4.0      FAMILY OUTREACH

 

The Housing Authority will publicize the availability and nature of the Public Housing Program for extremely low-income, very low and low-income families in a newspaper of general circulation, minority media, and by other suitable means when determined necessary by Management.

 

To reach people who cannot or do not read the newspapers, the Housing Authority will distribute fact sheets to the broadcasting media and initiate personal contacts with members of the news media and community service personnel, when determined necessary by management. The Housing Authority will also try to utilize public service announcements.

 

The Housing Authority will communicate the status of housing availability to other service providers in the community and inform them of housing eligibility factors and guidelines so they can make proper referral of their clients to the program, when determined necessary by management.

 

 

8.0      DECONCENTRATION POLICY

 

It is the Housing Authority’s policy to affirmatively market to all eligible income groups, to provide for de-concentration of poverty, and to encourage income mixing by bringing higher income families into lower income communities and lower income families into higher income communities.   Lower income Tenants will not be steered toward lower income communities and higher income people will not be steered toward higher income communities.

 

 

In accordance with ongoing initiatives focusing on Tenant satisfaction and private property management standards, the Housing Authority will continually strive to create incentives to encourage higher income families to apply for its public housing communities.  This is accomplished by focusing on safety, attractiveness, and low-cost quality housing.  In addition, the Housing Authority will continually strive to create incentives relative to each of its communities, with care not to target particular properties for high or low-income families, but rather to achieve an income mix in each community.

 

At the forefront of the Housing Authority’s initiatives is the provision of social service programs that provide opportunities for Tenants to improve their quality of life through participation in self-sufficiency programs.

 

The Housing Authority will continue to create and monitor incentives annually in the            development of the annual and five-year plan.  Incentives will be created relative to the local            rental market and to other assisted housing in the Housing Authority’s jurisdiction.  The following    incentives, unique to the Housing Authority, are offered to families applying for or living in the     Housing Authority’s communities:

1. Flat Rents. To encourage higher income families to apply and remain in the Housing Authority’s communities, Tenant rents do not continue to increase based on thirty percent (30%) of monthly adjusted income (as in many federally assisted housing programs), but cap-out at a reasonable market rent (flat rent).  Families have a choice of the flat rent or a rent based on income.
2. Local Preference for working families and families participating in local job training programs. In support of welfare reform, the Housing Authority gives local preference to public housing applicants who work or participate in job training, job search, work experience, or educational programs.
3. Family Self -Sufficiency (FSS) Program. The Housing Authority offers the FSS program to Tenants of Housing Authority’s communities, thus creating opportunities for obtaining permanent full time employment and future home ownership.
4. Curb Appeal/Physical Improvements Program. The Housing Authority continually strives to raise the standards of its physical properties and improve the aesthetic appearance of its communities, reflecting a standard that compares or exceeds private property management.
5. Aggressive “image-building” campaign to change stigmas attached to public housing. The Housing Authority is increasing efforts to remove Tenants who do not comply with lease and to retain those that remain, by focusing on Tenant satisfaction and proactive policies that prevent program abuse, and that reward and empower Tenants.
6. In addition to the Housing Authority-wide incentives listed above, all communities have extensive social programs, ranging from a homework club in the family communities, to health and wellness programs in the senior communities.

 

As future guidance is provided by HUD and in accordance with federal regulations, the Housing Authority plans to continue to expand its Admissions Policy to include more incentives for de-concentration and income mixing.  the Housing Authority

 

 

Monitoring

Family income statistics by community and the Housing Authority-wide will be monitored on a monthly basis to meet the de-concentration/income mixing requirements of QHWRA. The Housing Authority shall follow the statutory requirement that at least forty percent (40%) of newly admitted families in any fiscal year be families whose annual income is at or below thirty percent (30%) of the area median income.  Move-outs will be closely monitored and families interviewed, where possible, to determine preventative and improvement measures.  If, after all measures herein described fail to accomplish the de-concentration income mixing requirements, the Housing Authority will skip families on the waiting list to reach other families with a lower or higher income. We will accomplish this in a uniform and non-discriminating manner.

9.0       APPLICATION PROCESS

9.1       INTRODUCTION

 

The application process consists of three phases. The first phase involves receipt of the Housing Application and placement on the Waiting List, the second phase involves the determination of preliminary eligibility.  The third phase is the final determination of eligibility based on the enrollment interview.

9.2       OPENING AND CLOSING THE WAITING LIST

 

Opening of the waiting list will be announced via public notice stating that applications for public housing will again be accepted. The public notice will state where, when, and how to apply. The notice will be published in a local newspaper of general circulation and also by any available minority media. The public notice will state any limitations to who may apply.

 

The notice will state that applicants already on waiting lists for other housing programs must apply separately for this program and such applicants will not lose their place on other waiting lists when they apply for public housing. The notice will include the Fair Housing logo and slogan and will be in compliance with Fair Housing requirements.

Closing of the waiting list will also be announced with a public notice. The public notice will state the date the waiting list will be closed and for what bedroom sizes. The public notice will be published in a local newspaper of general circulation and also by any available minority media.

9.3       ORGANIZATION OF THE WAITING LIST

 

The wait list will be maintained in accordance with the following guidelines:

 

1. One Housing Application shall be completed for both the Section 8 and Public Housing Programs and shall be in written form.

 

1. All applications will be maintained in alphabetic order.

 

1. Any contacts between the Housing Authority and the applicant will be in writing where possible and any conversations documented and maintained with the Housing Application.

9.4       RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND PLACEMENT ON WAITING LIST

 

Families wishing to apply for the Public Housing Program may complete a Housing Application during regular business hours at the Central Office located at 35 West Baltimore Street Hagerstown, Maryland.  Applications may be mailed to interested families upon request or retrieved from the Housing Authority’s website at www.hagerstownha.com.   The completed application is date stamped and time recorded upon its return to the Housing Authority’s Central Office.   Upon receipt of the application, the Housing Authority will provide the applicant with an acknowledgement letter, which advises the applicant that the application is being accepted based on the information on the application, and that all information will be verified and a criminal background check completed.  The letter advises the family of the date of receipt of the application and the approximate wait before housing may be offered.

Applicable preference points will be assigned based on the information provided by the applicant and the applicant will be entered in the Housing Authority Computer System within two (2) business days.

9.5       SEPARATE WAIT LIST FOR BUILDINGS DESIGNATED FOR THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED

 

Applicants who are elderly, defined as sixty-two (62) or older, persons with a disability, or near elderly (who are defined as families with a head of household or co-head of household who is fifty (50) years of age or older) are placed on a separate wait list for buildings designed for the elderly and disabled in the order of the local preferences.  Elderly and/or disabled applicants will receive preference over near elderly as outlined below. If there are no near-elderly families on the waiting list, units will be offered to families who qualify for the appropriate bedroom size. All such families will be selected from the waiting list using the preferences as outlined below.

 

 

9.6       SEPARATE WAITLIST FOR BUILDINGS DESIGNATED AS ELDERLY ONLY

 

            Applicants, who are elderly, defined as sixty-two (62) years of age or older, are placed on a separate wait list for buildings designated for the elderly, in order of the local preferences.

 

9.7       LOCAL PREFERENCES (24 CFR 960.206)

 

The Housing Authority will place families on the wait list in order of the highest points to the lowest points based on the following local preferences within each bedroom size and building category.  Separate wait lists are maintained for the family communities by bedroom size and for the buildings designed for persons who are elderly and disabled by bedroom size, and by disability status.  When points are equal, the oldest date and time of application will be used as criteria for determining the next family at the top of the wait list.

 

 

1. 25 Points: Reasonable Accommodation: Applicants who reside in a public housing dwelling or receive Section 8 assistance and are approved to transfer as a reasonable accommodation to a different Authority program.

 

1. 20 Points: Residency Preference: Applicants who reside in the Hagerstown Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA), which includes Washington County, or applicants who work, or who have been hired to work, in the PMSA.

 

1. 5 Points: Elderly/Disabled Head or Co-head or Displaced Single: Any head of household, or co-head of household, who is elderly, age sixty-two (62) or older, or a person with disabilities as defined in HUD regulations and the Housing Authority’s definitions; and/or any single person displaced by disaster or government action as defined in HUD regulations and Housing Authority definitions.

 

E.         5 Points: Working Preference: Any head of household, co-head of household or family member who is employed and such income is countable under HUD’s definition of annual income.

 

9.8       SELECTION FROM WAIT LIST

 

To select families from the wait list, the HA will establish a cut-off day(s) each month Applicants will be contacted in the order of the cut off at that point in time.  Any applicants applying after the cutoff date will be processed on the next cut off.

 

If, upon contacting the family by telephone or at the enrollment interview, the family no longer qualifies to be at the top of the wait list due to a change in income, preferences, residency, or any other circumstance, the family will be placed at the appropriate place on the waiting list.

 

In times of short wait list, where no applicants are available through regular selection methods, applicants may be selected and processed upon walk-in with approval of management.

9.9       PURGING THE WAITING LIST

 

The Housing Authority will update and purge its waiting list at least annually to ensure that the pool of applicants reasonably represents the interested families for whom the Housing Authority has current information, i.e. applicant’s address, family composition, income category, and preferences.

 

9.10     REMOVAL OF APPLICANTS FROM THE WAITING LIST

 

Any applicant who is determined ineligible or whose name is withdrawn from the wait list will be notified by the Housing Authority, in writing, that they have ten (10) days from the date of the written correspondence to present mitigating circumstances or request an informal review. The letter will also indicate that their name will be removed from the waiting list if they fail to respond within the time frame specified. The Housing Authority system of removing applicant names from the waiting list will not violate the rights of persons with disabilities. If an applicant claims that their failure to respond to a request for information or updates was caused by a disability, the Housing Authority will verify that there is in fact a disability and the disability caused the failure to respond, and provide a reasonable accommodation. An example of a reasonable accommodation would be to reinstate the applicant on the waiting list based on the date and time of the original application.

 

The Housing Authority will not remove an applicant’s name from the waiting list unless:

 

1. The applicant requests that the name be removed; or

 

1. The applicant fails to respond to a written request for information, or fails to provide requested information to determine eligibility within a reasonable time frame, or fails to declare their continued interest in the program; or

 

1. The applicant does not meet either the eligibility or suitability criteria for the program; or

 

D.        The applicant fails to appear for scheduled appointment(s).

10.0     ANNUAL INCOME, EXCLUSIONS AND DEDUCTIONS (24 CFR 5.603 – 5.609)

 

To determine annual income, the Housing Authority counts the income of all family members, excluding the types and sources of income as specified by HUD. Once the annual income is determined, the Housing Authority subtracts all allowable deductions (allowances) to determine the Total Tenant Payment.

10.1     ANNUAL INCOME

 

Annual income means all income and contributions, monetary or not, that:

 

1. Go to (or on behalf of) the family head of household or spouse (even if temporarily            absent) or  to  any other family member; or

 

1. Is anticipated to be received from a source outside the family during the twelve (12) month period following admission or annual reexamination effective date; and

 

1. Is not specifically excluded from annual income.

 

 

 

Annual income includes, but is not limited to:

 

1. The full amount, before any payroll deductions, of wages and salaries, overtime pay, commissions, fees, tips and bonuses, and other compensation for personal services.

 

1. The net income from the operation of a business or profession. Expenditures for business expansion or amortization of capital indebtedness are not used as deductions in determining net income. An allowance for depreciation of assets used in a business or profession may be deducted, based on straight-line depreciation, as provided in Internal Revenue Service regulations. Any withdrawal of cash or assets from the operation of a business or profession is included in income, except to the extent the withdrawal is a reimbursement of cash or assets invested in the operation by the family.

 

1. Interest, dividends, and other net income of any kind from real or personal property. Expenditures for amortization of capital indebtedness are not used as deductions in determining net income. An allowance for depreciation of assets used in a business or profession may be deducted, based on straight-line depreciation, as provided in Internal Revenue Service regulations. Any withdrawal of cash or assets from an investment is included in income, except to the extent the withdrawal is reimbursement of cash or assets invested by the family. Where the family has net family assets in excess of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), annual income includes the greater of the actual income derived from all net family assets or a percentage of the value of such assets based on the current passbook savings rate, as determined by HUD.

 

1. The full amount of periodic amounts received from Social Security, annuities, insurance policies, retirement funds, pensions, disability or death benefits, and other similar types of periodic receipts, including a lump sum amount or prospective monthly amounts for the delayed start of a periodic amount. (However, deferred periodic amounts from supplemental security income and Social Security benefits that are received in a lump sum amount or in prospective monthly amounts are excluded.)

 

1. Payments in lieu of earnings, such as unemployment and disability compensation, worker’s compensation, and severance pay. (However, lump sum additions such as insurance payments from worker’s compensation are excluded.)

 

1. Welfare assistance.

 

1. If the welfare assistance payment includes an amount specifically designated for shelter and utilities that is subject to adjustment by the welfare assistance agency in accordance with the actual cost of shelter and utilities, the amount of welfare assistance income to be included as income consists of:

a.)        The amount of the allowance or grant exclusive of the amount specifically designated for shelter or utilities; plus

b.)        The maximum amount that the welfare assistance agency could in fact allow the family for shelter and utilities. If the family’s welfare assistance is ratably reduced from the standard of need by applying a percentage, the amount calculated under this requirement is the amount resulting from one application of the percentage.

 

2. If the amount of welfare is reduced due to an act of fraud by a family member or because of any family member’s failure to comply with requirements to participate in an economic self-sufficiency program or work activity, the amount of rent required to be paid by the family will not be decreased. In such cases, the amount of income attributable to the family will include what the family would have received had they complied with the welfare requirements and/or had not committed an act of fraud.
3. If the amount of welfare assistance is reduced as a result of a lifetime time limit, the reduced amount is the amount that shall be counted as income.

 

1. Periodic and determinable allowances, such as alimony, child support payments, and regular contributions or gifts received from organizations or from persons not residing in the dwelling.

 

1. All regular pays, special pay, and allowances of a member of the Armed Forces. (Special pay to a member exposed to hostile fire is excluded.)

10.2     EXCLUSIONS FROM ANNUAL INCOME (24 CFR 5.609)

 

Annual income does not include the following:

 

1. Income from employment of children (including foster children) under the age of eighteen (18) years;

 

1. Payments received for the care of foster children or foster adults (usually persons with disabilities, unrelated to the Tenant family, who are unable to live alone);

 

1. Lump sum additions to family assets, such as inheritances, insurance payments (including payments under health and accident insurance and worker’s compensation), capital gains, and settlement for personal or property losses;

 

1. Amounts received by the family that are specifically for, or in reimbursement of, the cost of medical expenses for any family member;

 

1. Income of a live-in aide;

 

1. The full amount of student financial assistance paid directly to the student or to the educational institution;

 

G         The special pay to a family member serving in the Armed Forces who is exposed to hostile fire;

 

1. Temporary earned income as Census Takers as defined in HUD PIH Notices.

 

 

1. The amounts received from the following programs:

 

1. Amounts received under training programs funded by HUD;
2. Amounts received by a person with a disability that are disregarded for a limited time for purposes of Supplemental Security Income eligibility and benefits because they are set aside for use under a Plan to Attain Self-sufficiency (PASS);
3. Amounts received by a participant in other publicly assisted programs that are specifically for or in reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred (special equipment, clothing, transportation, child care, etc.) and that are made solely to allow participation in a specific program;
4. Amounts received under a Tenant service stipend. A Tenant service stipend is a modest amount (not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) per month) received by a Tenant for performing a service for the Housing Authority or owner, on a part-time basis, that enhances the quality of life in the community. Such services may include, but are not limited to, fire patrol, hall monitoring, lawn maintenance, and Tenant initiatives coordination. No Tenant may receive more than one such stipend during the same period of time;
5. Incremental earnings and benefits resulting to any family member from participation in qualifying State or local employment training programs (including training programs not affiliated with a local government) and training of a family member as Tenant management staff. Amounts excluded by this provision must be received under employment training programs with clearly defined goals and objectives and are excluded only for the period during which the family member participates in the employment training program;
6. Temporary, nonrecurring or sporadic income (including gifts);
7. Reparation payments paid by a foreign government pursuant to claims filed under the laws of that government by persons who were persecuted during the Nazi era;
8. Earnings in excess of Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($480.00) for each full‑time student eighteen (18) years old or older (excluding the head of household and spouse);
9. Adoption assistance payments in excess of Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($480.00) per adopted child;
10. The incremental earnings due to employment during the twelve (12) month period following date of hire shall be excluded. Additionally, this exclusion is only available to the following families:

a.)        Families whose income increases as a result of employment of a family member who was previously unemployed for one or more years.  Previously unemployed includes a person who has earned in the previous twelve (12) months no more than ten (10) hours of work per week for fifty (50) weeks at the minimum wage.

b.)        Families whose income increases during the participation of a family member in any family self-sufficiency program.

c.)        Families who are or were, within 6 months, assisted under any state program for temporary assistance for needy families funded under Part A or Title IV of the Social Security Act as determined by the Housing Authority in consultation with the local TANF agency, and who earned income increases. After the twelve (12) month period, the rent may be increased due to continued employment by fifty percent (50%) for an additional twelve (12) months following the twelve (12) month period.

11. Deferred periodic amounts from supplemental security income and Social Security benefits that are received in a lump sum amount or in prospective monthly amounts;
12. Amounts received by the family in the form of refunds or rebates under State or local law for property taxes paid on the dwelling unit;
13. Amounts paid by a State agency to a family with a member who has a developmental disability and is living at home to offset the cost of services and equipment needed to keep the developmentally disabled family member at home; or
14. Amounts specifically excluded by any other Federal statute from consideration as income for purposes of determining eligibility or benefits. These exclusions include:

a.)        The value of the allotment of food stamps

b.)        Payments to volunteers under the Domestic Volunteer Services Act of 1973

c.)        Payments received under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

d.)        Income from sub marginal land of the U.S. that is held in trusts for certain Indian tribes

e.)        Payments made under HHS’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program

 

f.)        Payments received under the Job Training Partnership Act

g.)        Income from the disposition of funds of the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians

h.)        The first Two Thousand Dollars ($2000.00) per capita received from judgment funds awarded for certain Indian claims

i.)         Amount of scholarships awarded under Title IV including Work-Study

j.)         Payments received under the Older Americans Act of 1965

k.)        Payments from Agent Orange Settlement

l.)         Payments received under the Maine Indian Claims Act

m.)       The value of child care under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990

n.)        Earned income tax credit refund payments

o.)        Payments for living expenses under the AmeriCorps Program

10.3     DEDUCTIONS FROM ANNUAL INCOME (24 CFR 5.611)

 

The following deductions will be made from annual income:

 

480. Four Hundred Eighty Dollars ($480.00) for each dependent;

 

400. Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00) for any elderly family or disabled family;

 

1. For any family that is not an elderly or disabled family but has a member (other than the head or spouse) who is a person with a disability, disability assistance expenses in excess of three percent (3%) of annual income. This allowance may not exceed the employment income received by family members who are eighteen (18) years of age or older as a result of the assistance to the person with disabilities.

 

1. For any elderly or disabled family:
2. That has no disability assistance expenses, an allowance for medical

expenses equal to the amount by which the medical expenses exceed three percent (3%) of annual income;

• That has disability expenses greater than or equal to three percent (3%) of annual income, an allowance for disability assistance expenses computed in accordance with paragraph C, plus an allowance for medical expenses that equal the family’s medical expenses;
• That has disability assistance expenses that are less than three percent (3%) of annual income, an allowance for combined disability assistance expenses and medical expenses that is equal to the total of these expenses less three percent (3%) of annual income.

E.         Child Care expenses for the care of children under the age of thirteen (13) for parent or guardian to attend school or work.

F.         Deduction for Hagerstown Housing Authority Earned Income Exclusion.  An Eight Percent (8%) Earned Income Exclusion shall be retained for existing Tenants with earnings who are benefiting from the Exclusion.  Effective April 1, 2000, the eight  percent (8%) exclusion shall be discontinued for new admissions and for any existing family member, who was not previously employed, but who begins to receive employment income on or after April 1, 2000.  The Earned Income Exclusion is the cost of social security taxes/Medicare that result from earning income and are withheld in payroll deductions.  The eight percent (8%) deduction will be calculated on earned income only where there is a payroll deduction.

11.0    VERIFICATION PROCESS

 

The Housing Authority will verify information related to waiting list preferences, eligibility, admission, and level of benefits prior to admission. Periodically during occupancy, items related to eligibility and rent determination shall also be reviewed and verified. Income, assets, and expenses will be verified, as well as disability status, need for a live-in aide and other reasonable accommodations; full time student status of family members eighteen (18) years of age and older; Social Security numbers; and citizenship/eligible noncitizen status. Age and relationship will only be verified in those instances where needed to make a determination of level of assistance.

11.1     ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF VERIFICATION

 

Age, relationship, U.S. citizenship, and Social Security numbers will generally be verified with documentation provided by the family. Citizenship documentation as listed below will be required. Verification of these items will include originals of the Social Security cards and other documents presented by the family, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) approval code, and forms signed by the family.

Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) will be the primary source of verification for program participants. EIV discrepancies, information not available through EIV or program applicant information will be verified by third party. This type of verification includes written documentation with forms sent directly to and received directly by a source. This verification may also be direct contact with the source, in person or by telephone. It may also be a report generated by a request from the Housing Authority or automatically by another government agency; i.e., the Social Security Administration. Verification forms and reports received will be contained in the applicant/Tenant file. Oral third party documentation will include the same information as if the documentation had been written; i.e., name, date of contact, amount received, etc.

 

When third party verification cannot be obtained, the Housing Authority will accept documentation received from the applicant/Tenant. Hand-carried documentation will be accepted if the Housing Authority has been unable to obtain third party verification in a four (4) week period of time. Photocopies of the documents provided by the family will be maintained in the file.

 

When neither third party verification nor hand-carried verification can be obtained, the Housing Authority will accept a notarized statement signed by the head of household, spouse, co-head of household or adult family member. Each adult family member must individually certify their own information except in the case of absence or inability of individual to self-certify. Such documents will be maintained in the file.

 

The chart below outlines the factors that may be verified and gives common examples of the verification that will be sought. To obtain written third party verification, the Housing Authority will send a request form to the source along with a release form signed by the applicant/Tenant via first class mail.

 

 

Verification Requirements for Individual Items
Item to Be Verified	3rd party verification	Hand-carried verification
General Eligibility Items
Social Security Number	Letter from Social Security	Social Security card
Citizenship	N/A	Voter’s registration card, birth certificate, etc.
Eligible immigration status	ICE SAVE confirmation #	ICE card
Disability	Letter from Social Security Administration or electronic verification report from EIV of receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability; or Letter from Veteran’s Administration (VA) of receipt of 100% VA disability benefits.	Award letter from Social Security or Veteran’s Administration.
Full time student status	Letter from school	For high school students, any document evidencing enrollment
Need for a live-in aide	Letter from health care provider	N/A
Child care costs	Letter from care provider	Bills and receipts
Disability assistance expenses	Letters from suppliers, care givers, etc.	Bills and records of payment
Medical expenses	Letters from providers, prescription record from pharmacy, medical professional’s letter stating assistance or a companion animal is needed	Bills, receipts, records of payment, dates of trips, mileage log, receipts for fares and tolls
Value of and Income from Assets
Savings, checking accounts	Letter from institution	Passbook, most current statements
CDs, bonds, etc	Letter from institution	Tax return, information brochure from institution, the CD, the bond
Stocks	Letter from broker or holding company	Stock or most current statement, price in newspaper or through Internet
Real property	Letter from tax office, assessment, etc.	Property tax statement (for current value), assessment, records or income and expenses, tax return
Personal property	Assessment, bluebook, etc	Receipt for purchase, other evidence of worth
Cash value of life insurance policies	Letter from insurance company	Current statement
Assets disposed of for less than fair market value	N/A	Original receipt and receipt at disposition, other evidence of worth
Income
Earned income	EIV, Letter from employer	Multiple pay stubs
Self-employed	N/A	Tax return from prior year, books of accounts
Regular gifts and contributions	Letter from source	Bank deposits, other similar evidence
Alimony/child support	Court order, letter from source, letter from Human Services	Record of deposits, divorce decree
Periodic payments (i.e., social security, welfare, pensions,  workers compensation, unemployment)	EIV or letter from the source	Award letter, letter announcing change in amount of future payments
Training program participation	Letter from program provider indicating – whether enrolled or completed – whether training is HUD-funded – whether Federal, State, local govt., or local program – whether it is employment training – whether it has clearly defined goals and  objectives – whether program has supportive services – whether payments are for out-of-pocket  expenses incurred in order to participate in a program – date of first job after program completion	N/A                       Evidence of job start

11.2     VERIFICATION OF CITIZENSHIP OR ELIGIBLE NONCITIZEN STATUS (24 CFR 5.508)

 

The citizenship/eligible noncitizen status of each family member regardless of age must be determined.

 

Prior to being admitted, or at the first reexamination, all citizens and nationals will be required to sign a declaration under penalty of perjury. They will be required to show proof of their status by such means as a Social Security card, birth certificate, military ID, or military DD 214 Form.

 

Prior to being admitted or at the first reexamination, all eligible noncitizens who are sixty-two (62) years of age or older will be required to sign a declaration under penalty of perjury. They will also be required to show proof of age.

 

Prior to being admitted or at the first reexamination, all eligible noncitizens must sign a declaration of their status and a verification consent form and provide their original ICE documentation. The Housing Authority will make a copy of the individual’s ICE documentation and place the copy in the file. The Housing Authority will also verify their status through the ICE SAVE system. If the ICE SAVE system cannot confirm eligibility, the Housing Authority will mail information to the ICE in order that a manual check can be made of ICE records.

 

Family members who do not claim to be citizens, nationals, or eligible noncitizens must be listed on a statement of ineligible members and the list must be signed by the head of the household.

 

Noncitizen students on student visas, though in the country legally, are not eligible to be admitted to public housing.

 

Any family member who does not choose to declare their status must be listed on the statement of ineligible members.

 

If no family member is determined to be eligible under this section, the family’s eligibility will be denied.

 

The family’s assistance will not be denied, delayed, reduced, or terminated because of a delay in the process of determining eligible status under this section, except to the extent that the delay is caused by the family.

 

If the Housing Authority determines that a family member has knowingly permitted an ineligible noncitizen (other than any ineligible noncitizens listed on the lease) to permanently reside in their public housing unit, the family will be evicted. Such family will not be eligible to be readmitted to public housing for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of eviction or termination.

 

 

11.3     VERIFICATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

 

• Prior to admission, each family member must provide his or her Social Security card or other approved Social Security Administration (SSA) issued documentation. New family members must provide this verification prior to being added to the lease.
• The best verification of the Social Security Number is the original Social Security card. If the card is not available, the Housing Authority may accept letters from Social Security that establish and state the number.

 

If an individual states that they do not have a Social Security number, they will be required to sign a statement to this effect. The Housing Authority will not require any individual who does not have a Social Security number to obtain a Social Security number.

 

If a member of an applicant family indicates they have a Social Security number, but cannot readily verify it, the family cannot be housed until verification is provided.

 

If a member of a Tenant family indicates they have a Social Security number, but cannot readily verify it, they shall be asked to certify to this fact and shall have up to sixty (60) days to provide the verification. If the individual is at least sixty-two (62) years of age, they will be given one hundred and twenty (120) days to provide the verification. If the individual fails to provide the verification within the time allowed, the family will be evicted.

 

If a new family member became a member of the household within six months prior to the date of admission and is under the age of six and has not been assigned a Social Security Number, the family shall have ninety (90) calendar days after starting to receive the assistance to provide a complete and accurate Social Security Number. The Housing Authority shall grant one ninety (90) day extension for newly-added family members under the age of six if in its sole discretion it determines that the person’s failure to comply was due to circumstances that could not have reasonably been foreseen and was outside the control of the person. If the Social Security Number is not provided within the required period, the assistance shall be terminated.

 

11.4     TIMING OF VERIFICATION

 

Verification information must be dated within ninety (90) days of certification or reexamination. If the verification is older than this, the source will be contacted and asked to provide information regarding any changes.

 

When an interim reexamination is conducted, the Housing Authority will verify and update those elements reported to have changed.

11.5     FREQUENCY OF OBTAINING VERIFICATION

 

For each family member, citizenship/eligible noncitizen status will be verified only once. This verification will be obtained prior to admission. If the status of any family member was not determined prior to admission, verification of their status will be obtained at the next regular reexamination. Prior to a new member joining the family, their citizenship/eligible noncitizen status will be verified.

 

For each family member verification of Social Security number will be obtained only once. This verification will be accomplished prior to admission. When a family member who did not have a Social Security number at admission receives a Social Security number, that number will be verified in accordance with HUD regulations.

 

11.6     VERIFICATION OF ASSETS UNDER $5,000

 

Tenants with total assets under $5,000 may self-certify the value of the assets and the anticipated income from such assets.  The acceptance of self-certification will continue until March 31, 2014 unless extended or made permanent by HUD regulation.

12.0     DETERMINATION OF TOTAL TENANT PAYMENT AND TENANT RENT

12.1      FAMILY CHOICE OF RENT (24 CFR 960.253)

 

At admission and each year in preparation for their annual reexamination, each family is given the choice of having their rent determined under the formula method or having their rent set at the flat rent amount.

12.2     FLAT RENT (24 CFR 960.253)

 

Families who opt for the flat rent will be required to go through the income reexamination process every three (3) years, rather than the annual review they would otherwise undergo, however, the Housing Authority must conduct a reexamination of family composition at least annually (24 CFR 960.257).

 

The Housing Authority has determined to develop flat rents based on market value.  The flat rents are listed on the Flat Rent Exhibit to the ACOP

 

12.3      MINIMUM RENT (24 CFR 5.630)

 

The Housing Authority has elected to charge a minimum rent of Zero Dollars ($0.00) per month, however, this is subject to change at any time, following Board approval and postings in accordance with HUD regulations.   Minimum Rent:  Zero Dollars ($0.00)

12.4     THE FORMULA METHOD (24 CFR SEC. 5.628)

 

The total Tenant payment is equal to the highest of:

 

1. Ten percent (10%) of monthly income;

 

1. Thirty percent (30%) of adjusted monthly income; or

 

1. The welfare rent, if applicable; or.

 

1. Minimum Rent, if applicable

 

In the case of a family who has qualified for the income exclusion, upon the expiration of the twelve (12) month period, an additional rent benefit accrues to the family. If the family member’s employment continues, then for the twelve (12) month period following the twelve (12) month period of disallowance, the resulting rent increase will be capped at fifty  percent (50%) of the rent increase the family would have otherwise received.

 

 

12.5     FINANCIAL HARDSHIP POLICY

 

• Flat Rents:

 

If a family on a flat rent has a financial hardship, the family may request the Housing Authority to switch the family to an income-based rent the first of the month following the month in which the family reports the change. The following conditions would warrant switching the family to the income based rent:

 

1. The family has experienced a decrease in income because of changed circumstances, loss or reduction of employment, death in the family, and reduction in or loss of earnings or other assistance.

 

1. The family has experienced an increase in their expenses, because of changed circumstances, for medical costs, childcare, transportation, education or similar items;

 

The Housing Authority will not switch the family to an income based rent if the family’s income decreases due to a reduction in the family’s welfare assistance if the reduction is the result of fraud or failure to participate in an economic self-sufficiency program or to comply with a work activities requirement.  If this occurs, the family will be advised of their right to an Administrative Grievance.

 

The Housing Authority will provide a worksheet with the dollar amounts of Tenant rent under each option and the Housing Authority’s procedures for switching the family’s rental payment in times of hardship. The Housing Authority will obtain the Tenant’s signature to indicate the information was explained.

 

• Minimum Rents:

 

If a family subject to the minimum rent has a financial hardship, the family may request in writing, a minimum rent exemption.   The financial hardship applies to the payment of minimum rent only and does not apply to income-based rents (thirty percent [30%] of adjusted income, ten percent [10%] of gross income or welfare rents).  Families cannot request a financial hardship exemption if their income based rent exceeds the minimum rent.

 

Financial hardships include:

 

1. Lost eligibility for or awaiting approval of eligibility for a Federal, State or local        assistance program.  Exemptions will not be approved and rents will not be adjusted for          sanctions due to non-compliance with program(s) requirements.

 

12. Family would be evicted due to non-payment of a minimum rent, as defined in Section 12.5
13. Income has decreased due to a change in circumstances (i.e. loss of employment).

 

1. Death in the family;

 

1. Unexpected increases in family medical or childcare expenses.

The family must provide written documentation of the requested hardship within 10 days of the initial request.  Upon receipt of the request and the documentation, the minimum rent will be suspended effective the first of the following month pending the Housing Authority’s determination.

 

The Housing Authority will not evict the family for nonpayment of minimum rent during the 90-day period beginning the month following the family’s request for a hardship exemption.

 

The Housing Authority will review each request and determine whether a financial hardship exists and whether it is long-term or temporary.  If the Housing Authority determines there is no qualifying hardship, the minimum rent will be reinstated retroactively to the time of suspension and must be paid within thirty (30) days.  If the financial hardship is determined to be temporary, the minimum rent will be reinstated to the beginning of the suspension.  The family may request a Hardship Repayment Agreement for rent subject to the terms in section 15.3.2 and 15.3.3. If the financial hardship is determined to be long-term, the Housing Authority will approve exemption to the hardship policy until such time as the qualifying hardship ends.  The hardship is considered ended when one or more of the following have occurred:

 

1. The qualifying situation no longer exists;

 

1. The family’s income equals the pre-qualifying income; or

 

1. The family’s Total Tenant Payment (TTP) exceeds the minimum rent

 

Hardship exemption requests are subject to the hearing procedures outlined in the Grievance Policy.

 

12.6     RENT FOR FAMILIES UNDER THE NONCITIZEN RULE

 

A mixed family will receive full continuation of assistance if all of the following conditions are met:

 

1. The family was receiving assistance on June 19, 1995; and

 

1. The family was granted continuation of assistance before November 29, 1996; and

 

1. The family’s head or spouse has eligible immigration status; and

 

1. The family does not include any person who does not have eligible status other than the head of household, the spouse of the head of household, any parent of the head or spouse, or any child (under the age of eighteen [18]) of the head or spouse.

 

If a mixed family qualifies for prorated assistance but decides not to accept it, or if the family has no eligible members, the family may be eligible for temporary deferral of termination of assistance to permit the family additional time for the orderly transition of some or all of its members to locate other affordable housing. Under this provision, the family receives full assistance. If assistance is granted under this provision prior to November 29, 1996, it may last no longer than three (3) years. If granted after that date, the maximum period of time for assistance under the provision is eighteen (18) months. The Housing Authority will grant each family a period of six (6) months to find suitable affordable housing. If the family cannot find suitable affordable housing, the Housing Authority will provide additional search periods up to the maximum time allowable.

Suitable housing means housing that is not substandard and is of appropriate size for the family. Affordable housing means that it can be rented for an amount not exceeding the amount the family pays for rent, plus utilities, plus twenty-five percent (25%).

 

The family’s assistance is prorated in the following manner:

 

1. Step 1. Determine the total tenant payment in accordance with 24 CFR §5.628. (Annual income includes income of all family members, including any family member who has not established eligible immigration status.)

 

2. Step 2. Family maximum rent is equal to the applicable flat rent for the unit size to be occupied by the family.

 

3. Step 3. Subtract the total tenant payment from the family maximum rent. The result is the maximum subsidy for which the family could qualify if all members were eligible (“family maximum subsidy”).

 

4. Step 4. Divide the family maximum subsidy by the number of persons in the family (all persons) to determine the maximum subsidy per each family member who has citizenship or eligible immigration status (“eligible family member”). The subsidy per eligible family member is the “member maximum subsidy.”

 

5. Step 5. Multiply the member maximum subsidy by the number of family members who have citizenship or eligible immigration status (“eligible family members”). The product of this calculation is the “eligible subsidy.”

 

6. Step 6. The mixed family TTP is the maximum rent minus the amount of the eligible subsidy.

 

7. Step 7. Subtract any applicable utility allowance from the mixed family TTP. The result of this calculation is the mixed family tenant rent.

When the mixed family’s TTP is greater than the maximum rent, the Housing Authority will use the TTP as the mixed family TTP.

 

12.7     UTILITY ALLOWANCE (24 CFR 965.501 – 965.508)

 

The Housing Authority has established a utility allowance for all individual and check-metered utilities.  The allowance is based on a reasonable consumption of utilities by an energy-conservative household of modest circumstances consistent with the requirements of a safe, sanitary, and healthful environment. In setting the allowance, the Housing Authority reviews the actual consumption of Tenant families as well as changes made or anticipated due to modernization (weatherization efforts, installation of energy-efficient appliances, etc). Allowances will be evaluated at least annually as well as any time utility rate changes by ten percent (10%) or more since the last revision to the allowances.

 

The utility allowance, if applicable, will be subtracted from the family’s Total Tenant Payment (TTP) to determine the Tenant Rent.  The Tenant Rent is the amount the family owes each month to the Housing Authority.  For families who pay a formula rent, the Housing Authority will reimburse the family if the allowance for Tenant paid utilities is greater than the families Total Tenant Payment.  This is called a “utility reimbursement.”  The Housing Authority will not pay a utility reimbursement for a family that has chosen to pay a flat rent.  Any utility cost above the allowance established by the Utility Allowance Schedule is the responsibility of the Tenant. Any savings resulting from utility costs below the amount of the allowance belongs to the Tenant.

 

For Housing Authority paid utilities, the Housing Authority will monitor the utility consumption of each household. Any consumption in excess of the allowance established by the Utility Allowance Schedule will be billed to the Tenant monthly.

 

• 8 ANNUAL REEXAMINATIONS FOR ELDERLY/DISABLED FAMILIES ON FIXED INCOME
• Elderly or disabled families on fixed incomes will be recertified using a streamlined process. Incomes will be adjusted by calculating family incomes by applying any published cost of living adjustments to the previously verified income amount.
• For purposes of this section, fixed income includes:

1. Social Security payments including SSI
2. Federal, state, local and private pension plans; and
3. Other periodic payments received from annuities, insurance policies, retirement funds, disability or death benefits, and other similar type of periodic receipts that are of substantially the same amounts from year to year.
   • This streamlined reexamination process will continue for recertification effective before until March 31, 2014 unless extended or made permanent by HUD regulation.

13.0     ENROLLMENT AND LEASE UP

13.1     ENROLLMENT INTERVIEW

 

The enrollment process includes a final verification of eligibility criteria and a determination of suitability.  The Occupancy Specialist reviews the credit check, background information, landlord references, and completes verification process of applicable income, assets, and expenses of all family members as prescribed by HUD.

 

At the enrollment interview, the Occupancy Specialist confirms the family size and eligibility status. The applicant must provide proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status, identity papers, such as driver’s license or photo ID, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and current information on all family income, assets, and eligible expenses.  The Occupancy Specialist explains the public housing program and obtains signatures of all adult household members eighteen (18) years of age and older on all HUD and Housing Authority required forms and certifications.

 

13.2     ASSIGNMENT OF BEDROOM SIZES

 

The following guidelines will determine the bedroom size to be offered to eligible applicants without overcrowding or over-housing:

 

 

Number of Bedrooms	Number of Persons
	Minimum	Maximum
0	1	1
1	1	2
2	2	4
3	3	6
4	4	8
5	5	10

 

These standards are based on the assumption that each bedroom will accommodate no more than two (2) persons. In determining bedroom size, the Housing Authority will include the presence of children to be born to a pregnant woman, children who are in the process of being adopted, children whose custody is being obtained, children who are temporarily away at school, or children who are temporarily in foster-care.

 

In addition, the following considerations may be taken in determining bedroom size:

 

1. Children of the same sex will be assigned a bedroom unless more than five (5) years apart.

 

1. Children of the opposite sex will be assigned separate bedrooms.

 

1. Adults and children will not be required to share a bedroom.

 

1. Live-in aides will be assigned a separate bedroom

 

1. Single-person families will be assigned one (1) bedroom in the family communities and an efficiency apartment in the buildings designated for persons who are elderly persons with disabilities.

 

13.3     SHARED CUSTODY OF CHILDREN

 

In order to be considered part of the subsidized household the child (ren) must reside in that household at least one hundred eighty-three (183) overnights each year, which do not have to run consecutively.

 

Primary residency of the child will be verified through use of court custody records, school records, local or government subsidies, etc.

13.4     EXCEPTIONS TO BEDROOM SIZE STANDARDS

 

1. A family may request a smaller unit size than the guidelines allow. The Housing Authority will allow the smaller size unit so long as generally no more than two (2) people per bedroom are assigned. In such situations, the family will sign a certification stating they understand they will be ineligible for a larger size unit for one (1) year or until the family size changes, whichever may occur first.

 

1. A family may request a larger unit size than the guidelines allow. The Housing Authority will allow the larger size unit if the family provides a verified medical need that the family be housed in a larger unit, such as space needed for storage of large medical equipment.

 

1. If no families are on the WAITING list for a larger size, smaller families may be housed in a larger unit if they sign a release form stating they will transfer (at the family’s own expense) to the appropriate size unit when an eligible family needing the larger unit applies.

13.5       OFFER OF UNIT

 

The Occupancy Specialist will maintain a pool of eligible applicants for each bedroom size at all      times, so that no lag exists in the filling of units.   The size of the wait list and turnover rates will          determine the number of families to be interviewed. All verifications will be complete and the         applicant ready to fill the next available unit.

 

Applicants who have completed the enrollment interview will be contacted by telephone and           advised of the availability of a unit.  An offer letter confirming the telephone call will be sent.  If            applicant does not have a telephone, an offer letter will be sent. The family must respond to the offer within four (4) days from the date at the top of the offer letter. This offer and the family’s   decision will be documented in the applicant’s file. To fill immediate vacancies, applicants who          do not provide telephone numbers may be skipped, on approval from management. A letter will          be sent advising any skipped applicant to contact the Housing Authority and the applicant will be       offered the next available unit.

 

Any applicant who has refused an offer three (3) or more times is sent a letter  advising they  have been removed from wait list.

 

An “allowable refusal” will not be counted against the applicant as one (1) of the three (3) offers.  Allowable refusals include: 1) documentation from a physician that the applicant cannot accept the offer due to hospitalization or a scheduled surgery; 2) documentation to the satisfaction of the HA that the acceptance of the apartment would cause an undue hardship; 3) jury duty.

 

If, in making the offer, the Housing Authority skipped over other families on the waiting list in order to meet their deconcentration goal or offered the family any other deconcentration incentive and the family rejects the unit, the family will not lose their place on the waiting list and will not be otherwise penalized.

 

Accessible Units: Accessible units will be first offered to Tenants who may benefit from the accessible features.  If no Tenants exist needing such features, then applicants will be selected from the wait list. If no applicants exist who would benefit from the accessible features, the units will be offered to regular applicants in the order that their names come to the top of the waiting list. Such applicants, however, will be advised that they may have to move if the unit is needed for a person needing an accessible unit; and the applicant must sign a release form stating they will accept a transfer   if a family requiring an accessible feature applies.

13.6     LEASE UP INTERVIEW

 

Prior to signing the lease, all adult family members, ages eighteen (18) and older, are required to attend the Lease Up Interview for a final orientation of the particular community in which they have been offered a unit.  Applicant will be provided a Family Packet with information regarding schools, utilities, trash pickup, community activities, and any other information unique to that community.

The head of household and all adult family members, ages eighteen (18) and older, will be required to execute the lease prior to admission. The Housing Authority will retain the original executed lease in the Tenant’s file. The applicant will be provided a copy of the lease (parts I and II), all attached exhibits, which includes the grievance procedure. Also provided are utility allowance, utility charges schedule, and the current schedule of routine maintenance charges.  Additionally, the applicant will be provided with the “Dangers of Lead Paint” (a HUD brochure), and the “Important Reminders” (highlights of major Housing Authority policies). These documents will be explained in detail. The applicant will sign a certification that they have received these documents and that they have reviewed them with Housing Authority personnel. The certification will be filed in the Tenant’s file.

13.7     RENTAL SECURITY DEPOSIT POLICY

 

The security deposit shall be as specified in the Public Housing Lease.  The family will pay a           security deposit at the time of lease signing.  In exceptional situations, the Housing Authority       reserves the right to allow a new Tenant who has a security deposit greater than Three Hundred          Dollars ($300.00) to pay their security deposit in two (2) payments. One-half shall be paid in      advance and one-half with the second rent payment. This shall be at the sole discretion of the           Housing Authority.

In the case of a move within public housing, the security deposit for the first unit will be transferred to the second unit.

 

In the event there are costs attributable to the family for bringing the first unit into condition for re-renting, the family shall be billed for these charges.

14.0     INTERIM POLICY (24 CFR 960.257)

 

• INCREASES IN INCOME

 

The family must report all increases in income in writing within fourteen (14) calendar days from    the effective date of the increase.  For increases of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) or more per       week in gross income, an interim adjustment in rent will be effective the first (1^st) day of the third     month following the effective date of the increase in income. Where a new family member with       income is added to an existing household, the rent will increase, following a thirty (30)day notice,       on the first day of the month. The income of Live-in Aides will not be counted for purposes of     calculating rent.

 

 

 

14.2     DECREASES IN INCOME

 

The family may report a decrease in income. If reporting a decrease, the family must report the decrease in writing by the last day of the month for an interim adjustment to be effective on the first (1^st) of the following month.

 

14.3     POLICY FOR ADDITION OF AN ADULT EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OR OLDER

 

In order to add a household member, (including live-in aides), age eighteen (18) or older, the           family must request that the new member be added to the household. Before adding the new          member to the household, the individual must complete a Housing Application stating their           income, assets, and all other information required of an applicant. The individual must provide   their Social Security number, proof of identity, and verify their citizenship/eligible immigrant         status. If the individual is found to be ineligible or does not pass the screening criteria, they will         be advised in writing and given the opportunity for an informal review. If they are found to be   eligible and do pass the screening criteria, their name will be added to the lease.  The act of    applying does not automatically grant approval of visitation pass. Add on applicants cannot live       there beyond the date that the visitors pass expires while pending approval and execution of the      new lease.

 

• POLICY FOR ADDITION TO HOUSEHOLD DUE TO BIRTH, ADOPTION, CHILD CUSTODY, OR THROUGH FOSTER CARE PROGRAM

 

The family must report any additions to the household due to birth, adoption, child placement or     custody, or through the Foster Care Program within fourteen (14) calendar days. Tenant must           provide written verification such as a birth certificate, court order, letter from social services or          government agency.

 

14.5     POLICY FOR MOVE OUT OF A FAMILY MEMBER 

 

The family must report if any family member no longer resides in the household within fourteen (14) calendar days.  Staff may request written verification of the new address of the persons moving out of the household.

 

14.6     CHANGES IN FAMILY EXPENSES

           

The family may report any increase in medical, disability, or childcare expense.  The Housing          Authority will make an interim adjustment, if requested by the family, due to an expense that    results in a decrease of the Total Tenant Payment.  The resulting decrease in rent will be made the            first (1^st) of the month following the month in which the expense was reported.

 

• ZERO INCOME FAMILIES/INDIVIDUALS

 

A family reporting zero income must report for an interim reexamination interview every ninety (90) days.  All adults eighteen (18) years of age and older must attend and complete certification forms.  The reexamination staff will conduct a wage and benefit verification using all available resources on all zero-income clients at least quarterly.

 

14.8          SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY CASH ASSISTANCE (TCA) RECIPIENTS

 

Rents for recipients of TCA (welfare/temporary cash assistance) benefits will not be lowered for families who are sanctioned by the Department of Social Services for not meeting the certification requirements. Such requirements include fraud, failure to participate in an economic self-sufficiency program, or failure to comply with a work activity requirement.   Families are eligible for reduced rent if the reduction is the result of the expiration of a lifetime time limit on receiving benefits or the family has complied with welfare requirements, but cannot obtain employment.  The Housing Authority will obtain written verification from the local welfare agency.

 

14.9          PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING CHANGES

 

The family must complete the Interim Change Form to report any change as described in the Interim Change Policy.  The Interim Change Form is available at the Central Office, by mail or online at www.hagerstownha.com.

 

• POLICY FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH INTERIM POLICY

 

If the family misrepresents the facts upon which rent is based or fails to report an increase in income within the required fourteen (14) day time period, any increase in rent will be computed retroactively.  At the discretion of the Housing Authority the, based on the seriousness of the misrepresentation, the family may be subject to termination of housing.  Any retroactive rent will be payable as determined by the Housing. If the Housing Authority the determines that the family’s failure to report an increase was not intentional due to family illness, disability, or some other unforeseen cause, the Housing Authority may permit the family to enter into a Repayment Agreement.

 

• FAMILY DISCLOSURE OF HUD NOTICE CONCERNING FAMILY INCOME

 

A family must promptly furnish to the Housing Authority any letter from HUD concerning the amount or verification of family income.  The Housing Authority must verify the information received from the family and make appropriate adjustments in the amount of income and rent.  The Housing Authority will also pursue former Tenants for abuses regarding excess rental assistance, such as reporting the deficiency of payments to credit bureaus or pursue collection through the court system in order to recover such amounts.

 

• DISALLOWANCE OF EARNED INCOME (24 CFR 617 & 960.255)

 

During the first twelve (12) months after commencement of employment of a family member, the Landlord disallows the incremental increase in a family member’s income as a result of employment.  In the second twelve (12) month period, the Landlord disallows fifty percent (50%) of the incremental increase.  The amount of the incremental increase in income is calculated by comparing the amount of the family member’s income before the beginning of qualifying employment to the amount of such income after beginning the employment.  It is this amount that is subject to being disregarded.

 

The family may receive the disallowance only as follows:

 

1. Disallowance is limited to one (1) Twenty-Four (24) month period from the beginning of the first (1^st) month after commencement of qualifying employment of an    individual family member

 

1. During this Twenty-Four (24) month period, for a maximum of twelve (12) months, the incremental increase is disregarded, and for a maximum of twelve (12)     months,            fifty percent (50%) percent of the incremental increase is disregarded.

 

1. If the period of increased income does not last for twelve (12) consecutive months,            the disallowance period may be resumed at any time within the Twenty-Four (24)      month period.  However, each qualifying family member is only       entitled to a total of      twelve (12) months of each disallowance.

 

Definitions:  The following definitions apply for purposes of this section (Sec. 5.617 & 960.255)

 

1. Disallowance – Exclusion from annual income

Previously unemployed includes a person who has earned, in the twelve (12)            months      previous to employment, no more than would be received for ten (10)           hours of work per week for fifty (50) weeks at the established minimum wage.

 

1. Qualified family – A family residing in public housing:
2. Whose annual income increases as a result of employment of a family member who was unemployed for one (1) or more years previous to          employment?
3. Whose annual income increases as a result of increased earnings by a family member during participation in any economic self-sufficiency or             other job          training program.
4. Whose annual income increases, as a result of new employment or increased earnings of a family member, during or within six (6) months after     receiving assistance, benefits or services under any state program for         temporary assistance for needy families funded under Part A of title IV of             the Social Security Act, as determined by the Landlord in consultation           with the            local agencies administering temporary assistance program. These programs are        not limited to monthly income maintenance, but also include such benefits and services as one-time payments, wage subsidies and      transportation   assistance – provided that the total amount over a six (6) month        period is at least           Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).

14.13   POLICY FOR ABSENCE FROM THE UNIT

 

The Tenant shall have the right to the exclusive use and occupancy of the Residence as a private dwelling. The Residence shall be used only for residential purposes. The Residence shall be the sole and exclusive dwelling unit of the Tenant and any and all Household Members (no Tenant or Household Member may maintain another residence while the Lease  is in force). The unit must be the principle place of residence for the duration of the lease.  The Tenant shall not, in whole or in part, assign the Lease t, or sublet or transfer possession of any part or all of the Residence.

 

Tenants are required to advise their Housing Processor in writing if the Tenant plans to be away from home for more than thirty (30) days.  During the absence, the rent and utilities must be paid when due and the unit maintained.  If the Tenant does not return to the unit within sixty (60) days, the Housing Authority will send a Notice of Lease Termination with the provision that if the Tenant returns before the effective date of the Notice of Lease Termination, the Termination Notice will be withdrawn.

Consideration may be made for verified medical reasons and extended hospital or nursing home stays of the Tenant of up to one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of absence.

 

14.14VISITATION POLICY

 

A guest/visitor is defined as a person temporarily staying in the unit any part of the day or night, without regard to the length of stay, with the consent of a tenant or other member of the household who has express or implied authority to so consent on behalf of the tenant. The number of overnight visitors may not cause the total number of persons in the dwelling unit to exceed the occupancy standards for the dwelling unit as set forth in Section 13.2.

The tenant has the right to exclusive use and occupancy of the leased unit by the members of the household authorized to reside in the unit in accordance with the lease, including reasonable accommodation of their guests [24 CFR 966.4]. The head of household is responsible for the conduct of visitors and guests, inside the unit as well as anywhere on or near Housing Authority’s premises [24 CFR 966.4].

• Visitors staying more than seven (7) consecutive days must obtain a visitors pass. The total number of visitation days, with or without a visitor pass, cannot exceed forty-two (42) cumulative visitation days in any twelve (12) month period. All visitors eighteen (18) years of age and older may be required to provide a photo ID.
• Visitors passes are issued at the discretion of the Authority and contingent on the applicant screening process.
• A family may request an exception to this policy for valid reasons (e.g. care

of a relative recovering from a medical procedure or family member on military leave).

• An exception will not be made unless the tenant can identify and provide

documentation to the satisfaction of Housing Authority, of the residence to which the guest will return at the conclusion of the visitation period .

• Former residents who have been evicted for criminal or drug activity or disturbances within the last twelve (12) months are not permitted as overnight guests.
• Under no circumstances will a person whose name appears on the Housing Authority No Trespass list be permitted as a guest.
• Guests who represent the unit address as their residence address for receipt of benefits or any other purposes will be considered unauthorized occupants. In

addition, guests who remain in the unit beyond the allowable time limit will                                   be considered unauthorized occupants, and their presence will be considered by                           Landlord to be a substantial violation of a material term of the Lease.

 

The cumulative restriction does not apply to a Tenant with joint custody of a child when the Tenant is not the primary custodian of the child, but shares custody or familial visitation. In this case, the child will be considered a visitor of the non-primary custodian unless/until the child spends more than one-half (1/2) of the calendar year (cumulative) with the non-primary custodian (Tenant). If this is the case, the child is no longer considered a visitor, and the Tenant will be required to add the child to their lease. The Tenant must notify the Housing Authority of the presence of the non-custodial child within fourteen (14) days of the first visit, as well as the determined or anticipated terms of visitation. The non-custodial parent/Tenant shall be required to provide documentation of the terms of visitation/custody.

 

            Fulltime college students who were part of the family prior to going to college but who have been    removed from the Lease and who now   live at college during the school year and who are not             considered an unauthorized member of the household may visit for up to one hundred twenty        (120) days per year without being considered a member of the household. In such cases the       family will not be entitled to an additional bedroom and                 must submit to Housing Authority       documentation that the student is currently enrolled in college, and must request and receive      authorization from the Housing Authority for the planned dates of visitation (i.e.,     student days off           within the academic calendar)

 

A full time college student who is on the lease and is a member of the household is not        subject to this paragraph.

Housing Authority will review the following types of documentation to help in its             determination  of a visitor’s status:

• Absence of evidence of any other address could be considered verification that the visitor is an unauthorized occupant.
• Statements from neighbors, police reports and/or any other reliable source will be

considered in making the determination.

• Use of the unit address by the visitor for any reason could be construed as the unit address being primary place of residence..

 

The burden of proof that the individual is an authorized occupant or visitor is entirely on the family. In the absence of such proof, the individual will be considered an unauthorized occupant and Housing Authority will  consider this to be a substantial violation of a material term of the Lease and may take lease enforcement action against the Tenant.

15.0     COLLECTION POLICIES

15.1     RENT PAYMENT POLICY

 

Rent is due and payable in advance on the first (1^st) day of each month.  Rent may be paid at any branch of the bank so designated by the Housing Authority to receive such payments or mailed to the Housing Authority Central Office.   Potomac and, Walnut Towers Tenants may place rent in Collection Boxes on site until the fifth (5^th) of each month.  Computer generated rent statements are mailed to Tenants before the first (1^st) day of the month and must accompany payment of rent.   Full statement charges must be paid unless adjusted by staff for the following reasons:

 

 

1. A decrease in income, which occurred after the statement was mailed;

 

1. To adjust for payment of prior month after statement was mailed;

 

1. To add late charges or court costs for Tenants who do not pay rent when due.

 

1. To remove charges to reflect court ordered amount to prevent set out.

 

Tenants may request an adjusted or duplicate rent statement by completing a request form at  the Housing Authority Central Office and attaching applicable documentation. For Tenants who have not paid rent when due, Tenant will be assessed a Five Dollar ($5.00) fee to adjust statement to add any late charge or court costs and receive an adjusted rent statement.  For Tenants who have lost statement, a Five Dollar ($5.00) fee will be assessed.  Statement charges will be assessed on the rent statement the following month.

 

Rent is late after the fifth (5^th) day of each month, and a five percent (5%) late charge assessed.

 

Any personal checks returned for Non Sufficient funds or other reason will be assessed a Twenty Five Dollar ($25.00) fee.  If more than two (2) personal checks have been returned at any time during the tenancy, no further personal checks will be accepted.  Rent statements will be stamped “Cash Only” as formal notification to the bank not to accept personal checks; and to accept cash, money order or cashier’s check.  This will be tracked by computer system.

 

Rent and or other charges may be paid at the Housing Authority Central Office for the following reasons:

1. A new move-in, whereby applicant pays first (1^st) month’s rent and security deposit.

 

1. A social service agency is paying rent to prevent eviction and Tenant must pay late   charges, court costs, and/or other charges.

 

To prevent eviction, before the set out time, the Tenant must pay all rent, late charges, and court costs at the bank. Since the bank does not provide receipts until the following day and the Tenant may pay at any branch, the Tenant must bring the receipt to the central office prior to the time of set out.

 

 

15.2          INTERVENTION POLICY

 

Tenants will be advised of the Housing Authority’s Rent Payment Policy at the Enrollment Interview and at each annual reexamination.  Staff will stress the Housing Authority no tolerance policy on late payment of rent, and advise that the No Right of Redemption will be strictly enforced. Tenants will be referred to Tenant Services department for financial counseling and given opportunity to sign up for the Family Self -Sufficiency Program.  Tenant may also be referred to any other community resource that will assist Tenant.

Any Tenant receiving the second (2^nd) fourteen (14) day late letter may be required to attend a special certification appointment to determine why the rent is being paid late. If Tenant does not appear for three (3) or more appointments, Tenant will be sent Notice of Lease Termination for failure to appear for scheduled certification appointments.

 15.3    REPAYMENT AGREEMENT POLICY

 

• RETROACTIVE RENTS

 

A Repayment Agreement may not be entered into without the approval of the Deputy Director or     designee, regardless of the amount, for retroactive rents of any Tenant who misrepresents the facts upon which rent is based or who fails to report an increase in income at the annual           reexamination.

 

1. Notice of the retroactive rent charge will be mailed to the Tenant advising the Tenant that the retroactive rent charge will appear on the next month’s rent statement and advising the Tenant that the retroactive rent charge must be paid in full within thirty (30) days.

 

1. In the first case of non-reporting of an increase in income or of a misrepresentation of income, a repayment plan may be considered if the failure to report or misrepresentation was for a reason beyond the Tenant’s control, such as a disability, illness or other extenuating circumstances. The fact that the Tenant cannot pay the retroactive rent charge within thirty (30) days is not considered an extenuating circumstance.  The extenuating circumstance must relate to the reason for the non-reporting or the misrepresentation.  If a repayment agreement is not approved, the Deputy Director or designee may consider an extension of time to pay.  An extension of time may be approved in thirty (30) day increments.  Not more than two (2) thirty (30) day extensions may be approved.

 

1. If there is a second case of non-reporting of an increase in income or of a misrepresentation of income, no repayment plan will be permitted. The retroactive rent must be paid in full within thirty (30) calendar days.  Only the Deputy Director of designee may consider an extension of time to pay.  This extension of time, if approved, may be for no more than an additional thirty (30) days

 

1. If there is a third case of non-reporting of an increase in income or of a misrepresentation of income, a Notice of Lease Termination will be issued and the Tenant will be evicted.

 

1. Failure to report income resulting in a retro rent charge will not be approved for an extension of time to pay or repayment agreement

15.3.2  MAINTENANCE AND OTHER CHARGES (24 CFR (966.4)

 

The Reexamination Housing Processors will encourage Tenants to pay maintenance and other charges in full.  The threshold for entering into a Repayment Agreement for other charges is Seventy-Five Dollars ($75.00).  This may be one charge of Seventy-Five Dollars ($75.00) or a number of charges that are billed in the same month that total Seventy-Five Dollars ($75.00) or more.  Exception to policy for documented hardship may be approved by the Deputy Director or designee.

The minimum monthly payment is Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) for all repayment agreements.  The monthly payment will be billed on the Tenant’s rent statement.

15.3.3   DUE DATES/DEFAULT

 

All repayments will be due as stated on the Repayment Agreement. If a payment is not received on the due date, a late letter will be sent by the twentieth (20^th) day of the following month.  If payment is not received based on late notice, a Default Notice will be issued. If payment in full is not made based on Default Notice, a Notice of Lease Termination will be issued.

17.0     PET OWNERSHIP POLICY (24 CFR 5.300 – 5.380)

 

17.1     ASSISTIVE ANIMALS (24 CFR 5.303 & 960.705)

 

Assistive or Support Animals are not pets and are not required to be in compliance with the Pet Ownership Policy, therefore, the following provisions do not apply to an Assistive/Support Animals.  In addition EXHIBIT (F) Pet Policy of the PUBLIC HOUSING DWELLING LEASE – PART II does not apply to any Assistive/Support Animal in a Tenant’s unit.  Additional information pertaining to Assistive/Support Animals can be found in the “REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION POLICY” (ACOP section 2.0).  If a Tenant has an Assistive/Support Animal and an approved pet, the pet policy applies to the pet.

 

17.2     INTRODUCTION.

 

1. Tenants of the Hagerstown Housing Authority may own pets that are present at the Tenant’s dwelling unit ONLY in accordance with this policy.

 

1. This policy does not apply to animals that are used to assist persons with disabilities (Assistive/Support Animals). Because animals trained and actually used to assist a person with a disability are not considered pets, a person with a disability who uses an Assistive/Support Animal is entitled to pet ownership of another dog or of a cat in accordance with the terms of this policy.

 

1. All pets are considered owned by the head of household of the unit and that head of household is responsible for complying with the Pet Ownership Policy of the Housing Authority. The term “head of household” includes the terms “Tenant” and “pet owner” when used in this policy.

 

1. The Housing Authority may decline to approve a particular pet or to authorize a Tenant to own and maintain a pet. The Housing Authority may suspend or revoke the approval or authorization to own and maintain a pet if the Tenant fails to comply with the terms of this policy or, if the Housing Authority has just cause that a Tenant should not be permitted to own and maintain a pet.

 

 

 

17.3     PERMITTED PETS:

17.3.1  DOMESTIC cats and domestic dogs – this provision applies only to domestic cats and dogs.  The term animal or pet as used in the Pet Ownership Policy refers to either a domestic cat or dog.  Tenants may, provided they adhere to the requirements of this policy, own birds and fish in addition to a domestic cat or a domestic dog.

A.        Only one (1) domestic cat or one (1) domestic dog shall be owned and housed in a unit.       The animal must be a house pet and shall only be housed inside the unit.

B.         No animal shall be permitted at the Tenant’s unit or on the Housing Authority property         until it has been approved and authorized by the Housing Authority. The Tenant must        obtain Housing Authority approval of the animal prior to bringing the animal into the unit or onto Housing Authority property.  The following requirements must be met in order       for an animal to be considered for approval:

 

1. An application for pet approval, provided by the Housing Authority, must be             completed and submitted to the Central Office located at 35   West Baltimore            Street, Hagerstown, Maryland.  An actual photograph of       the animal must be       attached to the application form.
2. All female cats and dogs six (6) months of age or older shall be spayed and all male cats and dogs six (6) months of age or older shall be neutered.  In the       case of an animal six (6) months of age or older,            documentation of spay/neuter             shall be submitted to the Central Office             prior to the animal being approved.  For          animals under the age of (6) months, tentative approval may be given with     the requirement that the           Tenant provide documentation of spay/neuter by             the time the animal attains six (6) months of age.  Any animal tentatively             approved under           this subparagraph shall lose its approval if the required             documentation is not received by the required date.
3. Dogs are limited to those with a maximum mature height of twenty (20)       inches (to the shoulder) and a maximum mature weight of twenty-five         (25) pounds.  A           certification from Veterinarian is required.  A form will be provided to Tenants            for the Veterinarian to complete.
4. Dogs and cats must be licensed in accordance with applicable State and local     laws and regulations. Dogs and cats must have all immunizations          required by applicable State and local laws and regulations.           Documentation            of licensing and immunizations must be provided to the             Central Office. Tenants           are required to provide updated proof of         licensing and immunizations at the time        of the Tenant’s annual             reexamination/recertification and at such other times as   may be             reasonably requested by the Housing Authority.

 

 

5. Animals considered vicious or aggressive will NOT be approved. A certification from a Veterinarian is required. A form will be provided to   Tenants            for the Veterinarian to complete.  An animal that is considered    vicious or         aggressive is:
6. a) any animal that constitutes a physical threat to human beings or other animals; or
7. b) any animal that, due to its disposition or demonstrated behavior, could reasonably cause injury to human beings or other animals; or
8. c) any animal that has bitten or attacked a human being or another animal.

 

6. Tenants must submit a statement regarding the owner’s arrangement for                         removal of the dog or cat from their unit in the event of the owner’s             confinement, absence or death. A form will be provided for the Tenant to   complete. Tenants are required to provide an updated statement at the      time of             the Tenant’s annual reexamination/recertification and at such     other times as   may be reasonably requested by the Housing Authority.

 

1. Tenants are required to pay an additional security deposit and a non-refundable monthly fee.

 

1. Pet Security Deposit.   Payment of an additional security deposit, known       as a Pet             Security Deposit, shall be paid to the Hagerstown Housing     Authority for a             dog or a cat housed in a unit.  This Pet Security Deposit     shall be paid to the       Housing Authority after approval has been given by        the Housing Authority             for the requested animal and prior to the animal             being authorized to be in the    unit.  This Pet Security Deposit will be            maintained in an escrow account by the             Housing Authority and will be             used to correct any damage to Authority         property (inside and out) by the           animal after the animal has vacated the premises             or the Tenant of that unit has moved out, whichever occurs first.
2. a) Tenants of Potomac Towers and Walnut Towers shall pay a Pet Security Deposit in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) for either a cat or a dog.  Any Tenant of Potomac           Towers             or Walnut Towers who has previously paid a Pet        Security             Deposit in a lesser amount shall not be required to      increase the                  amount of the Pet Security Deposit on a previously          approved           Any Tenant of Potomac Towers or Walnut        Towers who     seeks approval of a different dog or cat shall be             required to pay the       difference between the amount of the balance            of the original Pet       Security Deposit and the Pet Security Deposit             of One Hundred Fifty             Dollars ($150.00).
3. b) Tenants of any unit not in Potomac Towers or Walnut Towers shall     pay a Pet Security Deposit in the amount of Three Hundred       Dollars             ($300.00) for either a cat or a dog.

 

 

1. c) If an animal has been removed from the unit and the owner remains            a Tenant, an inspection will be conducted to assess any               In the            case of damage, work will be preformed, billed            and deducted from Pet             Security Deposit prior to close out of this           account.  Any unused balance of the Pet Security Deposit will be             returned after the         inspection and necessary repairs have taken    place.   Damages             exceeding the   Pet Security Deposit will be     billed to the Tenant.
2. d) The Pet Security Deposit will not be used to offset the cost of repairs and maintenance to the unit or Housing Authority property caused           by the animal during a period when the animal           is housed in the unit.    Tenants will be billed for these costs.  The Pet Security Deposit                 will only be applied to work performed to repair damage caused             by the animal once the animal has been permanently removed from the
3. e) Under Maryland law, the following may apply to Pet Security Deposits

 

2. Bank Account. Within thirty (30) days after receipt, Landlord shall deposit the         Pet Security Deposit in an interest-bearing account or shall hold the Pet Security Deposits in an insured certificate of deposit, in a federally insured Maryland bank       or savings institution and that account shall be used solely for security deposits.
3. Return of Deposit. Unless the pet is removed from the unit prior to the         termination of the lease, within forty-five (45) days after the end of tenancy,    Landlord shall return to the pet owner the Pet Security Deposit minus any          amount which Landlord shall rightfully withhold for damages caused by the pet.      Simple interest, at the same rate required by Maryland Law on residential            security deposits in effect at the time the refund is due, will be paid on Pet    Security Deposits and will accrue at six (6) month intervals from the day the Pet          Security Deposit was given.
4. Withholding of Deposit. Upon the termination of the lease or the removal of the      pet, Landlord may withhold from the Pet Security Deposit to offset any damage             to the property reasonably attributed to the pet.  Tenant is required to give a             minimum thirty (30) day written notice of the intent to vacate at the end of the            initial twelve (12) month lease term.   At move-out, if the Tenant notifies                   Landlord by certified mail of the Tenant’s new address and date of moving,     Tenant will have the right to be present when Landlord inspects the Premises.            The notice must be mailed at least fifteen (15) days prior to date of moving.       Landlord will then notify Tenant by certified mail of the time and date of the   inspection.  The inspection will be conducted within five (5) days before or five     (5) days after Tenant moves.

 

 

 

5. Notice to Tenant for Withholding Deposit. If Landlord withholds any part of the      Pet Security Deposit, within forty five (45) days after termination of the tenancy             or removal of the pet, Landlord shall send by first class mail to Tenant’s last           known address, a written list of the damages claimed and costs actually incurred.

 

6. Tenant Ejected or Evicted or Abandoning. Where Tenant has been evicted or           ejected for breach of Lease, or has abandoned the premises prior to termination            of the Lease, the procedures for return of the Pet Security Deposit are as follows:       a) within forty-five (45) days after leaving premises, Tenant shall send to           Landlord, by first class mail a request for return of security deposit, and inform   Landlord of Tenant’s new address; b) within forty five (45) days of receipt of        such notice, Landlord shall send to Tenant by first class mail a written list of the            damages claimed together with a statement of the costs actually incurred and             shall return to the Tenant the Pet Security Deposit with simple interest, paid at    the same rate required by Maryland Law on Residential security deposits in      effect at the time the refund is due.  Interest is paid only on security deposits of       Fifty Dollars ($50.00) or more, accruing at six (6) month intervals from the day the Pet Security Deposit was given, less any damages rightfully withheld.   If            Landlord fails to send the list of damages required, the right to withhold any part      of the Pet Security Deposit for damages is forfeited.

 

7. Landlord Liability. The failure of Landlord to comply with the Security Deposit       Law may result in Landlord being liable to Tenant for a penalty of up to three (3)       times the security deposit plus reasonable attorney’s fees.

 

 

8. Non Refundable Monthly Fee.
9. a) A non-refundable Pet Fee of Ten Dollars ($10.00) per month shall be            charged to each unit housing an approved dog or cat.             This Pet Fee is intended to cover reasonable operating costs of   the Housing Authority             related to cats and dogs and will not be           applied to damage caused by a            specifically identified pet.
10. b) Notwithstanding the provisions of (a) above by federal law, any      Tenants of Potomac Towers and Walnut Towers are  exempt      from    paying the Ten Dollar ($10.00) per month Pet Fee.
11. Upon approval of an animal by the Housing Authority, written authorization will be issued to the Tenant and will apply ONLY to that animal and ONLY to that Tenant. A Tenant must obtain approval and authorization for a new animal in that Tenant’s unit.  A Tenant wishing to receive a previously approved and authorized animal owned by another Tenant must obtain approval and reauthorization for that animal.

 

 

 

 

 

1. The following rules apply:
2. Pet owners shall be responsible for any damage caused by an animal to any      Housing Authority property, including any unit (inside and outside)   or         common area.  Damage outside of a unit or in a common area     includes, but is             not limited to, all damage caused by a pet to any physical          structure,          furniture, equipment, shrub, grass, or plant on Housing          Authority property.
3. Yards are considered part of a unit – the Tenant shall insure that feces are removed immediately and disposed of in properly sealed containers.
4. Yards must be maintained in an acceptable manner – the Tenant shall            insure   that no holes or bare spots due to an animal’s use of this space.
5. If during an inspection of a unit:
6. a)        an animal odor is present, it will be documented on the

inspection report.  The Tenant shall be required to correct      problem and a follow up inspection will be conducted; if         Housing Authority personnel or a contractor is required to            eliminate the odor, the Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of      fumigation or other corrective action.

1. b) the presence of fleas is detected in the unit, it will be documented on            the inspection report and the Tenant shall be       responsible for the cost            of exterminating the unit and any other            affected unit.
2. c) any pet damage to the unit (inside or out) observed  will be    documented on the inspection report and the Tenant will be         responsible for the cost of repairs.
3. When an animal is not inside the unit, the animal must remain on a leash             at all times, including when in a fenced yard.  All Tenants must also         comply            with the City of Hagerstown’s leash laws and any other           ordinances or laws of the City of Hagerstown, Washington County and the State of Maryland            that      pertain to the keeping and treatment of pets.
4. Animals shall not be left outside unattended, even when on a leash.                         Animals shall not be chained or tethered outside unless a Tenant of the           unit      accompanies the animal.
5. There shall be no structure (no animal house, kennel or similar structure) in the   yard area to house or to shelter the animal while outside.  These    animals are      considered inside pets.
6. No food or water for animals shall remain outside.
7. Animals shall not to be left unattended in a parked vehicle.
8. Animals shall not be left unattended in the unit for more than ten (10) hours.

 

 

11. Vicious or aggressive animals are not permitted on Housing Authority   property.  This includes animals that have been previously certified as non-                          vicious or non-aggressive which have later demonstrated a vicious           or                                 aggressive nature.   If an animal attacks a person, any report made to         the                               Health Department Management Office, the Health Department will          result in                        an investigation.  Governmental procedures must be followed     for these                                  investigations.  If the Health Department investigation           substantiates the attack,                                   the animal shall be permanently removed from       the premises by the owner                               within twenty-four (24) hours after  notification of the findings.  It is the                                              responsibility of all Tenants to         report any such attack to the Health Department.
12. Dogs that have been previously certified as complying with the mature height   and weight restrictions may lose their status as an approved     and      authorized animal if that certification is later determined       to have been an           incorrect assessment of the dog’s mature weight         and height.
13. When an animal is being taken from the yard area it must be on a leash and any         dropped feces are to be picked up immediately and properly disposed of in a            properly sealed container.  Animals are to be prevented       from urinating on                     shrubs, bushes, plants, etc. while being transported through the       community.

14          .Tenants shall be responsible for removing the animal from the unit or                                containing the pet in another room at all times that Housing Authority                                 personnel or a contractor are performing tasks in the unit.  If tasks are           being             performed outside the unit, the Tenant is responsible for keeping       the animal in                the unit while the task is being performed.

15. Only the specific animal that has been approved by the Housing Authority shall                      be permitted at the Tenant’s unit or on the Housing Authority property.  Pet               sitting in a Tenant’s unit is not permitted, even if this pet is an approved                      pet of another Tenant.   All Tenants are   responsible for ensuring that their guests         do not bring an animal (other   than an animal that has a current approval or                        authorization by the     Housing Authority) into the unit or onto the Housing                   Authority property.
16. Except as permitted in Item 17.5 (pertaining only to Tenants of Potomac Towers             and Walnut Towers), no animals shall be permitted in common rooms,                         community buildings, outside functions at common areas, or on            the                   playground.
17. The Housing Authority will provide Tenants a form of identification for their     pet indicating that is an approved and authorized pet.  The pet must    wear     this identification at all times.

 

All pets are to be maintained so as not to create a problem with their food or feces that         may create a health or sanitation problem. For example food or feces accumulation on the         floor of the unit, on the patio, on the balcony, or elsewhere.

 

 

17.3.2  Birds – this provision applies only to birds. Tenants may, provided they adhere to the          requirements of this policy, own birds in addition to fish and in addition to a domestic cat      or a domestic dog.

 

1. No prior approval is required for birds kept in accordance with the terms of this policy. The Housing Authority must be notified of the presence of birds.  A form will be provided by the Housing Authority for the Tenant to complete.

 

1. The only birds permitted under this policy are parakeets and birds that are no larger than a canary.

 

1. Only two (2) birds shall be permitted in a unit. Birds shall not be housed for breeding purposes.

 

1. Parakeet means that specific breed of bird and not any other member of the Parrot family.

 

1. Birds are not to be left unattended outside of the unit, even if caged.

 

17. Any Tenant owning a Hornbill or other small member of the Parrot family prior to December 31, 2000 shall not be required to remove that bird from the unit. The Housing Authority must be notified of the presence of any such birds.  A form will be provided by the Housing Authority for the Tenant to complete.  Any replacement birds obtained must be in strict compliance with the requirements of 17.3.2 Item B. above.

17.3.3  Fish – this provision applies only to fish.  Tenants may, provided they adhere to the             requirements of this policy, own fish and birds in addition to a domestic cat or a domestic      dog.

 

1. No prior approval is required for fish kept in a single aquarium in accordance with the terms of this policy. The Housing Authority must be notified of the presence of an aquarium in the unit.  A form will be provided by the Housing Authority for the Tenant to complete.

 

1. Fish may be maintained in the unit in an aquarium, which contains not more than 30 gallons of water.

 

1. Special approval and authorization must be obtained from the Housing Authority for more than one (1) aquarium.

 

1. At no time are fish to be kept that are considered to be vicious. For example, a piranha or any other fish that is considered extremely voracious are prohibited.

 

 

17.4     PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL TENANTS AND ALL PETS OR   ANIMALS.

A.        For purposes of this provision, the term pets or animals include birds and fish.

 

1. Only those pets specifically discussed and approved in accordance with the terms of this policy are authorized to be housed in the owners unit.

 

1. There shall be no unauthorized pet in the unit or on Housing Authority property. Unauthorized pets include, but are not limited to, the following:
2.          Reptiles, insects and spiders;
3. Any warm-blooded or fur bearing animals other than a domestic cat or a                     domestic dog.
4. Any bird, other than a parakeet or a bird of canary size or smaller.

 

1. Tenants are responsible for any noise disturbance and/or nuisance created by their     pet.  If,            after being notified that a pet is creating a noise disturbance or           other nuisance,            the owner fails to correct the problem, the owner shall be required to remove the         pet       from the unit and the approval of the animal will be revoked.

 

1. Pet owners are responsible for the proper and humane care of their pets.

 

1. If a report is received indicating that any person is neglecting, beating, ill-                           treating, tormenting or otherwise abusing any animal or if a report is             received of any                          person            causing, instigating or permitting any dogfight or other            combat between                         animals or between animals and humans, the reports will be             turned over to the                      SPCA or other appropriate authorities.  If the reports are found to be valid the                                   animal shall be removed from the unit immediately.

 

1. It shall be a violation of this policy for any Tenant or any member of their household or    any of their guests, to engage in any of the activities prohibited    in this   policy , even if            they are not a pet owner.

 

1. Any Tenant who violates the terms of this policy shall receive written notice of the       violation. Unless otherwise stated in the notice, the Tenant must correct           the violation     immediately.  Each day that the violation exists, following the            expiration of the time to          correct the violation set forth in the notice, shall    be considered repeat violation.

 

1. Unless another provision of this policy requires the immediate removal of a pet (in        which case the more restrictive provision shall control over this provision), if there are             three (3) violations of this policy within a one (1) year   period, the Housing Authority             may revoke the approval and authorization for the pet.

 

1. If the Housing Authority revokes the approval and authorization for a pet, the pet     owner shall be required to permanently remove the pet from the premises and         may     lose pet ownership privileges for six (6) months.

 

1. If the policy violations are made by a Tenant as a result of an animal that is not previously approved and authorized to be in the unit or on Housing Authority   property, the Tenant may lose pet ownership privileges for six (6) months.

 

1. Tenants who have lost pet ownership privileges on two (2) or more occasions may be            precluded from pet ownership during the remainder of their residency           with the            Hagerstown Housing Authority.

 

1. The failure to remove an animal from the premises after being notified to do so, is          grounds for terminating the lease. Grievance rights will be afforded the   Tenant in the    event that the Housing Authority attempts to terminate the lease.

 

1. Neither the Housing Authority nor any of its personnel or contractors shall be responsible for any injury, death or loss of a pet as a result of performing tasks inside   or outside the   unit. Tenants are on notice that exterminating,      fumigating, fertilizing,             or other chemicals or substances used by Housing Authority personnel or           contractors may be hazardous to pets.

 

1. O. Violations of this policy constitute a substantial breach of a material term of the
2. Nothing contained is this policy is intended to limit the Housing Authority or an        appropriate State or local agency or authority from requiring the removal of any             pet       from the property, if the pet’s conduct or condition is determined to            constitute,        under the provisions of State or local law, a nuisance or a threat to the health or    safety   of the pet, other pets, Tenants, or Housing Authority personnel.

 

1. In addition to the requirements of these policies, Tenants must maintain each pet      responsibly and in accordance with all applicable State and local public health,             animal control, and animal anti-cruelty laws and regulations.

 

17.5    ADDITIONAL RULES APPLYING ONLY TO TENANTS OF POTOMACTOWERSANDWALNUT TOWERS,

A.        For purposes of this provision, the term pets or animals include birds and fish.

 

1. At all times when an animal is not in the Tenant’s unit, the animal must be under the control of the Tenant and shall either be on a leash or in a carrying case.

 

2. Animals shall be allowed in the halls and on the elevators only for the purposes of exiting and entering the building; and as noted in Section 2.3 for Reasonable Accommodation.

 

2. Animals shall be allowed in the lobbies only when the owner is waiting for a ride. The wait time should be of a minimum duration; and as noted in Section 2.3 for Reasonable Accommodation.

 

1. Animals shall not be left on the patio or balcony unattended.

 

1. Food and/or water shall not be left on the patio or balcony unless the animal is present.

 

1. The animal may not urinate or defecate on the patio or balcony.

18.0     COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY (24 CFR 960.600 – 960.609)

 

Community service offers public housing Tenants an opportunity to contribute to the communities that support them.

 

(Section 512 of the 1998 Act Amending Section 12 of the 1937 Act)

 

18.1     GENERAL: (24 CFR 960.603)

 

Service requirement – In order to be eligible for continued occupancy, except for any family member who is an exempt individual, each adult (an adult is a person eighteen (18) years or older) family member must either

 

1. contribute eight (8) hours per month of community service (not including political activities) within the community in which the public housing community is located, or

 

1. participate in an economic self-sufficiency program unless they are exempt from this requirement or

 

1. Perform eight (8) hours per month of combined activities as described in paragraphs (1) and (2)

Family violation of service requirement.  The lease shall be renewed automatically for all purposes, unless the family fails to comply with the service requirement.  Violation of the service requirement is grounds for nonrenewal of the lease at the end of the twelve (12) month lease term, but not for termination of tenancy during the course of the twelve (12) month lease term.

 

 

 

18.2     EXEMPTIONS:

 

The following adult members of Tenant families are exempt from this requirement.

 

1. Family members who are sixty-two (62) or older;

 

1. Family members who are blind or disabled;

 

1. Family members who are the primary care giver for someone who is blind or disabled;

 

1. Family members engaged in work activities;

 

1. Family members who are exempt from work activity under part A title IV of the Social Security Act or under any other State welfare program, including the welfare-to–work and who are in compliance with that program; or,

 

1. Family members who are employed at least thirty (30) hours per week at minimum wage, including wages, tips or other compensation.

 

 

18.3     NOTIFICATION OF THE REQUIREMENT (24 CFR 960.605)

 

1. All adult family members who are not exempt from the community service requirement shall be identified by the Housing Authority.

 

1. All such family members shall be notified of the community service requirement and of the categories of individuals who are exempt from the requirement. The notification will provide the opportunity for family members to claim and explain an exempt status.  The Housing Authority shall verify such claims.

 

1999. The notification will advise families that their community service obligation will begin upon the effective date of their first annual reexamination on or after October 1, 1999. For families paying a flat rent, the obligation begins on the date their annual reexamination would have been effective had an annual reexamination taken place.  It will also advise them that failure to comply with the community service requirement will result in ineligibility for continued occupancy at the time of any subsequent annual reexamination.

 

18.4     VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

 

1. Community service includes performing work or duties in the public benefit that serve to improve the quality of life and/or enhance Tenant self-sufficiency, and/or increase the self-responsibility of the Tenant within the community.

 

 

 

1. An economic self sufficiency program is one that is designed to encourage, assist, train or facilitate the economic independence of participants and their families or to provide work for participants. These programs may include programs for job training, work placement, basic skills training, education, English proficiency, work fair, financial or household management, apprenticeship, and any program necessary to ready a participant to work (such as substance abuse or mental health treatment).

 

1. The Hagerstown Housing Authority will coordinate with social service agencies, local schools, and the Human Resources Office in identifying a list of volunteer community service positions.

 

18.5     THE PROCESS

 

At the first annual reexamination on or after October1, 1999, and each annual reexamination thereafter, the Hagerstown Housing Authority will do the following:

 

1. Provide a list of volunteer opportunities to the family members

 

1. Provide information about obtaining suitable volunteer positions.

 

1. Provide a volunteer time sheet to the family member. Instructions for the time sheet require the individual to complete the form and have a supervisor date and sign for each period of work.

 

1. Third-party certification.  A family member who is required to fulfill a service requirement must provide signed certification to the Housing Authority by the organization that the family member has performed those qualifying activities.

 

 

18.6     NOTIFICATION OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENT

 

The Housing Authority will notify any family found to be in noncompliance of the following:

 

1. The family member(s) has been determined to be in noncompliance;

 

1. That the determination is subject to the grievance procedure; and

 

1. That, unless the family member(s) enter into an agreement to comply, the lease will not be renewed or will be terminated;

 

 

 

18.7     OPPORTUNITY FOR CURE (24 CFR 960.607)

 

The Housing Authority will offer the family member(s) the opportunity to enter into an agreement prior to the anniversary of the lease.  The agreement shall state that the family member(s) agrees to contribute to community service for as many hours as needed to comply with the requirement over the past twelve (12) month period.  The cure shall occur over the twelve (12) month period beginning with the date of the agreement and the Tenant shall at the same time stay current with that year’s community service requirement.  The first hours a Tenant earns goes toward the current commitment until the current year’s commitment is fulfilled.

 

18.8     COMPLIANCE WITH COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

 

Tenants who are required to report under the Community Service Requirements must return the “Volunteer Hours Verification” form at the date of their recertification or thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of their lease to the Housing Authority Central Office.

 

 

18.9     COMMMUNITY SERVICE – FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY

 

            Tenants must be current with Community Service hours to participate in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program.

 

 

18.10   UNFULFILLED COMMUNITY SERVICE – APPLICANTS

 

            Applicants for Public Housing who are in arrears for Community Service hours from a prior tenancy with any housing authority will be required to complete those hours within twelve (12) months of re-admittance.

19.0     INSPECTIONS (24 CFR 966.4, 965.601, 902.43, 5.360)

19.1     OCCUPANCY INSPECTIONS

 

An authorized representative of the Housing Authority and an adult family member will inspect the premises prior to commencement of occupancy. A written statement of the condition of the premises will be made, all equipment will be provided, and the statement will be signed by both parties with a copy retained in the Housing Authority file and a copy given to the family member.

 

19.2     MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS

 

The Housing Authority will inspect each public housing unit at least annually to ensure that each unit meets the Housing Authority’s housing standards. Work orders will be submitted and completed to correct any deficiencies.

 

 

 

19.3     PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS

 

This is generally conducted in conjunction with the maintenance inspection. This inspection is intended to keep items in good repair. It checks weatherization; checks the condition of the smoke detectors, water heaters, furnaces, automatic thermostats and water temperatures; checks for leaks; and provides an opportunity to change furnace filters and provide other minor servicing that extends the life of the unit and its equipment.

19.4     SPECIAL INSPECTIONS

 

Special inspections may be scheduled to enable the Housing Authority, HUD or others to inspect the housing stock maintained by the Housing Authority.   These special inspections may include housekeeping, yard and other types of inspections to ensure the Tenant is maintaining the unit in accordance with   the lease and other policy standards.

(see Section 20.7 Housekeeping Standards )

 

19.5     NOTICE OF INSPECTION

 

For inspections, defined as maintenance inspections, preventive maintenance inspections, special inspections, and housekeeping inspections, the Housing Authority will give the Tenant at least two (2) days written notice.  Maintenance inspection schedules are posted in the Housing Authority’s newsletter and that shall be considered the notice to the Tenant.

 

19.6     EMERGENCY INSPECTIONS

 

If any employee and/or agent of the Housing Authority has reason to believe that an emergency exists within the housing unit, the unit can be entered without notice. The person(s) that enters the unit will leave a written notice to the Tenant that indicates the date and time the unit was entered and the reason why it was necessary to enter the unit.

 

19.7     PRE-MOVE-OUT INSPECTIONS

 

When a Tenant gives notice that they intend to move, the Housing Authority will offer to schedule a pre-move-out inspection with the Tenant. The inspection allows the Housing Authority to help the Tenant identify any problems which, if left uncorrected, could lead to vacate charges. This inspection is a courtesy to the family and has been found to be helpful both in reducing costs to the Tenant and in enabling the Housing Authority to ready units more quickly for the future occupants.

 

 

19.8     MOVE-OUT INSPECTIONS

 

The Housing Authority conducts the move-out inspection after the Tenant vacates to assess the condition of the unit and determine responsibility for any needed repairs. This inspection becomes the basis for any claims that may be assessed against the security deposit.  If the Tenant has given proper notice to vacate and wishes to be present during the move-out inspection, a written request must be received fifteen (15) days prior to vacate date. The Housing Authority will notify the Tenant of the date and time of the inspection. Tenant has the right to be present when the Landlord inspects the Premises in order to determine if any damage was done to the Premises, if prior to move-out, the Tenant notifies Landlord by certified mail of the Tenant’s intention to move, new address and date of moving.  The notice must be mailed at least fifteen (15) days prior to date of moving.  Landlord will then notify Tenant by certified mail of the time and date of the inspection.

 

 

19.9     TRANSFER INSPECTIONS

 

            When a Tenant has been deemed eligible for a transfer, an inspection of the unit shall be scheduled. The Tenant must be present for the inspection. A Tenant must pass a transfer inspection in order to maintain their transfer eligibility.

20.0       PHYSICAL PROPERTY STANDARDS (24 CFR 5.701-5.705, 965.601, 902.20-902.25)

20.1      BALCONIES AT WALNUT AND POTOMAC TOWERS,

 

Balconies must be kept neat and orderly.  The following standards apply:

 

1. No rugs, carpets or mats, of any type are permitted.
2. No grills of any type permitted on balconies of high-rise buildings.
3. Nothing is to be hung over or attached to the railing, with the exception of approved       satellite dishes.

 

1. Only furniture designed for outdoor use is permitted. No article may extend higher than       42 inches except potted plants.

 

1. Plants are permitted but the container in which they are planted must be placed in a dish to prevent water from dripping off of the balcony.

 

1. Containers are to be located to catch water dripping from air conditioners. Empty the           container regularly.  Do not empty containers over the balcony.

 

1. Clothes drying racks are permitted but are limited to a height of forty-two (42) inches.

 

1. The balcony is not to be used for storage. Cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and other articles not directly related to outdoor living are not permitted, except a plastic weatherproof storage container (42” maximum height and a neutral color) with tight fitting lid is permitted.

 

1. Nothing is to be thrown or dropped from the balcony. Water and sweepings are to be collected in containers and disposed of inside.

 

1. High winds can blow items from balconies. Insure items susceptible to wind lift are properly secured.

 

1. Wire, cloth netting or lattice is permitted on the inside of railings in the interest of child and pet safety. Installation must be neat and workmanlike. Prior approval of the maintenance department is required.

 

1. Items placed on balcony must not interfere with the means of egress.

20.2     BULK TRASH PICK UP

        

No large items to be discarded may be placed on the Housing Authority’s or City’s property at any time except at such times and under the conditions set forth in directives issued by the Housing Authority or the City for special or bulk trash pickups.  Bulk trash set outs at any other time shall be picked up by the Housing Authority and the Tenant’s account charged.  Bulk trash set outs shall be limited to five (5) items.

20.3 CLEAN YARD PROGRAM

 

Tenants are required to keep both their front and backyard clean, neat and tidy at all times.  Requirements include but are not limited to the following:

 

1. No litter/debris/cigarette butts regardless of source.
2. Trash must be kept in proper containers with tight fitting lids.
3. Household/automotive items are unacceptable.
4. Weeds must be removed from planting beds.
5. Graffiti on exterior surfaces is unacceptable and must be removed immediately
6. Window air conditioners must be safely & properly installed.
7. Storage sheds must be kept locked.
8. Play equipment shall be limited to rear yards.
9. No portable basketball nets are permitted.
10. Leaves shall be removed.
11. Yards and patios shall not be used as storage.
12. Any lawn furniture/equipment must be easily moved to facilitate mowing.
13. TV/speaker cables on outside walls of units are unacceptable.
14. Lawn furniture/equipment shall not be of the type or so placed as to cause damage to the     lawn or plantings.

 

1. Front yards shall be kept free of all lawn furniture when not in use.
2. Tenants may plant border flowers in front of planting beds and make other minor     improvements that do not interfere with mowing.  All such improvements must be    properly maintained.

 

1. Tents, screen houses, sun shades, canopies and the like are prohibited.

Tenants that have received a citation and continue not to clean their yards will continue to receive citations and will have their yard cleaned by maintenance and shall have their account billed for the time.  Citations shall be entered in the Tenant’s file.  Repeat offenders may be issued a “Notice of Lease Termination.”

 

20.4     ENERGY CONSERVATION

 

1. The thermostats in all family units are limited to 68 degrees and elderly units to 75                               degrees.  Tenants shall not tamper with thermostats.

 

1. Turn off exhaust fans when not needed.
2. Keep doors and windows closed in cold weather.
3. Electric and kerosene heaters are prohibited.
4. Range and ovens are not to be used as space heaters.

20.5          TENANT INSTALLED FENCES ARE NOT PERMITTED

            Tenants are not permitted to install fences.

 

 

20.6     GARBAGE

GARBAGE AT FAMILY UNITS

 

Garbage, with the exception of the current day’s refuse, shall not be stored inside the unit.  All garbage must be in sealed plastic bags in metal or plastic containers with tight fitting lids.  All trash containers must be kept in the rear of the unit.

 

Tenant must comply with City regulations regarding trash pickup schedules and procedures.  Noland Tenants shall comply with directives issued by the Housing Authority regarding trash-collecting services.

 

GARBAGE AT ELDERLY UNITS

 

Place only garbage contained in sealed plastic bags in trash chutes on each floor.  Take care not to place smoldering cigarettes, etc. in bags prior to disposal.  Use only bags of a size that will fit in the trash chute.  Larger items must be taken to the designated area in the lower levels.

            20.7     HOUSEKEEPING STANDARDS

 

Tenants are required to maintain their dwelling in a decent, safe and sanitary condition. Tenants not complying with housekeeping standards are placed on Special Housekeeping Inspections. Failure to pass inspections could result in the termination of the Tenant’s lease.

 

Special inspections may be triggered by reports from other agencies or other Housing Authority departments of substandard housekeeping conditions in the unit in an effort to bring it up to Housing Authority standards.  The Residentenant Services Department will work with the Tenant to resolve the problem, and will document any progress or lack thereof through available methods to include, but not limited to, inspection forms, video, photographs, etc.   If this protocol is triggered three (3) times within a twelve (12) month period, the Tenant will be considered a habitual offender which will result in issuance of a lease termination notice.  The failure to comply with these Housekeeping Standards is considered by Landlord to be substantial breach of a material term of the Lease

 

The Maintenance Department conducts annual inspections which are documented through Maintenance Inspection Report (MIR).  If the MIR triggers a housekeeping inspection for three (3) consecutive years, the Tenant will be considered an habitual offender which will result in issuance of lease termination notice.

 

 

 

Tenants are required to maintain, as a minimum, the following standards:

 

1. ALL AREAS

 

1. Keep ceiling, walls, and floors, crevices and cracks, and other surfaces clean and free of dirt, food, cobwebs, grease, mildew, fingerprints, holes, and hazards.
2. Do not put wallpaper or borders on your walls.
3. Keep windows, curtains and blinds clean, operable and free of fingerprints and dirt.
4. Keep doors clean and free of fingerprints, grease and dirt.
5. Dispose of trash in proper containers (sealed plastic bags in trashcans with tight fitting lids).
6. Keep all lights operable. Replace burned-out bulbs immediately.
7. Keep furniture, household goods, and lighting clean and free of hazards (inside and out).
8. Keep cabinets, drawers, appliances, furniture, upholstery, curtains, countertops, cracks, crevices and all other surfaces clean and free of food, crumbs, spilled liquids, and dead bugs. Failure to do so will result in infestation.
9. Keep combustible items well clear of furnaces and water heaters.
10. Keep all electrical cords/connections in good safe condition. Do not store flammables such as gasoline in units
11. Keep dryers and dryer vents clear of lint. Dryers must be properly vented.
12. Furniture, bicycles, household items, boxes, clothes, newspapers, magazines and other personal goods beyond what is “normal” and “reasonable” are not permitted in your unit. Your unit is not a storage space.
13. Air conditioners must be properly and safely installed.
14. Keep all walls, fixtures, electrical panels, and closets accessible.
15. Keep smoke detectors operable. Notify Maintenance immediately of malfunctioning smoke detectors.
16. TV cables and speaker wiring or similar wires are not permitted on floors where they create a tripping hazard. Run across tops of doors.  Do not install wiring on outside of units.
17. Report all missing, broken or leaking components immediately to maintenance (301-733-6916).
18. Maintain yards per the Housing Authority Clean Yard Program.

 

1. THE KITCHEN

 

1. Keep your stove and oven clean and free of grease, food, and other spills.
2. Keep refrigerators clean, wiped down, and defrosted, if necessary.
3. Do not store heavy pots and pans underneath your sink.
4. Keep exhaust fan clean and free of grease and food build up.
5. Keep sinks clean and free of grease. DO NOT PUT FOOD OR GREASE DOWN THE SINK.  Dirty dishes must be washed and put away in a timely manner.
6. Keep countertops clean by wiping down after use and only used for food preparation. Do not put cigarettes on your counter and vanities.

 

 

1. THE BATHROOM

 

1. 1. Keep toilet scrubbed clean and keep foreign objects out of the bowl to prevent clogs.
   2. Keep shower, sink and tub clean.
   3. Dust exhaust fan to prevent build up.
   4. Keep medicine cabinets and vanity cabinets clean and orderly.

 

 

1. BASEMENT

 

Keep all drains clear and operable.

 

 

1. CLOSETS

 

Keep closets clean and orderly.

20.8     LAUNDRY FACILITIES

 

1. Laundry facilities are not provided in the family communities. Tenants may install washers in their kitchens or basements, where washer hookups are provided.

 

1. Dryers are not permitted unless they are properly vented to the exterior. No alterations to the electrical service or wall area are permitted. The Tenant must notify maintenance in writing within five (5) days of installing Tenant owned appliance. Maintenance can/will inspect at our discretion.

 

1. Washers and dryers are not permitted in the units at Walnut and Potomac Towers. Tenants are encouraged to use central laundry facilities.

20.9     LEAF REMOVAL

 

Tenant at family units are responsible for picking up leaves within their front, back and side yards (as applicable).  See “mowing” for limits of yards.  Leaves must be placed in the proper containers and set out curbside in compliance with City standards and schedules.  Do not dispose of leaves on public or other property.  Burning of leaves is not permitted.

 

Tenants at Noland Village must set leaves curbside at Noland Drive.  Leaves must be in proper containers

 

If Tenants fail to pick up and properly dispose of leaves by December 15, the Housing Authority may do so and charge the Tenant.

 

 

20.10   LOCKOUT SERVICE

 

Two keys are furnished to the Tenants at time of occupancy.  If the Housing Authority must respond to a lockout call, the Tenant must present proof of identity (driver’s license, social security number, etc.) to the maintenance mechanic.  Any damage and associated costs caused by forced entry will be the responsibility of the Tenant.  Tenants have the option of calling a local locksmith to gain entry; usually this is less costly than the Housing Authority’s lockout fee.  The Housing Authority will respond to all lockout calls in accordance with the Schedule of Tenant Charges.

20.11   MAINTENANCE REPAIRS

 

Tenants must call the Maintenance Department to notify the Housing Authority of any need for repairs.  Early reporting of a problem is essential.  The maintenance required due to the normal wear and tear of the property is included in the rent.  Tenants are charged for the maintenance costs that are a result of negligence, damage, a failure to fulfill Tenant obligations, and unnecessary visits such as when a Tenant reports that the heating system is not working properly and the service call reveals that the heating system is operating correctly and providing the Tenant with heat in accordance with the levels stipulated in the ACOP under ENERGY CONSERVATION.

20. 12  MOWING

 

1. Tenants residing in communities where the Housing Authority mows yards are responsible for removing all lawn furniture and equipment from lawns in preparation for mowing at times set forth on the mowing schedule issued by the Housing Authority. Tenants that do not properly prepare their lawns for mowing shall be charged in accordance to the Schedule of Tenant Charges.

 

1. Tenants residing in communities where the Housing Authority does not mow yards are responsible for mowing their yards, both front and back, on a regular basis. Lawns shall not exceed four (4) inches in height.  Tenants that permit their lawns to exceed the specified height shall have their yards mowed by the Housing Authority and shall be charged in accordance with the Schedule of Tenant Charges.

 

1. Front yards extend to the front walk. Rear yards extend to the rear walk, yard fence, perimeter fence, or storage shed, whichever is the greater distance. Scattered Site Tenants are responsible for the entire lawn directly in front and to the rear of their unit; end unit Tenants are responsible for side lawns.

 

1. Periodically, lawns may be treated by the Housing Authority’s contractor with fertilizer and weed control chemicals. Tenants shall be notified of dates and shall comply with precautions issued by the contractor.

 

 

20.13   PAINT, WALLCOVERINGS, DECALS

 

1. Every five (5) years, paint will be furnished, free of charge, for Tenants to repaint the interior of the unit – subject to inspection and approval of workmanship by the Housing Authority. The Tenant is required to make corrections to the painting if so directed by the Housing Authority.

 

1. No paint other than that furnished by the Housing Authority may be used. If other colors are discovered during inspections, Tenants will be directed to repaint at once at their expense.

 

1. Wallpaper, contact paper, stenciling and/or decals of any kind are not permitted to be used on the walls, ceilings, cabinets or appliances. Damages caused by the prohibited use of these products and the labor required to remove them will be charged to the Tenant.

 

1. Tenants may purchase paint at any time from the Housing Authority.

 

• PEST CONTROL PROGRAM

 

Extermination service is provided on a regular basis.  This service is provided to all units and cannot be refused. Schedules for treatment are posted in the monthly newsletter.  Tenants must complete the following preparations prior to the scheduled treatment:

1. Remove all items from the base cabinet at the kitchen sink and bath vanity.
2. Clean off countertop in kitchen and bath vanity.
3. Clean out other areas where infestation has been observed.
4. Advise the exterminator of any problem areas.
5. Comply with the Housing Authority’s Housekeeping Standards.

If infestation is heavy, the Tenant will be notified by letter that a special treatment will be                 scheduled.  The Tenant must comply with the exterminator’s instructions attached to the letter.          Tenants will be charged accordingly for treatment of infestations determined to be caused or        perpetuated by the Tenant.  Tenants may not refuse these treatments. Tenants are encouraged to     utilize their own traps and/or sprays, following manufacturer’s instructions and precautions.

 

• BED BUG TREATMENT

 

 

Extermination is provided for bedbugs and effective treatment requires tenant cooperation in preparing unit for treatment.

 

1. Tenants are required by the lease to report infestation

 

1. Tenants will be charged an Administrative Fee if they are not properly prepared for a scheduled treatment.

 

1. A Breach of Lease will be filed on tenants that are not prepared a second time.

 

20.15   PICTURES AND FIXTURES

 

Small and medium sized pictures and mirrors are permitted.  Use hangers that won’t mar walls.  Do not install extra towel racks, shelves, etc.  Damage to walls or woodwork (holes, scratches, marks, etc.) will be repaired by the Maintenance Department and Tenants will be charged for these repairs.

 

Ceiling fans are permitted but must be properly installed by a licensed contractor at the Tenant’s expense.  A permit must be applied for and obtained from the City prior to installation.

Pictures, hangers, and fans must be carefully removed when the unit is vacated and the unit returned to its original condition.

 

20.16   PLAY EQUIPMENT

 

Play equipment, of limited size, is permitted in family communities and may be located in the rear yards only.  Equipment must be portable and be capable of being moved off the lawn area on the rear patio to facilitate periodic mowing. Tenants are responsible for maintaining the equipment, for any damage to the lawns, and for any liabilities resulting in injury from use of such equipment.  Trampolines are prohibited.

 

20.17   POOLS AND HOSES

                    

1. Swimming pools, wading pools and water slides are not permitted.

 

1. Hoses are permitted at Scattered Site units only.

 

20.18   REPAIRS BY TENANTS

 

Any repairs performed by the Tenant are to be made utilizing materials and workmanship acceptable to the Housing Authority.  Unsatisfactory work may be replaced by the Housing Authority at the Tenant’s expense.

20.19   SATELLITE DISH TV ANTENNA POLICY

 

Tenants choosing to install their own satellite dish must comply with the following standards:

1. Dishes shall not exceed eighteen (18”) inches in diameter.

 

1. Dishes shall not be attached to roofs, walls, fences, trees, balconies, concrete slabs or any other part of any building.

 

1. Dishes may be only ground mounted at family units. See Maintenance Department for drawings for ground mounting at family units  and balcony installations at Potomac and Walnut Towers.

 

1. Exposed wiring outside of the building is not permitted. Cables inside the building may not cross aisles of circulation on the floor, but must be carried over the doorways and openings.

 

1. Exterior junction box shall be of a non-corrosive, non-staining material such as aluminum or PVC. Interior cover plates at outlet box shall be ivory in color.  All work shall be neat and workmanlike.

 

1. Container at elderly units shall be exterior heavy duty PVC, exterior plywood (painted or stained) or other pre-approved material appropriate to function intended. Color shall be neutral.

 

1. Installation at family units may only be in rear yards. Side yard installation is not permitted.  Installation is permitted in front yards only if Tenant furnishes the Housing Authority a written statement (on letterhead) from satellite dish vendor that front yard installation is necessary for reception.

 

1. Prior to installation the Tenant must contact the Maintenance Department and schedule a pre-installation on site meeting to establish a location acceptable to the Housing Authority in order to avoid underground utilities and to establish consistency.

 

1. Upon completion of the installation the Tenant must schedule, with the Maintenance Department, a post-installation inspection.

 

1. All installations must be by a contractor pre-approved by the Housing Authority.

 

1. The contractor must attend both the pre-installation and post-installation inspection.

 

1. All work is subject to the Housing Authority’s approval. Tenants are required to properly maintain the installation and to immediately correct deficiencies noted by the Housing Authority.

 

1. Tenants, upon vacating the unit, must remove antennas, mounting and all wiring. All lawns and buildings must be restored to their original condition.  Permanently mounted exterior junction boxes, sleeves and interior recessed outlet boxes shall not be removed and shall become the property of the Housing Authority.

 

1. The Tenant shall pay, to the Housing Authority, the cost of both pre-installation and post-installation inspections. These costs shall be as listed in the current Schedule of Tenant Charges.

 

1. All material and installation costs shall be the responsibility of the Tenant.

 

1. Building orientation, trees, and other obstacles shall not be reason to deviate from these standards. Orientation/location of some units may preclude satellite dish installation.

 

1. The Tenant, by installing a dish, shall hold the Housing Authority harmless from all liabilities resulting from damages to, or caused by, the installation of a satellite dish.

 

20.20      SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL

 

Tenants at family units are responsible to remove snow and ice from walks, stoops, and steps leading to the unit.  Tenants sharing a walk shall clear their half or share the responsibility.  If a Tenant fails to remove snow/ice within twenty-four (24) hours, the Housing Authority may do so and charge the Tenant.

 

• STORAGE STANDARDS

                                                                             

In general, it is the Housing Authority’s intent that the leased apartment be utilized in a form and physical manner in which it is intended.  That the unit is used primarily as a safe and decent dwelling for Tenant “habitation” (as opposed to a bulk storage area) and that storage of an acceptable and “normal” quantity of items is mainly limited to the properly designated space for such items – e.g. Closets, pantries, exterior storage bins, etc. — in order to minimize safety hazards associated with fire, tripping, accessibility, etc.  It is noted that storage of excessive quantities of refuse and materials (cardboard boxes, paper, etc) additionally contributes to the presence and infestation of pest insects (roaches, spiders, flies, etc).

GENERAL FLOOR AREA –

 

Miscellaneous “floor storage” of items neatly packaged and arranged so as not to impede normal access throughout, along with egress to or from, the apartment is permitted within acceptable limits as listed herein.  Electric panels, appliances and plumbing fixtures must be accessible for use and servicing.  Floor storage of items shall not block doorways, window egress, bathroom/closet access or general area of travel.

 

Miscellaneous “floor storage” is material (i.e.: boxes, bags, hampers, containers, etc.) which is stored outside assigned storage spaces (pantries, closets, storage containers) in other areas normally viewed as living spaces (living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms).

 

Acceptable miscellaneous floor storage is viewed as material NOT EXCEEDING fifteen percent (15%) of square footage living space, or exceeding three feet in height.  (Pantry and closet areas excluded).

KITCHEN AREA

 

COUNTER AREA

Storage of kitchen utensil and supply items only at the kitchen area, NOT blocking GFCI receptacle outlets.  Counters are primarily a workspace.

 

STOVE AREA

NO storage of combustible materials on the stovetop surface or in close proximity to the stove burners.

 

PANTRY AREA

Additional storage of miscellaneous items along with food and kitchen items is permitted so long as such storage is neat and contained within the door opening area.  Pantry doors, where applicable, must remain operable.  Shelving area must be accessible for use.

            LIVING ROOM

This area is primary living space, as opposed to storage area.  However, minimal storage of miscellaneous items is permitted provided it is placed in a neat manner at appropriate wall areas.  See “general floor area” limitation listed above.

            BEDROOM AREA

 

CLOTHES CLOSET AREA

Storage of items is limited to available floor or shelf capacity within the door opening area. Closet doors MUST be operable.  All items are to be neatly stacked or placed.

            BATHROOM AREA

No storage of items is permitted on the commode or within the bathtub/shower areas, which would limit their intended use and purpose.

            EXTERIOR BALCONY (Hi-Rise)

 

See Section 20.1 Balconies at Walnut and Potomac Towers

 

EXTERIOR PATIOS (Family)

 

For aesthetic and safety purposes all patio items not used on a recurring basis should be stored in exterior metal storage sheds if provided.  Acceptable storage items at rear yard patio areas include: covered trash receptacles, patio furniture, one barbecue grille and operable lawn equipment.  Non acceptable stored items include automobile tires, rusted or inoperable lawn equipment, cardboard and paper material, plastic trash bags, etc

                                                                                   

20.22   TELEVISION/TELEPHONES

 

1. Tenants are encouraged to contract with the local cable service. Cabling and outlets may only be installed by the local cable company or their subcontractors and must comply with the Housing Authority’s policies.

 

20. Tenants must comply with the Satellite Dish TV Antenna Policy, see paragraph      20.19

 

1. Tenants are not permitted to tamper with any TV or telephone wiring/cable within their units that is not their property. Tenants may not access attic spaces.

 

1. The Tenant must arrange for telephone service. This service is strictly between the Tenant and the telephone company.  The Housing Authority does not supply or repair telephone jacks or wiring.  Access to mechanical spaces required by the telephone company will be provided by the Housing Authority at no cost, provided twenty-four (24) hours advance notice is given and access is requested during regular business hours.  Access shall not be given after hours or on weekends.

20.23   UNIT LANDSCAPING

 

1. The Housing Authority will trim and maintain foundation plantings and planting beds. Tenants are not to trim plants.
2. Tenants may plant flower strips along the front of planting beds. Any supplemental plantings must be properly maintained, watered, weed free, and neat in appearance.  Improvements by Tenants may not interfere with mowing operations.
3. Vegetable gardens are permitted only if the Housing Authority has issued written approval.
4. Grounds must be returned to their original condition prior to the Tenant vacating the unit.

20.24   VANDALISM TO OCCUPIED UNITS

 

Tenants are responsible for all damage and vandalism to the unit or Community caused by the Tenant, other members of the household, guests, or visitors.

20.25   WATER

 

In order to conserve, all Tenants must promptly report any leaks or dripping faucets, hoses or fixtures to the Maintenance Department 301-733-6916.  Insure all faucets are turned completely off when you are not drawing water.

 

• WATERBEDS

 

Waterbeds are not permitted in Housing Authority communities due to the potential for leaks and property damage.

 

• AIR CONDITIONERS

 

Air conditioners furnished by the Tenant at the family communities must be properly installed and secure as determined by the Housing Authority.   Panels must be finished to match the color of either the air conditioner or the window frame.  Cardboard or unfinished plywood is unacceptable.  Units must be compatible with existing electrical outlets.

 

Walnut Towers and Potomac Towers air conditioners may be installed by the Tenant.  Potomac Towers air conditioners must be installed using an air conditioner port specifically designed for this purpose.  The cost of the port is the Tenant’s responsibility. The Tenant is responsible for a safe installation as determined by the Housing Authority.   Tenants should contact the Maintenance Department for advice.   Air conditioners must be compatible with existing electrical outlets.

 

Air conditioners must be removed at the time the Tenant vacates the unit.

 

Window air conditioner units must be removed during heating season. Tenants will be notified through the newsletter of heating season and the date by which the air conditioner must be removed.

20.28   WINDOW GLASS & SCREENS

 

Repair/replacement of window glass and screens is the Tenant’s responsibility.  The Maintenance Department will make the repair at the Tenant’s expense or the Tenant has the option of having the repair made locally. All new work and materials must match existing.

20.29   WINDOW TREATMENT

 

The Housing Authority does not provide window treatment.  In the interest of uniformity of appearance, Tenants in family communities must install window shades, blinds or draperies in all windows in the dwelling unit.  They are to be installed in a manner not to damage the window frame.  Screws that are provided with the drapery rods and/or shades or blinds should not be substituted with nails or larger screws.  It is the Tenant’s responsibility to maintain these items in a manner that shall not deface the appearance of the community.  Windows must be treated uniformly and maintained in a neat and orderly fashion at all times.  White backing (exterior side) is preferred. Upon vacating the unit the window treatment shall be carefully removed.

 

21.0     OXYGEN USE POLICY

 

 

21.1     INTRODUCTION

 

Oxygen can be potentially hazardous if handled improperly.  Oxygen accelerates combustion in areas where oxygen is used or stored.  In order to ensure the safety of all Tenants in our Public Housing communities and properties managed by the Housing Authority, the Housing Authority has established regulations regarding the use or presence of oxygen in our units.

 

• GENERAL POLICY

 

1. Tenants must notify the Housing Authority in writing before the presence of any      oxygen       tank(s) in or on Housing Authority property.

 

1. Oxygen tanks must be secured in a cart or stand designed for such purpose.  The      cart            and/or stand must also be designed to keep the oxygen cylinder upright and protect             the main valve from rupture or leakage.

 

1. ‘Oxygen In Use’ and ‘No Smoking’ signs must be posted on the exterior doors          (unit     entrance) and inside the unit and must be clearly visible to those entering the unit.

 

1. Oxygen tanks are not to be stored near electric or gas heaters or any open flame.       Oxygen       users should not go within eight feet of any open flame.  Oxygen users         are prohibited from smoking while oxygen is in use.

 

1.  Tenants and guests must comply with all recommendations of their supplier             regarding the proper use, storage, and maintenance of oxygen and oxygen tanks           in their

22.0     VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA) POLICY (Pub. L 109-      162)

22. 1     PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY

            The purpose of this policy (herein called “Policy”) is to implement the applicable provisions of        the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Pub. L.   109-162) and more generally to set forth the Housing Authority’s policies and procedures           regarding domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, as hereinafter defined.

 

This Policy shall be applicable to the administration by the Housing Authority of the Public Housing Program under the United States Housing Act of 1937.  Notwithstanding its title, this   policy is gender-neutral, and its protections are available to males who are victims of domestic           violence, dating violence, or stalking as well as female victims of such violence.

22.2     GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

 

This Policy has the following principal goals and objectives:

1. Maintaining compliance with all applicable legal requirements imposed by VAWA;

 

1. Ensuring the physical safety of victims of actual or threatened domestic violence, dating      violence, or stalking who are assisted by the Housing Authority;

 

1. Providing and maintaining housing opportunities for victims of domestic violence dating      violence, or stalking;

 

1. Creating and maintaining collaborative arrangements between the Housing Authority,           law enforcement authorities, victim service providers, and others to promote the safety         and well-being of victims of actual and threatened domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, who are assisted by the Housing Authority; and

 

1. Taking appropriate action in response to an incident or incidents of domestic violence,         dating violence, or stalking, affecting individuals assisted by the Housing Authority.

 

 

 

 

 

 

22.3     OTHER HOUSING AUTHORITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

This Policy shall be referenced in and attached to the Housing Authority’s Five-Year Public             Housing Agency Plan. the Housing Authority’s annual public housing agency plan shall also contain information concerning the Housing Authority’s activities, services or programs relating   to domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. To the extent any provision of this policy      shall vary or contradict any previously adopted policy or procedure of the Housing Authority, the            provisions of this Policy shall prevail.

 

22.4      DEFINITIONS

As used in this Policy:

1. A.  Domestic Violence – The term ‘domestic violence’ includes felony or misdemeanor                               crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse of the victim, by a person                                 with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or                                  has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of                                 the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant                              monies, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from                                 that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.”
2. Dating Violence – means violence committed by a person—
3. who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and
4. where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:

 

1. a) The length of the relationship.
2. b) The type of relationship.
3. c) The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

C.         Stalking – means –

 

1. (a) to follow, pursue, or repeatedly commit acts with the intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate another person; and (b) to place under surveillance with the intent to kill, injure, harass or intimidate another person; and
2. in the course of, or as a result of, such following, pursuit, surveillance or repeatedly committed acts, to place a person in reasonable fear of the death of, or serious bodily injury to, or to cause substantial emotional harm to –
3. a) that person;
4. b)  a member of the immediate family of that person; or
5. c)   the spouse or intimate partner of that person;

 

 

 

 

1. Immediate Family Member – means, with respect to a person –
2. a spouse, parent, brother, sister, or child of that person, or an individual to whom that person stands in loco parentis; or
3. any other person living in the household of that person and related to that person by blood or marriage.

 

1. E. Perpetrator – means person who commits an act of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking against a victim.

 

22.5    ADMISSIONS AND SCREENING   

 

Non-Denial of Assistance.  The Housing Authority will not deny admission to the Public Housing program to any person because that person is or has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, provided that such person is otherwise qualified for such admission.

The actual or threatened violence must have occurred with the past six (6) months prior to certification or be of a continuing nature.  Domestic violence will be considered “continuing” if the applicant provides medical records, police reports, or statements from a qualified domestic violence social worker documenting repeated abuse and the most recent episode was not more than six (6) months prior to the date that the Housing            Authority is certifying the applicant eligible for assistance.

22.6   TERMINATION OF TENANCY OR ASSISTANCE

 

1. VAWA Protections. Under VAWA, public housing Tenants following specific protections, which will be    observed by the Housing Authority:
2.        An incident or incidents of actual or threatened domestic violence, dating                        violence, or stalking will not be considered to be a “serious or repeated”                                      violation of the lease by the victim or threatened victim of that violence and will                               not be in good cause for terminating the tenancy or occupancy rights of or                            assistance to the victim of that violence.

2          In addition to the foregoing, tenancy or assistance will not be terminated by the Housing Authority as a result of criminal activity, if that criminal activity is directly related to domestic violence, dating violence or stalking engaged in by a member of the assisted household, a guest or another person under the Tenant’s control, and the             Tenant or an immediate family member is the victim or threatened victim of this criminal activity. However, the protection against termination of tenancy or assistance described in this paragraph is subject to the following limitations:

1. a) Nothing contained in this paragraph shall limit any otherwise available authority of the Housing Authority to terminate tenancy, evict, or to terminate assistance, as the case may be, for any violation of a lease or program requirement not premised on the act or acts of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking in question against the Tenant or a

 

member of the Tenant’s household.   However, in taking any such action, the Housing Authority may apply a more demanding standard to the victim of domestic violence dating violence or stalking than that applied to other Tenants.

1. b) Nothing contained in this paragraph shall be construed to limit the Housing Authority from evicting or terminating the assistance any Tenant or lawful applicant if the owner or the Housing Authority, as the case may be, can demonstrate an actual and imminent threat to other Tenants or to those employed at or providing service to the property, if the Tenant is not evicted or terminated from assistance.

 

1. Removal of Perpetrator. Notwithstanding anything in Federal, State or local law to the contrary, the Housing Authority may bifurcate a lease, or remove a household member from a lease, without regard to whether a household member is a signatory to a lease, in order to evict, remove, terminate occupancy rights, or terminate assistance to any individual who is a Tenant or lawful occupant and who engages in acts of physical violence against family members or others.  Such action against the perpetrator of such physical violence may be taken without evicting, removing, terminating assistance to, or otherwise penalizing the victim of such violence who is also the Tenant or a lawful occupant.  Such eviction, removal, termination of occupancy rights, or termination of assistance shall be effected in accordance with the procedures prescribed by law applicable to terminations of tenancy and evictions by the Housing Authority.

22.7   VERIFICATION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE OR   STALKING

 

1. Requirement for Verification. The Housing Authority shall require verification in all cases where an individual claims protection against an action involving such individual proposed to be taken by the Housing Authority.

 

Verification of a claimed incident or incidents of actual or threatened domestic violence,      dating violence or stalking may be accomplished in one of the following three ways:

 

1. HUD-approved form – (HUD form 50066) by providing to the Housing Authority a written certification, on a form approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), that the individual is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking that the incident or incidents in question are bona fide incidents of actual or threatened abuse meeting the requirements of the applicable definition(s) set forth in this policy. The incident or incidents in question must be described in reasonable detail as required in the HUD-approved form, and the completed certification must include the name of the perpetrator.

 

 

2. Other documentation – by providing to the Housing Authority documentation signed by an employee, agent, or volunteer of a victim        service provider, an attorney, or a medical professional, from whom the victim has sought assistance in addressing the domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, or the effects of the abuse, described in such documentation.  The professional providing the documentation must sign and attest under penalty of perjury (28 U.S.C. 1746) to the professional’s belief that the incident or incidents in question are bona fide incidents of abuse meeting the requirements of the applicable definition(s) set forth in this policy.  The victim of the incident or incidents of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking described in the documentation must also sign and attest to the documentation under penalty of perjury.
3. 3. Police or court record – by providing to the Housing Authority a Federal, State, tribal, territorial, or local police or court record describing the incident or incidents in question.

 

1. Time allowed to provide verification/ failure to provide.  An individual who claims   protection against adverse action based on an incident or incidents of actual or threatened   domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, and who is requested by the Housing Authority, to provide verification, must provide such verification within fourteen           (14)      business days after receipt of the request for verification.  Failure to provide verification, in proper form within such time will result in loss of protection under    VAWA and this policy against a proposed adverse action.
2. Waiver of verification requirement.  The Deputy Director or Designee may, with respect       to any specific case, waive the above-stated requirements for verification and provide the         benefits of this policy based on the victim’s statement or other corroborating evidence.  Such waiver may be granted in the sole discretion of the Deputy Director or Designee.           Any such waiver must be in writing.  Waiver in a particular instance or instances shall                      not operate as precedent for, or create any right to, waiver in any other case or cases,             regardless of similarity in circumstances.

 

22.8   CONFIDENTIALITY

 

1. A. Right of confidentiality. All information (including the fact that an individual is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking) provided to the Housing Authority shall be retained by the receiving party in confidence and shall neither be entered in any     shared database nor provided to any related entity, except where disclosure is:
2. requested or consented to by the individual in writing, or
3. required for use in a Public Housing eviction proceedings, as permitted in VAWA, or
4. otherwise required by applicable law.
5. Notification of rights.  All Tenants of public housing programs administered by the   Housing Authority shall be notified in writing concerning their right to confidentiality           and the limits on such rights to confidentiality.

 

 

22.9    TRANSFER TO NEW RESIDENCE  

 

      Application for transfer. In situations that involve significant risk of violent harm to an individual    as a result of previous incidents or threats of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, the     Housing Authority will, if an approved unit size is available at a location that may reduce the risk    of harm, approve transfer of a Public Housing Tenant to a different unit in order to reduce the level of risk to the individual.  A participant/Tenant who requests transfer must attest in such           application that the requested transfer is necessary to protect the health or safety of the participant     or another member of the household who is or was the victim of domestic violence dating         violence or stalking and who reasonably believes that the Tenant or other household member will    be imminently threatened by harm from further violence if the individual remains in the present     dwelling unit.

 

The Housing Authority will consider Lease bifurcation as provided in 24 CFR 5.2005 in   circumstances’ involving Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or stalking addressed in           24 CFR Part 5, Subpart L.

22.10   COURT ORDERS/FAMILY BREAK-UP

 

Court orders.  It is the Housing Authority’s policy to honor orders entered by courts of competent jurisdiction affecting individuals assisted by the Housing Authority. This includes cooperating with law enforcement authorities to enforce civil protection orders issued for the protection of victims and addressing the distribution of personal property among household members        in cases where a family breaks up.

22.11   RELATIONSHIPS WITH SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

It is the policy of the Housing Authority to cooperate with organizations and entities, both private    and governmental, which provide shelter and/or services to victims of domestic violence. If the Housing Authority staff becomes aware that an individual assisted by the Housing Authority is a        victim of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, the Housing Authority will refer the        victim to such providers of shelter or services as appropriate. This Policy does not create any    legal obligation requiring the Housing Authority either to maintain a relationship with any   particular provider of shelter or services to victims or domestic violence or to make a referral in             any particular case.

22.12   NOTIFICATION

 

The Housing Authority shall provide written notification to applicants, Tenants, and Section 8          owners concerning the rights and obligations created under VAWA relating to confidentiality,           denial of assistance and, termination of tenancy or assistance.

 

 

22.13   RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS

 

Neither VAWA nor this Policy implementing it shall preempt or supersede any provision of             Federal, State or local law that provides greater protection than that provided under VAWA for          victims of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking.

22.14   AMENDMENT

 

This policy may be amended from time to time by the Housing Authority as approved by the

Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

23.0     TERMINATIONS (24 CFR 966.4, 960.259, 5.514, 5.218, 960.603,       960.607, 960.261)

 

23.1     TERMINATION BY TENANT

 

The Tenant may terminate the lease at any time upon submitting a thirty (30) day written notice. If the Tenant vacates prior to the end of the thirty (30) days, they will be responsible for rent through the end of the notice period or until the unit is re-rented, whichever occurs first.

 

23.2          TERMINATION BY THE LANDLORD

 

Landlord may terminate this lease for a serious violation or repeated violations of material terms of the lease, such as failure to make payments due under the lease or to fulfill Tenant obligations, as described in Paragraph G of the lease or elsewhere, or for other good cause (including, but not limited to the Tenant’s failure to accept the Landlord’s offer of a properly adopted Lease revision).  By way of example but not limitation, either of the following types of criminal activity by the Tenant, any member of the household, a guest, or another person under the Tenant’s control, shall be cause for termination of this Lease (A) Any criminal activity that threatens the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of the public housing premises by other Tenants; (B) Any violent or drug-related criminal activity on or off the premises; (C) Any criminal activity that results in a felony conviction of a household member; (D) Hosting person(s) barred from property. The reasons for termination set forth in EXHIBIT D to the Lease Part II also apply.

Landlord may refuse to renew the Lease and terminate the Lease at the end of the twelve (12) month term if there is a failure of family member to comply with community service requirements.

 

• ABANDONMENT POLICY

 

Upon the abandonment of the Premises, the Tenant appoints Landlord and/or Landlord’s employees, as Tenant’s agent, to remove all personal property of whatever nature, including furniture and equipment left in or about the Premises.  Landlord shall inventory the property of the abandoned Premises prior to removal and shall have the making of the inventory witnessed. The Tenant hereby further appoints Landlord and/or Landlord’s employees, as Tenant’s agent(s), to hold the said property for a period of thirty (30) calendar days, and, if not claimed by the Tenant within such time, after the Tenant has abandoned the Premises, then Landlord is hereby authorized to donate said property to a charitable institution or otherwise dispose of said property.

 

23.4          FORECLOSURE OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION

 

The Housing Authority will request the Court to foreclose the right of redemption on any Tenant against whom the Housing Authority has received three (3) judgments for non-payment of rent in a twelve (12) month period.  This means that if the Housing Authority files an action for non-payment within this same twelve (12) month period and later receives a judgment, the Tenant will be evicted as a result of the fourth (4^th) judgment

 

23.5          EVICTION SET OUT PROCEDURE

 

The Housing representative and the Maintenance Department will meet the court representative at the scheduled eviction set out procedure. The court representative must be present for the Housing Authority to begin the set out.  The Tenant may pay the rent up to the time the Housing Authority arrives to do the set out unless the court has ordered No Right of Redemption or the eviction is for breach of lease.  If No Right of Redemption or a judgment of possession in a breach of lease action is ordered, the eviction will continue regardless of payment. Housing Authority staff will not wait for money or receipts.  If tenant does not have money or a receipt the set out will begin.

 

All items will be set out, except food, glass, knives, medicines and flammable substances.  Tenants may obtain those items within twenty-four (24) hours by contacting the Maintenance Department.  Items not claimed will be taken to county landfill following the twenty-four (24) hour period.

 

Items will be set on the public curb for twenty-four (24) hours, at which time, what is remaining will be taken to the County landfill.

23.6     GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

 

23.6.1. APPLICABILITY (24 CFR 966.51)

 

1. This Grievance Procedure shall be applicable to all individual grievances as defined below between the Tenant and the Housing Authority.

 

1. Because of Tenant’s right to a hearing under elements of due process in District Court, prior to eviction, the Housing Authority will exclude from its administrative grievance procedure any grievance concerning an eviction or termination of tenancy that involves:

 

1. Any criminal activity that threatens the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises of other Tenants or employees of the Housing Authority, or
2. Any violent or drug-related criminal activity on or off the premises or
3. Any criminal activity that results in a felony conviction of a household member.

 

1. This Grievance Procedure shall not be applicable to disputes between Tenants not involving the Housing Authority or to class grievances.

 

1. This Grievance Procedure is not intended as a forum for initiating or negotiating policy changes between a group or groups of Tenants and the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

 

23.6.2. REQUIREMENTS (24 CFR 966.52)

 

1. This Grievance Procedure is incorporated by reference in all Tenant dwelling leases

and will be furnished to each Tenant and all Tenant organizations.

 

1. Any changes proposed in this Grievance Procedure must provide for at least thirty (30) days notice to Tenants and Tenant organizations, setting forth the proposed changes and providing an opportunity to present written comments. The Housing Authority shall consider comments submitted before any revisions are made to the Grievance Procedure.

 

23.6.3. DEFINITIONS (24 CFR 966.53)    

 

1. Grievance (or Complaint) shall mean any dispute which a Tenant may have with respect to the Housing Authority’s action or failure to act in accordance with the Tenant’s lease or Housing Authority policies as set forth in the ACOP which adversely affect the individual Tenant’s rights, duties, welfare or status.

 

1. Complainant shall mean any Tenant whose grievance is presented to the Housing Authority.

 

1. Elements of Due Process shall mean an eviction action or a termination of tenancy in Court in which the following procedural safeguards are required:
2. Adequate notice to the Tenant of the grounds for terminating the tenancy and for eviction;
3. Right of the Tenant to be represented by counsel;
4. Opportunity for the Tenant to refute the evidence presented by the Housing Authority including the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses and to present any affirmative legal or equitable defense which the Tenant may have; and
5. A decision on the merits.

 

1. Hearing Officer shall be an impartial person appointed by the Housing Authority, other than a person who made or approved the Housing Authority action under review, or a subordinate of that person.

 

1. Resident shall mean the adult person (or persons) (other than a live-in aide):
2. Who resides in the unit, and who executed the lease with the Housing Authority as lessee of the dwelling unit, or, if no such person now resides in the unit,
3. Who resides in the unit, and who is the remaining head of household of the Tenant family residing in the dwelling unit.

 

1. Tenant organization includes a Tenant management corporation.

 

 

23.6.4  INFORMAL SETTLEMENT OF GRIEVANCE (24 CFR 966.54)

 

Any grievance shall be personally presented, either in writing or orally, to the Housing Authority’s Central Office at 35 West Baltimore Street, Hagerstown, Maryland, so that an informal conference can be scheduled.  The goal of the informal conference is to attempt to resolve the grievance without a formal grievance hearing.  The procedures governing the Grievance Hearings (Paragraph VI) do not apply to the informal conferences.

 

1. Administrative Grievances are all grievances that relate to non-Maintenance Department issues.
2. Requests for an informal conference to resolve an Administrative Grievances must be requested, either orally or in writing within ten (10) days after the date of occurrence giving rise to the grievance.  These requests must be made to the Central Office.
3. The last date to request an informal conference will be stated on the Notice of Lease Termination or other Authority notice sent to the Tenant.
4. The Deputy Director or the Deputy Director’s designee will conduct informal conferences.

 

1. Maintenance Grievances are those grievances that arise out of actions or charges from the maintenance operations of the Housing Authority.
2. Requests for an informal conference to resolve a Maintenance Grievance must be requested, either orally or in writing within ten (10) days after the date of occurrence giving rise to the grievance.  These requests must be made to the Maintenance Department.
3. The last date to request an informal conference will be ten (10) days from the date noted in the lower right hand corner of the work order.
4. a) Within seven (7) days of receipt of the request being forwarded to the Maintenance Department, the Maintenance Department will mail to the Tenant a “Request for Informal Conference Form.”  This form will note the date that the form was mailed.
5. b) The Tenant must complete the appropriate sections of the form and return the form to the Maintenance Department within ten (10) days of the date noted on the form.
6. The Deputy Director or the Deputy Director’s designee will conduct informal conferences.

 

1. The Informal Conference – the complainant will present the grievance. The complainant and the Deputy Director (or Designee conducting the conference) will discuss the matter and attempt to resolve the grievance to the satisfaction of both parties.

 

1. Summary of Informal Conference – The Housing Authority will prepare a summary of the discussions held in the informal conference. The summary will state the names of the participants, the dates of the informal conference, the nature of the proposed disposition or resolution of the complaint and the specific reasons for the decision, and shall specify the procedures for the complainant to obtain a Grievance Hearing if the complainant is not satisfied by the proposed disposition or resolution of the grievance.   One (1) copy of the summary shall be given to the complainant/Tenant and one (1) copy retained in the Housing Authority’s Tenant file.

 

23.6.5  PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A GRIEVANCE HEARING (24 CFR 966.55)

 

1. Request for Hearing. If the complainant is not satisfied with the results of the informal conference, the complainant shall submit a written request for a grievance hearing to the Housing Authority’s Central Office no later than ten (10) days from the date set forth on the summary from the informal conference. The written request shall specify:
2. the reasons for the grievance; and,
3. the action or relief sought.

 

1. Hearing Officer. Selection of the Hearing Officer shall be made by the Executive Director.

 

1. Failure to Request a Grievance Hearing.  If the complainant does not request a Grievance Hearing as specified in the Grievance Procedure then the Housing Authority’s disposition of the grievance at the Informal Conference shall become final.  The complainant’s failure to request a Grievance Hearing does not waive their right to contest the Housing Authority’s disposition of the grievance or the matter which gave rise to the grievance in a judicial proceeding.

 

1. Hearing Prerequisite. All grievances shall be personally presented either in writing or orally in accordance with the procedures for informal conferences set forth in the Informal Settlement of Grievance section as a prerequisite to a Grievance Hearing., However, if the complainant shows good cause to the Hearing Officer why he or she failed to proceed in accordance with procedures for informal conference, the provisions of this subsection may be waived by the Hearing Officer.

 

1. Escrow Deposit. Before a Grievance Hearing is scheduled in any grievance involving the amount of rent (including excess utilities and late fees) that the Housing Authority claims is due, the complainant must pay an escrow deposit to the Housing Authority.  When the Tenant is required to make an escrow deposit, the amount of the escrow deposit is the amount of the rent (including excess utilities and late fees) the Housing Authority states is due and payable as of the first day of the month preceding the month in which the Tenant or the Tenant’s family’s act or failure to act took place.  After the first escrow deposit, the Tenant or the Tenant’s family must deposit the same amount monthly until the Tenant’s complaint is resolved by the decision of the Housing Authority.  All escrow deposits must be made at the Central Office.  The Housing Authority’s bank is not authorized to accept escrow deposits.

 

1. The Housing Authority will waive the requirement for an escrow deposit where required by 24 CFR 5.630 (financial hardship exemption from minimum rent requirement) or 24 CFR 5.615 (effect of welfare benefits reduction in calculation of family income).
2. If the Housing Authority does not waive the requirement for an escrow deposit, the Tenant’s failure to make the escrow deposit will terminate the grievance procedure. The Tenant’s failure to make the escrow deposit does not waive the Tenant’s right to contest the matter that gave rise to the grievance in a judicial proceeding.

 

1. Scheduling of Hearings. If the complainant complies with the requirements of this section the Hearing Officer will promptly schedule a Grievance Hearing.  The Hearing Officer will attempt to schedule the Grievance Hearing for a time and place reasonably convenient to both the complainant and the Housing Authority.  A written notification, specifying the time, place and procedures governing the hearing shall be sent to the complainant and the appropriate Housing Authority official.

 

23.6.6  PROCEDURE GOVERNING THE GRIEVANCE HEARING (24 CFR 966.56)

 

1. The hearing shall be conducted by the Hearing Officer.

 

1. The Tenant has the right to a fair hearing:
2. The Housing Authority shall provide the Tenant a reasonable opportunity to examine, at the Tenant’s request, before an Authority grievance hearing or court trial concerning a termination of tenancy or eviction, any documents, including records and regulations if so requested, which are in the possession of the Housing Authority. The Tenant shall be allowed to copy any such documents at the Tenant’s expense.  If the Housing Authority does not make documents available for examination upon request by the Tenant, the Housing Authority may not rely on such documentation at the grievance hearing.
3. The Tenant has the right to be represented by counsel or other person chosen as the Tenant’s representative, and to have such person make statements on the Tenant’s behalf;
4. The Tenant has the right to a private hearing unless the complainant requests a public hearing;
5. The Tenant has the right to present evidence and arguments in support of Tenant’s complaint, to controvert evidence relied on by the Housing Authority or management, and to confront and cross-examine all witnesses upon whose testimony or information the Housing Authority or  management relies; and
6. The Tenant has a right to a decision based solely and exclusively upon the facts and information presented at the hearing.

 

1. The Hearing Officer may render a decision without conducting a hearing if the Hearing Officer determines that a decision was made at a previously held Grievance Hearing.

 

1. If the complainant or the Housing Authority fails to appear at a scheduled hearing, the Hearing Officer may make a determination to postpone the hearing, for a period not to exceed five (5) working days, or may make a determination that the party failing to appear has waived the right to a Grievance Hearing. Both the complainant and the Housing Authority shall be notified of the determination by the Hearing Officer within five (5) days, provided that a determination that the complainant has waived the right to a hearing shall not constitute a waiver of any right the complainant may have to contest the Housing Authority’s disposition of the grievance in an appropriate judicial proceeding.

 

1. At the hearing, the complainant must first demonstrate that he or she is entitled to the relief sought. The Housing Authority must then show how the Tenant failed to act in accordance with the terms of the Lease or the Housing Authority’s rules, policies or procedures and that the Housing Authority’s action is justified.

 

1. The hearing shall be conducted informally by the Hearing Officer and oral or documentary evidence pertinent to the facts and issues raised by the complaint may be received without regard to admissibility under the rules of evidence applicable to judicial proceeding. The Hearing Officer shall require the Housing Authority, the complainant, counsel and other participant spectators to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion.  Failure to comply with the directions of the Hearing Officer to maintain order at the hearing may result in exclusion from the proceedings or in a decision adverse to the interests of the disorderly party and the granting or denial of the relief sought, as appropriate.

 

1. The complainant or the Housing Authority may arrange, in advance and at the expense of the party making the arrangement, for a transcript of the hearing. Any interested party may purchase a copy of such transcript.

 

1. The Housing Authority must provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities to participate in the hearing. Reasonable accommodations may include qualified sign language interpreters, readers, accessible locations, or attendants.  If the Tenant is visually impaired, any notice to the Tenant, which is required in these procedures, must be in an accessible format.

 

23.6.7. DECISION OF THE HEARING OFFICER (24 CFR 966.57)

 

1. The Hearing Officer shall prepare a written decision, together with the reasons for the decision, within ten (10) days after the hearing. A copy of the decision must be forwarded to the Tenant and the Housing Authority must keep a copy of the decision in the Tenant file. A copy of the decision, with all names and identifying references deleted, shall also be maintained on file by the Housing Authority and made available for inspection by prospective complainants, their representative or the Hearing Officer.

 

1. The decision of the Hearing Officer shall be binding on the Housing Authority which shall take all actions, or refrain from any actions necessary to carry out the decision, unless the Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners determines, within twenty-five (25) working days and promptly notifies the complainant of its determination that:
2. The grievance does not concern Housing Authority action or failure to act regarding the lease or Housing Authority regulations, rules, or policies which adversely affect the Tenant’s rights, duties, welfare, or status; or
3. The decision of the Hearing Officer is contrary to applicable Federal, State or Local law, HUD regulations or requirements of the Annual Contributions Contract between HUD and the Housing Authority.

 

A decision by the Hearing Officer or Board of Commissioners in favor of the Housing Authority or which denies the relief requested by the complainant in whole or in part shall not constitute a waiver of, nor affect in any manner whatever, any rights the complainant may have to a trial de novo or judicial review in any judicial proceedings, which may thereafter be brought in the matter.