Additional Assistance Program for Projects With HUD-Insured and HUD-Held Mortgages

24 C.F.R. Part ..., Subpart A
in effectEffective: 2024-07-01

24 C.F.R. § 886.101 Applicability.

(a) The policies and procedures of this subpart apply to Housing Assistance Payments under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 on behalf of Eligible Families in Eligible Projects (see definitions in § 886.102). (b) The primary goal of the Section 8 Loan Management Set-Aside Program is to reduce claims on the Department's insurance fund by aiding those FHA-insured or Secretary-Held projects with immediately or potentially serious financial difficulties. A first priority should be given to projects with presently serious financial problems, which are likely to result in a claim on the insurance fund in the near future. To the extent resources remain available, assistance also may be provided to projects with potentially serious financial problems which, on the basis of financial and/or management analysis, appear to have a high probability of producing a claim on the insurance fund within approximately the next five years.

24 C.F.R. § 886.102 Definitions.

The terms Fair Market Rent (FMR), HUD, Public Housing Agency (PHA), and Secretary are defined in 24 CFR part 5. Act. The United States Housing Act of 1937. Annual income. As defined in part 5 of this title. Contract (See Section 8 Contract). Contract Rent. The rent payable to the Owner as required by HUD in connection with its mortgage insurance and/or lending functions, including the portion of the rent payable by the Family, not to exceed the amount stated in the Section 8 Contract as such amount may be adjusted in accordance with § 886.112. In the case of a cooperative, the term “Contract Rent” means charges under the occupancy agreements between the members and the cooperative. Covered housing provider. For the Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Programs—Special Allocations, subpart A of this part, “covered housing provider,” as such term is used in HUD's regulations at 24 CFR part 5, subpart L (Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking) refers to the owner. Decent, Safe, and Sanitary. Housing is decent, safe, and sanitary if it meets the physical condition requirements in 24 CFR part 5, subpart G. Eligible Project. Any existing subsidized or unsubsidized multifamily residential project that is subject to a mortgage insured or any section of the National Housing Act; any such project subject to a mortgage that has been assigned to the Secretary; any such project acquired by the Secretary and thereafter sold under a Secretary-held purchase money mortgage; or a project for the elderly financed under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 (except projects receiving assistance under 24 CFR part 885). Family. As defined in part 5 of this title. HCD Act. The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Housing Assistance Payment. The payment made by HUD to the Owner of an assisted unit as provided in the Contract. Where the unit is leased to an eligible Family, the payment is the difference between the Contract Rent and the Tenant Rent. An additional Housing Assistance Payment is made when the Utility Allowance is greater than the Total Tenant Payment. A Housing Assistance Payment may be made to the Owner when a unit is vacant, in accordance with § 886.109. Income. Income from all sources of each member of the household as determined in accordance with criteria established by HUD and as defined in part 5 of this title. Lease. A written agreement between the owner and a family for leasing of a decent, safe and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. Low-income family. As defined in part 5 of this title. Owner. The mortgagor of record under a multifamily project mortgage insured, or held by the Secretary, including purchase money mortgages; the owner of a Section 202 project. Project. See § 886.101. Project Account. The account established and maintained in accordance with § 886.108. Section 8 Contract (“Contract”). A written Contract between the Owner of an Eligible Project and HUD for providing Housing Assistance Payments to the Owner on behalf of Eligible Families pursuant to this part. Subsidized Rent. In Section 221(d)(3) BMIR, Section 202, or Section 236 projects, the rent payable to the project, based on the particular circumstances of any assisted tenant in the absence of any Housing Assistance Payment. Tenant rent. As defined in part 5 of this title. Total tenant payment. As defined in part 5 of this title. Utility allowance. As defined in part 5 of this title. Utility reimbursement. As defined in part 5 of this title. Very low-income family. As defined in part 5 of this title.

24 C.F.R. § 886.103 Allocation of Section 8 contract authority.

HUD will allocate to field offices contract authority for Section 8 project commitments for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in conformance with Section 213(d) of the HCD Act.

24 C.F.R. § 886.104 Invitations to participate.

(a) HUD shall identify Eligible Projects which are most likely to meet the selection criteria set forth in § 886.117, and shall invite the Owners of such projects to make application for Section 8 assistance under this part. (b) An Owner of an Eligible Project who has not been notified pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section may also make application for such assistance.

24 C.F.R. § 886.105 Content of application; Disclosure.

Applications shall be in the form and in accordance with the instructions prescribed by HUD, and shall include: (a) Information on Gross Income, family size, and amount of rent paid to the project by Families currently in residence; (b) Information on vacancies and turnover; (c) Estimate of effect of the availability of Section 8 assistance on marketability of units in the project; (d) For projects having a history of financial default, financial difficulties or deferred maintenance, a plan and a schedule for remedying such defaulted or deferred obligations; (e) Total number of units by unit size (by bedroom count) for which Section 8 assistance is requested; and (f) Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan on a HUD-prescribed form.

24 C.F.R. § 886.106 Notices.

(a) Within 10 days of receipt of each completed application by the HUD field office, the field office shall send to the chief executive officer of the unit of general local government in which the proposed assistance is to be provided, a notification in a form prescribed by HUD for purposes of compliance with Section 213 of the HCD Act. (b) If an application is approved, HUD shall send to the Owner a notice of application approval. If an application can be approved only on certain conditions, HUD shall notify the Owner of the conditions and specify a time limit by which those conditions must be met. If an application is disapproved, HUD shall so notify the Owner by letter indicating the reasons for disapproval.

24 C.F.R. § 886.107 Approval of applications.

HUD shall approve applications, after considering all pertinent information including comments (if any) received during the comment period from the unit of general local government, based on the following criteria: (a) The Owner's Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan is approvable. (b) The HUD-approved unit rents are approvable within the Fair Market Rent limitations contained in § 886.110. (c) The residential units meet the housing quality standards set forth in § 886.113, except for such variations as HUD may approve. Local climatic or geological conditions or local codes are examples which may justify such variations. (d) A significant number of residents, or potential residents, in the case of projects having a vacancy rate over 10 percent, are eligible for and in need of Section 8 assistance. (e) The infusion of Section 8 assistance into the subject project should not affect other HUD-related multifamily housing within the same neighborhood in a substantially adverse manner. Examples of such adverse effects are (1) substantial move-outs from nearby HUD-related projects precipitated by much lower rents in the subject project, or (2) substantial diversion of prospective applicants from such projects to the subject project. (f) A first priority is given to HUD-Insured or Secretary-Held projects with presently serious financial problems, which are likely to result in a claim on the insurance fund in the near future. To the extent resources remain available, assistance also may be provided to projects with potentially serious financial problems which, on the basis of financial and/or management analysis, appear to have a high probability of producing a claim on the insurance funds within approximately the next five years. (g) The infusion of Section 8 assistance into the subject project solves an identifiable problem, e.g., high vacancies and/or turnover, and provides a reasonable assurance of long-term project viability. A determination of long-term viability shall be based upon the following considerations: (1) The project is not subject to any serious problems that are non-economic in nature. Examples of such problems are poor location, structural deficiencies or disinterested ownership. (2) The Owner is in substantial compliance with the Regulatory Agreement. Owners are not diverting project funds for personal use. No dividends are being paid during any period of financial difficulty. (3) The management agent is in substantial compliance with the management agreement. The current management agreement has been approved by HUD. Financial records are adequately kept. Occupancy requirements are being met. Marketing and maintenance programs are being carried out in an adequate manner, based upon available financial resources. (4) The project's problems are primarily the result of factors beyond the control of the present ownership and management. (5) The major problems are traceable to an inadequate cash flow. (6) The infusion of Section 8 assistance will solve the cash flow problem by: (i) Making it possible to grant needed rent increases; (ii) Reducing turnover, vacancies and collection losses. (7) The Owner's plan for remedying any deferred maintenance, financial problems, or other problems is realistic and achievable. There is positive evidence that the Owner will carry out the plan. Examples of such evidence are the Owner's past performance in correcting problems and, in the case of profit-motivated Owners, any cash contributions made to correct project problems. (h) Any plan submitted pursuant to § 886.105(d) is found by HUD to be adequate.

24 C.F.R. § 886.108 Maximum annual contract commitment.

(a) Number of units assisted. Based on analysis of housing assistance needs of families residing or expected to reside in the project, HUD shall determine the number of units to be assisted up to 100 percent of the units in the project. All units currently assisted under section 23 or section 8 shall be converted and included under the Contract pursuant to this subpart, unless the parties to the Lease or Contract object to such conversion. Units assisted under section 101 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 or under section 236(f)(2) of the National Housing Act shall not be included under the Contract pursuant to this subpart unless the Owner proposes and HUD approves such conversion. (b) Maximum annual Contract commitment. The maximum annual housing assistance payments that may be committed under the Contract shall be that amount which, when paid annually over the term of the Contract, is determined by HUD to be sufficient to provide for all housing assistance payments and fees under the Contract. (c) Project Account. In order to assure that housing assistance payments will be increased on a timely basis to cover increases in Contract Rents or decreases in Family Incomes: (1) A Project Account shall be established and maintained, in an amount as determined by the Secretary consistent with his responsibilities under section 8(c)(6) of the Act, out of amounts by which the maximum annual Contract commitment per year exceeds amounts paid under the Contract for any year. This account shall be established and maintained by HUD for each project as a specifically identified and segregated account, and payment shall be made therefrom only for the purposes of (i) housing assistance payments, and (ii) other costs specifically authorized or approved by the Secretary. (2) Whenever a HUD-approved estimate of required housing assistance payments for a fiscal year exceeds the maximum annual Contract commitment, and would cause the amount in the Project Account to be less than an amount equal to 40 percent of such maximum annual Contract commitment, HUD shall, within a reasonable period of time, take such additional steps authorized by Section 8(c)(6) of the Act as may be necessary to carry out this assurance, including (as provided in that section of the Act) “the allocation of a portion of new authorizations for the purpose of amending housing assistance contracts.”

24 C.F.R. § 886.109 Housing assistance payments to owners.

(a) General. Housing Assistance Payments shall be paid to Owners for units under lease by eligible families, in accordance with the Contract and as provided in this section. These Housing Assistance Payments will cover the difference between the Contract Rent and the Tenant Rent. Where applicable, the Utility Reimbursement will be paid to the Family as an additional Housing Assistance Payment. The Contract will provide that the Owner will make this payment on behalf of HUD. Funds will be paid to the Owner in trust solely for the purpose of making this additional payment. If the Family and the utility company consent, the Owner may pay the Utility Reimbursement jointly to the Family and the utility company or directly to the utility company. (b) No Section 8 assistance may be provided for any unit occupied by an Owner; cooperatives are considered rental housing. (c) If an Eligible Family vacates its unit (other than as a result of action by the Owner which is in violation of the Lease or the Contract or any applicable law), the Owner shall receive housing assistance payments in the amount of 80 percent of the Contract Rent for a vacancy period not exceeding 60 days: Provided, however, That if the Owner collects any of the Family's share of the rent for this period, or applies security deposits for unpaid rent, in amounts which when added to the 80 percent payments, results in more than the Contract Rent, such excess shall be payable to HUD or as HUD may direct. (See also § 886.116.) The Owner shall not be entitled to any payment under this paragraph unless he: (1) Immediately upon learning of the vacancy, has notified HUD of the vacancy or prospective vacancy and the reasons for the vacancy, and (2) Has taken and continues to take all feasible actions to fill the vacancy including, but not limited to, contacting applicants on his waiting list (if any), and advising them of the availability of the unit, and (3) Has not rejected any eligible applicant except for good cause.

24 C.F.R. § 886.110 Contract rents.

(a) The sum of the Contract Rents plus an Allowance for Utilities and Other Services shall not exceed the published Section 8 Fair Market Rents for Existing Housing, except that they may be exceeded by: (1) Up to 10 percent if the Field Office Director determines that special circumstances warrant such higher rents, or (2) By up to 20 percent where the Regional Administrator determines that special circumstances warrant such higher rents, and in either case, such higher rents meet the test of reasonableness in paragraph (c) of this section. (b) In the case of any project completed not more than six years prior to the application for assistance under that part, or in the case of units converted to Section 8 which were previously assisted under Section 101 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 or Section 236(f)(2) of the National Housing Act, contract rents plus any allowance for utilities and other services may be as high as 75 percent of the published Section 8 Fair Market Rents for New Construction, which limitation may be increased: (1) By up to 10 percent if the Field Office Director determines that special circumstances warrant such higher rents, or (2) by up to 20 percent where the Regional Administrator determines that special circumstances warrant such higher rents, and in either case, such higher rents meet the test of reasonableness contained in paragraph (c) of this section. The project shall be converted using the current HUD approved rent level established pursuant to 24 CFR 207.19(e)(2)(i). (c) In any case, HUD shall determine and so certify that the Contract Rents for the project do not exceed rents which are reasonable for the location, quality, amenities, facilities, and management and maintenance services in relation to the rents paid for comparable units in the private unassisted market, nor shall the Contract Rents exceed the rents charged by the Owner to unassisted Families for comparable units. HUD shall maintain for three years all certifications and relevant documentation under this paragraph (c).

24 C.F.R. § 886.111 Term of contract.

A Contract may be for an initial term of not more than 5 years, renewable for successive 5 year terms by agreement between HUD and the Owner: Provided, That the total Contract term, including renewals, shall not exceed 15 years.

24 C.F.R. § 886.111a a Notice upon contract expiration.

(a) The Contract will provide that the owner will notify each assisted family, at least 90 days before the end of the Contract term, of any increase in the amount the family will be required to pay as rent which may occur as a result of its expiration. If the Contract is to be renewed but with a reduction in the number of units covered by it, this notice shall be given to each family who will not longer be assisted under the Contract. (b) The notice provided for in paragraph (a) of this section shall be accomplished by: (1) Sending a letter by first class mail, properly stamped and addressed, to the family at its address at the project, with a proper return address, and (2) serving a copy of the notice on any adult person answering the door at the leased dwelling unit, or if no adult responds, by placing the notice under or through the door, if possible, or else by affixing the notice to the door. Service shall not be considered to be effective until both required notices have been accomplished. The date on which the notice shall be considered to be received by the family shall be the date on which the owner mails the first class letter provided for in this paragraph, or the date on which the notice provided for in this paragraph is properly given, whichever is later. (c) The notice shall advise each affected family that, after the expiration date of the Contract, the family will be required to bear the entire cost of the rent and that the owner will be free (to the extent the project is not otherwise regulated by HUD) to alter the rent without HUD approval, but subject to any applicable requirements or restrictions under the lease or under State or local law. The notice shall also state: (1) The actual (if known) or the estimated rent which will be charged following the expiration of the Contract; (2) the difference between the rent and the Total Tenant Payment toward rent under the Contract; and (3) the date the Contract will expire. (d) The owner shall give HUD a certification that families have been notified in accordance with this section with an example of the text of the notice attached. (e) This section applies to all Contracts executed, renewed or amended on or after October 1, 1984.

24 C.F.R. § 886.112 Rent adjustments.

This section applies to adjustments of the dollar amount stated in the Contract as the Maximum Unit Rent. It does not apply to adjustments in rents payable to Owners as required by HUD in connection with its mortgage insurance and/or lending functions. (a) Funding of adjustments. Housing Assistance Payments will be made in increased amounts commensurate with Contract Rent adjustments up to the maximum annual amount of housing assistance payments specified in the Contract pursuant to § 886.108(b). (b) Annual adjustments. The contract rents may be adjusted annually, or more frequently, at HUD's option, either (1) on the basis of a written request for a rent increase submitted by the owner and properly supported by substantiating evidence, or (2) by applying, on each anniversary date of the contract, the applicable Automatic Annual Adjustment Factor most recently published by HUD in the Federal Register in accordance with 24 CFR part 888, subpart B. Published Automatic Annual Adjustment Factors will be reduced appropriately by HUD where utilities are paid directly by Families. If HUD requires that the owner submit a written request, HUD, within a reasonable time, shall approve a rental schedule that is necessary to compensate for any increase in taxes (other than income taxes) and operating and maintenance costs over which owners have no effective control, or shall deny the increase stating the reasons therefor. Increases in taxes and maintenance and operating costs shall be measured against levels of such expenses in comparable assisted and unassisted housing in the area to ensure that adjustments in the Contract Rents shall not result in material differences between the rents charged for assisted and comparable unassisted units. Contract Rents may be adjusted upward or downward as may be appropriate; however, in no case shall the adjusted rents be less than the contract rents on the effective date of the contract. (c) Special additional adjustments. Special additional adjustments shall be granted, when approved by HUD, to reflect increases in the actual and necessary expenses of owning and maintaining the Contract units which have resulted from substantial general increases in real property taxes, utility rates or similar costs (i.e., assessment, and utilities not covered by regulated rates), but only if and to the extent that the Owner clearly demonstrates that such general increases have caused increases in the Owner's operating costs which are not adequately compensated for by automatic annual adjustments. The Owner shall submit to HUD financial statements which clearly support the increase. (d) Overall limitation. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the subpart, adjustments as provided in this section shall not result in material differences between the rents charged for assisted and comparable unassisted units, as determined by HUD. (e) Incorporation of rent adjustments. Any adjustment in Maximum Unit Rents shall be incorporated into the Contract by a dated addendum to the Contract establishing the effective date of the adjustment.

24 C.F.R. § 886.113 Physical condition standard; physical inspection requirements.

(a) General. Housing used in this program must be maintained and inspected in accordance with the requirements in 24 CFR part 5, subpart G. (b)-(m) [Reserved] (n) Congregate housing. In addition to the foregoing standards, the following standards apply to congregate housing: (1) The unit shall contain a refrigerator of appropriate size. (2) The central dining facility (and kitchen facility, if any) shall contain suitable space and equipment to store, prepare and serve food in a sanitary manner, and there shall be adequate facilities and services for the sanitary disposal of food wastes and refuse, including facilities for temporary storage where necessary (e.g., garbage cans).

24 C.F.R. § 886.114 Equal opportunity requirements.

Participation in the program authorized in this subpart requires compliance with (a) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Executive Orders 11063 and 11246, and section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968; and (b) all rules, regulations, and requirements issued pursuant thereto.

24 C.F.R. § 886.116 Security and utility deposits.

(a) An Owner may require Families to pay a security deposit in an amount up to, but not more than, one month's Gross Family Contribution. If a Family vacates its unit, the Owner, subject to State and local laws, may utilize the deposit as reimbursement for any unpaid rent or other amount owed under the Lease. If the Family has provided a security deposit and it is insufficient for such reimbursement, the Owner may claim reimbursement from HUD, not to exceed an amount equal to the remainder of one month's Contract Rent. Any reimbursement under this section shall be applied first toward any unpaid rent. If a Family vacates the unit owing no rent or other amount under the Lease or if such amount is less than the amount of the security deposit, the Owner shall refund the full amount or the unused balance, as the case may be, to the Family. (b) In those jurisdictions where interest is payable by the Owner on security deposits, the refunded amount shall include the amount of interest payable. All security deposit funds shall be deposited by the Owner in a segregated bank account, and the balance of this account, at all times, shall be equal to the total amount collected from tenants then in occupancy, plus any accrued interest. The Owner shall comply with all State and local laws regarding interest payments on security deposits. (c) Families shall be expected to obtain the funds to pay security and utility deposits, if required, from their own resources and/or other private or public sources.

24 C.F.R. § 886.118 Amount of housing assistance payments in projects receiving other HUD assistance.

(a) For any Section 221(d)(3) BMIR, Section 236, or Section 202 project, the Housing Assistance Payment shall be the amount by which the rent payable by the eligible Family under Section 8 is less than the subsidized rent (which subsidy shall not be reduced by reason of any Section 8 assistance). (b) In no event may any tenant benefit from more than one of the following subsidies: Rent Supplements, Section 236 deep subsidies, Section 23 leasing assistance, and Section 8 housing assistance.

24 C.F.R. § 886.119 Responsibilities of the owner.

(a) The Owner shall be responsible for management and maintenance of the project in conformance with requirements of the Regulatory Agreement. These responsibilities shall include but not be limited to: (1) Payment for utilities and services (unless paid directly by the Family), insurance and taxes; (2) Performance of all ordinary and extraordinary maintenance; (3) Performance of all management functions, including the taking of applications; determining eligibility of applicants in accordance with part 5 of this title; selection of families, including verification of income, in accordance with part 5 of this title, obtaining and verifying Social Security Numbers submitted by applicants (as provided by part 5, subpart B, of this title), obtaining signed consent forms from applicants for the obtaining of wage and claim information from State Wage Information Collection Agencies (as provided in part 5, subpart B, of this title), and other pertinent requirements; and determination of the amount of tenant rent in accordance with HUD established schedules and criteria. (4) Collection of Tenant Rents; (5) Termination of tenancies, including evictions; (6) Preparation and furnishing of information required under the Contract; (7) Reexamination of family income and composition, redetermination, as appropriate, of the amount of Tenant Rent and the amount of housing assistance payment in accordance with part 5 of this title; collection of rent; obtaining and verifying participant Social Security Numbers, as provided by part 5, subpart B, of this title; and obtaining signed consent forms from participants for the obtaining of wage and claim information from State Wage Information Collection Agencies, as provided by part 5, subpart B, of this title. (8) Redeterminations of amount of Tenant Rent and amount of Housing Assistance Payment in accordance with part 5 of this title as a result of an adjustment by HUD of any applicable Utility Allowance; and (9) Compliance with equal opportunity requirements. (b) In the event of a financial default under the project mortgage, HUD shall have the right to make subsequent Housing Assistance Payments to the mortgagee until such time as the default is cured, or, at the option of the mortgagee and subject to HUD approval, until some other agreed-upon time. (c) Subject to HUD approval, any Owner may contract with any private or public entity to perform for a fee the services required by paragraph (a) of this section: Provided, That such contract shall not shift any of the Owner's responsibilities or obligations.

24 C.F.R. § 886.120 Responsibility for contract administration.

(a) HUD is responsible for administration of the Contract. HUD may contract with another entity for the performance of some or all of its Contract administration functions. (b) The Contract shall contain a provision to the effect (1) that if HUD determines that the Owner is not in compliance under the Contract, HUD shall notify the Owner of the actions required to be taken to restore compliance and of the remedies to be applied by HUD including abatement of Housing Assistance Payments and recovery of overpayments, where appropriate; and (2) that if he fails to comply, HUD has the right to terminate the Contract or to take other corrective action. A default under the Regulatory Agreement shall be treated as non-compliance under the Contract.

24 C.F.R. § 886.121 Marketing.

(a) Marketing of units and selection of Families by the Owner shall be in accordance with the Owner's HUD-approved Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan, if required, and with all regulations relating to fair housing advertising including use of the equal opportunity logotype, statement, and slogan in all advertising. Projects shall be managed and operated without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, or national origin. (b) The Owner shall comply with the applicable provisions of the Contract, this subpart A, and the procedures of part 5 of this title in taking applications, selecting families, and all related determinations. (c) For the informal hearing provisions related to denial of assistance based upon failure to establish citizenship or eligible immigration status, see part 5, subpart E, of this title for provisions concerning certain assistance for mixed families (families whose members include those with eligible immigration status, and those without eligible immigration status) in lieu of denial of assistance.

24 C.F.R. § 886.123 Maintenance, operation, and inspections.

(a) Maintenance and operation. The Owner shall maintain and operate the project so as to provide housing that is compliant with 24 CFR part 5, subpart G, and the Owner shall provide all the services, maintenance, and utilities which the Owner agrees to provide under the Contract, subject to abatement of housing assistance payments or other applicable remedies if the Owner fails to meet these obligations. (b) Inspection prior to occupancy. Prior to occupancy of any unit by a Family, the Owner and the Family shall inspect the unit. On forms prescribed by HUD, the Owner and Family shall certify that they have inspected the unit, and the owner shall certify that the unit is compliant with 24 CFR part 5, subpart G, and with the criteria provided in the prescribed forms. Copies of these reports shall be kept on file by the Owner for at least three years. (c) Periodic inspections. HUD will inspect or cause to be inspected the contract units in accordance with the requirements in 24 CFR part 5, subpart G, and at such other times as may be necessary to assure that the owner is meeting contractual obligations. (d) Units not free of health and safety hazards. If HUD notifies the Owner that the Owner has failed to maintain a unit that is compliant with the requirements in 24 CFR part 5, subpart G, and the Owner fails to take corrective action within the time prescribed by notice, HUD may exercise any of its rights or remedies under the Contract, including abatement of housing assistance payments, even if the Family continues to occupy the unit.

24 C.F.R. § 886.124 Reexamination of family income and composition.

(a) Regular reexaminations. The owner must reexamine the income and composition of all families at least once each year. Upon verification of the information, the owner must make appropriate adjustments in the Total Tenant Payment in accordance with part 5 of this title and determine whether the family's unit size is still appropriate. The owner must adjust Tenant Rent and the Housing Assistance Payment to reflect any change in Total Tenant Payment and carry out any unit transfer required by HUD. At the time of the annual reexamination of family income and composition, the owner must require the family to disclose and verify Social Security Numbers. For requirements regarding the signing and submitting of consent forms by families for the obtaining of wage and claim information from State Wage Information Collection Agencies, see part 5, subpart B, of this title. At the first regular reexamination after June 19, 1995, the owner shall follow the requirements of part 5, subpart E, of this title concerning obtaining and processing evidence of citizenship or eligible immigration status of all family members. Thereafter, at each regular reexamination, the owner shall follow the requirements of part 5, subpart E, of this title concerning verification of the immigration status of any new family member. (b) Interim reexaminations. The family must comply with provisions in its lease regarding interim reporting of changes in income. If the owner receives information concerning a change in the family's income or other circumstances between regularly scheduled reexaminations, the owner must consult with the family and make any adjustments determined to be appropriate. Any change in the family's income or other circumstances that results in an adjustment in the Total Tenant Payment, Tenant Rent and Housing Assistance Payment must be verified. See part 5, subpart B, of this title for the requirements for the disclosure and verification of Social Security Numbers at interim reexaminations involving new family members. For requirements regarding the signing and submitting of consent forms by families for the obtaining of wage and claim information from State Wage Information Collection Agencies, see part 5, subpart B, of this title. At any interim reexamination after June 19, 1995, when there is a new family member, the owner shall follow the requirements of part 5, subpart E, of this title concerning obtaining and processing evidence of citizenship or eligible immigration status of the new family member. (c) Continuation of housing assistance payments. A family's eligibility for housing assistance payments will continue until the Total Tenant Payment equals the Gross Rent. The termination of eligibility will not affect the family's other rights under its lease, nor will such termination preclude the resumption of payments as a result of later changes in income, rents, or other relevant circumstances during the term of the Contract. However, eligibility also may be terminated in accordance with program requirements, for such reasons as failure to submit requested verification information, including failure to meet the disclosure and verification requirements for Social Security Numbers, as provided by part 5, subpart B, of this title, or failure to sign and submit consent forms for the obtaining of wage and claim information from State Wage Information Collection Agencies, as provided by part 5, subpart B, of this title. For provisions requiring termination of assistance for failure to establish citizenship or eligible immigration status, see part 5, subpart E, of this title for provisions concerning certain assistance for mixed families (families whose members include those with eligible immigration status, and those without eligible immigration status) in lieu of termination of assistance, and for provisions concerning deferral of termination of assistance. (d) Streamlined income determination. An owner may elect to follow the provisions of 24 CFR 5.657(d).

24 C.F.R. § 886.125 Overcrowded and underoccupied units.

If HUD determines that a contract unit assisted under this part is not Decent, Safe, and Sanitary by reason of increase in Family size or that a Contract unit is larger than appropriate for the size of the Family in occupancy, housing assistance payments with respect to such unit will not be abated, unless the Owner fails to offer the Family a suitable unit as soon as one becomes vacant and ready for occupancy. The Owner may receive housing assistance payments for the vacated unit if he complies with the requirements of § 886.109.

24 C.F.R. § 886.126 Adjustment of utility allowances.

When the owner requests HUD approval of adjustment in Contract Rents under § 886.112, an analysis of the project's Utility Allowances must be included. Such data as changes in utility rates and other facts affecting utility consumption should be provided as part of this analysis to permit appropriate adjustments in the Utility Allowances. In addition, when approval of a utility rate change would result in a cumulative increase of 10 percent or more in the most recently approved Utility Allowances, the owner must advise the Secretary and request approval of new Utility Allowances.

24 C.F.R. § 886.127 Lease requirements.

(a) Term of lease. (1) The term of a lease, including a new lease or a lease amendment, executed by the owner and the family must be for at least one year, or the remaining term of the contract if the remaining term of the contract is less than one year. (2) During the first year of the lease term, the owner may not terminate the tenancy for “other good cause” under 24 CFR 247.3(a)(3), unless the termination is based on family malfeasance or nonfeasance. For example, during the first year of the lease term, the owner may not terminate the tenancy for “other good cause” based on the failure by the family to accept the offer of a new lease. (3) The lease may contain a provision permitting the family to terminate the lease on 30 days advance written notice to the owner. In the case of a lease term for more than one year, the lease must contain this provision. (b) Required and prohibited provisions. The lease between the owner and the family must comply with HUD regulations and requirements, and must be in the form required by HUD. The lease may not contain any of the following types of prohibited provisions: (1) Admission of guilt. Agreement by the family (i) to be sued, (ii) to admit guilt, or (iii) to a judgment in favor of the owner, in a court proceeding against the family in connection with the lease. (2) Treatment of family property. Agreement by the family that the owner may take or hold family property, or may sell family property, without notice to the family and a court decision on the rights of the parties. (3) Excusing owner from responsibility. Agreement by the family not to hold the owner or the owner's agents responsible for any action or failure to act, whether intentional or negligent. (4) Waiver of notice. Agreement by the family that the owner does not need to give notice of a court proceeding against the family in connection with the lease, or does not need to give any notice required by HUD. (5) Waiver of court proceeding for eviction. Agreement by the family that the owner may evict the family (i) without instituting a civil court proceeding in which the family has the opportunity to present a defense, or (ii) before a decision by the court on the rights of the parties. (6) Waiver of jury trial. Agreement by the family to waive any right to a trial by jury. (7) Waiver of appeal. Agreement by the family to waive the right to appeal, or to otherwise challenge in court, a court decision in connection with the lease. (8) Family chargeable with legal costs regardless of outcome. Agreement by the family to pay lawyer's fees or other legal costs of the owner, even if the family wins in a court proceeding by the owner against the family. (However, the family may have to pay these fees and costs if the family loses.)

24 C.F.R. § 886.128 Termination of tenancy.

Part 247 of this title (24 CFR part 247) applies to the termination of tenancy and eviction of a family assisted under this subpart. For cases involving termination of tenancy because of a failure to establish citizenship or eligible immigration status, the procedures of 24 CFR parts 247 and 5 shall apply. The provisions of 24 CFR part 5, subpart L (Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking), apply to this section. The provisions of 24 CFR part 5, subpart E, of this title concerning certain assistance for mixed families (families whose members include those with eligible immigration status, and those without eligible immigration status) in lieu of termination of assistance, and concerning deferral of termination of assistance, also shall apply.

24 C.F.R. § 886.129 Leasing to eligible families.

(a) Availability of units for occupancy by Eligible Families. During the term of the Contract, an owner shall make available for occupancy by eligible families the total number of units for which assistance is committed under the Contract. For purposes of this section, making units available for occupancy by eligible families means that the owner: (1) Is conducting marketing in accordance with § 886.121; (2) has leased or is making good faith efforts to lease the units to eligible and otherwise acceptable families, including taking all feasible actions to fill vacancies by renting to such families; and (3) has not rejected any such applicant family except for reasons acceptable to HUD. If the owner is temporarily unable to lease all units for which assistance is committed under the Contract to eligible families, one or more units may be leased to ineligible families with the prior approval of HUD. Failure on the part of the owner to comply with these requirements is a violation of the Contract and grounds for all available legal remedies, including specific performance of the Contract, suspension or debarment from HUD programs, and reduction of the number of units under the Contract as set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. (b) Reduction of number of units covered by Contract. HUD may reduce the number of units covered by the Contract to the number of units available for occupancy by eligible families if: (1) The owner fails to comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section; or (2) Notwithstanding any prior approval by HUD to lease such units to ineligible families, HUD determines that the inability to lease units to eligible families is not a temporary problem. (c) Restoration. HUD will agree to an amendment of the Contract to provide for subsequent restoration of any reduction made pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section if: (1) HUD determines that the restoration is justified by demand; (2) The owner otherwise has a record of compliance with his or her obligations under the Contract; and (3) Contract and budget authority are available. (d) Applicability. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section apply to Contracts executed on or after October 3, 1984. (e) Termination of assistance for failure to establish citizenship or eligible immigration status. If an owner subject to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section is required to terminate housing assistance payments for the family in accordance with part 5, subpart E, of this title because the owner determines that the entire family does not have U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status, the owner may allow continued occupancy of the unit by the family without Section 8 assistance following the termination of assistance, or if the family constitutes a mixed family, as defined in part 5, subpart E, of this title, the owner shall comply with the provisions of part 5, subpart E, of this title concerning assistance to mixed families, and deferral of termination of assistance.

24 C.F.R. § 886.130 Management and occupancy reviews.

(a) The contract administrator will conduct management and occupancy reviews to determine whether the owner is in compliance with the Contract. Such reviews will be conducted in accordance with a schedule set out by the Secretary and published in the Federal Register, following notice and the opportunity to comment. Where a change in ownership or management occurs, a management and occupancy review must be conducted within six months. (b) HUD or the Contract Administrator may inspect project operations and units at any time. (c) Equal Opportunity reviews may be conducted by HUD at any time.

24 C.F.R. § 886.131 Audit.

Where a non-Federal entity (as defined in 2 CFR 200.69) is the eligible owner of a project, or is a contract administrator under § 886.120, receiving financial assistance under this part, the audit requirements in 2 CFR part 200, subpart F, shall apply.

24 C.F.R. § 886.132 Tenant selection.

Subpart F of 24 CFR part 5 governs selection of tenants and occupancy requirements applicable under this subpart A of part 886. Subpart L of 24 CFR part 5 (Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking) applies to this section.

24 C.F.R. § 886.138 Displacement, relocation, and acquisition.

(a) Minimizing displacement. Consistent with the other goals and objectives of this part, owners shall assure that they have taken all reasonable steps to minimize the displacement of persons (families, individuals, businesses, nonprofit organization, and farms) as a result of a project assisted under this part. (b) Temporary relocation. The following policies cover residential tenants who will not be required to move permanently but who must relocate temporarily for the project. Such tenants must be provided; (1) Reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the temporary relocation, including the cost of moving to and from the temporary housing and any increase in monthly rent/utility costs; and (2) Appropriate advisory services, including reasonable advance written notice of: (i) The date and approximate duration of the temporary relocation; (ii) The location of the suitable, decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling to be made available for the temporary period; (iii) The terms and conditions under which the tenant may lease and occupy a suitable, decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling in the building/complex following completion of the rehabilitation; and (iv) The provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this section. (c) Relocation assistance for displaced persons. A “displaced person” (as defined in paragraph (g) of this section) must be provided relocation assistance at the levels described in, and in accordance with the requirements of, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (URA) (42 U.S.C. 4601-4655) and implementing regulations at 49 CFR part 24. A “displaced person” shall be advised of his or her rights under the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601-19), and, if the representative comparable replacement dwelling used to establish the amount of the replacement housing payment to be provided to a minority person is located in an area of minority concentration, such person also shall be given, if possible, referrals to comparable and suitable, decent, safe, and sanitary replacement dwellings not located in such areas. (d) Real property acquisition requirements. The acquisition of real property for a project is subject to the URA and the requirements described in 49 CFR part 24, subpart B. (e) Appeals. A person who disagrees with the Owner's determination concerning whether the person qualifies as a “displaced person,” or the amount of relocation assistance for which the person is found to be eligible, may file a written appeal of that determination with the owner. A low-income person who is dissatisfied with the owner's determination on such appeal may submit a written request for review of that determination to the HUD Field Office. (f) Responsibility of owner. (1) The owner shall certify (i.e., provide assurance of compliance, as required by 49 CFR part 24) that he or she will comply with the URA, the regulations at 49 CFR part 24, and the requirements of this section. The owner is responsible for such compliance notwithstanding and third party's contractual obligation to the owner to comply with these provisions. (2) The cost of providing required relocation assistance is an eligible project cost to the same extent and in the same manner as other project costs. Such costs also may be paid for with funds available from other sources. (3) The owner shall maintain records in sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance with the provisions of this section. The owner shall maintain data on the race, ethnic, gender, and handicap status of displaced persons. (g) Definition of displaced person. (1) for purposes of this section, the term displaced person means a person (family, individual, business, nonprofit organization, or farm) that moves from real property, or moves personal property from real property, permanently, as a direct result of acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition for a project assisted under this part. This includes any permanent, involuntary move for an assisted project, including any permanent move from the real property that is made: (i) After notice by the owner to move permanently from the property, if the move occurs on or after the date of the submission of the application to HUD; (ii) Before submission of the application to HUD, if HUD determines that the displacement resulted directly from acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition for the assisted project; or (iii) By a tenant-occupant of a dwelling unit, if any one of the following three situations occurs; (A) The tenant moves after execution of the Housing Assistance Payments Contract, and the move occurs before the tenant is provided written notice offering him or her the opportunity to lease and occupy a suitable, decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling in the same building/complex, under reasonable terms and conditions, upon completion of the project. Such reasonable terms and conditions include a monthly rent and estimated average monthly utility costs that do not exceed the greater of: (1) The tenant's monthly rent before execution of the Housing Assistance Payments Contract and estimated average monthly utility costs; or (2) The total tenant payment, as determined under part 5 of this title, if the tenant is low-income, or 30 percent of gross household income, if the tenant is not low-income; (B) The tenant is required to relocate temporarily, does not return to the building/complex, and either: (1) The tenant is not offered payment for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the temporary relocation, or (2) Other conditions of the temporary relocation are not reasonable; or (C) The tenant is required to move to another dwelling unit in the same building/complex but is not offered reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the move, or other conditions of the move are not reasonable. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (g)(1) of this section, a person does not qualify as a “displaced person” (and is not eligible for relocation assistance under the URA or this section), if: (i) The person has been evicted for serious or repeated violation of the terms and conditions of the lease or occupancy agreement, violation of applicable Federal, State or local law, or other good cause, and HUD determines that the eviction was not undertaken for the purpose of evading the obligation to provide relocation assistance; (ii) The person moved into the property after the submission of the application and, before signing a lease and commencing occupancy, received written notice of the project, its possible impact on the person (e.g., the person may be displaced, temporarily relocated, or suffer a rent increase) and the fact that he or she would not qualify as a “displaced person” (or for assistance under this section) as a result of the project; (iii) The person is ineligible under 49 CFR 24.2(g)(2); or (iv) HUD determines that the person was not displaced as a direct result of acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition for the project. (3) The owner may ask HUD, at any time, to determine whether a displacement is or would be covered by this section. (h) Definition of initiation of negotiations. For purposes of determining the formula for computing the replacement housing assistance to be provided to a residential tenant displaced as a direct result of private-owner rehabilitation, demolition or acquisition of the real property, the term “initiation of negotiations” means the owner's execution of the Housing Assistance Payments Contract.

24 C.F.R. § 886.139 Emergency transfers for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

(a) Covered housing providers must develop and implement an emergency transfer plan that meets the requirements in 24 CFR 5.2005(e). (b) In order to facilitate emergency transfers for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, covered housing providers have discretion to adopt new, and modify any existing, admission preferences or transfer waitlist priorities. (c) In addition to following requirements in 24 CFR 5.2005(e), when a safe unit is not immediately available for a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who qualifies for an emergency transfer, covered housing providers must: (1) Review the covered housing provider's existing inventory of units and determine when the next vacant unit may be available; and (2) Provide a listing of nearby HUD subsidized rental properties, with or without preference for persons of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and contact information for the local HUD field office. (d) Each year, covered housing providers must submit to HUD data on all emergency transfers requested under 24 CFR 5.2005(e), including data on the outcomes of such requests.

24 C.F.R. § 886.140 Broadband infrastructure.

Any new construction or substantial rehabilitation, as substantial rehabilitation is defined by 24 CFR 5.100, of a building with more than 4 rental units and that is subject to a Housing Assistance Payments contract executed or renewed after January 19, 2017 must include installation of broadband infrastructure, as this term is also defined in 24 CFR 5.100, except where the owner determines and documents the determination that: (a) The location of the new construction or substantial rehabilitation makes installation of broadband infrastructure infeasible; (b) The cost of installing broadband infrastructure would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of its program or activity or in an undue financial burden; or (c) The structure of the housing to be substantially rehabilitated makes installation of broadband infrastructure infeasible.

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