Frequently Asked Questions
RAD and TENANT RENT:
Q. Will a RAD conversion affect my housing assistance?
A. Residents in good standing will keep their housing assistance; but the federal funding source of that assistance will change from public housing (Section 9) to a Section 8 Project Based Voucher. Residents will not be subject to eligibility re-screening as a result of a RAD conversion; however, the PHA will continue to follow its annual and interim re-examinations; including re-examination to adjust rents.
Q. Will a RAD conversion affect a residents rent?
A. Most residents will not have a rent increase because of a RAD conversion. For tenants who currently pay a “flat rent” in public housing, you may have to pay more in rent overtime. If your rent changes by more than 10% and requires you to pay more than $25 per month in additional rent, your new rent will be phased in. If the increase in your rent is less than 10% or $25 per month, then change in rent will be effective immediately.
Q. What is the difference between a Project-Based Voucher (PBV) and Tenant-Based Voucher (TBV)?
A. Under the Section 8 program, TBVs let you rent units in the private market. A family can move to a different apartment complex or house and keep their voucher. PBVs are assigned to specific affordable housing units, cannot be used for other units, and do not move with the tenant.
Q. Will residents become Section 8 participants?
A. Yes. A RAD conversion converts the public housing (Section 9) capital and operating subsidy a property receives to Section 8 rental assistance via Project Based Vouchers and a HAP Contract.
Q. Can residents keep their rental assistance and move in the future?
A. After a public housing property converts through RAD you may have a greater choice in where to live through the “Choice Mobility” option. Choice Mobility gives you the right to request a tenant-based voucher after living at the converted property for at least one year. A tenant-based voucher allows you to rent housing in the private rental market. With this voucher, you may choose to leave your current property if you need to move closer to family, a job, a school, or for any other reason, while continuing to benefit from rental subsidy. Residents who request a tenant-based voucher from the PHA will receive priority for the PHA’s next available voucher. You will not need to complete a full Section 8 application and will be able to request a voucher even if the Section 8 waiting list is closed.
Q. Will the residents be required to pay for electric and gas utilities because of the project?
A. It depends on the project’s final design. If a building is master metered, then no. If individual units are metered for gas and electricity, households would be responsible for their own utility payments. In those cases, households would receive a "utility allowance” reducing their monthly rent payment. Just like in public housing, residents housing costs, including utilities, will not exceed 30% of their adjusted gross annual income.
RELOCATION:
Q. Why would residents be required to relocate?
A. If the repairs to your property are minor, residents will most likely be able to stay in their units during renovations. Temporary relocation is generally required if construction activities associated with the project are extensive, create safety and security issues, or adverse quality of life concerns for the residents. There will be no involuntary permanent relocation of residents resulting from this project. As projects progress, details related to the construction scope, phasing, and schedule are developed. Residents can expect regular notices, communications, and meetings to provide project updates, which will include detailed plans related to relocation.
Q. What is the relocation process?
A. If temporary relocation is required, residents will receive advanced notice from PHA. PHA will meet with each household to discuss individual family needs and find a replacement unit within the PHA portfolio that meets the family’s needs, including any accessibility requirements. If the apartment you have now meets your family size needs, you will be provided with an apartment with the same number of bedrooms. If you need an additional bedroom or have an extra bedroom, you will be “right sized” to a unit that meets the household size.
Q. How will residents find temporary housing?
A. PHA will work one-on-one with each household to ensure the family’s housing needs are met during the relocation process. PHA will offer each household a suitable unit within PHAs portfolio. PHA will work with residents to choose a suitable comparable unit; however, if relocation is required, all residents will be required to move by a certain date.
Q. Do residents have to pay for moving costs?
A. Residents will be entitled to have all reasonable moving and related costs paid for by the project. Residents will be provided with packing materials (boxes, tape, wrapping paper), and a licensed and bonded moving company will move all the residents’ belongings to your temporary apartment. If you must transfer any utilities (phone, cable, internet, gas or electricity) you will be reimbursed for the transfer fees. All costs associated with relocation will be paid for by the project. Moving costs associated with returning to the completed unit will also be paid for by the project.
Q. How long may residents expect to be relocated for?
A. To be determined, but generally not for more than 12 months. When a preliminary construction scope, phasing and schedule is prepared, residents will be provided with additional information.
Q. Will residents be able to return to their same unit?
A. Not necessarily. While each resident is guaranteed the right to return to the completed project; we cannot guarantee that households will return to the same unit. The PHA will do its best to accommodate resident requests.
Q. Will current tenants have the first choice to return to the completed project?
A. Yes. Tenants in good standing have the absolute right to return to the completed project.
Q. What will happen with my pets?
A. Any pets that have prior approval from the PHA, per PHA policy, will be accommodated. The PHA suggests residents take all the necessary steps to receive pet approval prior to relocation.
Q. What if a resident moves or transfers to another property prior to receiving the formal relocation notice?
A. If you move or transfer to another property prior to receiving a formal relocation notice, you MAY become ineligible to receive relocation assistance. It is important for residents to contact PHA before making any moving plans.
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