’sjurisdictionfor12monthssincebeingadmittedtotheprogram(see§982.353(c)).

• Thefamilyisanapplicantandisnotincome-eligible(see§982.535(d)(1))inthe

areainwhichtheywishtoinitiallyleaseaunit.

• HACEdoesnothavesufficientfundingforcontinuedassistancetosupportthemoveinaccordancewith§982.314(e)(1)andasdescribedbelow.

DenyingPortabilityMovesDuetoInsufficientFundingHACEmayonlydenyarequesttomovetoahighercostareainaccordancewith§982.314(e)(1)ifHACEisunabletoavoidterminationsofhousingchoicevoucherassistanceforcurrentparticipantsduringthecalendaryearinordertoremainwithinitsbudgetaryallocation(includinganyavailableHAPreserves)forhousingassistancepayments.A“highercostarea”isdefinedasanareawhereahighersubsidyamountwillbepaidforafamilybecauseofhigherpaymentstandardamountsor“moregenerous”subsidystandards(e.g.,thereceivingPHAissuesa3-bedroomvouchertoafamilythatreceiveda2-bedroomvoucherfromtheinitialPHA).Beforedenyingthefamily’srequesttomoveduetoinsufficientfunding,HACEmustcontactthereceivingPHAandconfirmthatthereceivingPHAwillnotabsorbthefamily.IfthereceivingPHAiswillingtoabsorbthefamily,therearenogroundstodenytheportabilitymoveunder§982.314(e)(1).IfHACEdeniesthefamily’srequesttomoveunder$982.314(e)(1),itmustpromptlynotifythefamily(assumingthefamilyisstillaparticipantinHACE’svoucherprogram)oncethereissufficientfundingavailabletosupportthefamily’srequesttomove.HACEwillpromptlyprocessthefamily’srequesttomoveifthefamilyindicatesitstillwishestomoveatthattime.

5. APPROVALOFANINITIALLEASE

A. REQUESTFORAPPROVALTOLEASEAUNITThefamilymustsubmittoHACEaRequestforTenancyApproval(RFTA),Amenitiesform,andaproposedleasethatincludesHUD’sTenancyAddendum.AlldocumentsmustbesubmittedduringthetermoftheVoucher.B. APPROVALPROCESSAfterthefamilysubmitsaRequestforTenancyApprovalandrequiredformsHACEwillreviewthedocumentsforapprovalinaccordancewiththefollowing: 1. DetermineiftheleasecanbeapprovedandincludestheTenancyAddendum; 2. Determineiftherentisreasonableandwithinapplicablelimits; 3. Negotiatetherent,ifrequired; 4. Determinecomplianceofleasingtofamilymembers;

5. DetermineifthepropertyandownersareeligibletoparticipateintheHCV

Program;6. InspectandapprovetheunitforHCVProgram;7. Advisetheowneroftheirresponsibilitytoscreentheprospectivetenantas

HACEhasnotscreenedthefamily’sbehaviororsuitabilityfortenancy;and8. Providethefollowinginformationtotheowner:

• Thefamily’scurrentaddress;and• Thenameandaddress(ifknowntoHACE)oftheownerofthefamily’s

currentandprioraddresses.Conditions1through6abovemustbemetbeforetheleasewillbeapproved.C. ADDITIONALDOCUMENTATIONHouseRulesoftheownermaybeattachedtotheleaseasanaddendum.OwnerswillberequestedtofileachangeofaddresswiththeHCVProgramOfficewhenapplicable.

D. DISAPPROVALOFOWNERHACEwillrefusetoenterintoaHAPcontractanddenyapprovaltoleaseaunitfromanownerforanyofthefollowingreasons:

• Theownerhasbeendebarred,suspendedorsubjecttoalimiteddenialofparticipationunder24CFRpart24;

• Theownerhasahistoryofrefusingtoterminatetenancyoffamilieswhothreatenthehealthorsafetyofotherresidents,managers,HACEemployees;whodisturbthepeacefulenjoymentofothersresidingintheimmediatevicinity;orwhoengageindrug-relatedorcriminalactivity;or

• IftheownerhasnotpaidStateorlocalrealestatetaxes,finesorassessments.

• TheownerhasviolatedobligationsunderaHAPcontract;

• Theownerhascommittedfraud,briberyoranyothercorruptorcriminalactin

connectionwithanyfederalhousingprogram;

• Theownerhasengagedindrugtrafficking.

• Theownerhasahistoryorpracticeofnon-compliancewithHQSforunitsleasedunderHCVProgramorwithapplicablehousingstandardsforunitsleasedwithproject-basedHCVassistanceorleasedunderanyotherfederalhousingprogram;

• Theownerhasahistoryorpracticeofrentingunitsthatfailtomeetstateor

localcodes;or

• Theownerrefuses(orhasahistoryofrefusing)toevictfamiliesfordrug-relatedorviolentcriminalactivity,orforactivitythatthreatensthehealth,safetyorrightofpeacefulenjoymentofthepremisesbytenants,HousingAuthorityoftheCityofErieemployeesorowneremployeesorresidencesbyneighbors;or

• Theownerhasfailedtopayorhasfailedtocertifytothepaymentofcounty,

city,andschooltaxes,andmunicipalservices.

• TheownerisacurrentRegisteredSexOffenderorLifeTimeSexOffender.

• TheownerhasanoutstandingbalanceowedtoHACE.ForpurposesofthisAdminPlan,“owner”includesanyprincipalorotherinterestedparty.

E. FAIRMARKETRENT/PAYMENTSTANDARDLIMITATIONS

HACEestablishesthePaymentStandardfortheHousingChoiceVoucherProgrameachtimethereisachangetotheHUD-publishedFairMarketRent(“FMR”).ThepaymentStandardfortheVoucherProgramwillbereviewedannuallyandmaybeincreased/decreasedinresponsetochangesintheFMRlimitations.InnoeventwillthepaymentStandardbelessthan90%orgreaterthan110%oftheapplicableFMR.FamiliesunderaHAPContractwillbeheldharmless,withnoreductioninsubsidy,foraslongasthefamilycontinuestoreceivethevoucherassistanceinthatunit.

F. EXCEPTIONPAYMENTSTANDARDS

SubjecttoHUDapproval,HACEmaydesignateanarea(orareas)initsjurisdictionasan“exceptionarea”.ExceptionPaymentStandards,ifutilized,willbegreaterthan110%,butnomorethan120%oftheexistingFMRsasestablishedbyHUD.Inapprovingtenancieswithhigherpaymentstandardsinexceptionareas,therentsmaybelimitedbyrentreasonablenessasdescribedinSectionGofthischapter.

HACEmayrequest,andHUDmayapprove,anexceptionpaymentstandardamountifrequiredasreasonableaccommodationforafamilythatincludesapersonwithdisabilities.Suchcaseswillbeassessedforconsiderationonanindividualbasis.

G. REASONABLERENTDETERMINATIONS

FortheHousingChoiceVoucherProgram,HACEwillmakeadeterminationastothereasonablenessoftherenttheownerisproposinginrelationtocomparableunitsinaccordancewith24CFR982.507.1. HACEwilldeterminerentreasonablenessinthefollowinginstances:

• Whenunitsareinitiallyleased; • Beforeanyincreaseinrenttoowner;• Whena10%decreaseintheFMRoccurs;and• IfdirectedbyHUD.

2. HACEwilldeterminerentreasonablenessbasedonthefollowing:

• Threecomparableunassistedunitsintheneighborhood;• Thepreviousrentchargedonrequestedunit;and• Otherunitsinthebuilding(apartmentcomplex).

NOTE:Copiesoftherentreasonablenessformwillbemaintainedineachtenantfile.Ifthreecomparableunassistedunitscannotbelocatedduetolocalrentalmarketsize,oneunitwillbesufficienttoproverentreasonableness.

3 ForinitialVouchertenancies,HACEwill:

• Provideguidanceandadvicetothefamilyonwhethertherentisreasonableand

theunitisaffordable;

• Assistthefamilyinnegotiatingtheowner’srentifrequestedbythefamily;

• Notapproveanynewmoveinwherethefamilywillpayanamountforrentthatexceeds40%ofthefamily’smonthlyadjustedincome(exceptasprovidedbyHUD);and

• Usetherentreasonablenessdeterminationtodisapproveownerrents.

H. SECURITYDEPOSITREQUIREMENTS

HACEwilldenyapprovalofaleasewherearequesthasbeenmadetocollectfromafamilyasecuritydepositthatisinexcessofPAlandlordandtenantlaw,privatemarketpracticeorinexcessofamountschargedbytheownertounassistedtenants.Generally,intheEriemarketarea,andforthepurposesofdeterminingprivatemarketpracticeherein,asecuritydepositequalto1month’srenttotheownerisconsideredtobethestandard.

Whenthetenantvacatesadwellingunit,theowner,subjecttostateorlocallaw,mayusethesecuritydeposit,includinganyinterestthereon,inaccordancewiththelease,asreimbursementsforanyunpaidrentpayablebythetenant,damagestotheunitorforotheramountsthetenantowesunderthelease.I. SEPARATEAGREEMENTSACCEPTABLETOTHEHACEFamiliesarepermittedtopayextrachargesforadditionalamenitiesthatarenotincludedinthesamerentforotherunitsinthebuildingorinothercomparableapartmentsorhouses(e.g.,membershipforswimmingpool,useofparkingfacilitiesorfurniture).CopiesofallagreementsforspecialchargesorservicesmustbesubmittedtoHACEinwritingforapproval.HACEwillreviewtheagreementstodeterminewhethertheyareacceptableandreasonable.

NonpaymentofextrachargesfromseparateagreementsmaynotbeconsideredaviolationoftheleasecoveredundertheHAPcontract.

6. HOUSINGQUALITYSTANDARDSINSPECTIONS

A. HOUSINGQUALITYSTANDARDSAPPROACH

TheHousingAuthorityoftheCityofEriewillcontinuetoassurethatallunitsinitsHCVProgrammeettheHousingQualityStandards(“HQS”)asdefinedin24CFR982.401.InspectionsforHQScompliancewillbeconductedinitiallypriortoleasingandbienniallyduringthetermofthelease.AdditionalinspectionsmayoccurifdeemedtobenecessarybyHACE,theownerorfamily.

HACEemploysorcontractswithqualifiedhousinginspectorswhohavebeentrainedontheHQSrequirements.EachinspectionconductedwillberecordedonaninspectionformwhichisprescribedbyHUD.AllinspectiondocumentswillberetainedbyHACEinaccordancewithHUDrequirements.

Theinspectiontypewillbeindicatedontheinspectionformasoneofthefollowingcategories:

• Initialinspection• BiennialInspection• SpecialInspection(compliantorqualitycontrol)

AspartHACE’sresponsibilitytoassureHQScompliance,correctiveactionwillalwaysberequiredonunitsthatdonotmeettheinspectioncriteria.EnforcementofHQSmayincludeabatementofassistancepaymentstoanownerortheterminationoftheHAPcontractforviolatingitsterms.AninitialHAPcontractwillnotbeexecutedbyHACEbeforetheunitpassesinspection.

Theownerwillbeallowed2re-inspectionsfordeficienciestobecorrected,atHACE’sdiscretion,dependingontheamountandcomplexityofworktobedone.

B. VARIATIONSTOHQS

HACEwillinspectunitsinitsHCVProgrambaseduponHQS.HACEhasincluded,initsinspectionregulations,additionallocalcodesforacceptabilityunderPlumbingandGeneralHealthandSafety.HACEisincompliancewiththemostcurrentbuildingcodesadoptedbytheCityofErie.AllplumbingcontainedintheassistedstructureandallwindowswithrespecttostormwindowswithintheassistedunitmeettheapplicablerequirementsoftheCityofErie.C. ACCEPTABLEMETHODSOFINSPECTIONSAphysicalinspectionisthestandardmethodofinspection.HACEshallconsiderthefollowingmethodsacceptableformsofverificationthataunitcomplieswithHQSstandards:

1. Owner/Participantprovidedphotoofarepair2. VideoInspectionconductedbetweenHACEHCVInspector,Ownerand/or

Participant

ItistheresponsibilityofHACEtodeterminetheappropriateacceptablemethodofinspection.D. INITIALINSPECTIONSInspectionswillbeconductedpriortoafamily’sleasingofaunitundertheHousingChoiceVoucherProgram.OnceafamilysubmitsaRequestforTenancyApproval(“RFTA”)orotherHUDrequiredrequestforms,HACEwillpromptlyprocesstherequest,andtheinspectorwillscheduleanappointmentwiththeownerand/orfamilytooccurwithin15daysoftheRFTAsubmissionunlessotherwisedelayedbytheownerortenant,orduetootherreasonsoutsideofHACE’scontrol.TheRFTAmustbeproperlycompletedandsignedbyboththefamilyandownerbeforetheHACEwillprocesstherequestandinspecttheunit.Duringtheinspection,theinspectormayprovidetheownerwithgeneralinformationabouttheHCVProgramorspecificinformationpertainingtoHQS.Inaddition,theinspectormaynegotiatetherentalamount.Immediatelyfollowinga“failed”initialinspection,HACEwillissuetotheownerofthepropertyanoticeofthedeficienciesandatimelimitforcorrection.Theownergenerallywillbegivenupto30daystocorrectthedeficientitem(s).HACE’sExecutiveDirectorordesigneemayapproveareasonableextensionoftimedependingupontheextentorscopeofworkrequiredorweatherconditionsthatprohibitremediation.Inallcases,theownerwillbeencouragedtocorrectthedeficienciesinatimelymanner.ThedeficiencynoticewillinstructtheownertocontactHACEafterallciteddeficiencieshavebeencorrected.Aftertheexpirationdateofthedeficiencynotice(oranyapprovedextensionthereof),theleaseapprovalrequestwillautomaticallybedenied.ProvidedthattimeremainsontheirVoucher,thefamilymaysubmitanotherRequestforTenancyApprovalforthesameunitorforanotherunit.OnlyoneRequestforTenancyApprovalformmaybesubmittedatatime.

E. BIENNIALINSPECTIONS EachunitundertheHCVProgrammustbeinspectedafterthe1styearoftheHAPContracttoensurecontinuedcompliancewithHousingQualityStandardsand/oranyapprovedlocalvariances.Aftertheinitialinspectionbiennialinspectionswillproceed.EligibilityforbiennialswillbeatHACE’sdiscretion.HACEmaintainsanaccuratereportofallunitsinitsHousingChoiceVoucherProgramwhichincludesbiennialHQSinspectionstoensurethateachunitisinspectedwithin730daysofthelastfullinspection.Immediatelyfollowinga“failed”inspection,HACEwillissuetotheowner

ofthepropertyanoticeofthedeficienciesandatimelimitforcorrection.Theownerwillbegivena24hournoticeorupto30daystocorrectthedeficientitem(s).

DuetounpredictableweatherduringthemonthsofNovemberthroughMay,HACEmayallowtheownertodelaycorrectingexteriordeficienciesthatexistinsuchareasaspaintingandconcrete.AllworkmustbecompletedbyJune1ofthegivenyear.Non-compliancebytheownerwillresultintheterminationoftheHAPcontract.F. SPECIALINSPECTIONS

Complaint

IfanownerorfamilycomplainsthatanunsatisfactoryconditionexistswithrespecttoHQS,HACEmaypromptlyconductacomplaintinspection.Immediatelyfollowinga“failed”compliantinspection,HACEwillissuetotheownerofthepropertyandfamilyanoticeofdeficienciesandatimelimitforcorrection.

QualityControl

Formonitoringpurposes,HACEwillconductaQualityControlinspectiononaminimumnumberofunitsunderHAPContractasdefinedinChapter14ofthePlanandinaccordancewithHUDregulations.G. ENFORCEMENTOFINSPECTIONSTANDARDSFollowingeachinspection,HACEwillnotifytheownerand/ortenantoftheresultsand,ifnecessary,adeadlineforcompliancewithHQS.Regardlessofhowthedeficiencieswerecaused,housingassistancepaymentswillbeabatediftheHQSdeficienciesarenotcorrectedbythecompliancedate.Reinspection’sbyHACEtoverifyHQScompliancewillincludeonlythosefailitemsforwhichtheowner(and/ortenant)waspreviouslynotified.Ifnewdeficienciesarediscoveredduringareinspection,anewdeficiencynoticewillbeissued,whichwillcontainacompliancedeadlinedateforthenewdeficiencies.OwnerHQSResponsibilitiesandRelatedActions:1. TheownermustmaintaintheassistedunitinaccordancewithHQS.

2. HACEwilltakepromptactiontoenforcetheowner’sobligationsforownerbreachofthe

3. HACEwillnotifytheownerandtenantofHQSdeficienciesforwhichtheownerisresponsible.Thenoticewillprovideforthefollowing:

• ForHQSfailures,theownerwillbegivenupto30daystocorrecttheitem(s).HACEExecutiveDirectorordesigneemay,attheirdiscretion,approveareasonableextensionoftimedependingupontheextentorscopeofworkrequired.

• Ifthedefectislifethreateningtothefamily’shealthorsafety,theownerwillbe

given24hourstocorrecttheviolation.Iftheownerfailstocorrectfaileditems,thepaymentwillbeabated,ortheHAPContractwillbeterminated.

4. HACEwillnotmakeanyassistancepaymentsforadwellingunitinwhichHQS

deficiencieshavenotbeencorrectedafterthenoticeperiodhasexpired.

5. If“lifethreatening”deficienciesarenotcorrectedwithin24hours,theownerwillbegivennoticeofintenttoterminatetheHAPContractandtheHousingAssistancePaymentwillbeabatedthroughtheTerminationNoticeperiod.

6. TheownerwillnotberesponsibleforabreachoftheHQSnotcausedbytheowner,andforwhichthefamilyisresponsible.HACEmay,however,terminateassistancetothefamilybecauseofabreachcausedbythefamily.

FamilyHQSResponsibilitiesandRelatedActions:

1. ThefamilyisresponsibleforabreachoftheHQSaslistedin24CFR982.404(b)(1)andas

describedherein:• Thefamilyfailstopayforanyutilitiesthataretobepaidforbythefamily;

• Thefamilyfailstoprovideandmaintainanyappliancesthatarerequiredtobe

providedbythefamily;or• Anymemberofthehouseholdorguestdamagesthedwellingunitorpremises.

2. HACEwilltakepromptactiontoenforcethefamilyobligationsforthefamily’sbreachoftheHQS.

3. HACEwillnotifytheownerandtenantoftheHQSdeficienciesforwhichthefamilyisresponsible.Thenoticewillprovideforthefollowing:• ForHQSfailures,thefamilywillbegivenupto30daystocorrecttheitem(s).HACE

ExecutiveDirectorordesigneemay,attheirdiscretion,approveareasonableextensionoftimedependingupontheextentofscopeofworkrequired.

• Ifthedefectis“lifethreatening”,thefamilywillbegiven24hourstocorrecttheviolation.

• Ifthefamilyfailstocorrectfaileditems,HACEmayterminatethefamilyassistancein

accordancewith24CFR982.552.

• H. 24HOURDEFICIENCIES(LIFETHREATENING)Thefollowingfailedinspectionitemswillbeconsideredemergencyviolationsandmustbecorrectedwithin24hours.AtHACE’sdiscretion,otherlife-threateningconditionsmayexistthatarenotlistedbelow.

1. Airquality–propane,naturalgas,ormethanegasdetected2. Misalignedchimney,flueorventilationsystem3. Electricalshockorfirehazard–exposedwires;openpanels;waterleaksonornear

electricalequipment;missingbreakersorfuses;missingcovers;missingorbrokenoutlets;switchorcoverplates

4. Waterloggedceilinginimminentdangeroffalling5. Lackofunitsecurity6. Utilitiesnotinservice7. Lackofsufficientheattomaintainadequateinsidetemperatures8. Majorplumbingleaksorflooding9. Norunninghotwater10. Lackoffunctioningtoilet11. Smokedetector–missingorinoperable12. CarbonMonoxideAlarm–missingorinoperable13. Emergency/fireexits–blockedorunusable14. Fireescapes–blockedegressorladdersorvisiblymissingcomponents15. Flammablematerials–improperlystoresorlocated

I. ABATEMENTOFPAYMENT24HourNoticeIfaunitfailstomeetHousingQualityStandardsandtheownerandtenanthavebeengivena24hourdeficiencynoticeforcompliance,andalldeficiencieshavenotbeencorrectedwithinthatperiod,theHousingAssistancePayment(“HAP”)willbeabatedthefirstofthemonthfollowingthedeficiencynotice.30DayNoticeIfaunitfailstomeetHQSandtheownerandtenanthavebeengivena30daynoticeofdeficiencyandthedeficiencieshavenotbeencorrectedwithin30days,theHAPwillbeabatedthefirstofthemonthfollowingthe30daynotice.Arequestforanadditional30daysmaybereviewedforapprovalupontenantand/orownerrequest.J. HAPCONTRACTTERMINATIONHACEwillterminateaHAPContractfornon-compliancewiththeHQSrequirements.Anadvancenoticeoftermination(usually30days)willbesentbyFirstClassMailtotheownertoinformthemoftheterminationdateandthereason.Inaddition,thefamilywillbenotifiedpromptlyoftheterminationnoticeandwillbeofferedaVouchertorelocate,asappropriate.Generally,theterminationwillbeeffectivethedayfollowingthelastdayoftheabatementperiod.However,dependingupontheseriousnessorrecurrenceofthedeficiency,HACEmaynotprovideanabatementperiodandmaysimplyterminatetheHAPContractfornon-compliance.IntheeventthataunitunderanactiveHAPContractpassesinspectionduringanabatementperiodorafterHACEprovidesnoticeofthetermination,theownerandfamilymayagreetocontinuetheleaseifthefamilyhasnotyetrelocated.Noassistancepaymentcanbemadefortheperiodthattheunitdidnotpassinspectionduringtheabatementperiod. K. NOTIFICATIONOFINSPECTIONParticipantfamilieswillbeprovidedreasonablenoticeofthedateandtimeinspectionsaretobeconductedbyHACE.Ifthefamilyisunabletobeathome,theymusteitherarrangeforanadultrepresentativetobepresentfortheinspectionorcontacttheHCVProgramOfficetoreschedule.Ifthefamilyorrepresentativeisnothomefortheappointment,andtheinspectordoesnotgainentry,HACEwillconsiderittobeamissedinspection.HACEwillscheduleasecondappointmentinthesamemanner.Ifthefamilymissestwo(2)scheduledinspectionappointments,HACEwillterminatetheirassistanceforviolatingtheFamilyObligationsasdefinedin24CFR982.551(d).ThefamilyhasarighttodisputetheterminationthroughHACE’sinformalhearingprocess.

7. PAYMENTSTOOWNERSA. HOUSINGASSISTANCEPAYMENTS

HACEprovidesrentalassistanceforitsparticipantsbymakingHousingAssistancePaymentsto

theowner.TheHousingAssistancepaymentiscalculatedbyHACEbaseduponthecontractrentandTotalTenantPayment.

WhentheunithaspassedHQSandHACEhasprocessedalltherequireddocuments,theowner

and the familywill execute the lease and theTenancyAddendum. Theowner andHACEwillthenexecutetheHAPContractwithin60days.

Upon execution of theHAP Contract, all pertinent information regarding the owner and the

HAPpaymentwillbeincludedintheHAPRegister.InaccordancewiththeHAPContract,HACEconsiderstheHAPpaymentreceivedbytheownerafterdisbursementhasbeendepositedintotheauthorizeddesignatedowner/agentaccount.

B. ADJUSTMENTSOFRENTTOOWNER

Ownersmaynot request rent increasesprior to theexpirationof the first termof the lease.

Thereafter, ownerswill receive notification of their tenant’s annual recertification, informingthemhowandwhentheymayrequestanincrease.Itistheownersresponsibilitytonotifythetenant of their request. The new proposed rent must meet the rent reasonablenessrequirements,otherwiseHACEwilldenytheincrease.Onlyannualincreasesinaccordancewith24CFR982.507arepermitted.

8.REEXAMINATIONS

HACEwill,foreachfamilywhoparticipatesintheHCVProgram,examinefamilyincome,sizeandcompositionatadmissionandatleastannuallyforthepurposesofdeterminingrent,assistancepaymentsandeligibility.Theexaminationwillincludeareviewofincomeandotherfamilyinformation.VerificationwillbeinaccordancewithChapter3ofthisPlan.ThefamilymustsubmitdocumentationandverificationthatHACEdeemstobenecessaryforthepurposeofdeterminingannualincome,adjustedincomeortotaltenantpayment,orforthepurposeofauditingthefamily’seligibilitytoreceiveassistance.Familieswithfixedincomesmaybeeligiblefortriennialreexaminations.A. REPORTINGREQUIREMENTS1. FamilieswhoparticipateintheHCVProgrammustreportallchangesinfamilyincome,

assets,compositionandotherrelateditemsasidentifiedin24CFRparts5subpartBinaccordancewiththe“Reporting”requirementsofthisPlan.Participantswhoreportnoincomewillbesubjecttothe“ZeroIncome”requirementsofthisPlan.

2. FamiliesmustsupplyallinformationrequestedbyHACEorHUDforuseduringadmissionofanapplicant,aregularlyscheduledreexaminationorinterimreexaminationoffamilyincomeandcompositioninaccordancewithHUDrequirements.“Information”includesanyrequestedcertification,releaseordocumentation.

3. HACEmustapprovethecompositionoftheassistedunitincludingapprovaloftheinclusionofafosterchildorlive-inaide.

4. Anyinformationsuppliedbythefamilymustbetrueandcorrect.

5. Failurebythefamilytocomplywiththesereportingrequirementsisconsideredtobeaviolationoftheirobligationsandgroundsforterminationofparticipation.

B. REPORTINGEXCEPTIONSFamilieswhoreceiveSocialSecurity,SocialSecurityDisabilityorSupplementalSecurityIncome(SSI)arenotrequiredtoreporttheirannualincreasewhenitoccurs.HACEwillnotincreasethefamily’stotaltenantpaymentuntiltheirnextregularlyscheduledannualreexaminationexceptwhenaninterimrecertificationisnecessaryasaresultofanyotherchangeslistedinthe“ReportingRequirements”sectionofthischapter.

C. ZEROINCOMEInanyinstance,ifafamilyreportsthatithasnoincomebeingreceivedbyfamilymembers,HACEwillrequirethatthefamilyreportandcertifyevery90daysfollowingtheinitialreportingdateastothetotalhouseholdincome.HACEmaymakefurtherinvestigationintothefamily’sinformation,ifitappearsthatthefamilyisreceivingunreportedincomeasdefinedin24CFR5.609.Toestablishanynon-monetarycontributionsreceivedbythefamily,HACEwillrequirethecompletionofthe“ZeroIncomeQuestionnaire”.

D. ANNUALREEXAMINATION1. Effectiveontheanniversarydate,HACEwillconductareexaminationofthefamily’s

income,compositionandcircumstances.Theprocesswillbeginapproximately90dayspriortotheanniversarydate,whenHACEwillmailthefamilyacontinuedoccupancypacketandotherformsdeemedtobenecessarybyHACEforthepurposeofthereexamination.

2. Annualreexaminationmaybeconductedinperson,mail,phoneoranycommunicationapprovedbyHACE.

3. FailurebythefamilytocomplywithHACE’srequestsforinformationortosignconsentformswillresultintheterminationofthefamily’sparticipationintheHCVProgram.ThefamilywillhavetherighttoaninformalhearinginaccordancewithChapter12ofthisPlan.

4. Theeffectivedateofanannualreexaminationwilloccurontheannualreexaminationanniversarydateofthefamily.

FamilyObligationtoRecertify:

ThefamilywillbemailedarecertificationpacketthatincludesaHCVOccupancyform,authorizationforreleaseandotherrequiredformsthatmustbecompletedandreturnedwiththeincome,expense,asset,andallotherrequesteddocumentationbyduedateslisted.

Theannualrecertificationnoticewillstatethefollowing“ImportantDates”forcomplianceandpenaltiesfornon-compliance.Ifaparticipantfailstocomplyandprovidetherequiredinformation,theownerandparticipantwillbenotifiedthattheHAPContractandassistancewillbeterminatedfortenantviolationof24CFR982.551(b),failingtosupplyrequiredinformation,undertheFamilyObligations.Thefamilymayrequestaninformalhearing(seeChapter12)withintheduedatelistedontheannualrecertificationnotice.

CompletionoftheAnnualReexaminations

Thefamily’sTTPwillbecalculatedbasedupontheinformationprovidedandverifiedduringtheannualreexamination.However,HACEmaydeterminetheTTPbydisallowingdeductionsandorallowancesthatitcouldnotsubstantiatethroughreasonableverificationmeans.AnychangeswillbeeffectiveontheannualreexaminationeffectivedateexceptasprovidedunderparagraphGofthischapter.

E. TRIENNIALREEXAMINATIONS

Theexceptiontoannualrecertificationswillbeforfamilieswithincomesthataremadeupof100%fixedincome.24CFRparts5,891,960and982permitsPublicHousingAuthoritiestoeliminateannualincomereviewsinsomeyearsbyapplyingaCOLAdeterminedbytheFederalGovernmenttofixedincomesources.Allotherformsmuststillbecompleted,signedanddatedyearly.

F. INTERIMREEXAMINATIONS

Ifanychangesoffamilycompositionoradecreaseofincomeoccurpriortoscheduledreexamination,thefamilyisrequiredtoreportthosechangeswithin20daystoHACE.Oncereported,aninterimreexaminationwillbeconducted.

1. Familiesmustreportallchangesinfamilyincome,assets,sizeandcompositionwhen

theyoccur.HACEwillconductinterimreexaminationsbetweenannualreexaminationsinaccordancewithHUDrequirementsandtheprovisionsofthisPlan.HACEwillnotincreasethefamily’srentbetweenannualreexaminationunlessthereisachangeinthesourceofincomeofanymember,orifanewfamilymemberhasanadditionalsourceofincomeinthehousehold.

2. Anydecreaseinrentthatresultsfromadecreaseinincomewillbeeffectivethefirstofthemonthfollowingthereportedchange.AllreporteddecreasesmustfirstbeproperlyverifiedinaccordancewiththeprovisionsofthisAdministrativePlan.

3. Anyinterimreexaminationthatresultsinanincreaseinrentwillbecomeeffectivethefirstdayofthesecondmonthfollowingtheincreaseinincome,exceptasprovidedinparagraphF-1ofthischapter.

4. AnychangethatresultsfromtheinterimreexaminationwillcontinueuntilthenextscheduledannualreexaminationwherebyallapplicableinformationwillbeusedinaccordancewithHUDregulations.

5. Familieswhosewelfareassistanceisreducedspecificallybecauseoffraudorfailuretoparticipateinaneconomicself-sufficiencyprogramorcomplywithaworkactivitiesrequirementwillnothavetheirTTPsreducedbaseduponthebenefitreduction.HACEwillobtainverificationfromthewelfareagencypriortodenyinganyrequestforanincomereexaminationunderthisparagraph.

G. DISALLOWANCEOFEARNEDINCOMEFORPERSONSWITHDISABILITIES1. Initial12-MonthPeriodHACEwillnotincreasetheportionofrentofaqualifieddisabledfamilymemberasaresultofincreasedincomeduetoemploymentduringthe12monthperiodbeginningonthedateonwhichtheemploymentcommenced.EligiblefamiliesarethosewhoparticipateintheHCVProgram:

a. Whoseincomeincreasesasaresultofemploymentofadisabledmemberofthefamily

whowaspreviouslyunemployedfor1yearormore.Forpurposesofthissection,“previouslyunemployed”isapersonwhohasearned,intheprevious12monthsnomorethanwouldbereceivedfor10hoursofworkperweekfor50weeksattheestablishedminimumwage;

b. Whoseearnedincomeincreasesduringtheparticipationofadisabledfamilymemberin

anyfamilyself-sufficiencyorotherjob-relatedtrainingprogram;or

c. Whoseannualincomeincreasesasaresultofnewemploymentorincreasedearningsofadisabledfamilymember,duringorwithinthelast6monthsafterreceivingassistance,benefits,orservicesunderanystateprogramforTemporaryAssistanceforNeedyFamilies(TANF)fundedunderPartATitleIVoftheSocialSecurityAct,asdeterminedbythePHAinconsultationwiththelocalagenciesadministeringTANFandWelfare-to-Workprograms.

TheTANFprogramisnotlimitedtomonthlyincomemaintenance,butalsoincludessuchbenefitsandservicesasone-timepayments,wagesubsidiesandtransportationassistance,providedthatthetotalamountovera6-monthperiodisatleast$500.2. Phase-inofRentIncreasesinsecondyearUponexpirationoftheinitial12-monthperioddescribedinparagraph(1)ofthissection,therentpayablebyafamilymaybeincreasedduetocontinuedemploymentofadisabledfamilymember.Inthesecondyearofthe12-monthdisallowance,theincreasemaynotbegreaterthan50percentoftheamountoftheindividual’stotalincomeincrease.

3. MaximumTwo-YearDisallowanceThedisallowanceofincreasedincomeofanindividualfamilymember,asprovidedinthepreviousparagraphsofthissection(G),islimitedtoalifetime24-monthperiod.Itonlyappliesforamaximumdisallowanceoftwelvemonthsforeachinstance,(100%disallowanceunderparagraphG-1andthe50%disallowanceunderparagraphG-2).H. REPORTINGREQUIREMENT1. FamilieswhoparticipateintheHCVprogrammustreportallchangesinfamily

compositionand/orincome,andotherrelateditemswithin20daysofthechange.Suchchangesmustbereportedinaccordancewiththe“Reporting”requirementsofthisPolicy.Participantswhoreportnoincomewillbesubjecttothe“ZeroIncome”requirementsofthisPolicy.

2. FamiliesmustsupplyallinformationrequestedbyHACEorHUDforuseinadmissionofanapplicant,aregularlyscheduledreexaminationorinterimreexaminationoffamilyincomeandcompositioninaccordancewithHUDrequirements.“Information”includesanyrequesteddocumentation,releaseorcertification.

3. HACEmustapprovethecompositionoftheassistedunitincludingapprovaloftheinclusionofafosterchildorlive-inaide.

4. Anyinformationsuppliedbythefamilymustbetrueandcorrect.

5. Failurebythefamilytoreport,within20days,applicablechangesthatwouldincreaseTTPwillresultinHACE’scalculatinga“retroactiverent”forthefamilybasedupontheactualdateofthechanges.AretroactiverentwillbedeterminedbycalculatingtheTTPthatthefamilyshouldhavepaidduringtheperiodthatthechangeswerenotreportedandsubtractingthattotalfromtheamountofTTPthefamilyactuallypaidforthesametimeperiod.ThisretroactiverentamountmayeitherbepaidinonepaymentorbyarepaymentagreementinaccordancewithChapter13ofthisPlan.IfHACEbelievesthatanyactionorinactionunderthisparagraphisintentional,HACEmaysimplyterminatetheparticipationofthefamilyandinitiatecourtactiontorecovermonetarydamages.

6. Failurebythefamilytocomplywiththesereportingrequirementsisconsideredtobeaviolationoftheirobligationsandgroundsforterminationofparticipation.

I. INCORRECTREPORTINGInanyinstance,ifHACEbelievesthatafamilyhasprovidedfalse,misleadingordeliberatelyinaccurateinformationtoHACE,HACEmayconductadditionalinvestigationtoobtainreasonableevidence,andterminatethefamily’sassistancewithpropernotice,and/or

prosecutethefamilyinaccordancewiththelaw.Whereevidenceoffraudexists,HACEmayreferallinformationtoHUD’sOfficeofInspectorGeneralforfurtherinvestigation.

9. SPECIALFAMILYCIRCUMSTANCES

A. FAMILYBREAKUPIfthefamilybreaksup,HACEmayterminatetheHAPcontractormaycontinuehousingassistancepaymentsonbehalfoffamilymembers.Thefactorstobeconsideredinmakingthisdecisionarebasedonthefollowing:• Whethertheassistanceshouldremainwithfamilymembersremainingintheoriginal

assistedunit.

• Theinterestofminorchildrenorill,elderlyordisabledfamilymembers.

• Whetheractualorthreateneddomesticviolencewasinvolvedinthebreakup.

• Ifajudicialdecreeisissuedbythecourtsinadivorce,HACEwillbeboundbythecourt’sdeterminationastowhichfamilymemberwillcontinuetoreceivetheProgramassistance.

B. REMAININGMEMBEROFTHEFAMILY“Remainingfamilymember”isdefinedasafamilymemberofanassistedtenantfamilywhoremainsintheunitwhenothermembersofthefamilyhavemovedoutoraredeceased.Aminorisnotconsideredtobearemainingmemberofthefamily,unless:• Theminorhasbeendeclaredemancipatedbythecourts;or

• Acaretakerwhohasbeenappointedbythecourtstooverseethewelfareoftheminor

movesintotheunit.

Ifguardianshipisawardedtothecaretaker,anewVouchermayberequiredduetothenewfamilycomposition.

C. SINGLEMEMBERHOUSEHOLD

TheHAPContractterminatesautomaticallyuponthedeathofasinglememberhousehold,includingsinglememberhouseholdswithalive-inaide.

D. TEMPORARILYABSENTCHILDForthepurposesofdeterminingfamilycomposition,atemporarilyabsentchildisconsideredtobepartoftheassistedhousehold.Thisstatutoryprovisionisintendedtopromotefamilyreunificationbypermittingthefamilytorentaunitthatwillbelargeenoughtoaccommodatethewholefamilywhentheabsentchildreturnsfromfostercare.E. JOINTCUSTODYOFMINORSMinorsmustresidewithintheassistedhouseholdover50%ofthetimetobeconsideredamemberofthathousehold.Verificationwillberequiredthroughdocumentationprovidedbythecourt.Intheeventthereisjointcustody,HACEshallmakeareasonabledeterminationoffamilycompositionusing,butnotlimitedto,thefollowingresources:• Benefitsreceived

• Schoolenrollment

• Limitedmedicalrecords

• Anotarizedstatementfromtheparents

F. LIVE-INAIDE:Inadditiontofamilymembers,alive-inaidemaybeconsideredtobepartofthehouseholdforthecareandwell-beingofoneormoreelderlyornear-elderlypersonsorpersonswithdisabilitiesinaccordancewith24CFR966.4.Thelive-inaidemustvacatethepremiseswhenthefamilymemberwhorequirestheassistancemovesfromtheunitand/orthelive-inaideisnolongerrequiredforassistance.HACEwillrequirethatthelive-inaideis:

• Isessentialtothecareandwell-beingofthatperson;

• Isnotobligatedforthesupportoftheperson;

• Wouldnotbelivingintheunit,excepttoprovidethenecessarysupportiveservices;and

• Isnotasexoffendersubjecttoalifetimeregistration.

HACEwillalsorequirearequestforareasonableaccommodation,fromamedicalprofessionalwhoisfamiliarwiththefamilymember,tocertifythatalive-inaideismedicallynecessaryforthecareandwell-beingofthefamilymember.AdeterminationoftheacceptabilityofsuchstatementwillbemadebyHACEpriortoapprovalofthelive-inaide.G. DISAPPROVALOFLIVE-INAIDEAtanytimeHACEwillwithdrawtheapprovalofalive-inaide,inaccordancewith24CFR982.316,ifthelive-inaide:

• Commitsfraud,briberyoranyothercorruptorcriminalactinconnectionwithanyfederalhousingprogram;

• Commitsdrug-relatedcriminalactivityorviolentcriminalactivity;

• CurrentlyowesrentorotheramountstoHACEinconnectionwithanyHCVProgramorpublichousingassistanceunderthe1937Act;or

• Hasarecordofdisturbanceofneighbors,destructionofproperty,or,livingorhousekeepinghabitsatpriorresidenceswhichmayadverselyaffectthehealth,safetyandwelfareofotherresidentsorneighbors.

Ifthelive-inaidehastheirapprovalwithdrawn,theyarenolongereligibletoremainintheassistedunitandwillbeconsideredtobeanineligiblememberofthehousehold.IftheineligiblememberremainsintheunitafterHACEprovidesnoticeoftheineligibility,HACEwillterminateassistancetothefamily.

H. VAWA The Violence Against Women and Justice Department Reauthorization Act of 2017 (VAWA) is a gender neutral protection for the victims of domestic abuse. Accordingly, victims of domestic abuse will not be discriminated against during the application process with regard to eligibility, or have penalties regarding continued participation/tenancy if a household member is the victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. HACE may not consider incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking as serious or repeated violations of the lease or “good cause” for termination of assistance, tenancy, or occupancy rights of the victim of abuse.

HACE may not consider criminal activity directly relating to abuse, engaged in by a member of the tenant’s household or any guest or other person under the tenant’s control, cause for termination of assistance, tenancy, or occupancy rights if the tenant or an immediate member of the tenant’s family is the victim or threatened victim of that abuse. HACE may request, in writing, that the victim, or a family member on the victim’s behalf, certify that the individual is a victim of abuse and that the form HUD-5382 Certification of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking, and Alternate Documentation or other documentation as noted on the certified form, be completed and submitted within 14 days, or an agreed upon extension date, to receive protection under VAWA. Failure to provide the certification or other supporting documentation within the specified timeframe may result in eviction or the termination of rental assistance. All HACE tenants/participants will sign a Lease Addendum (Form HUD-91067) informing them of their rights under VAWA.

10. EXCLUSIONSTOHOUSEHOLD

A. GENERALPOLICY

IncomeandtheTotalTenantPaymentarecalculatedinaccordancewith24CFRpart5,subpartFforallfamilymemberswhoresideinthehousehold.

B. ABSENTFAMILY/FAMILYMEMBER

ThefamilymustdeclareanyfamilymemberwhoispermanentlyortemporarilyabsentbynotifyingHACEinwriting.HACEwilladvisethefamilyatthetimehowthismayaffecttheTotalTenantPaymentand/ortheVouchersize.HACEwillutilizethefollowingindeterminingtemporary/permanentabsences:

1. Absencebythefamilyfromtheirunitformorethan90dayswillbeconsideredbyHACE

tobeabandonmentoftheunit.Thefamily’sassistancewillbeterminatedandtheywillbeprovidedanopportunitytorequestaninformalhearing.(SeeSectionFofthischapterforabandonment)

2. Ifamemberofthefamilyleavestheunitfor90daysormore,theywillbeconsideredtobepermanentlyabsent.HACEwilldetermineifthefamily’sunitsizemustbechangedtomeetthesubsidystandards.HACEwillrevieweachfamily’scircumstancesonacase-by-casebasis.

3. Ifasingle-memberhouseholdisabsentformorethan90days,theirassistancewillbeterminated,unlesstheyrequestandaregrantedanextension.Third-partydocumentationacceptabletoHACEmustbesubmittedthatindicatestheywillreturnwithinthenext90days(maximumabsencecannotexceed180days).

C. TEMPORARILYABSENTFAMILYMEMBERS’INCOMEHACEwillincludetheincomeofalltemporarilyabsentfamilymemberswhendeterminingtheTTP.Ifthespouseortheheadofhouseholdistemporarilyabsent,theirentireincomeiscounted.Ifahouseholdmemberistemporarilyinalongtermcarefacility,adeterminationwillbereviewedonacasebycasebasis.

D. OTHERABSENTFAMILYMEMBERThefollowingwillbeconsideredtobepermanentlyabsentfamilymembersandwillnotbeincludedinthehousehold:• Familymembersinthemilitary(excludinghead,spouseorco-head);and

• Childrenwhodonotresideinthehouseholdover50%ofthetime;and

• Familymemberswhohavebeenincarceratedformorethan180days.

E. VISITORSOvernightadultguestsarepermittedtovisitforupto14daysinacalendaryearwithHACE’swrittenapproval.Ifthevisitorstaysformorethan14daysintheyear,itwillbeconsideredtobeaviolationoftheFamilyObligationsandgroundsforterminationofassistancetothefamily.F. ABANDONMENTOFUNIT1. Abandonmentoftheleasedpremisesbythefamilyshallbepresumedwhenthefamily

movesoutallorsubstantiallyallofthefamily’sgoodsandpersonalitemsfromtheleasedpremises,and(a)anyrentbecomesdueandunpaid,and/or(b)noticetoterminateforanyotherleaseviolationhasbeenserved,and/or(c)mailisundeliverableorhasbeenreturnedtotheownerand/orHACE.

2. Uponabandonmentoftheleasedpremisesbyfamily,theownershouldmailawrittennoticetothefamilythattheyplantore-entertheleasedpremisesandtakepossessionofthesameandthattheyshalldisposeofanyremaininggoodsandpersonalpropertyintheleasedpremisesinaccordancewithStatelaw.

11. TERMINATIONSANDFAMILYMOVES

A. LEASETERMINATION

1. Duringtheinitialtermoftheleaseorduringanyrenewalterm,theownermayonlyterminatethetenancybecauseof:a. Seriousorrepeatedviolationsofthelease.

b. Criminalactivity,whichincludes,butisnotlimitedto:

1) Illegaluseofacontrolledsubstance;

2) Anydrug-relatedcriminalactivityonornearthepremises;

3) Alcoholabuseandanycriminalactivitythatthreatensthehealth,safetyorrighttopeacefulenjoymentofthepremisesbyotherresidents;or

4) Othergoodcause,whichincludes,butisnotlimitedto:

• Disturbanceofneighbors.• Destructionofproperty.• Livingorhousekeepinghabitsthatcausedamagetotheunitor

premises.2. Afterthe1styearofthelease,theownermustgiveatleasta60daynoticetoterminate

theleaseforothergoodcauseasfollows:a. Abusinessoreconomicreasonforterminationofthetenancy(suchassaleof

theproperty,renovationoftheunit,ortheowner’sdesiretorenttheunitforahigherrent).

Family

1. Thefamilymayterminatetheleasewithoutcauseatanytimeafterthe1styearprovided

thatthefamilynotifiestheownerandHACEatleast30days,butnomorethan60days,beforethetermination.(SeeSectionDofthischapterforfamilymoves)

MutualAgreement

1. Duringthe1styearofthelease,thetenantandownermayagreetoterminatethelease.AcopyoftheterminationagreementmustbeprovidedtoHACEatleast30dayspriortothemove.

B. HAPCONTRACTTERMINATIONOwner1. TheHAPcontractterminateswhen: a. Theownerhaslegalpossessionoftheunitsubsequenttoaneviction;or

b. TheownernotifiesthetenantandHACEthattheynolongerintendtoparticipateintheProgram.

HACE1. TheHAPcontractwillterminateautomaticallywhen: a. Theleaseterminates; b. HACEterminatesassistancetothefamily; c. Thefamilymovesfromthecontractunit;

d. 180dayshaveelapsedsincethelastHousingAssistancePaymenttotheowner;e. AvailableProgramfundingisnotsufficienttosupportcontinuedassistancefor

thefamily;f. Thecontractunitdoesnotmeetthesubsidystandards;g. ThecontractunitdoesnotmeetallrequirementsoftheHQS;orh. TheownerhasbreachedtheHAPcontract.

C. TERMINATIONOFASSISTANCETOFAMILYHACEmayatanytimeterminateProgramassistanceforaparticipantforanyofthefollowingreasons:1. IfthefamilyviolatesitsobligationsundertheProgramasrequiredby24CFR982.551;

2. Ifthefamilydoesnotcomplywiththeregulationslistedin24CFR982.552(b)and(c);

3. IfHACEdeterminesthatanyfamilymemberhasengagedinillegaldrugactivity,criminal

activity,oralcoholabuse(seeapplicabledefinitionsinChapter2ofthisPlan);or

4. IfthefamilycommitsfraudinconnectionwiththeHCVProgram.HACEwillimmediatelyandpermanentlyterminatetheHCVassistance,ofpersonswhoareconvictedofmanufacturingorproducingmethamphetamineonthepremisesoftheassistedhousingdevelopmentorunitinviolationofanyfederalorstatelaw.“Premises”isdefinedasthebuildingorcomplexinwhichthedwellingunitislocated,includingcommonareasandgrounds.D. FAMILYMOVESTransfersIfthefamilydesirestomovetoanewunit,HACEwillissuetothefamilyanewVoucherifthefamilyhascompliedwithallthetenantobligationswhileintheircurrentunit.However,ifHACEdoesnothavesufficientfundingforcontinuedassistance,nomovewillbepermitted.IfafamilymovestoanotherunitwithoutnotifyingHACEinwriting,itwillbeconsideredtobeaviolationoftheFamilyObligation(s)andreasonfortermination.NumberofMovesFamiliesmaynotmoveduringthe1styearofthelease,unlessforgoodcause.HACEwilllimitthenumberofmovesthataHCVProgramfamilymaymaketo1peryear.ChargesagainstSecurityDeposit:Iftheownerisclaimingdamages,unpaidrentorutilitiesagainstthesecuritydeposit,theownermustsubmittothetenant:

• Verificationofpast-duerentorutilities• Verificationofdamagesthatmayincludebutisnotlimitedto:

o Invoicesorestimatesforrepairs/contractingrequiredduetotenantdamageso Photographicproofofdamages

Iftheownerdoesnothavethetenantsforwardingaddress,emailorcellphone,tosendanattachmentortomail,theymaymailtotheirformeraddress.

Iftheownerandtenantdonotcometoanagreement,theownermustfileacivilsuittosettledispute.

Noticeofchargesagainstsecuritydepositmustbeprovidedtotenantwithin30daysofthetenantmove-outinaccordancewithPennsylvaniaStateLaw.E. DEFINITIONOFCONTINUOUSLYASSISTEDAnapplicantiscontinuouslyassistedunderthe1937HousingActifthefamilyisalreadyreceivingassistanceunderany1937HousingActprogramwhenthefamilyisadmittedtotheHousingChoiceVoucherProgram.HACEwillcontinuouslyassistafamilyifnomorethan120dayshaveelapsedsincethefamilyhasreceivedassistance,exceptasrequiredasareasonableaccommodationforafamilythatincludesapersonwithdisabilities.

12. INFORMALREVIEWS&HEARINGS

HACEwillconductInformalReviewsandHearingsinaccordancewithallapplicableHUDregulationscontainedinSection24oftheCodeofFederalRegulations;HUDNotices;anyapplicablefederal,stateorlocallawgoverningsuchprocess;andthisAdministrativePlan.AnInformalReviewwillbeofferedtoanapplicantwhenHACEhasdeniedProgramassistance.AnInformalHearingwillbeofferedtoaparticipantfamilywhenspecificdecisionshavebeenmadebyHACErelatingtoindividualcircumstancesofthefamily.A. INFORMALREVIEWSFORAPPLICANTS1. AcceptableReasonsforInformalReviewsExceptasnotedbelow,HACEwillgiveanapplicantanopportunityforanInformalReviewofadeterminationbyHACEtodenyassistance.AnysuchdecisionwillbeprovidedpromptlytotheapplicantinwritinganddeliveredbyFirstClassMail.Thedecisionnoticewillincludeabriefstatementofthereasonforthedenial,theapplicant’srighttoareview,andtheproceduretorequestareview.2. UnacceptableReasonsforInformalReviewsHACEwillnotprovideanapplicantwithanopportunityforanInformalReviewforanyofthefollowingreasons:

a. DiscretionaryadministrativedeterminationsbyHACE.

b. Generalpolicyissuesorclassgrievances.

c. AdeterminationoffamilyunitsizeunderHACE’ssubsidystandards.

d. AHACEdeterminationnottoapproveanextensionorsuspensionofaVoucher

e. AHACEdeterminationnottograntapprovaltoleaseaunitundertheProgramortoapproveaproposedlease.

f. AHACEdeterminationthataunitselectedbytheapplicantisnotincompliancewithHQS.

g. AHACEdeterminationthattheunitisnotincompliancewithHQSbecauseofthefamilysizeorcomposition.

3. RequestforInformalReviewAnapplicantwillbeprovidedwithHACE’sprocedureforrequestinganInformalReviewintheNoticeofIneligibility.TheapplicantmustrequestanInformalReviewbywritingtotheaddresslistedinthenotice.TherequestforanInformalReviewmustbereceivedbyHACEwithin14daysofthedateofsuchnotice.Iftheapplicantfailstoproperlysubmittherequestwithintheprescribedtime,theywillforfeittheirrighttoanInformalReview,andthedecisiontodenyassistancewillbefinal.4. InformalReviewProcessTheInformalReviewwillbeconductedbyahearingofficerappointedbyHACEwhohasneithermadenorapprovedthedecisionunderrevieworbyasubordinateofsuchperson.Theprocesswillbeinaccordancewiththefollowing:

a. Theapplicantwillbenotifiedofthedate,timeandlocationoftheInformalReview

withinapproximately30daysofthereceiptoftherequest.HACEschedulesInformalReviewseachmonthandmaybeconductedbyphone,inpersonorothersuitablemeansapprovedbyHACE.

• Theapplicantmayrequest,inadvance,thatHACErescheduletheirreviewbecause

ofareasonableinabilitytoattend.• Anapplicant’sfailuretoattendascheduledInformalReviewwithoutadvance

notificationtoHACEwillbereasonforautomaticdenialoftherequestwithoutadecisionbythehearingofficeronthemeritsofHACE’sdeterminationtodenyassistance.

b. Personswithdisabilitieswillbeaffordedspecialconsiderationsintheschedulingand

conductingoftheInformalReviews.

c. Theapplicantwillhavearighttoexaminetheirfilepriortothereview.

d. HACEmustbegiventheopportunitytoexamine,atitsoffices,anyfamilydocumentsthataredirectlyrelatedtothereview.HACEmaycopyanysuchdocumentatitsexpense.IfthefamilydoesnotmakethedocumentavailableforexaminationbyHACE,thefamilymaynotrelyonthedocumentatthereview.

e. Theapplicantwillhavetherightofrepresentationbylegalcounselattheapplicant’s

expense.HACEmustbenotifiedinadvanceiftheapplicantintendstoberepresentedbylegalcounsel.

f. Evidence,witnessesandanyinformationapplicabletothereviewmaybepresentedby

eitherHACEortheapplicant.

g. ThehearingofficerwillconducttheInformalReviewinamannerintendedtoensureproperorder.

h. Afinaldecisionwillbemadebythehearingofficerbaseduponthefactsandevidence

presentedattheInformalReview.B. INFORMALHEARINGSFORPARTICIPANTS1. AcceptableReasonsforInformalHearingsHACEwillgiveaparticipantanopportunityforanInformalHearingforcertainHACEdeterminationsrelatingtoindividualcircumstancesoftheparticipantfamily.AnyapplicabledeterminationwillbepromptlyprovidedtotheparticipantinwritinganddeliveredbyFirstClassmail.Thenoticewillincludeabriefexplanationofthedetermination,theapplicant’srighttoahearing,andtheproceduretorequestahearing.HACEwillofferaparticipantfamilyanInformalHearingforthefollowingreasons:

a. Adeterminationofthefamily’sannualoradjustedincome,andtheuseofsuchincome

tocomputehousingassistancepayments.

b. Adeterminationoftheappropriateutilityallowances(ifany)fortenant-paidutilitiesfromHACE’sutilityallowanceschedule.

c. AdeterminationofthefamilyunitsizeunderHACEsubsidystandards.

d. AdeterminationthataVoucherProgramfamilyisresidinginaunitwithalargernumber

ofbedroomsthanappropriateforthefamilyunitsizeunderHACE’ssubsidystandardsoradeterminationtodenythefamily’srequestforanexceptionfromthestandards.

e. Adeterminationtoterminateassistanceforaparticipantfamilybecauseofthefamily’s

actionorfailuretoactinaccordancewithapplicableHUDregulationsorHACEpolicies(see24CFR982.552).

f. Adeterminationtoterminateassistancebecausetheparticipantfamilyhasbeenabsent

fromtheassistedunitforlongerthanthemaximumperiodpermittedunderHUDregulationsorHACEpolicy.

2. UnacceptableReasonsforInformalHearingsHACEwillnotprovideaparticipantfamilywithanopportunityforanInformalHearingforanyofthefollowingreasons:a. DiscretionaryadministrativedeterminationsbyHACE.

b. GeneralPolicyissuesorclassgrievances.c. EstablishmentofHACE’sscheduleofutilityallowancesforfamiliesintheProgram.

d. AHACEdeterminationnottoapproveanextensionorsuspensionofaVoucherterm.

e. AHACEdeterminationnottoapproveaunitorlease.

f. AHACEdeterminationthatanassistedunitisnotincompliancewithHQS(unlessa

decisiontoterminateassistancewasmadeduetotenantcausedHQSdeficiencies).

g. AHACEdeterminationthattheunitisnotincompliancewithHQSbecauseofthefamilysize.

h. AdeterminationbyHACEtoexerciseornottoexerciseanyrightorremedyagainstthe

ownerunderaHAPcontract.

3. RequestforInformalHearingsAparticipantfamilywillbeprovidedwithHACE’sprocedureforrequestinganInformalHearinginthedeterminationnotice.TheparticipantmustrequestanInformalHearingbywritingtotheaddresslistedinthenotice.TherequestforanInformalHearingmustbereceivedbyHACEwithin14daysofthedateofthenotice.Iftheparticipantfailstoproperlysubmittherequestwithintheprescribedtime,theywillforfeittheirrighttoanInformalHearingandthedeterminationwillremainasfinal.

HACEwillnotifythefamilythattheymayfirstaskforanexplanationofthebasisofaHACEdeterminationunderB.1a,b,andcofthissection.Ifthefamilydoesnotagreewiththeexplanation,theythenmayrequestanInformalHearinginaccordancewiththeInformalHearingrequestproceduresdefinedabove.4. InformalHearingProcessTheInformalHearingwillbeconductedbyahearingofficerappointedbyHACEwhohasneithermadenorapprovedthedecisionunderrevieworbyasubordinateofsuchperson.Theprocesswillbeinaccordancewiththefollowing:

a. Theparticipantwillbenotifiedbymailorothersuitablemeans,ofthedate,timeand

locationoftheInformalHearingwithinapproximately30daysofthereceiptofrequestbyHACE.Thehearingmaybeconductedbyphone,inpersonorothersuitablemeansapprovedbyHACE.

• Theparticipantmayrequest,inadvance,thatHACErescheduletheirhearing

becauseofareasonableinabilitytoattend.

• Aparticipant’sfailuretoattendascheduledInformalHearingwithoutadvancenotificationtoHACEwillbereasonforimmediatedenialoftherequestwithoutadecisionbythehearingofficeronthemeritsofHACE’sdeterminationtoterminateassistance.

b. Personswithdisabilitieswillbeaffordedspecialconsiderationsintheschedulingand

conductingoftheInformalHearings.

c. Theparticipantwillhavearighttoexaminetheirfilepriortothehearing.

d. HACEmustbegiventheopportunitytoexamine,atitsoffices,anyfamilydocumentsthataredirectlyrelatedtothehearing.HACEmaycopyanysuchdocumentatitsexpense.IfthefamilydoesnotmakethedocumentavailableforexaminationbyHACE,thefamilymaynotrelyonthedocumentatthehearing.

e. Theparticipantfamilywillhavetherightofrepresentationbylegalcounselatthe

family’sexpense.HACEmustbenotifiedinadvanceifthefamilyintendstoberepresentedbylegalcounsel.

f. Evidence,witnessesandanyinformationapplicabletothehearingmaybepresentedby

eitherHACEortheparticipantfamily.

g. ThehearingofficerwillconducttheInformalHearinginamannertoensureproperorder.

h. Afinaldecisionwillbemadebythehearingofficerbaseduponthefactsandevidence

presentedattheInformalHearing.

C. HEARINGOFFICERANDCONDUCTOFINFORMALREVIEWS/HEARINGS1. HearingOfficerTheHearingOfficerforallHCVProgramInformalReviewsandInformalHearingswillbeHACEExecutiveDirectororothermemberofmanagementwithappropriateadministrativeauthority.Theyorasubordinateofsuchpersonwillhaveneithermadenorapprovedthedecisionunderreview.TheHearingOfficerwillberesponsibleforinsuringthatalleligiblerequestsforreviewsandhearingsarescheduledwithinapproximately30daysofthereceiptofsuchrequests.Followingeachofthereviewsandhearings,theHearingOfficerwillberesponsibleforpromptlyprovidingadecisionlettertotheapplicantorparticipantfamilyinaccordancewiththisPlan.

2. ConductofinformalReviewsandHearingsTheHearingOfficerisauthorizedtoregulatetheconductofhearingsandreviewsattheirdiscretion.Thisisanon-judicialfunction;therefore,noformalprocedureisrequired.ItshallbetheresponsibilityoftheHearingOfficertoinsurethatadequateinformationispresentedandthattheorderofthehearingproceedsaccordingly.TheHearingOfficeralwayswillidentifythesession(partiespresent,date,time,place)andreadtheinitialHACEdeterminationordecisionwhichpromptedtherevieworhearing.ItistheresponsibilityoftheHearingOfficertotakepertinentnotesandacknowledgematerialandtestimonyneededtomakeareasonabledetermination.TheneedforataperecordingandtranscriptoftheproceedingsshallbeatthediscretionoftheHearingOfficer.D. INFORMALREVIEWANDHEARINGDECISIONSTheHearingOfficerisresponsibleforissuingtotheapplicantorparticipantawrittendecisionwithinareasonablelengthoftimefollowingtherevieworhearing.ThedecisionlettershallbesenttothefamilybyFirstClassMail.Theletterwillcontainastatementofthedecision,andthereason(s)forthedecision,includinganyapplicableHUDregulationsand/orHACEpolicies.Factualdeterminationsthatrelatetotheindividualcircumstancesofthefamilywillbebasedonapreponderanceofevidencepresentedattherevieworhearing.HACEisnotboundbyanydecisioncontrarytoHUDregulationsorrequirementsorotherwisecontrarytofederal,stateorlocallaw.E. RESTRICTIONONASSISTANCETONON-CITIZENSHACEwillcomplywiththeInformalHearingprovisionsforthedenialofassistanceonthebasisofineligibleimmigrationstatuscontainedin24CFRpart5subpartE.

13. REPAYMENTAGREEMENTS

HACEprovides,incertaininstances,anopportunityforafamilywhoowesmoneytoHACE,foroverpaymentsofassistanceresultingfromunreportedormisreportedfamilyinformation,toenterintoarepaymentagreementandcontinuetoparticipateintheHCVProgram.HACEwillcalculatetheinstallmentamountsandprescribethetermsoftherepaymentagreement.OnlyonerepaymentagreementwillbeofferedtofamilieswhooweHACEmoney.IfcircumstancesresultinadditionalmoniesowedbythefamilytoHACE,suchmoniesmustbereimbursedinonepayment,whichwillbeduewithinnomorethan60daysofthenoticetothefamilybyHACE.FailurebythefamilytomeetthisrequirementwillresultintheterminationoftheHAPContract.A. MISREPORTEDORUNREPORTEDINCOMEWhenHACEidentifiescaseswherethefamilyhaserroneouslyreportedtheirhouseholdincome,orhasnotreportedalloftheirhouseholdincome,adeterminationwillbemadeastowhetherthefamily’sactionorinactionappearstobedeliberateandwhetheranyFamilyObligationshavebeenviolated.Arepaymentagreementmaybeofferedifthefamilyhasnot:

• Committedfraudorwillfullymisrepresentedinformation;

• ViolatedanyoftheFamilyObligations;or

• PreviouslybreachedarepaymentagreementwithHACE.B. OTHERAMOUNTSOWEDTOHACEAfamilymayoweHACEmoneyforreasonsotherthanoverpaymentsasstatedpreviouslyinthischapter(A).RepaymentagreementsforotheramountsowedmaybeofferedtofamiliesbyHACEdependingupontheoriginoftheoutstandingdebtandanyrulesgoverningthetypeofdebt.ThedecisiontoofferarepaymentagreementinthiscategorywillbemadeonanindividualbasisandisatthesolediscretionofHACE.

C. REPAYMENTAGREEMENTPOLICYTherepaymentagreementwillbespecific,identifyingthereasonforthereimbursement,termoftheagreement,paymentfrequencyandduedate,installmentamountandotherbindingconditionsstructuredbyHACE.Arepaymentagreementmustbeexecutedbythefamily’sheadofhouseholdwithin30daysoftheofferbyHACE;otherwise,itwillbeconsideredtobearefusalbythefamilytoenterintotheagreement.Therepaymentagreementpolicyconformstothefollowing:

• Eachinstallmentwillbedueinadvancewithoutnoticetothefamily.PaymentswillbemadetoHACE’smainofficeoraddressidentifiedintherepaymentagreement.

• Arepaymentagreementforafamilywillconsistofatermofnolongerthan12

monthsunlessalongertimeisapprovedbytheExecutiveDirectorordesignee.

• Anybreachofthetermsorconditionsofarepaymentagreementwillresultintheterminationofprogramassistanceforthefamilyinaccordancewith24CFR982.552(c)(vii).

• IfafamilyisofferedarepaymentagreementformoniesowedHACE,andthefamily

refuses,theentireamountwillbedueimmediately.FailurebythefamilytopayHACEwillbeconsideredreasonfortheterminationofprogramassistanceunder24CFR982.552(c)(v).

• Advancenoticeofaterminationofprogramassistanceunderthisparagraphanda

righttoanInformalHearingwillbeprovidedtothefamilypriortoadiscontinuationofassistance.

• IfthefamilyparticipatesintheFSSprogram,HACEmayreducetheamountofthe

family’sescrowbalancebytheamountowedHACE.D. REPAYMENTAGREEMENTSBYOWNERSInsomecasestheownerofanassistedunitunderaHCVProgramHAPContractmayhavereceivedexcessassistancepaymentsthroughnofaultoftheirown.Whenoverpaymentscannotbedeductedfromtheowner’smonthlyHAPcheck,anagreementmaybeofferedbyHACEforreimbursement.Suchagreementwillbefornolongerthan12monthsandwillincludespecifictermsandconditionsstructuredatthediscretionofHACEandagreedtobytheowner.

E. PROSECUTIONFORFRAUDIfHACEdeterminesthatthefamily(orowner,ifapplicable)hascommittedfraudafterarepaymentagreementhasbeenexecuted,HACEmayterminateassistanceandmayseekprosecutionthroughthecourts.Inallcasesinvolvingfraud,HACEhastherighttoprosecuteinaccordancewithapplicablelaws.

14. PROGRAMINTEGRITYANDPERFORMANCE

A. PROGRAMMONITORINGMonthlyreportswillbemaintainedtomonitorthewaitinglistandoutstandingVoucherstoeffectivelymanagetheleasingscheduleandtoprovideHACEwithprogramdemographics.AHAPcontractregisterwillbemaintainedandregularlyreviewedtomonitorthemonthlyHousingAssistancePayments.B. ETHICSInaccordancewithfederalregulations,HACEnoranyofitscontractorsorsubcontractorsmayenterintoanycontractorarrangementinconnectionwiththetenant-basedprogramsinwhichanyofthefollowingclassesofpersonshasanyinterest,directorindirect,duringhisorhertenurewithHACEorfor1yearthereafter:

1. AnypresentorformermemberorofficeroftheHousingAuthority(exceptaparticipantcommissioner).

2. AnyemployeeoftheHousingAuthorityoranycontractor,subcontractoror

agentoftheHousingAuthoritywhoformulatespolicyorwhoinfluencesdecisionswithrespecttotheprograms.

3. Anypublicofficial,memberofagoverningbody,orStateorlocallegislatorwho

exercisesfunctionsorresponsibilitieswithrespecttoHACE’sprograms;or4. AnymemberoftheCongressoftheUnitedStates.

AnymemberoftheclassesdescribedabovemustdisclosetheirinterestorprospectiveinteresttotheHousingAuthorityandHUD.TheConflictofInterestprohibitionunderthissectionmaybewaivedbytheHUDFieldOfficeupontherequestofHACEforgoodcause.NoCommissionerorHACEemployeeshallsolicitorreceiveanygiftorconsideration.ViolationsoftheserequirementswillresultindisciplinaryactionasoutlinedintheHACE’sEmployeeHandbookandbedeterminedbyactionoftheBoardofCommissioners.

C. QUALITYCONTROLHACEwillconductQualityControlreviewsinfivekeymanagementareasrelatingtospecificperformanceindicatorsoftheSectionEightManagementAssessmentProgram(“SEMAP”).ThereviewswillbecompletedbyHACEExecutiveDirector,amanagementdesignee,oranindependentcontractorinaccordancewith24CFRPart985todetermineperformanceforthefollowing: 1. SelectionfromtheWaitingList 2. ReasonableRent

3. DeterminationofAdjustedIncome4. HQSQualityControlInspections5. HQSEnforcement

TheQualityControlSampleswillbedrawninanunbiasedmannerandreviewedbytheappropriatemanagementindividualasdefinedaboveforthepurposeofdeterminingiftheworkdocumentedinthefilesconformstoprogramrequirements.Theminimumsizeofthesamplewillbeasfollows:

UNIVERSE MINIMUMNUMBERINSAMPLE

50orless 551-600 5plus1foreach50(orpartof50)over50601-2000 16plus1foreach100(orpartof100)over600Over2000 30plus1foreach200(orpartof200)over2000

E. FINANCIALREPORTINGAllfinancialreportingwillbeinaccordancewithapplicableHUDregulationsandGenerallyAcceptedAccountingPrinciples.F. EXPENDITURETHRESHOLDThethresholdfortheamountofexpendituresthatmaybemadefromtheOperatingReserveforotherhousingpurposeswithoutpriorapprovaloftheBoardissetat$1000.

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