 |
|
 |
This page contains the answers to questions posed to us by our "active" student body. If you have a question that is not answered on this page and you hold an active certification please click Feedback for additional information.
Note: any citations herein are valid pre-Change 2 of the HUD Handbook 4350.3.
Q: How can I estimate what the social security benefits will be for next year?
A: Many HUD households (especially elderly/senior buildings) are solely dependent on social security as their source of income. Around the end of each year, the Social Security Administration announces the annual increase in social security benefits for the coming year. For more information, visit Social Security Administration Online, the official website for that agency is www.ssa.gov.
Q: Where can I get HUD forms? (Such as HUD-9887, HUD-50059, etc.)
A: Visit this HUD web site, and click the "Forms" link where you can download these and many other forms.
Q: I manage a Tax Credit property. Does Fair Housing and Section 504 apply to my property?
A: The Fair Housing Act Amendments apply to Tax Credit properties with more than five rental units in their portfolio. Fair Housing compliance is also something that the State Housing Agency will be very concerned about, as noncompliance with Fair Housing will be noted on IRS Form 8823. Section 504 applies only to Tax Credit properties receiving federal funding through other government programs, such as HUD and the Department of Agriculture.
Q: I have a family receiving adoption assistance payments. How much, if any, of these payments do we count as income?
A: You will count only the first $480.00 of these payments per adopted child, according to Handbook 4350.3, Rev. 1 Exhibit 5-1.
Q: When a resident transfers from one unit to another, can we collect a new security deposit?
A: You have the option of either transferring the existing security deposit to the new unit, or closing out and returning the deposit to the tenant, and then collecting a new security deposit for the new unit. Your policy should be consistent in this regard.
Q: I have an applicant who was born overseas when his family served in the US military. Is he considered a US citizen? What about individuals who were born in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands?
A: All of these individuals would be considered US citizens.
Q: I have a resident who has apparently moved out of a Section 8 new construction unit and her sister has moved in. The sister has never been on the 50059 certification. Is this permissible?
A: Not if you use the HUD model lease (HUD Handbook 4350.3, Appendix 4-A). The lease specifies that the resident must seek your approval prior to permitting anyone to reside in the unit. Please seek legal counsel to determine how you should proceed.
Q: Is there a place on the web where I can read about current fair housing cases and decisions?
A: Try the following URL: http://www.fairhousing.com.
Q. When was the HUD Handbook 4350.3, Rev. 1 updated?
A: Change 2 to HUD Handbook 4350.3, Rev. 1 was issued on June 29, 2007 and all changes reflected in that change were effective on that date with the exception of the Section 8 student rule (December 30, 2005) and the Limited English Proficiency provisions which became effective in February of 2007.
