#8 Rent Assistance Administrative Plan _A_ Cov
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES MEMORANDUM
May 21, 2009
Memo To: Community Development Authority
Memo From: Kimberly Mangione, Housing Specialist
Subject: Item #8 – Public Hearing and Action on Proposed Revised
Administrative Plan for the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program
Background
The City of Janesville, Neighborhood Services office, which administers the Section 8 Housing
Choice Voucher Program is governed on two levels. The first level is the Code of Federal
Regulations, which HUD uses to outline many of the Section 8 Program requirements. The
second level is a HUD authorized local Administrative Plan, which must cover any policies that
are exclusive to the local housing agency. The Community Development Authority has the
responsibility of establishing and updating the Administrative Plan. Any time policy changes are
necessitated, a formal change must be made to the Administrative Plan, and any changes must
ultimately be submitted to the local HUD field office for review.
The Administrative Plan currently in use by the Neighborhood Services Office was last revised
and approved in April of 2001.
Summary of Changes
The following are HUD-mandated expansions of existing policy, and inclusions of new policies
for all housing authorities participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, as
well as staff recommended changes.
Policy 2 -Definitions
A number of new definitions were added to the Plan. These serve as clarification for any
existing policies in place. They do not change any policies or procedures that have been in
practice.
This is in response to notification from HUD to all housing authorities that specific terms be well
defined in a clear, concise manner within their Administrative Plan to ensure consistency in
Program administration and Program clarification upon public review.
Policy 13 – Minimum Rent
Minimum Rent. Neighborhood Services has always had a minimum rent contribution of $25.00
per month for Voucher holders. We have issued a separate policy number to this requirement
to expand upon how a family could apply for a hardship exemption from this minimum rent
contribution if circumstances prevent them from making this contribution.
Policy 28 - Equal Opportunity and Fair Housing Policy
Expanded to include policy on Services for non-English speaking applicants and participants.
Also includes policy on Reasonable Accommodation requests.
Reasonable Accommodation is referenced in various policies throughout the Plan. The
references apply to individuals with disabilities and to when notification of the right to request
Reasonable Accommodation will be provided. Notification policy and procedure is a fairly
recent mandate by HUD, and is a new addition to our Plan.
Policy 30 – Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
This is a new policy which addresses the provisions of the Violence Against Women and
Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005. It explains the policies of Neighborhood
Services regarding victims of domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. This policy
protects a victim’s rights in regards to lease obligations and Program participation if they are a
Voucher holder, or member of an assisted household. Compliance with this Act is a HUD
requirement.
Criminal History
Admission to the Program
Current Policy: Drug-Related Offenses.
We currently review for 1 offense in last 12 months, or 5 offenses in the
last 36 months.
Disorderly Conduct Offenses
Charges are completely disregarded.
Proposed Policy: Drug-Related Offenses.
Review for 1 offense in last 12 months, or 3 offenses in the last 36
months.
Disorderly Conduct Offenses.
Review for 1 offense in the last 12 months, or 3 offenses in the last 36
months. I
Criminal History
Participation in the Program
Current Policy: Drug-Related Offenses – No change requested.
Current Policy: Disorderly Conduct Offenses – If there is record of charges for Disorderly
Conduct, in which there was use of a weapon, and the victim were to
have sought medical attention, Termination proceedings would begin.
Proposed Policy: Disorderly Conduct Offenses – If there is a record of charges for
Disorderly Conduct, which involved any physical contact violations,
Termination proceedings would begin.
The specifics of these policies can be found in Policy 6.03.2 for Admissions and Policy 18 for
Termination of existing Voucher holders.
Language Changes, Clarifications and Omissions
There were numerous references in the 2001 Plan to “Certificates”, which have been removed.
The Certificate Program is no longer in existence, and the Program offers Vouchers exclusively.
These out of date references have been removed.
There are clarifications regarding a Voucher holder’s right to request judicial review of a hearing
or review decision from the circuit court within thirty days of the date of the decision. Previously,
it was simply stated that the Housing Director’s decision would be final. We shall also provide
this language on formal notification to Voucher holders after hearings and reviews.
Other changes have been made throughout the plan to clarify or expand upon current policy.
A draft of this plan has been shared with the local HUD field office and Legal Action of
Wisconsin.
Recommendation
Following a public hearing, staff recommends that the CDA approve the proposed
Administrative Plan as revised.
cc: Jennifer Petruzzello, Neighborhood Services Director