New HUD Interim Rule Protects Tenants Facing Evictions for Non-Payment of Rent
HUD announced an Interim Rule that prohibits the eviction of tenants for nonpayment of rent from properties participating in HUD’s Multifamily Section 8 project-based rental assistance, Section 202, and Section 811 assisted housing programs and HUD-subsidized public housing without management first providing a 30-day notice period that includes information about available federal emergency rental assistance. This Interim Final Rule is effective November 8, 2021.
You can find the announcement here, the notice here, and the register here.
2022 Rent Adjustments
HUD released the 2022 OCAF increase for annual rent adjustments effective February 11, 2022. The factor for Rhode Island is 2.7%. Please note this is a factor used as part of the HUD OCAF calculation, and not the final increase percentage. We were waiting for this factor to initiate the rent increase process for these sites, and those affected should be contacted in the next few weeks.
HUD released a memo clarifying items related to Valuation of Non-Shelter services on rent comparability studies. You can find the memo here >
RentReliefRI
The RentReliefRI program continues to offer an important lifeline for Rhode Island renters. Since opening the program earlier this year, we have helped over 7,770 households with rent and/or utility assistance.
We’ve recently made some important changes that will help even more Rhode Island renters:
Streamlined process: We have developed a streamlined process for RentReliefRI applications for affordable developments. Since property managers at these developments have access to more complete tenant information in comparison to most landlords, you are now able to utilize your own rent ledgers and income certifications. Tenants only need to sign the affidavit to complete the application.
“Old” debt: In situations where a tenant leaves an apartment without paying past due rent and then applies for assistance to pay the rent in the new unit, the RentReliefRI program can now pay off the old debt if the tenant agrees. This means that tenants won’t damage their credit rating, will not be pursued for those arrears, and landlords/property managers will receive the rent owed to them. The RentReliefRI program can then pay the tenant’s forward-facing rent up to the time limit cap.
We hope these changes will have a meaningful impact on tenants and property managers. Additional information for managers of affordable housing developments can be found online under the FAQs section on the RentReliefRI landlord page: https://www.rihousing.com/rentreliefri-landlords/.
‣ Releases & Reminders
Fiscal Year 2022 Fair Market Rents have been released and can be found here.
Fiscal Year 2022 Utility Allowance Factors have been released and can be found here.
The new SSA COLA for 2022 is 5.9%. You can find the press release here.
If you have had any changes to your management or ownership contact information you can update your information here.
We'd love to hear from you!
We hope you've found this edition of Property Matters to be helpful to you and your work. If you have thoughts or suggestions for this e-newsletter, please share with us atpbca_eblast@rihousing.com.
RIHousing, 44 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903
