The District of Columbia Housing Authority News For Housing Choice Voucher Program Participants and Providers Participant Advisory Committee Voucher Holders have a new voice.the HCVP is pleased to announce the formation of its Participant Advisory Committee (PAC). This19-member committee currently has on an interim basis, a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant- At-Arms and an At-Large Member. The committee members are committed to being advocates for all families participating in the HCVP. The committee s goal is to improve the quality of life for participants while helping HCVP families move toward self sufficient living. The PAC will work with landlords, program participants and agency staff to address the aspirations, concerns and issues of HCVP families. The PAC will co-host a number of events this year in conjunction with the HCVP Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. The events include: The 2 nd Annual FSS Picnic at Haines Point, in June; and the Back-to-School Day School Supplies and Bookbag Givea-way in August. For more information, contact PAC President Angelia Henderson at 202-468-4356 or At-Large Member Alethia Cooper between the hours of 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., at 202-435-3281. Winter/Spring 2005 HCVP Landlords Kick Off Another Year HCVP Staff played to a full house during the March Landlord Orientation Workshop (pictured above) The evening of March 16 held a lot for landlords participating in the HCVP, as both new and currently participating landlords took advantage of the year s first Landlord Orientation Workshop. The purpose of the workshop was for both new and old landlords to get acquainted or reacquainted with the program, said Herbert Ruffin, HCVP Program Officer. The workshop gives the landlords a chance to meet the HCVP supervisors and interact with them in a way that is impossible during the regular office hours. After a brief reception, the workshop began with Landlord Advisory Committee (LAC) Chairman Samuel C. Reynolds. Gary P. LeBlanc, HCVP Director followed and then HCVP Department presentations were given by supervisors. The presenters were: Ronald McCoy, Leasing; Marilyn Hill, Finance; Paige Ogle, Recertification; Denise Green, Recertification; Kenneth Wright, Inspections; Rita Cooper, Special Programs and Ellis Mitchell, Compliance. There were also presentations from the HCVP Ombudsman Diane Oliver and HCVP Program Officer Herbert Ruffin. For more information on the LAC contact HCVP Program Officer Herbert Ruffin at 202-435-3301 or LAC President Samuel Reynolds at 202-882-3232.
2 A Message from the HCVP Director: March 20, 2005 marked the beginning of spring and spring brings about a new beginning. Just like the season changed from winter to spring, the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) also have a new beginning. In fact, we have weathered many changes over the past few months due primarily to HUDs change in the funding formula for the HCVP. As a result, we are currently facing a $9 million dollar short fall in funds this year. We have appealed the impact of these changes with HUD and remain hopeful that we will resolve this matter before year s end. Fortunately, the District of Columbia Government has also pledged their support. However, in the meantime, we have identified the following ten cost savings initiative s for the HCVP: Rent Increases Limited to Annual Adjustment Factor Set Payment Standards to 100% of FMRs Transfer Policy for Families Moving to another Unit Set Minimum Rent at Fifty Dollars Portability to Higher Cost Areas only if Vouchers Absorbed Interim Recertifications upon increases of $200 Plus Biannual Recertifications Biannual Inspections for High Quality Properties Landlord/Tenant Self Certification of Repairs Occupancy Standards set at Maximum Permissible In short, some of these initiatives have been implemented and we are in the process of preparing new regulations and changes to our Administrative Plan. We will reevaluate the need for the remaining initiatives based on federal and local funding support. Clearly, these changes will result in new ways of administering the HCVP. However, moving forward, we must continue looking for ways to improve our delivery of service while at the same time continue to serve as many families as possible, during these most difficult times of budget cuts and funding shortfalls. Finally, we look forward to continue working with our Stakeholders; (Landlord Advisory Committee, Participant Advisory Committee and Advocates) as we weather these changing times and reposition the HCVP for long term sustainability. Sincerely, Gary P. LeBlanc, Director Housing Choive Voucher Program Cost Saving Initiatives In February 2005 the Housing Choice Voucher Program held a meeting with staff, stakeholders and residents. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss establishing a minimum rent for voucher families. In order to offset the shortage of funding, the HCVP is proposing some policy changes. The first is a rent increase limited to an annual adjustment factor, this year the board approved a rent increase not to exceed HUD s annual inflation factor. The program is also looking into setting minimum rents at $50 a month. Portability to higher cost areas would only be allowed upon the absorption of current voucher funding by the receiving housing authority, and policies would only allow for families to transfer on the first of each month. Once finalized, payment standards would be set at 100% of fair market rents. In regard to units, occupancy standards are proposed to be set at the maximum allowance. Inspections for high quality properties and recertifications would move to a biannual schedule, and there would also be landlord/tenant self-certification of repairs. It is the belief that these proposed changes would allow the voucher program to continue its current level of service without large inconviences for both landlords and renters.
Landlord Advisory Committee Chairman s Vision LAC Chair Samuel Reynolds During 2004, the Landlord Advisory Committee (LAC), in partnership with the HCVP has worked diligently to meet the affordable housing needs in the District of Columbia. In 2004, the LAC and HCVP faced many challenge. The HCVP was faced with a potential shortfall of $ 6.4 million in its FY 2004 budget, and a proposed shortfall of another $ 9 million for FY 2005. This potential shortfall to the HCVP Budget subsequently would affect the thousands of landlords and families participating in the HCVP. The LAC has met with D.C. City Council Members, HCVP Management Staff, Participant Advisory Committee (PAC) members, Local Real Estate Boards and representatives from the Washington Legal Community. These meetings with Stakeholders were to discuss the impact of HUD s Budget cuts in the HCVP. A number of proposed policy changes due to HUD s shortfall to the HCVP Funding have been discussed. The arrival of 2005 affords the LAC an opportunity to look back at our many accomplishments and contemplate the many challenges ahead. I am excited about the arrival of 2005 for the LAC. During 2005, the LAC will continue to build on the many relationships of the past with the HCVP and PAC to further improve the delivery and efficiency of services. We encourage all landlords currently participating in the HCVP to let your voice be heard, and become a member of the LAC. Housing Choice Voucher Program Landlord Advisory Committee - 2005 Calendar January 26, 2005 February 16, 2005 March 16, 2005 April 20, 2005 May 18, 2005 June 15, 2005 September 21, 2005 October 19, 2005 November 16, 2005 December 21, 2005 *Meetings held the 3 rd Wednesday of each month @ 6:00 pm* For further information, please contact: Ms. Theresa Augustono - taugustona@dchousing.org Mr. Herbert Ruffin - hruffin@dchousing.org Making a Difference,One Family at a Time EXTENSIONS TO CORRECT HQS DEFICIENCIES On occasions owners and residents may find that they need more time to correct cited Housing Quality Standards (HQS) deficiencies. If this should occur, owners and residents may request an extension by simply asking the issuing Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) Housing Inspector for additional time to correct cited deficiencies. To ask, put your request in writing to the issuing housing inspector. The HCVP needs to document approved extensions. This assures that federal funds are not used to assist substandard housing. All requests must be made to the issuing housing inspector at least 14 days prior to the compliance inspection date. Extensions requests can be faxed directly to the HCVP Inspections office on (202) 727 7426. Please be sure to include the unit address, the compliance inspection date, how much time is needed; and why you need the additional time. All extension requests must be approved in writing for the request to be effective. Upon approval, the HCVP Inspection Department will notify the requesting party of any changes in the compliance inspection date. It is the responsibility of the requesting party to notify program participant of extended compliance inspection date to ensure the HCVP housing inspector is afforded entry to conduct the compliance inspection. Extensions may be granted for a period not to exceed 30 days. 3
The Right to Fair Housing Under the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, it is illegal for DC landlords to refuse to rent to Housing Choice Voucher Program (formally Section 8) participants. Many jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, Montgomery County and Howard County, make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against voucher holders. If a landlord has refused to rent to you because you would be using a voucher to pay your rent, then that landlord may have violated the DC Human Rights Act or other local laws. If you have information about a landlord who refuses to accept vouchers, or feel you have been discriminated against in any way, contact the D.C. Office of Human Rights through D.C. Fair Housing at 202-727-4559 or the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Regional Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at 888-799-2085. Family Self-Sufficiency Highlights The Housing Choice Voucher/Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program has experienced tremendous growth within the past year as a result of our new marketing strategy and participant s interest in home ownership. As of April 2005, the FSS program has 300 participants enrolled in the program and 669 applicants on the waiting list. The FSS Enrollment forms are now mailed to all voucher program participants with the Annual Recertification package. FSS enrollment forms are also available through the Housing Program Specialists located in Room 100. Upon completion and submission of the enrollment form, the applicant s name is added to the FSS waiting list whereby an invitation to the FSS Briefing will be sent at a later date. Briefings for participant participation in the FSS program are conducted on a monthly basis by the FSS Program Coordinators, Simone Martz and Linda Owens. In addition to providing services such as financial management, employment search/job leads, and educational counseling, the FSS Program is scheduled to host this year its 2 nd Annual FSS Picnic, FSS Graduation, and 3 rd Annual FSS Christmas Party. These events will be co-hosted in conjunction with the HCVP Participant Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC is composed of HCVP participants who are committed to the GOAL of improving the lives of all Voucher program participants. The FSS Coordinators also partners with the Office of Resident Services to host the annual Back to School Event. The FSS program strives to continue working towards established goals designed to promote independence, and optimism toward the future. District of Columbia Housing Authority 1133 North Capitol Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002-7599
Termination of Leases and HAP Contracts in HCVP To terminate any tenancy (the lease), the owner or family must give written notice of the owner s intent to terminate the tenancy (notice of intent; DC CODE 42-3202); as governed in the terms of Part C of the HAP Contract and the owner/family lease. The tenancy does not terminate before such notice is given and only after the expiration of the notice. An owner may only evict a family from the unit through a court action, and the owner must (in accordance with the HAP Contract) give DCHA a copy of any owner eviction notice to the tenant. A Lease (a written agreement between the family and the owner) automatically terminates when HCVP terminates program assistance for the family; HCVP terminates the HAP Contract (HAP Contract Part C 9.); or the owner terminates the lease in accordance with the terms of the lease and Part C of the HAP Contract. A HAP Contract (a written agreement between the owner and HCVP) terminates automatically when the family vacates the unit; HCVP terminates program assistance for the family; the owner or family terminates the lease; HCVP terminates the HAP Contract in accordance with the terms of the HAP Contract (i.e. owner breach); the owner evicts the family; or one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days elapses since the last housing assistance payment to the owner. If the family continues to reside in the unit after the initial anticipated move-out date or expiration of the notice of intent HCVP is not responsible for HAP payment on behalf of the participant for any month following the expiration of the notice. The explanation for this is that in accordance with HAP Contract Part B 4 (b)(1) the contract terminates automatically if the lease is terminated by the owner or the tenant. If the tenant has served notice to the owner, or reverse, at the expiration of that notice shall be considered as termination of the lease. HAP Contract Part B 7 (4) states that Housing Assistance Payments shall only be paid to the owner while the family is residing in the contract unit during the term of the HAP Contract. Therefore, once the lease terminates, the HAP Contract terminates and HCVP has no authority or obligation to pay assistance to the owner on behalf of the tenant for any month after the month the lease terminated (reference DC CODE 42-3205). Moreover, an owner does not have to sign a family s notice of intent to vacate in order for HCVP to allow the family to move with continued assistance. The family must only show that they have notified the owner (as indicated above) of their intent in writing and provide a copy of that notice to HCVP. HCVP, as a courtesy, may call the current owner to inform them of the termination of HAP assistance for the family as it prepares the allow the family to move with continued assistance to another unit. It is incumbent upon the owner to go after the family for any rent owed after the termination of lease and HAP contract even if the family has not totally moved out of the current unit or submitted the keys. HCVP Key Staff Contact Information Gary P. LeBlanc, Director 202-435-3314, gleblanc@dchousing.org Herbert Ruffin, Program Officer 202-435-3301, hruffin@dchousing.org Diane Oliver, Ombudsman 202-435-3302, doliver@dchousing.org Ronald McCoy, Leasing 202-435-3303, rmccoy@dchousing.org Marilyn Hill, Finance 202-435-3304, mhill@dchousing.org Denise Green, Recertification 202-435-3305, green@dchousing.org Paige Ogle, Recertification 202-435-3306, pogle@dchousing.org Ellis Mitchell, Compliance 202-435-3353, emitchell@dchousing.org Rita Cooper, Special Programs 202-435-3285, rcooper@dchousing.org Kenneth Wright, Inspections 202-727-4098, kwright@dchousing.org
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