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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 23188: HOME-ARP TENANT BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURE GUIDELINES of U J' fl !, INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: June 6, 2023 To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Through: Ronald Burton, City Manager From: Pam Langford, Assistant City Manager- Operations RE: P. R. #23188 Introduction: The intent of this Agenda Item is to seek the City Council's approval of P. R. #23188 for the 2021 Home Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program(HOME-ARP) Tenant- Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)Policy and Procedure guidelines. Background of the HOME-ARP Grant: The Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated$1,000,453.00 to the City of Port Arthur to address the needs of the homeless and to increase housing stability for very low- income families. Resolution#23-074 allocated $375,368.00 of HOME-ARP funding to Tender Loving Care Dba Legacy Community Development Corporation to administer a Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program to individuals and families that meet one of the Qualifying Populations of homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing, or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking, veterans, and other population where providing supportive services or assistance would prevent homelessness. TBRA funding may be used to provide rental assistance, security deposit assistance, utility deposits, and utility payments to qualifying households. HOME-ARP may pay up to 100% of these costs for a qualifying household. Budget Impact: The 2021 HOME-ARP is the funding source. Recommendation: It is recommended that City Council approve P. R. #23188. P. R. #23188 05/23/2023 M. Essex Page 1 of 3 RESOLUTION NUMBER A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TENANT-BASED RENTAL ASSISTANCE (TBRA) POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR THE 2021 HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN PROGRAM(HOME-ARP) FUNDING FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT. WHEREAS, The Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated $1,000,453.00 to Port Arthur for the 2021 HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP); and, WHEREAS,Resolution#23-074 allocated $375,368.00 to Tender Loving Care Dba Legacy Community Development Corporation to administer the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program; and, WHEREAS,the HOME-ARP Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Policy and Procedures establish the guidelines for the use of HOME-ARP funds for rental assistance, security deposit assistance, utility deposits, and utility payments to qualifying households in accordance with Notice: CPD-21-10, see Attachment"A"and, WHEREAS, the City Council must designate an official to sign all documents concerning the TBRA Policies and Procedures for the 2021 HOME-ARP program, Attachment «B „ NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS: THAT the proposed TBRA Policies and Procedures for the 2021 HOME-ARP Grant are hereby approved and adopted by the City Council of Port Arthur to assure compliance with the CPD-21-10 Notice. THAT the City Manager is designated to sign all documents in connection with the TBRA Policy and Procedure guidelines and, THAT a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the City Council. READ,ADOPTED,AND APPROVED this day of A. D.,2023 at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the following vote: AYES: P. R. #23188 05/23/2023 M. Essex Page 2 of 3 MAYOR COUNCILMEMBERS NOES: Thurman Bill Bartie,Mayor ATTEST: SHERRI BELLARD CITY SECRETARY APP OVED FOR FORM: UM-4° kt-Aarei VAL TIZEN CITY ATTORNEY APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION: RON BURTON, CITY MANAGER APPROVED FOR AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS: i<C>1' KANDY DANIF , F ANCE DIRECTOR P. R. #23188 05/23/2023 M. Essex Page 3 of 3 ATTACHMENT `A" �*PSMENIV. °r U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development * a dl * Community Planning p g and Development Special Attention of Notice: CPD-21-10 CPD Division Directors Issued: September 13, 2021 All HOME Coordinators All HOME Participating Jurisdictions Expires: This NOTICE is effective until it is amended, superseded, or rescinded Cross Reference: 24 CFR Part 92 Subject: Requirements for the Use of Funds in the Rescue Plan Program HOME-American Table of Contents I. PURPOSE ........ ....................................................... II. BACKGROUND ................................. UND..... 2 .................................................. III. ESTABLISHMENT OF HOME-ARP IV. QUALIFYING POPULATIONS, TARGETING ......................................... V. HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN.,•.,.••.•.• II\GAND PREFERENCES................. 3 VI. ELIGIBLE . .. .................... ACTIVITIES """"""'.••••• .. 12 IES.................................. A. Administration and Planning 18 B. HOME-ARP Rental Housing..................................................................................... C. Tenant-Based Rental Assistance TB RA)................................ D. Supportive Services ......... •""'•""""•.• •••••.. 38 ............................... E. Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter............. F. Nonprofit Operating and Capacity Building Assistance.................. 55 VII. OTHER FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS " '•••••••••••••••••• 67 ..................................................... . VIII. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION .............. " 68 IX. PERFORM ................................ PERFORMANCE REVIEWS................ 75 X. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT..................................Appendix—Waivers and Alternative Requirements for HOME Investme 97 Program —American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) nt Partnerships PURPOSE This Notice establishes requirements for funds appropriated under vsetmont ction 3205 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2)( ARP ) for the HOME s Program(HOME)to provide homelessness assistance and supportive services. II. BACKGROUND On March 11, 2021,President Biden signed ARP into law,w is pro the economy,rovides over$1.9 trillion in relief to address the continued impact of the COVID-19 paldemic ublic health, State and local governments, individuals, and businesses. To address the need for homelessness assistance and supportive services, Congress appropriated$5 billion in ARP funds to be administered thoug ugh HOiME s to who homeless, at form four activities that must primarily benefit qualifying individuals risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations.) n tene ant-based eactivities rental assistanceuo: (TBRA), (3) development and support of affordable housing, and development of non-congregate provision of supportive services; and (4) shelter units. The program described in`this notice for the use of the$5 billion in ARP funds is the HOME-American Rescue Plan or HOME-ARP." ARP defines qualifying individuals or families as those that are (1)homeless, as defined in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance tdefined, as ein sectnded 4on 401 of 11302(a)) ("McKinney-Vento"); (2) at risk of homelessness, s fleeing, or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual McKinney-Vento; (3) assault, stalking, or human trafficking; (4)part art of other populations where providing supportive services or assistance would prevent a family's homelessness that include a veteran family greatest risk of housing instability; or(5)veterans and families member that meet the criteria in one of (1)-(4) above. ARP authorized HUD to allocate HOME-ARP funds to states,units of general local local government that qualified government, insular areas, and consortia of generalunitsursuant to section 217 of the for-an allocation of HOME funds in Fiscal Year(FY) 2021,p Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended(42 U.S.C._12701 et seq.) ("NAHA"). On April 8, 2021,HUD allocated HOME-ARP funds to 651 grantees using the HOME formula established at 24 CFR 92.50 and 92.60. The HOME-ARP allocation amounts can be found here. III. ESTABLISHMENT OF HOME-ARP REQUIREMENTS ARP pofrovides funds for homelessness and supportive services assistance under the HOME HUD to statute of Title II of NAHA(42 U.S.C. 12721 et seq.) and authorizes the Secretarwaive or specify alternative requirements for any provision of NAHA or regulation for the administration of the HOME-ARP program, except requirements related to fair housing,civil ri hts, nondiscrimination, labor standards, and the environment,upon a finding that the waiver g or alternative requirement is necessary to expedite or facilitate the use of HOME-ARP funds. Pursuant to ARP,the per-unit cost limits (42 U.S.C. 12742(e)), commitment requirements (42 U.S.C. 12748(g)), matching requirements (42 U.S.C. 12750), and set-aside for housing developed, sponsored, or owned by community housing development organizations(CHDOs) (42 U.S.C. 12771) in NAHA do not apply to HOME-ARP funds. This Notice describes the requirements applicable to a participating jurisdiction's (PJ's)use of HOME-ARP funds. Consolidated plan requirements for HOME are in title I of NAHA and 24 CFR part 91. HOME program regulations are in 24 CFR part 92. Except as described in ARP and this Notice, HOME statutory and regulatory provisions apply to a PJ's use of HOME-ARP funds. Sections I-IX of this Notice describe the HOME-ARP requirements imposed on a PJ for the use of HOME-ARP funds to assist the qualifying populations through HOME-ARP projects or activities. The Appendix describes the waivers and alternative requirements imposed on PJs for the use of HOME-ARP funds and is included in any reference to "this Notice." Specific citations in the Notice shall mean the statute or regulation cited, as may be revised by the Appendix to this Notice. PJs and insular areas must comply with all applicable statutory, regulatory, and alternative requirements, as described in this Notice, including the Appendix. IV. QUALIFYING POPULATIONS, TARGETING AND PREFERENCES ARP requires that funds be used to primarily benefit individuals and families in the following specified"qualifying populations." Any individual or family who meets the criteria for these populations is eligible to receive assistance or services funded through HOME-ARP without meeting additional criteria (e.g., additional income criteria). All income calculations to meet income criteria of a qualifying population or required for income determinations in HOME- ARP eligible activities must use the annual income definition in 24 CFR 5.609 in accordance with the requirements of 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1). A. Qualifying Populations 1. Homeless, as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 Homeless (1), (2), or(3): (1) An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, meaning: (i)An individual or family with a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including a car,park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground; (ii)An individual or family living in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living arrangements (including congregate shelters, transitional housing, and hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by federal, state, or local government programs for low-income individuals); or 3 (iii) An individual who is exiting an institution where he or she resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately before entering that institution; (2)An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence, provided that: (i)The primary nighttime residence will be lost within 14 days of the date of application for homeless assistance; (ii)No subsequent residence has been identified; and (iii)The individual or family lacks the resources or support networks, e.g., family, friends, faith-based or other social networks needed to obtain other permanent housing; (3)Unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age, or families with children and youth, who do not otherwise qualify as homeless under this definition,but who: (i)Are defined as homeless under section 387 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5732a), section 637 of the Head Start Act(42 U.S.C. 9832), section 41403 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994(42 U.S.C. 14043e-2), section 330(h) of the Public Health Service Act(42 U.S.C. 254b(h)), section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012), section 17(b) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(b)), or section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act(42 U.S.C. 11434a); (ii)Have not had a lease, ownership interest,or occupancy agreement in permanent housing at any time during the 60 days immediately preceding the date of application for homeless assistance; (iii) Have experienced persistent instability as measured by two moves or more during the 60-day period immediately preceding the date of applying for homeless assistance; and . — P (iv) Can be expected to continue in such status tender period of-time because of chronic disabilities, chronic physical health or mental health conditions, substance addiction,histories of domestic violence or childhood abuse (including neglect),the presence of a child or youth with a disability, or two or more barriers to employment, which include the lack of a high school degree or General Education Development (GED), illiteracy, low English proficiency, a history of incarceration or detention for criminal activity, and a history of unstable employment; 2. At risk of Homelessness, as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 At risk of homelessness: (1) An individual or family who: 4 (i) Has an annual income below 30 percent of median family income for the area, as determined by HUD; (ii) Does not have sufficient resources or support networks, e.g., family, friends, faith- based or other social networks, immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter or another place described in paragraph (1) of the"Homeless" definition in this section; and (iii) Meets one of the following conditions: (A) Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 60 days immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention assistance; (B) Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship; (C)Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their current housing or living situation will be terminated within 21 days after the date of application for assistance; (D)Lives in a hotel or motel and the cost of the hotel or motel stay is not paid by charitable organizations or by federal, State, or local government programs for low- income individuals; (E)Lives in a single-room occupancy or efficiency apartment unit in which there reside more than two persons or lives in a larger housing unit in which there reside more than 1.5 people per room, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau; (F) Is exiting a publicly funded institution, or system of care (such as a health-care facility, a mental health facility, foster care or other youth facility, or correction program or institution); or (G) Otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated with instability and an increased risk of homelessness, as identified in the recipient's approved consolidated plan; (2)A child or youth who does not qualify as "homeless"under this section, but qualifies as "homeless"under section 387(3)of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act(42 U.S.C. 5732a(3)), section 637(11) of the Head Start Act(42 U.S.C. 9832(11)), section 41403(6)of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e-2(6)), section 330(h)(5)(A) of the Public Health Service Act(42 U.S.C. 254b(h)(5)(A)), section 3(1)of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(1)), or section 17(b)(15) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966(42 U.S.C. 1786(b)(15)); or (3) A child or youth who does not qualify as "homeless"under this section but qualifies as "homeless"under section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 5 U.S.C. 11434a(2)), and the parent(s) or guardian(s) of that child or youth if living with her or him. 3. Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee,Domestic Violence,Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking,or Human Trafficking, as defined by HUD. For HOME-ART',this population includes any individual or family who is fleeing, or is attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. This population includes cases where an individual or family reasonably believes that there is a threat of imminent harm from further violence due to dangerous or life-threatening conditions that relate to violence against the individual or a family member, including a child,that has either taken place within the individual's or family's primary nighttime residence or has made the individual or family afraid to return or remain within the same dwelling unit. In the case of sexual assault,this also includes cases where an individual reasonably believes there is a threat of imminent harm from further violence if the individual remains within the same dwelling unit that the individual is currently occupying,or the sexual assault occurred on the premises during the 90-day period preceding the date of the request for transfer. Domestic violence,which is defined in 24 CFR 5.2003 includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by: 1) A current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim(the term"spouse or intimate partner of the victim"includes a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim, as determined by the length of the relationship, the type of the relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship); 2) A person with whom the victim shares a child in common; 3) A person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; 4) A person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving HOME-ARP funds; or 5) Any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction. Dating violence which is defined in 24 CFR 5.2003 means violence committed by a person: 1) Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and 2) Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: a. The length of the relationship; b. The type of relationship; and c. The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. 6 Sexual assault which is defined in 24 CFR 5.2003 means any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, Tribal, or State law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent. Stalking which is defined in 24 CFR 5.2003 means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: 1) Fear for the person's individual safety or the safety of others; or 2) Suffer substantial emotional distress. Human Trafficking includes both sex and labor trafficking, as outlined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), as amended (22 U.S.C. 7102). These are defined as: 1) Sex trafficking means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act, in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age; or 2) Labor trafficking means the recruitment, harboring, transportation,provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage,or slavery. 4. Other Populations where providing supportive services or assistance under section 212(a)of NAHA (42 U.S.C. 12742(a)) would prevent the family's homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability. HUD defines these populations as individuals and households who do not qualify under any of the populations above but meet one of the following criteria: (1) Other Families Requiring Services or Housing Assistance to Prevent Homelessness is defined as households (i.e., individuals and families)who have previously been qualified as "homeless"as defined in 24 CFR 91.5, are currently housed due to temporary or emergency assistance,including financial assistance, services,temporary rental assistance or some type of other assistance to allow the household to be housed, and who need additional housing assistance or supportive services to avoid a return to homelessness. (2) At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability is defined as household who meets either paragraph (i) or(ii)below: (i) has annual income that is less than or equal to 30% of the area median income, as determined by HUD and is experiencing severe cost burden(i.e., is paying more than 50% of monthly household income toward housing costs); 7 (ii) has annual income that is less than or equal to 50% of the area median income, as determined by HUD,AND meets one of the following conditions from paragraph(iii) of the "At risk of homelessness"definition established at 24 CFR 91.5: (A)Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 60 days immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention assistance; (B)Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship; (C)Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their current housing or living situation will be terminated within 21 days after the date of application for assistance; (D)Lives in a hotel or motel and the cost of the hotel or motel stay is not paid by charitable organizations or by Federal, State, or local government programs for low-income individuals; (E)Lives in a single-room occupancy or efficiency apartment unit in which there reside more than two persons or lives in a larger housing unit in which there reside more than 1.5 persons reside per room, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau; (F) Is exiting a publicly funded institution, or system of care(such as a health-care facility, a mental health facility, foster care or other youth facility,or correction program or institution); or (G)Otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated with instability and an increased risk of homelessness, as identified in the recipient's approved consolidated plan Veterans and Families that include a Veteran Family Member that meet the criteria for one of the qualifying populations described above are eligible to receive HOME-ARP assistance. B. Use of Funds to Benefit Qualifying Populations ARP states that funds must be used to primarily benefit the qualifying populations through the four eligible activities: (1)TBRA, (2)development and support of affordable housing, (3) provision of supportive services;and(4)acquisition and development-of-non congregate shelter (NCS)units. Recognizing the urgent needs of individuals and families in qualifying populations,HUD is requiring that: • 100% of HOME-ARP funds used by a PJ for TBRA, supportive services, and acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter units must benefit individuals and families in qualifying populations. Individuals and families in qualifying populations may be assisted by one or more of the HOME-ARP eligible activities, consistent with the requirements in this Notice. • Not less than 70 percent of affordable rental housing units acquired,rehabilitated, or constructed with HOME-ARP funds by a PJ must be occupied by households in the qualifying populations. Units that are not restricted to occupancy by qualifying populations are subject to income targeting and rent requirements established under the 8 HOME-ARP Rental Program rules and are only permitted in projects with rental units restricted for occupancy by qualifying populations. HUD recognizes that, because many households in the qualifying populations are unable to pay rents sufficient to cover unit operating costs, PJs and project owners should attempt to obtain Federal or state project-based rental subsidies, if available. Since project-based rental subsidies can be difficult to secure, additional flexibility may be necessary to structure and underwrite projects so that they remain both affordable and financially viable. HUD is providing PJs with additional flexibilities in Section VI.B. to structure and underwrite HOME-ARP rental projects so they remain financially viable during the minimum compliance period. One of these flexibilities is permitting up to 30 percent of HOME-ARP rental housing units funded by a PJ to be occupied by low-income households. PJs are encouraged to use this flexibility only when it is required to facilitate development of a HOME-ARP rental project. PJs must determine and document that households meet the definition of a qualifying population or, for the portion of HOME-ARP rental units not restricted to these populations, that households are low-income. C. Preferences Among Qualifying Populations, Referral Methods, and Subpopulations 1. Preferences ARP establishes the qualifying populations that are eligible for assistance with HOME-ARP funds. A PJ may establish reasonable preferences among the qualifying populations to prioritize applicants for HOME-ARP projects or activities based on the PJ's needs and priorities, as described in its HOME-ARP allocation plan. For example, a PJ may set a preference among qualifying individuals and families for a HOME-ARP non-congregate shelter for individuals and families who are homeless; fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; and veterans and families with a veteran family member that meet the criteria of one of these prior qualifying populations, consistent with its HOME-ARP allocation plan. The PJ must comply with all applicable fair housing, civil rights, and nondiscrimination requirements, including but not limited to those requirements listed in 24 CFR 5.105(a) when applying preferences through its referral methods. Persons who are eligible for a preference must have the opportunity to participate in all HOME-ARP activities of the PJ in which they are eligible under this Notice, including activities that are not separate or different, and cannot be excluded because of any protected characteristics or preferential status. Targeted assistance: If HOME-ARP funds are used for TBRA, the PJ may establish a preference for individuals with special needs or persons with disabilities among the HOME- ARP qualifying populations. Within the qualifying populations, participation may be limited to persons with a specific disability only, if necessary,to provide effective housing, aid, benefit, or services that would be as effective as those provided to others in accordance with 24 CFR 8.4(b)(1)(iv). The PJ may also provide a preference for a specific category of individuals with disabilities (e.g., persons with HIV/AIDS or chronic mental illness)within the qualifying 9 populations only if the specific category is identified in the PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan as having unmet need and the preference is needed to narrow the gap in benefits and services received by such persons. 2. Referral Methods for Projects or Activities A PJ may use the referral methods described below to administer HOME-ARP assistance to qualifying individuals and families. Regardless of the referral method used by the PJ,HUD holds the PJ responsible for determining and documenting that beneficiaries meet the definition of a qualifying population or, for the portion of HOME-ARP rental units not restricted to qualifying populations,that beneficiaries are low-income. A PJ may use the coordinated entry or coordinated entry process (CE) of a continuum of care (CoC) for referrals for projects and activities as described below.Under 24 CFR 578.3, a CE is a centralized or coordinated process designed to coordinate program participant intake assessment and provision of referrals within a defined area. HUD requires each CoC to establish and operate a CE with the goal of increasing the efficiency of local crisis response systems and improving fairness and ease of access to resources,including mainstream resources. A PJ may permit a CoC CE to collect information and documentation required to determine whether an individual or family meets the criteria of a HOME-ARP qualifying population at any point in the coordinated entry process, (i.e., after or concurrently with the assessment and intake processes) as long as that information is not used to rank a person for HOME-ARP assistance other than as specified by the preferences or method of prioritization established by the PJ, in accordance with HOME-ARP requirements. If the PJ uses CE,the PJ cannot require HOME- ARP victim service providers to use the CE but may permit them to do so. The PJ must comply with all applicable nondiscrimination and equal opportunity laws and requirements listed in 24 CFR 5.105(a) and any other applicable fair housing and civil rights laws and requirements when using the following referral methods: i. Use of Expanded CE in HOME-ARP Under this referral method, a PJ may use a CE established by a CoC operating within its boundaries for one or more projects or activities if the CE accepts all HOME-ARP qualifying populations eligible for those activities or projects, in accordance with the preferences and prioritization;if any,-established or approvedby the--P--J-in-its HOME-ARP allocation plan and imposed through the PJ's written agreements. Before using a CoC's CE, PJs should consider whether the CE covers the same service area as the HOME-ARP project or activity that would use that CE. At a minimum,the PJ must establish policies and procedures that describe the relationship of the geographic area(s) served by the project or activity to the geographic area(s) covered by the CoC CE and address how the CE will provide access and implement uniform referral processes in situations where a project's geographic area(s) is broader than the geographic area(s) covered by the CE. 10 The PJ must require a project or activity to use CE along with other referral methods (as provided in section ii below)or to use only a project/activity waitin list as section iii below) if: g ( provided in 1. the CE does not have a sufficient number of qualifying individuals and families refer to the PJ for the project or activity; to 2. the CE does not include all HOME-ARP 3. the CE fails to provide access and implement qualifyingform referral processes in populations; or, ions where a project's geographic area(s) is broader thane geographic area(s)covered by the CE. ii. Use of CE with Other Referral Methods The PJ may use a CoC CE with additional referrals from outside organizations or project- specific waiting lists consistent with HOME-ARP requirements. If using this referral method, the PJ must establish or approve any preferences or prioritization criteria applied by a CoC CE or other referral sources. The PJ may also use a waiting list to receive referrals from a CoC CE and other referral agencies for a project or activity, where a CoC CE or referral agency refers an applicant that is placed on the waiting list for that project or activity in chronological order. If applicable, a PJ must establish policies and procedures for applying a PJ's established preferences and method of prioritization, if any, when accepting direct referrals from a CoC CE and other referral agencies and must document that such the policies and rocedur were followed for each applicant served. p es iii. Use of a Project/Activity Waiting List The PJ may establish a waiting list for each HOME-ARP project or activity. All qualifying individuals or families must have access to apply for placement on the waiting list for an activity or project. Qualifying individuals or families on a waiting list must be accepted in accordance with the PJ's preferences, if any, consistent with this Notice or,if the PJ di establish preferences, in chronological order, insofar as practicable. di not 3. Limiting Eligibility to Subpopulatians PJs must follow all applicable fair housing, civil rights, and nondiscrimination including but not limited to those requirements listed in 24 CFR 5 105(a). This includes, but is not limited to, the Fair Housing Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, section 504 of Rehabilitation Act, HUD's Equal Access Rule, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as applicable. HOME-ARP rental housing or NCS may be limited to a specific subpopulation of a qualifying population identified in Section IV.A. of this Notice, so long as admission does not discriminate against any protected class under federal nondiscrimination laws in 24 CFR 5.105 (e.g., the housing may be limited to homeless households and at risk of homelessness households, 11 veterans and their families,victims of domestic violence,dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking and their families). Recipients may limit admission to or provide a preference for HOME-ARP that ar rental nta housing or NCS to households who need the specialized supportive sere domestic violence services). However,no otherwWheligible benefit from the disabilities or families including an individual with a disability may may be excluded on the grounds that they do not have a particular disability. Consistent with the statutory authority under ARP,as sh -HOME-ARP der the ESG NCS may be converted program, to all permanent housing under the CoC program or used program and fair housing and nondiscrimination requirements are met. As such, HOME-ARP NCS may need to limit eligibility to households that are homeless and/or at risk of errnanent housing under the CoC program or homelessness if the shelter will be converted to p used as an emergency shelter in the ESG program. V. HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN PJs develop annual action plans as part of their applicat for ion participation processes OME funing. To landve ts HOME-ARP funds, a PJ must engage in consultation and public develop a HOME-ARP allocation plan that meets the requirements ton Fiscal shed in this section nub n of the Notice and submit it to HUD as a substantial amendment2021byARP to action plan. HUD is using the waiver and alternative requirement authority provided establish requirements for the HOME-ARP allocation distribute lnin this HOME ice. The HOME-ARP plan must describe how the PJ intends A PJ's how it will use these funds to address the needs of HOME-ARP qualifying populations. HOME-ARP allocation plan must include: • A summary of the consultation process and results of upfront consultation; • A summary of comments received through the public participation process and a summary of any comments or recommendations not accepted and the reasons why; • A description of HOME-ARP qualifying populations within the jurisdiction; • An assessment of unmet needs of each qualifying population; • An assessment of-gaps in housing and shelter inventory,homeless assistance and services, and homelessness prevention service delivery system; • A summary of the planned use of HOME-ARP funds for eligible activities based on the unmet needs of the qualifying populations; • An estimate of the number of housing units allocation;qualifying and populations the PJ will produce or preserve with its HOME • A description of any preferences for individuals and families in a particular qualifying population or a segment of a qualifying population. All the above required elements of the HOME-ARP allocation plan shall be part of the FY 2021 ro annual action plan for purposes of the HOME-ARP program. Consequently,PJs are not { required to amend their consolidated plans. 12 1�. A. Consultation Before developing its HOME-ARP allocation plan, a PJ must consult with agencies and service providers whose clientele include the HOME-ARP qualifying populations to identify unmet needs and gaps in housing or service delivery systems. In addition, a PJ should use consultation to determine the HOME-ARP eligible activities currently taking place within its jurisdiction and potential collaborations for administering HOME-ARP. This consultation will provide a basis for the PJ's strategy for distributing HOME-ARP funds for eligible activities to best meet the needs of qualifying populations. At a minimum, a PJ must consult with the CoC(s)serving the jurisdiction's geographic area,homeless and domestic violence service providers, veterans' groups, public housing agencies (PHAs),public agencies that address the needs of the qualifying populations, and public or private organizations that address fair housing, civil rights, and the needs of persons with disabilities. State PJs are not required to consult with every PHA or CoC within the state's boundaries; however, local PJs must consult with all PHAs(including statewide or regional PHAs) and CoCs serving the jurisdiction. In its plan, a PJ must describe its consultation process, list the organizations consulted, and summarize the feedback received from these entities. B. Public Participation PJs must provide for and encourage citizen participation in the development of the HOME-ARP allocation plan. Before submitting the HOME-ARP allocation plan to HUD, PJs must provide residents with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed HOME-ARP allocation plan of no less than 15 calendar days. The PJ must follow its adopted requirements for"reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment"for plan amendments in its current citizen participation plan. In addition, PJs must hold at least one public hearing during the development of the HOME-ARP allocation plan prior to submitting the plan to HUD. For the purposes of HOME-ARP, PJs are required to make the following information available to the public: • The amount of HOME-ARP funds the PJ will receive. • The range of activities the PJ may undertake. A PJ must consider any comments or views of residents received in writing, or orally at a public hearing, when preparing the HOME-ARP allocation plan. In its plan, a PJ must describe its public participation process, including any efforts made to broaden public participation. In its plan, the PJ must also include a summary of comments and recommendations received through the public participation process and any comments or recommendations not accepted and the reasons why. Throughout the HOME-ARP allocation plan public participation process, the PJ must follow its applicable fair housing and civil rights requirements and procedures for effective communication, accessibility and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities and providing meaningful access to participation by limited English proficient(LEP) residents that are in its current citizen participation plan as required by 24 CFR 91.105 and 91.115. 13 C. HOME-ARP Allocation Plan Requirements The HOME-ARP allocation plan must describe the distribution of HOME-ARP funds and the process for soliciting applications and/or selecting eligible projects. The plan must also identify any preferences being established for eligible activities or projects. However,PJs are not required to identify specific projects that will be funded in the HOME-ARP allocation plan. 1. Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis: A PJ must evaluate the size and demographic composition of qualifying populations within its boundaries and assess the unmet needs of those populations. In addition, a PJ must identify any gaps within its current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service delivery system. A PJ should use current data, including point in time count, housing inventory count, or other data available through CoCs, and consultations with service providers to quantify the individuals and families in the qualifying populations and their need for additional housing, shelter, or services. A PJ should identify and consider the current resources available to assist qualifying populations, including congregate and non-congregate shelter units, supportive services, TBRA, and affordable and permanent supportive rental housing. A PJ must consider the housing and service needs of qualifying populations, including but not limited to: • Sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations; • Those currently housed populations at risk of homelessness; • Other families requiring services or housing assistance to prevent homelessness; and • Those at greatest risk of housing instability or in unstable housing situations. A PJ should include data in its HOME-ARP allocation plan that describes the qualifying populations. In addition, a PJ must include a narrative description that: • Identifies the characteristics of housing associated with instability and an increased risk of homelessness if the PJ will include such conditions under HUD's definition of"other populations" as established in Section IV.A.4.2.ii.G.of this Notice. • Identifies the PJ's priority needs for qualifying populations; and, • Explains how the PJ determined the level of need and gaps in its shelter and housing inventory and service delivery systems. 2. HOME-ARP Activities: The HOME-ARP allocation plan must describe how a PJ will distribute HOME-ARP funds in accordance with its priority needs. The plan must describe the PJ's method for soliciting applications for funding and/or selecting developers, service providers, subrecipients and/or contractors and whether the PJ will administer eligible activities directly. If the PJ will provide any portion of its HOME-ARP administrative funds to a subrecipient or contractor prior to HUD's acceptance of the PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan because the subrecipient or contractor is responsible for the administration of the PJ's entire HOME-ARP grant,the plan must identify the subrecipient or contractor and describe its role and responsibilities in administering all of the PJ's HOME-ARP program. PJs must indicate in the HOME-ARP allocation plan the amount of HOME-ARP funding that is planned for each eligible HOME-ARP activity type, including administrative and 14 planning activities. In addition, a PJ must demonstrate that any planned funding for nonprofit organization operating assistance, as described in Section VI.F,nonprofit capacity building, and administrative costs is within HOME-ARP limits. PJs must also include a narrative description about how the characteristics of its shelter and housing inventory, service delivery system, and the needs identified in the PJ's gap analysis provided a rationale for its plan to fund eligible activities. 3. HOME-ARP Production Housing Goals: The HOME-ARP allocation plan must estimate the number of affordable rental housing units for qualifying populations that a PJ will produce or support with its HOME-ARP allocation. The plan must also include a narrative about the specific affordable rental housing production goal that the PJ hopes to achieve and describe how it will address the PJ's priority needs. 4. Preferences: The HOME-ARP allocation plan must identify whether the PJ intends to give preference to one or more qualifying populations or a subpopulation within one or more qualifying populations for any eligible activity or project. For example, PJs may include a preference for: • homeless individuals and families as defined in the ESG and CoC programs; • individuals with special needs or persons with disabilities among qualifying individuals and families; • a specific category of qualifying individuals and families(e.g., chronically homeless as defined in 24 CFR 91.5). PJs are not required to describe specific projects to which the preferences will apply in the HOME-ARP allocation plan. However, a PJ must explain how the use of a preference or method of prioritization will address the unmet need or gap in benefits and services received by individuals and families in the qualifying population or category of qualifying population, consistent with the PJ's needs assessment and gap analysis. The PJ must also describe how it will still address the unmet needs or gaps in benefits and services of the other qualifying populations that are not included in a preference through the use of HOME- ARP funds. Preferences cannot violate any applicable fair housing, civil rights, and nondiscrimination requirements, including but not limited to those requirements listed in 24 CFR 5.105(a). The PJ must comply with all applicable nondiscrimination and equal opportunity laws and requirements listed in 24 CFR 5.105(a) and any other applicable fair housing and civil rights laws and requirements when establishing preferences or methods of prioritization. 5. HOME-ARP Refinancing Guidelines: If a PJ intends to use HOME-ARP funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily rental housing that is being rehabilitated with HOME-ARP funds, it must state its refinancing guidelines in accordance with 24 CFR 92.206(b)(2). The guidelines must describe the conditions under with the PJ will refinance existing debt for a HOME-ARP rental project. At a minimum, the guidelines must: • Establish a minimum level of rehabilitation per unit or a required ratio between rehabilitation and refinancing to demonstrate that rehabilitation of HOME-ARP rental housing is the primary eligible activity. 15 • Require a review of management practices to demonstrate that disinvestment in the property has not occurred;that the long-term needs of the project can be met; and that the feasibility of serving qualified populations for the minimum compliance period can be demonstrated. • State whether the new investment is being made to maintain current affordable units, create additional affordable units, or both. • Specify whether the required compliance period is the minimum 15 years or longer. • State that HOME-ARP funds cannot be used to refinance multifamily loans made or insured by any federal program, including CDBG. 6. Substantial Amendments to the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan: PJs must make a substantial amendment to the HOME-ARP allocation plan for changes in the method of distributing funds; to carry out an activity not previously described in the plan; or,to change the purpose, scope, location, or beneficiaries of an activity, including new preferences not previously described in the plan. In addition, the requirements for substantial amendments at 24 CFR 92.63 apply to the HOME-ARP allocation plan for insular areas. PJs are not required to make a substantial amendment to describe individual projects selected for funding if the eligible activity is included in the PJ's plan. PJs must make the proposed substantial amendment public and provide for a 15-day public comment period prior to submission. Upon completion of the public comment period, PJs must submit substantial amendments to HUD in accordance with the process for submitting the HOME-ARP allocation plan as described in Section V.D. 7. Certifications and SF-424: PJs must submit the required certifications in accordance with the requirements in this Notice,including the following: a. Affirmatively Further Fair Housing; b. Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act and Anti- displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan; c. Anti-Lobbying; d. Authority of Jurisdiction; e. Section 3; and, f. HOME-ARP specific certification that a PJ will only use HOME-ARP funds consistent with-ARP-and the HOME.-ARP Notice for eligible activities and eligible costs. PJs must also submit the SF-424, SF-424B, and SF-424D with the HOME-ARP allocation plan. D. Submission and Review Process 1. HOME-ARP Submission and the eCon Planning Suite: Upon completion of the HOME- ARP allocation plan, a PJ must submit the HOME-ARP allocation plan to HUD. To submit the HOME-ARP allocation plan,PJs must follow the process in IDIS to make an amendment to the Fiscal Year(FY) 2021 annual action plan. Once the FY 2021 annual action plan is reopened, a PJ must upload a Microsoft Word or PDF version of the plan as an attachment next to the"HOME-ARP allocation plan" option on the AD-26 screen(for 16 PJs whose FY. 2021 annual action plan is a Year 2-5 annual action plan) or the AD-25 screen(for PJs whose FY 2021 annual action plan is a Year 1 annual action plan that is part of the 2021 consolidated plan),unless instructed by HUD to follow a different submission procedure. PJs are not required to make any other edits to the FY 2021 annual action plan or applicable consolidated plan screens in the eCon Planning Suite. For more information on how to upload an attachment in the eCon Planning Suite, PJs can refer to the eCon Planning Suite Desk Guide. 2. HUD Review of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan: The PJ must submit its HOME-ARP allocation plan to HUD for review in accordance with 24 CFR 91.500,as revised by this Notice. Unless instructed otherwise by HUD, the HOME-ARP allocation plan is received by HUD when the SF-424 is submitted electronically, which means that it is uploaded in the eCon Planning Suite as an attachment on AD-25 or AD-26 screen, as applicable, and the action plan status is changed to"Submitted for Review." HUD will review a PJ's HOME- ARP allocation plan to determine that it is: • Substantially complete, and • Consistent with the purposes of ARP. HUD may disapprove a PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan in accordance with 24 CFR 91.500(b). HUD may also disapprove a HOME-ARP allocation plan or a portion of a plan if HUD determines that the plan is inconsistent with the purposes of ARP or substantially incomplete. A PJ's plan is inconsistent with ARP if it allocates HOME-ARP funds for uses other than a HOME-ARP eligible activity, as described in this Notice. A PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan is substantially incomplete if: • The PJ does not complete the required public participation or consultation or fails to describe those efforts in the plan; • The PJ fails to include the required elements outlined in this Notice, including the amount of HOME-ARP funds for each eligible HOME-ARP activity type; • The PJ fails to identify and describe the responsibilities of the subrecipient or contractor administering all of its HOME-ARP award, if applicable; or, • HUD rejects the PJ's HOME-ARP certification as inaccurate. In accordance with section 105(c)of NAHA (42 U.S.C. 12705(c))and 24 CFR 91.500 a , if the PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan is not disapproved within 45 days,then the plan is ) deemed approved 45 days after HUD receives the plan, and HUD shall notify the PJ that the plan is accepted. If HUD determines that the plan is substantially incomplete or that the plan is inconsistent with ARP, HUD will notify the PJ in writing with the reasons for disapproval, in accordance with 24 CFR 91.500(c). If a PJ's plan is disapproved,the PJ may revise or resubmit the plan for HUD review within 45 days after the first notification of disapproval. HUD will respond to accept or disapprove the resubmitted plan within 30 days of receiving the revisions or resubmission. Once HUD notifies a PJ that the plan is accepted, the PJ must make the final HOME-ARP allocation plan available to the public in accordance with the same requirements in the PJ's 17 current citizen participation plan that are followed to make the PJ's adopted consolidated plan and substantial amendments available to the public, including the availability of materials in a form accessible to persons with disabilities, and translated materials in different languages to accommodate LEP persons,upon request. 3. HUD Review of the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan for Insular Areas: In addition to the standards for review described in Section V.D.2,HUD will review an insular area's HOME- ARP allocation plan in accordance with 24 CFR 92.62. If HUD cannot make a determination based on the information submitted that the HOME-ARP allocation plan complies with HOME-ARP allocation plan requirements, or if the eligible activities described in the plan are not within the insular area's management capability as demonstrated by past performance in housing and community development programs,HUD will notify the insular area within 30 days of receipt of the HOME-ARP allocation plan that supporting documentation is needed. The insular area will have a mutually agreed upon period to submit the necessary supporting information or to revise the eligible activities in its HOME-ARP allocation plan. VI. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES A. Administration and Planning The PJ may expend, for payment of reasonable administrative and planning costs,up to 15 percent of its HOME-ARP allocation. Reasonable administrative and planning costs for the HOME-ARP program include: 1. Reasonable costs of overall HOMEARP program ts include,but are not limited to,nagement,coordination,monitoring, and evaluation. Such HOME-ARP costs expenditures for the following: a. Salaries,wages, and related costs of the PJ's staff. If a PJ charges costs to this category, the PJ may either include the entire salary and related costs allocable to the HOME-ARP program of each person whose primary responsibilities with regard to the HOME-ARP program involves program administration assignments,or the prorated share of the salary,wages,and-r-elate_d_costs_of each person whose job includes any program administrative assignments. A PJ may only use one of these two methods.Pro-gram administration includes: ro i. Developing systems and schedules for complying with HOME-ARP program requirements, including systems to prevent a duplication of benefits among beneficiaries of HOME-ARP activities; ii. Developing interagency agreements and agreements with entities receiving HOME-ARP funds; iii. Monitoring HOME-ARP activities for progress and compliance with HOME- ARP program requirements; iv. Preparing HOME-ARP reports and other documents related to the HOME-ARP program for submission to HUD; 18 v. Coordinating the resolution of audit and monitoring findings on HOME-ARP activities; vi. Evaluating HOME-ARP program results against stated objectives in the HOME- ARP allocation plan, and vii. Managing or supervising persons whose primary responsibilities with regard to the HOME-ARP program include such assignments as those described above. b. Travel costs incurred for official business in carrying out the HOME-ARP program. c. Administrative services performed under third party contracts or agreements, including such services as general legal services, accounting services, and audit services. d. Other costs for goods and services required for administering the HOME-ARP program, such as: rental or purchase of equipment, insurance, information systems necessary to track and implement beneficiaries of HOME-ARP activities in accordance with the requirements of this Notice, utilities, office supplies, and rental and maintenance (but not purchase) of office space. e. Costs of administering HOME-ARP TBRA and HOME-ARP supportive services programs. 2. Staff and overhead costs of the PJ directly related to carrying out a HOME-ARP project, in accordance with 24 CFR 92.207(b). 3. The provision of information and other resources to residents and citizen organizations participating in the planning, implementation, or assessment of projects being assisted with HOME-ARP funds. 4. Activities to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH) in accordance with 24 CFR 5.151 and the PJ's certification as required under this Notice and 24 CFR 5.152. The AFFH definition in HUD's Interim Final Rule entitled, "Restoring Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Definitions and Certifications"(86 FR 30779, June 10, 2021), as amended, at 24 CFR 5.151, and the AFFH certification requirement, at 24 CFR 5.152, available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/06/10/2021-12114/restoring-affirmatively- furthering-fair-housing-definitions-and-certifications. 5. Indirect costs may be charged to the HOME-ARP program under a cost allocation plan prepared in accordance with 2 CFR part 200, subpart E, as amended. 6. Preparation of the HOME-ARP allocation plan as required in this Notice. Preparation includes the costs of public hearing, consultations, and publications. 7. Costs of complying with the applicable Federal requirements in 24 CFR part 92, subpart H. Project-specific environmental review costs may be charged as administrative or project costs in accordance with 24 CFR 92.206(d)(8) and is at the discretion of the PJ. 19 Funds available under the HOME-ARP appropriation for administration and planning may not be used to pay costs attributable to the regular HOME Program. PJs may provide all or a portion of its HOME-ARP administrative funds to subrecipients and contractors that are administering activities on behalf of the PJ(e.g., CoC entity, other non- Federal entity), in accordance with the requirements in this Notice. However,from the obligation date of the HOME-ARP funds in the HOME-ARP Grant Agreement and prior to HUD's acceptance of the PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan, a subrecipient or contractor to the PJ may only incur and expend HOME-ARP funds for eligible administrative and planning costs if the subrecipient or contractor is responsible for the use of the PJ's entire HOME-ARP award and has executed a HOME-ARP written agreement that complies with 24 CFR 92.504 and this Notice. The PJ must also identify the subrecipient or contractor administering the PJ's entire HOME-ARP award and describe the subrecipient or contractor's responsibilities in the PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan. All costs must comply with the Cost Principles contained in subpart E of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards at 2 CFR part 200, as amended(Uniform Administrative Requirements). Once HUD obligates the HOME-ARP funds, as described in Section VIII.C.2 of this Notice,the PJ may incur and expend up to 5 percent of its HOME-ARP allocation on eligible administrative and planning costs, as described in this section and 24 CFR 92.207. Before HUD's acceptance of the PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan,the PJ is only permitted to incur and expend HOME-ARP funds on eligible administrative and planning costs. If the PJ does not submit a HOME-ARP allocation plan or if the PJ's plan is not accepted within a reasonable period of time, as determined by HUD, all HOME-ARP administrative and planning costs incurred by the PJ will be ineligible costs and any HOME-ARP funds expended by the PJ must be repaid to the PJ's HOME Investment Trust Fund Treasury account, in accordance with guidance issued by HUD. Moreover, if the PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan does not identify or include a description of the responsibilities of the subrecipient or contractor that is responsible for the PJ's entire HOME-ARP award, if applicable,the administrative and planning costs incurred or expended by the subrecipient or contractor will also be ineligible and any HOME-ARP funds expended by the PJ's subrecipient or contractor must be repaid to the PJ's HOME Investment Trust Fund Treasury account;m accordance with guidance-from-HUD. B. HOME-ARP Rental Housing HOME-ARP funds may be used to acquire, rehabilitate, or construct affordable rental housing primarily for occupancy by households of individuals and families that meet the definition of one or more of the qualifying populations described in Section IV.A of this Notice("qualifying households"). Unlike the regular HOME Program,which targets HOME-assisted rental units based on tenant income, 70 percent of all HOME-ARP units will admit households based only upon their status as qualifying households. This complicates the underwriting and operation of projects that include HOME-ARP units.As a result,the requirements for HOME-ARP rental housing provide significant flexibilities to enable HOME-ARP rental projects to remain 20 financially viable and affordable for the qualifying populations throughout the minimum compliance period. Eligible HOME-ARP rental housing includes "housing"as defined but not limited to manufactured housing, single room occupancy at 24 C_92.2, including supportive housing. Emergency shelters, hotels, and motels (including SRO)units, and permanent as non-congregate shelter), facilities such as nursing homes, residental treatment currently operating correctional facilities, halfway houses, and housing for students or dormitoriest facilities, housing in the HOME-ARP program. However, HOME-ARP funds dod t nota constitute rehabilitate such structures into HOME- maybe used to acquire and ARP rental housing. Developing financially feasible rental housing for qualifying households is challenging absence of project-based rental assistance. g ng in the rents to cover all or a portion of the debt service and project soperating isted tacostsl . is relytoMe A qualifying households will be unable to pay a rent that covers allocated debt Most HOME-ARP operating costs,requiring PJs to use other techniques to determine that HOME- service or affordable and that projects containing HOME-ARP units are sustainable throughout ARP units are the minimum compliance period. PJs are encouraged to work with local PHAs andother local agencies to obtain project-based rental assistance for units funded withstate or the absence of such project-based rental assistance, the HOME-ARP units for qualifying f households may require substantial capital investment through HOME-ARP and of state, local, or private sources to eliminate debt service on the units. ARP suspended the her Federal, maximum per-unit subsidy limit for HOME-ARP units, enabling HOME-ARP funds to entire cost to acquire,rehabilitate and/or construct the HOME-ARP rental units, eliminating theeating the need for the HOME-ARP units to support debt. In mixed-income develo ments, revenue from market rate or higher income-restricted units may also provide an internal subsid to co portion of the operating costs of HOME-ARP units. Y ver a To address these challenges and maintain affordability, HUD is using its HOME RP statutory authority to: -A • Establish alternative rent requirements to 24 CFR 92 252(b) and extend an owner's ability to charge the maximum rent permissible under a rental assistance r units occupied by recipients of tenant-based rental assistance e, n gam (to e Vouchers, HOME TBRA, HOME-ARP TBRA). ( g, Housing Choice • Establish a minimum compliance period of 15 years for all HOME-ARP rental irrespective of the amount of subsidy per unit or whether the units are acquired units rehabilitated, and/or newly constructed, q ed, • Permit the use of HOME-ARP funds to provide ongoing operating cost assistance or capitalize a project operating cost assistance reserve to address operating deficits of the HOME-ARP units restricted for qualifying households duringthe co • Allow not more than 30 percent of the total number of rental nits assisted with iance od. HOME- ARP funds by the PJ to be restricted to households that are low-income as defined R 9?•2 ("low-income households" ts med in 24 containing HOME-ARP units restricted for equalifyi g households.may only e l The ed in projects rental units occupied by low-income households must operate under the regulations applicable to HOME rental units at 24 CFR 92.252 (i.e., be occupied by low-income 21 r households and bearing a rent not greater than the lesser of a.the Fair iHUD, or b. arentr existing housing for comparable units in the area, as established by percent equal to 30 percent of the adjusted income of a family with h dustmen s for nnual incoe t 65 number of median income for the area, as determined by , J of bedrooms in the unit). 1. Taroeting and OccupancyRe uirements: ARP requires HOME-ARP achetivities t ty and to primarily benefit households in the qualifying populationsimprove maintain the long-term viability of projects with HOME-ARPH that re not restricted for rental units for qualifying f yingancY households, a PJ may invest HOME-ARP funds solely for qualifying populations as described in this section. Specifically, participating jurisdictions must comply with the following requirements: a in units restricted for Qualifyin� HOME-ARP funds can only be invested a. Tnrveaanx livi.�i� households or low-income households as follows. i. Not less than 70 percent of the total numbero of rental units assisted with occupancy by households thaHOME- ARP funds by the PJ must be restricted t are qualifying households at the time of the household's initial occupancy; and, ii. Not more than 30 percent of the total number of rental units assisted These re with HOME- ARP funds by the PJ may be restricted to low-income households.households,however ntal units do not have to be restricted for occupancy by qualifying g rental units restricted to low-income hhouseholdss e only permitted in projects that include HOME-ARP units for qualifying ds. b. Occupancy Reguir_m ents. i. Qualifying Households. Units restricted for occupancy by qualifying households must be occupied by households that meet the definition of a qualifying population at the time of admission to the HOME-ARP unit. qualifying l household t for admission retains its eligibility to occupy restricted income qualifying populations, irrespective of the qualifying household's changesincome or whether the household continues to meet the definition of a qualifying pop n. such, z t As such, a unit restricted-for a quulifying household remains in compliance with the HOME-ARP unit restriction as long as the unit is occupied i n by a at qe tame lifying of admission. household that met the definition of a qualifying popu ii. Low-Income Households. At initial occupancy, units t the defi rtion of lowcin ome households-must be occupied by households that mee in 24 C_21. If a tenant's income increases above e n dared temporarilylelow out me limit during the compliance period,the unit will be co of compliance. Noncompliance requires the PJ to take action in accordance with the rent and unit mix requirements in Sections VI.B.15 and VI.B.17 of this Notice, respectively. 22 2. Eligible Activities: A PJ may use HOME-ARP funds for acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation, including reconstruction as defined in 24 CFR 92.2, of affordable rental housing for qualifying and low-income households. Acquisition of vacant land or demolition must be undertaken only with respect to a particular housing project intended to provide HOME-ARP rental housing within the timeframes provided in Section VI.B. of this Notice. A HOME-ARP rental project must meet the definition of project in 24 CFR 92.2. HOME-ARP funds may be used to assist one or more units in a project. Only the eligible development costs of the HOME-ARP units may be charged to the HOME-ARP program. Cost allocation in accordance with 24 CFR 92.205(d)(l)is required if the assisted and non- assisted units are not comparable. After project completion, the number of HOME-ARP units in a project cannot be reduced. During the HOME-ARP minimum compliance period and prior to the end of the HOME-ARP budget period, a PJ may invest additional HOME- ARP funds to provide operating cost assistance but is prohibited from investing additional HOME-ARP funds for capital costs except within the 12 months after project completion. A qualifying household admitted to a HOME-ARP rental unit may still receive HOME-ARP supportive services or TBRA in accordance with the requirements in this Notice. 3. Forms of Assistance: The PJ may invest HOME-ARP funds in accordance with the eligible forms of assistance described in 24 CFR 92.205(b). Each PJ has the right to establish the terms of assistance, subject to the HOME-ARP requirements described in this Notice. 4. Minimum Amount of Assistance: The minimum amount of HOME-ARP funds that must be invested in a rental housing project is $1,000 times the number of HOME-ARP-assisted units in the project as established in 24 CFR 92.205(c). 5. Eligible Costs: HOME-ARP funds may be used to pay for up to 100%of the following eligible costs associated with the acquisition, development, and operation of HOME-ARP rental units: a. Development hard costs—defined in 24 CFR 92.206(a). b. Refinancing—the cost to refinance existing debt secured by a rental project that is being rehabilitated with HOME-ARP funds in accordance with 24 CFR 92.206(b)(2) and the PJ's HOME-ARP refinancing guidelines, as stated in their HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. c. Acquisition—the costs of acquiring improved or unimproved real property. d. Related soft costs—defined in 24 CFR 92.206(d). e. Relocation costs—as defined in 24 CFR 92.206(0. 24 CFR 92.353, and described in this Notice. f. Costs relating to payment of loans—If the HOME-ARP funds are not used to directly pay a cost specified in this HOME-ARP rental housing section, but are used to pay off a 23 construction loan,bridge financing loan, or guaranteed loan,the payment of principal and interest for such loan is an eligible cost only if: (1)the loan was used for eligible costs specified in this HOME-ARP rental housing section, and(2)the HOME-ARP funds are part of the original financing for the project and the project meets the requirements of this Notice. g. Operating Cost Assistance—A PJ may pay ongoing operating cost assistance or capitalize an operating cost assistance reserve for HOME-ARP-assisted units restricted for occupancy by qualifying populations in a project where the PJ determines in its underwriting that the reserve is necessary to maintain the HOME-ARP units' long-term operational feasibility. However, HOME-ARP funds cannot be used for both a capitalized operating cost assistance reserve and ongoing payments for operating cost assistance during the minimum compliance period. The allowable amount of the reserve shall not exceed the amount determined by the PJ to be necessary to provide operating cost assistance for HOME-ARP units restricted for occupancy by qualifying populations for the 15-year HOME-ARP minimum compliance period. The operating cost assistance reserve for HOME-ARP units for qualifying households must be held by the project owner in a separate interest-bearing account and sized,based on an analysis of projected deficits remaining after the expected payments toward rent by qualifying households are applied to the units' share of operating costs. Funds in a capitalized operating cost assistance reserve can only be drawn to address operating deficits associated with HOME-ARP units restricted for occupancy by the qualifying populations. A PJ must use the definition of operating costs in this Notice in its calculation of operating deficits to determine the amount of HOME-ARP funds needed for an operating cost assistance reserve or when providing operating cost assistance. Unexpended operating cost assistance reserve amounts remaining at the end of the minimum compliance period must be returned in accordance with Section VI.B.24 of this Notice. A PJ may provide operating cost assistance to a HOME-ARP rental project to cover an operating deficit associated with HOME-ARP units restricted for occupancy by qualifying households except for when an operating cost assistance reserve is already established for the project.._Operating=cost assistance committed_to aproject cannot be provided beyond the HOME-ARP budget period, as described in Section VIII.C.4 of this Notice. Operating costs include costs for administrative expenses, property management fees, insurance, utilities,property taxes, and maintenance of a unit that is designated as a HOME-ARP-assisted unit and required to be occupied by a qualifying household. . Operating costs must be reasonable and appropriate for the area, size, population(s) served, and type of project. Project administrative expenses include payroll costs, which are gross salaries and wages paid to employees assigned to the property, including payroll taxes, employee compensation, and employee benefits; employee education,training, and travel; advertising; and general administrative costs which are costs for goods and services 24 required for administration of the housing, including rental or purchase of equipment, supplies, legal charges, bank charges, utilities, telephone/interne services, insurance, and other administrative costs that are reasonable and customary for the general administration of a rental unit occupied by qualifying populations. HOME-ARP permits the pro-rated staffing costs of a Resident Services Coordinator to be included in the operating costs allocated to a HOME-ARP unit for low-income or qualifying households if such costs are not already paid by another source. Typically, the role of a Resident Services Coordinator is to arrange community activities for residents and link residents to outside service agencies as needed. A property management fee includes the total fee paid to a management agent by the owner for the day-to-day management of a HOME-ARP rental unit restricted for occupancy by qualifying populations. A management agent must cover its costs of supervising and overseeing operations of a HOME-ARP unit out of the fee they receive. A reserve for replacement must be based on the useful life of each major system and expected replacement cost in a HOME-ARP project. Scheduled payments to a reserve for replacement of major systems included in the a operating costs allocated to a HOME- ARP unit restricted for a qualifying household may be made from the operating cost assistance reserve. A reserve for replacement allocated to the HOME-ARP units may also be capitalized in the initial year of the minimum compliance period of the HOME- ARP units. HOME-ARP.funds cannot be used to both capitalize.a reserve for replacement and provide payments to the reserve for replacement from a capitalized operating reserve during the minimum compliance period. Supportive services costs are not eligible operating costs of HOME-ARP units, however, qualifying households occupying HOME-ARP rental units may receive supportive services through the HOME-ARP supportive services eligible activity. 6. Prohibited Activities and Fees: HOME-ARP may not be used for any of the prohibited activities, costs or fees in 24 CFR 92.214, as revised by the Appendix to this Notice. 7. HOME-ARP Funds and Public Housing: HOME-ARP funds must be used in accordance with the requirements in 24 CFR 92.213(a)-(c). 8. Commitment: The affordable housing requirements in the definition of Commitment in 24 CFR 92.2, including the provisions in(2) Commit to a specific local project, apply to rental housing units assisted with HOME-ARP funds. This includes but is not limited to the requirements that the PJ and project owner have an executed legally binding written agreement under which HOME-ARP assistance will be provided to the owner for an identifiable project for which all necessary financing has been secured, a budget and schedule have been established, and underwriting has been completed and under which construction is scheduled to start within 12 months of the agreement date. 9. Maximum Per-Unit Subsidy and Limitations on Costs: The maximum per-unit subsidy established in NAHA does not apply to HOME-ARP units. PJs may pay up to 100 percent of the eligible and reasonable HOME-ARP costs allocated to a HOME-ARP unit, including 25 operating cost assistance associated with units restricted for occupancy by qualifying households. All costs paid by HOME-ARP funds must comply with the requirements of this Notice and the Cost Principles at 2 CFR part 200, subpart E_of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, as amended. 10.Underwriting, Subsidy Layering: Before the PJ can commit HOME-ARP funds to a project, it must evaluate the project to determine the amount of HOME-ARP capital subsidy and operating cost assistance necessary to provide quality affordable housing that meets the requirements of this Notice and is financially viable throughout the minimum 15-year HOME-ARP compliance period. The PJ must evaluate the project in accordance with underwriting and subsidy layering guidelines it has developed for HOME-ARP projects. The PJ's project underwriting must include an in-depth review of underlying project assumptions, development sources and uses, and projected operating income and expenses, and the project's long-term financial viability to determine the project's need for HOME- ARP assistance while preventing over-subsidization of the project. HUD anticipates that project developers will rely on Low-Income Housing Tax Credit(LIHTC)financing, HOME funds, Housing Trust Fund grants,project-based vouchers,project-based rental assistance, operating cost reserves, state or local sources, or a combination of these and other resources to create a feasible HOME-ARP project and maintain compliance with HOME-ARP requirements. HOME-ARP units for qualifying households that do not receive a commitment of project-based vouchers or project-based rental assistance may require both deep capital subsidy and operating cost assistance to remain financially sustainable for the minimum 15-year HOME-ARP compliance period. However, the PJ, through its underwriting,must also determine that the HOME-ARP capital and operating subsidies do not result in over-subsidization of the project. To secure HOME-ARP rental units for qualifying households, HOME-ARP funds may be invested in different types of projects, including permanent supportive housing,mixed- fmance affordable housing, and market-rate projects. While the viability of the HOME- ARP units is the PJ's primary concern, it must not limit its underwriting analysis to the HOME-ARP units. The long-term viability of HOME-ARP units is contingent upon the financial health of the entire project. PJs must therefore take a holistic approach to underwriting that examines the overall feasibility of the entire project to determine that the property will be financially sustainable for the duration of the 15-year HOME-ARP compliance period. For projects that will receive operating cost assistance through a capitalized operating cost assistance reserve or on-going operating cost assistance for a specific period, the on-going operating cost assistance or operating cost assistance reserve must be included in the underwriting. Unless placed into an operating cost assistance reserve,operating cost assistance committed to a project for a specific period cannot be provided beyond the budget period, as described in Section VIII.C.4. of this Notice. HOME-ARP units that have commitments for a form of project-based rental assistance must be underwritten with the projected rental assistance and not with operating cost assistance. An operating cost assistance reserve must be sized based on an analysis of projected operating deficits 26 remaining after the expected payments toward rent by qualifying households are applied to the HOME-ARP unit's share of operating costs. While a PJ may offer on-going project operating cost assistance instead of providing an operating cost assistance reserve, it may find this approach makes it more difficult to develop HOME-ARP units. a. Underwriting and Subsidy Layering Guidelines: PJs must develop standardized underwriting guidelines for HOME-ARP rental projects. These guidelines must provide for underwriting that accommodates and is appropriate for different types of projects. For example, a standard market analysis does not provide the necessary data for a project where 100% of the units are restricted as permanent supportive housing for qualifying populations. In contrast, if a mixed-income property relies on rental income from market-rate units to subsidize the operating costs of permanent supportive housing units for which little or no tenant-paid rental income is projected,then a market study confirming that the proposed market rents are achievable is needed to demonstrate the long-term financial viability of the project. PJs with existing HOME rental underwriting standards may use these standards as the foundation for their HOME-ARP underwriting guidelines, but all PJs are required to develop and implement standardized underwriting guidelines for HOME-ARP that require the following: i. An examination of the sources and uses of funds for the project and a determination that costs are necessary and reasonable. In examining a project's proposed sources and uses, a PJ must determine the amount of HOME-ARP development subsidy required to fill the gap between other committed funding sources and the cost to develop the project. A developer fee is a permitted development cost under the HOME-ARP program, but the PJ must review the fee and determine that it is reasonable. A PJ may set limits on the developer fee and other fees(e.g., asset management fee, property management fee)to be paid by HOME-ARP funds that differ from other funding sources (e.g., LIHTC underwriting standards). ii. An assessment of the current market demand for the proposed project. (1) For HOME-ARP units for qualifying households, a market assessment is not required. Rather, the PJ can demonstrate that there is unmet need among qualifying populations for the type of housing proposed through their gap analysis, CoC data, public housing and affordable housing waiting lists, point- in-time surveys, housing inventory count, or other relevant data on the need for permanent housing for the qualifying populations. (2) For projects containing units restricted for occupancy by low-income households or market-rate households,the PJ must conduct a market assessment in accordance with 24 CFR 92.250(b)(2). A third-party market assessment completed by the developer or another funder meets this requirement,but the PJ must review the assessment and provide a written, dated acknowledgement that it accepts the assessment's findings and conclusions. The market assessment and the PJ's written, dated 27 acknowledgement must be retained for recordkeeping purposes. iii. Review of and determination that the developer's experience and fmancial capacity are satisfactory based on the size and complexity of the project. When assessing the developer, the PJ must review, at minimum, prior experience with similar projects and the current capacity to develop the proposed project. When determining whether the developer has the financial capacity to undertake the project,the PJ should examine financial statements and audits to determine the developer's net worth,portfolio risk, pre-development funding, and liquidity. iv. Firm written financial commitments for the project. v. A careful review of the project's operating budget, including the basis for assumptions, projections of a project's net operating income,and reasonably expected changes in revenue and expenses during the minimum compliance period, to determine if any HOME-ARP-funded operating cost assistance is necessary and if applicable, an operating cost assistance reserve is sized appropriately. Operating income of the project must be sufficient to cover operating expenses throughout the minimum compliance period. For HOME-ARP units for qualifying households, the proforma or budget projections should include any anticipated ongoing operating cost assistance or draws from an operating cost assistance reserve, if applicable,that will offset operating deficits associated with those units to demonstrate sufficient operating support. (1) If project-based vouchers or project-based rental assistance is or will be awarded, this analysis must include that rental assistance revenue because operating cost assistance cannot be used for units for qualifying households with project-based vouchers or project-based rental assistance. (2) A PJ's underwriting standards may permit projects to generate reasonable net operating income throughout the minimum compliance period. However, HOME-ARP operating cost assistance may only be used to offset operating deficits, in accordance with the requirements of this Notice. Net operating income resulting from HOME-ARP operating cost assistance is not permitted and must be prohibited in the written agreement between the participating jurisdiction_and_the_-owner. — vi. An assessment of the project's overall viability through the minimum compliance period based on the households(i.e., qualifying households, low-income households, market-rate households) it will serve. 11.Property Standards: HOME-ARP rental units must comply with all property standards applicable to rental projects required in 24 CFR 92.251 paragraphs (a) new construction, (b) rehabilitation projects, (c)(1) and (2) acquisition of standard housing, (e) manufactured housing, and(f) on-going property condition standards. 12. Determining Household Income: The PJ must require all HOME-ARP units to be restricted for eligible households (i.e., either qualifying or low-income households) 28 throughout the minimum compliance period. Qualifying households are eligible for admission to HOME-ARP rental units solely by meeting the definition of one of the qualifying populations (i.e., HOME-ARP does not impose income restrictions on units restricted for qualifying populations). If there is no income requirement in the qualifying population's definition, a PJ is not required to perform an initial determination of household income except as necessary to determine an affordable rental contribution by the qualifying household or to establish eligibility for another funding source in the unit that imposes income restrictions (e.g., LIHTC). Each subsequent year during the compliance period, starting 1 year after initial occupancy,the PJ must use the definition of annual income as defined in 24 CFR 5.609 to examine the income of qualifying households to determine the household's contribution to rent. For low-income households, the PJ must use the definition of annual income as defined in 24 CFR 5.609 to examine the household's income at initial occupancy and each subsequent year during the compliance period to determine the household's ongoing income eligibility and applicable rental contribution. a. 9ualijying populations: For purposes of establishing the qualifying household's rental contribution after initial occupancy, a PJ must examine a HOME-ARP qualifying household's income using 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1)(i) or(iii),starting 1 year after initial occupancy. Each year during the minimum compliance period,the owner must examine the household's annual income in accordance with any one of the options in 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1) specified by the P.T. A project owner who re-examines household income through a statement and certification in accordance with 24 CFR 92.203(a)(l)(ii), must examine the income of each household, in accordance with 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1)(i), every sixth year of the compliance period. Otherwise, an owner who accepts the household's statement and certification in accordance with 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1)(ii) is not required to examine the household's income unless there is evidence that the household's written statement failed to completely and accurately state information about the household's size or income. b. Low-income Households: In accordance with 24 CFR 92.252(h),the income of each low-income household must be determined initially in accordance with 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1)(i), and each year following the initial determination during the minimum compliance period in accordance with any one of the options in 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1) specified by the PJ. An owner who re-examines household income through a statement and certification in accordance with 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1)(ii),must examine the income of each household, in accordance with 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1)(i), every sixth year of the minimum compliance period. Otherwise, an owner who accepts the household's statement and certification in accordance with 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1)(ii) is not required to examine the household's income unless there is evidence that the household's written statement failed to completely and accurately state a information about the household's size or income. c. Households Assisted by Other Programs: Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and(b), if a family is applying for or living in a HOME-ARP-assisted rental unit, and the unit is assisted by a Federal or State project based rental subsidy then a PJ must accept a public housing agency, section 8 project owner, or CoC recipient or subrecipient's 29 determination of the family's annual income and adjusted income under that program's rules and does not need to obtain source documentation in accordance with 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1)or calculate the annual income of the family. If a family is applying for or living in a HOME-ARP rental unit, and the family is assisted by a Federal tenant-based rental assistance program(e.g. housing choice vouchers)then a PJ may choose to accept the rental assistance provider's determination of the family's annual and adjusted income under that program's rules without need for review under 24 CFR 92.203(a)(1). 13.Rent limitations: This Notice establishes rent limits for HOME-ARP units restricted for qualifying populations and for units that may be restricted for low-income households. a. Units Restricted for Occupancy by Oualifying Households: In no case can the HOME- ARP rents exceed 30% of the adjusted income of a household whose annual income is equal to or less than 50% of the median income for the area, as determined by HUD, with adjustments for number of bedrooms in the unit. HUD will publish the HOME- ARP rent limits on an annual basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a unit that receives a Federal or state project-based rental subsidy and is occupied by a qualifying household that pays as a contribution to rent no more than 30 percent of the household's adjusted income,may charge the rent allowable under the Federal or state project-based rental subsidy program (i.e.,the tenant rental contribution plus the rental subsidy allowable under that program). If a household receives tenant-based rental assistance,the rent is the rent permissible under the applicable rental assistance program (i.e.,the tenant rental contribution plus the rental subsidy allowable under that rental assistance program). The rent limits for HOME-ARP units for qualifying households include the rent plus the utility allowance established pursuant to Section VI.B.13.d of this Notice. b. Rent limitations—low-income households: HOME-ARP rental units occupied by low- income households must comply with the rent limitations in 24 CFR 92.252(a) (i.e., the lesser of the Fair Market Rent for existing housing for comparable units in the area, as established by HUD, or a rent equal to 30 percent of the income of a family at 65 percent-of median_income_for the_area, as.determined_by HUD, with adjustments for number of bedrooms in the unit). Notwithstanding the foregoing,when a household receives a form of Federal tenant-based rental assistance(e.g.,housing choice vouchers), the rent is the rent permissible under the applicable rental assistance program(i.e.,the tenant rental contribution plus the rent subsidy allowable under the rental assistance program). The rent limits for low-income households apply to the rent plus the utility allowance established pursuant to Section VI.B.13:d of this Notice. c. Rent limitations—Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Units: A HOME-ARP rental project may consist of SRO units. For the purposes of HOME-ARP rental, a SRO unit is defined as a unit that is the primary residence of the occupant(s) and must at least contain sanitary facilities but may also contain food preparation facilities. A project's 30 designation as a SRO cannot be inconsistent with the building's zoning and building code classification. If the SRO units have both sanitary and food preparation facilities, the maximum HOME-ARP rent is based on the zero-bedroom fair market rent. If the SRO unit has only sanitary facilities, the maximum HOME-ARP rent is based on 75 percent of the zero-bedroom fair market rent. The rent limits for SRO units must also include the utility allowance established pursuant to Section VI.B.13.d of this Notice. d. Initial Rent.Schedule and Utility Allowance: The PJ must establish maximum allowances for utilities and services and update the allowances annually. The PJ may adopt the utility allowance schedule,of the PHA. The PJ must review and approve the HOME-ARP rents proposed by the owner, subject to the HOME-ARP rent limitations. For HOME-ARP units where the tenant is paying utilities and services (e.g., trash collection), the PJ must determine that the rent for the unit does not exceed the maximum rent minus the monthly allowance for utilities and services. 14. Tenant Contribution to Rent—Qualifying Households: The PJ must determine that the qualifying household's contribution to rent is affordable to the qualifying household based on a determination of the household's income. If the household is receiving project-based or tenant-based rental assistance, the household cannot be required to contribute more towards rent than the amount permitted by the requirements of the applicable rental assistance program(See Section VI.B.13.a of this Notice). If a qualifying household is not receiving project-based or tenant-based rental assistance and cannot contribute any income toward rent, or the contribution is insufficient to cover the unit rent, the project owner may draw from the project's operating cost assistance reserve if projected rental revenue minus the operating costs of the unit results in a deficit. If an operating cost assistance reserve was not capitalized at project completion: • The PJ may provide ongoing HOME-ARP operating cost assistance to cover the operating deficits associated with units occupied by qualifying households, subject to the requirements in this Notice. • The qualifying household may receive HOME-ARP TBRA to remain housed in the HOME-ARP rental unit or the PJ may offer, in conjunction with a qualifying household's admittance into a HOME-ARP rental unit, a simultaneous award of supportive services to the qualifying household in accordance with Section VI.D of this Notice. Any provision of supportive services must comply with all requirements of Section VI.D.of the Notice and the PJ's policies and procedures. • Operating cost assistance, HOME-ARP TBRA, and supportive services funds committed to a project cannot be provided beyond the budget period for the HOME- ARP funds, as described in Section VIII.C.4 of this Notice. 15. Changes in.Income and Over-income.Households: A household that met the definition of one of the HOME-ARP qualifying populations at initial occupancy and whose annual income at the time of income re-certification is above 31 50 percent of median income for the area but at or below 80 percent of the median income for the area must pay the rent specified in 24 CFR 92.252(a). HOME-ARP-assisted units restricted for low-income households continue to qualify as HOME-ARP rental housing despite a temporary noncompliance caused by increases in the incomes of existing households if actions satisfactory to HUD are taken so that all vacancies are filled in accordance with HOME-ARP requirements until the noncompliance is corrected. A qualifying or low-income household that is not low-income at the time of income re- certification(i.e.,whose income is above 80 percent of the median income for the area) must pay rent that complies with the over income regulatory requirements at 24 CFR 92.252(i)(2), which includes requirements applicable to HOME units that also have LIHTC restrictions. 16. Unit Designation: The PJ must determine the number of HOME-ARP units in the project restricted for qualifying households and low-income households, respectively, and whether the units are fixed or floating units at the time of project commitment. The total number of HOME-ARP rental units restricted for occupancy by qualifying households and the total number of HOME-ARP rental units restricted for low-income households must be identified as separate totals in the written agreement. In a project containing HOME-ARP and other units,the PJ must designate fixed or floating HOME-ARP units in accordance with 24 CFR 92.252(j).The PJ must maintain this unit mix throughout the compliance period. 17. Maintaining Unit Mix: At the time of admission to a HOME-ARP rental unit, a household must meet the definition for at least one qualifying population or be determined to be a low- income household, depending on the applicable HOME-ARP restriction on the rental unit to which it is being admitted--and_in_accordance with the written agreement. For HOME-ARP rental units restricted for occupancy by qualifying populations, a household that meets the definition of a qualifying population at the time of admission retains its eligibility to occupy a HOME-ARP rental unit restricted for occupancy by qualifying populations, irrespective of changes in income or whether the household continues-to-meet the definitionof a-qualifying populationa-ft-er-initial occupancy. As an example, a household that qualifies as "Homeless" at admission does not meet the Homeless defmition once the household occupies a HOME-ARP unit but remains a qualifying household and is eligible to remain in a HOME-ARP rental unit restricted for qualifying populations. Income determinations for qualifying households are therefore only for purposes of establishing a qualifying household's rental contribution as described in Section VI.B.15 of this Notice and not for maintaining continued eligibility in the HOME-ARP program. In a project with floating units, PJs are encouraged but not required to shift the HOME-ARP qualifying population designation to another unit to serve another qualifying household if the household's income subsequently is certified to be at or above 80 percent AMI and the household no longer meets the definition of any qualifying population. 32 For HOME-ARP rental units restricted for occupancy by low-income households, units will be considered temporarily out of compliance if the household's income increases above 80 percent of area median income. The requirements for correcting any noncompliance using vacancies or redesignation of units depends on whether the HOME-ARP rental units are fixed or floating and whether other funding sources (e.g., LIHTC) impose income or other restrictions on the units. Please note, in accordance with the requirements in 24 CFR 92.253 and in Section VI.B.19.c, an increase in a tenant's income does not constitute good cause to evict or refuse to renew a tenant's lease, regardless of program requirements associated with other funding sources such as LIHTC. In addition, compliance with unit restrictions for low-income households requires adjustment of rents as described in Section VI.B.15 of this Notice. 18. Minimum Compliance Period: HOME-ARP-assisted units must comply with the requirements of this Notice for a minimum period of 15 years, irrespective of the amount of HOME-ARP funds invested in the project or the activity being undertaken. A PJ may impose a longer compliance period but should plan for the project's financial feasibility for the longer period without HOME-ARP funds. The PJ may not use HOME-ARP funds to provide operating cost assistance, including a capitalized operating cost assistance reserve, to cover deficits during a PJ's extended compliance period. If a project-based rental assistance Housing Assistance Payments (HAP)contract is awarded to a HOME-ARP rental project, a PJ must impose a minimum compliance period that is the greater of 15 years or the term of the HAP contract. PJs are also encouraged to extend restrictions for occupancy of the HOME-ARP units in accordance with the requirements in this section to match the term of eligible HAP contract renewals. The provisions at 24 CFR 92.252(e)(1)-(4) apply, including the requirement that the PJ must impose the HOME-ARP rental requirements through a deed restriction, covenant running with the land, legally binding agreement restricting the use of the property and recorded on the property in accordance with State recordation laws, or other mechanisms approved by HUD. The chart providing minimum affordability periods based on rental housing activity that is contained in 24 CFR 92.252(e) does not apply. The enforceable restriction must provide that units assisted with HOME-ARP comply with the requirements of this Notice throughout the minimum 15-year compliance period, including: a. Units restricted for qualifying populations must be occupied by households that met the definition of a qualifying population at the time of initial occupancy. The household's contribution toward rent during this period must be affordable in accordance with Section VI.B.14 of this Notice. The rents for these units must comply with the rent limitations established in this Notice, including the rent provisions specified in 24 CFR 92.252(i)(2) for households whose income increases above 80 percent of area median income and whose contribution to rent complies with the requirements in Section VI.B.15. b. Units available for low-income households must be continuously occupied by households who are income eligible. The rents for these units must comply with the rent 33 limitations established in this Notice, including the rent provisions specified in 24 CFR 92.252(i)(2) for households whose income increases above 80 percent of area median income. c. The units must comply with the ongoing property condition standards of 24 CFR 92.251(f)throughout the compliance period as demonstrated by an on-site inspection within 12 months of project completion and an on-site inspection at least once every three years thereafter as required by 24 CFR 92.504. d. Each household that occupies a HOME-ARP unit has an executed lease that complies with the tenant protections required in Section VI.B.19 of this Notice. 19.Tenant Protections: PJs must verify that each household that occupies a HOME-ARP assisted unit has an executed lease that complies with the tenant protection requirements of this Notice. The lease must be either be between the project owner and the household or between the project owner and a HOME-ARP sponsor with a sublease between the qualifying household and HOME-ARP sponsor. A HOME-ARP sponsor is a nonprofit organization that provides housing or supportive services to qualifying households and facilitates the leasing of a HOME-ARP rental unit to a qualifying household or the use and maintenance of HOME-ARP TBRA by a qualifying household. PJs may permit a HOME- ARP sponsor to lease a HOME-ARP unit from an owner or execute a master lease with the owner of a HOME-ARP project for HOME-ARP units restricted for occupancy by qualifying households. The HOME-ARP sponsor may then sublease the HOME-ARP rental unit to the qualifying household. The sublease between the HOME-ARP sponsor and the qualifying household must comply with the rent limitations and tenant protection requirements of this Notice. a. Lease Requirement: There must be a lease between the qualifying household or the low- income household and the owner of the HOME-ARP-assisted project in accordance with 24 CFR 92.253(a), except that a sublease is permitted if a HOME-ARP sponsor has executed a master lease or lease with the project owner for the leasing of the units restricted for occupancy by qualifying households. b. -Prohibited Lease Terms: The lease between the-low-income household,qualifying household, or HOME-ARP sponsor and the HOME-ARP project owner or the sublease between the HOME-ARP sponsor and a qualifying household may not contain any of the prohibited lease terms specified in 24 CFR 92.253(b). c. Termination of tenancy: An owner may not terminate the tenancy or refuse to renew the lease of a tenant of a HOME-ARP unit or of a HOME-ARP sponsor with a sublease with a qualifying household except for serious or repeated violation of the terms and conditions of the lease; for violation of applicable Federal, State, or local laws; or for other good cause. Similarly, a HOME-ARP sponsor may not refuse to renew a sublease with a qualifying household except for serious or repeated violation of the terms and conditions of the sublease; for violation of applicable Federal, State, or local laws; or for 34 other good cause. An increase in the tenant's or sublessee's income does not constitute good cause. In addition, if HOME-ARP funds were or are used to capitalize an operating cost assistance reserve or there is a current contract for the PJ to provide operating cost assistance to the project, an owner may not terminate the tenancy or refuse to renew the lease of a qualifying household because of the household's inability to pay rent during the minimum compliance period. A qualifying household's inability to pay rent shall mean that the qualifying household cannot pay more than 30 percent of the qualifying household's income.toward rent, based on an income determination made by the PJ in the last 30 days. Where there is no capitalized operating reserve or other operating cost assistance to cover the operating deficit for a HOME-ARP unit occupied by a qualifying household, the PJ may assist the qualifying household with HOME-ARP TBRA or supportive services in accordance with the requirements of this Notice. The above tenant protections are necessary as HOME-ARP requires the PJ to perform underwriting that reviews the operating feasibility of units occupied by qualifying households for the 15-year compliance period to determine how HOME-ARP funds may address the potential for qualifying households to have little to no income to contribute toward rent. To terminate or refuse to renew tenancy for any household occupying a HOME-ARP unit, the owner must serve written notice upon the tenant(and the HOME-ARP sponsor if the lease is between an owner and HOME-ARP sponsor)at least 30 days before termination of tenancy, specifying the grounds for the action. In the case of a sublease, to terminate or refuse to renew tenancy of a qualifying household, the HOME-ARP sponsor, in accordance with the policy established by the PJ, must notify the PJ in advance of serving written notice to the qualifying household and must serve written notice upon the qualifying household at least 30 days before termination of tenancy, specifying the grounds for the action. 20. Coordinated Entry and Proiect-Specific Waitlists: In accordance with Section IV.0 of this Notice, PJs must determine whether an owner may use a CoC's CE, a CoC's CE and other referral sources, or a project-specific waitlist,to select qualifying households for HOME-ARP units restricted for occupancy by qualifying populations. PJs will make this determination on a project-by-project basis. Regardless of which method is selected, in all cases, the PJ must use a project-specific waitlist when selecting households to occupy units restricted for occupancy by low-income households. Any preferences among qualifying households must be disclosed in the HOME-ARP allocation plan through the PJ's public participation process in accordance with Section V.C. of this Notice. The written agreement between the PJ and the project owner must specify the method the owner must use for selecting qualifying households for admission to HOME-ARP units. a. The owner of a HOME-ARP rental project must adopt and follow written tenant selection policies and criteria for HOME-ARP units that: 35 i. Limits eligibility to households that meet one of the HOME-ARP qualifying populations definitions or low-income households in accordance with HOME- ARP requirements; Preferences for households in one or more of the HOME- ARP qualifying populations must comply with the PJ's preferences and the PJ's policies and procedures for applying those preferences,if any, and must not violate nondiscrimination requirements in 24 CFR 92.350. ii. Do not exclude an applicant with a voucher under the section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program(24 CFR 982), or an applicant participating in HOME, HOME-ARP or other Federal, state or local tenant-based rental assistance program because of the status of the prospective tenant as a holder of such a certificate, voucher, or comparable tenant-based assistance document; iii. Limits eligibility or gives a preference to a particular qualifying population or segment of the qualifying population if permitted in its written agreement with the participating jurisdiction(and only if the limitation or preference is described in the participating jurisdiction's HOME-ARP allocation plan). A preference for households in one or more of the HOME-ARP qualifying populations must comply with the PJ's determined preference(s) and the PJ's policies and procedures for applying the preference(s),if any; iv. Any limitation or preference must not violate nondiscrimination requirements in 24 CFR 92.350. If the PJ requires the use of a project-specific waitlist to select qualifying households and/or low-income households for occupancy of HOME- ARP units, provide for the selection of households from a written waiting list in the chronological order of their application, insofar as is practicable; v. Gives prompt written notification to any rejected applicant of the grounds for any rejection; and, vi. Complies with the VAWA requirements as described in 24 CFR 92.359. b. Project-Specific Waitlist—Low-Income Households: A project owner must use a project-specific waitlist to select households to occupy units restricted for occupancy by low-income households in accordance with the tenant selection requirements of 24 CFR 92.253(d). 21. Project Completion and Occupancy: HOME-ARP rental projects must meet the definition of project completion at 24 CFR92.2. If the PJ fails to complete aproject within 4 years of project commitment, it must comply with the terminated project requirements at 24 CFR 92.205(e)(2). If the HOME-ARP units are not occupied by eligible qualifying households or low-income households within six months following project completion, the PJ, as applicable, must submit to HUD information on its efforts to coordinate with a CoC, homeless service providers, social service,and other public agencies to fill units for qualifying households or must submit marketing information and, if appropriate, a marketing plan to fill units for low-income households. The PJ must repay any HOME- ARP funds invested in units that are not rented to eligible qualifying or low-income households within 12 months of project completion. 22. Penalties for Noncompliance: The PJ must repay HOME-ARP funds invested in rental housing that is terminated before completion or otherwise does not comply with initial or ongoing requirements of this Notice during the compliance period, as follows: 36 a. If the noncompliance or termination occurs within the first 10 years of the compliance period, the PJ must repay the entire amount of HOME-ARP funds invested in the project. b. If the noncompliance or termination occurs in years 11 through 15, the repayment amount will be reduced by 20 percent for each year beyond the initial 10-years during which time the project was compliant. Repayment of the HOME-ARP funds is not required if the project owner sells or transfers, either voluntarily or involuntarily, the HOME-ARP project during the compliance period if (1) the HOME-ARP restrictions remain, (2)the project and new project owner continues to comply with all HOME-ARP requirements, and(3)any HOME-ARP funds remaining in a project's operating cost assistance reserve or reserve for replacement remain with the project and convey upon sale or transfer of the project as a restricted operating cost assistance reserve or reserve for replacement subject to HOME-ARP Notice requirements. 23. Operating Cost Assistance Reserve-Management and Oversight: The PJ must require that any HOME-ARP funds expended for project operating cost assistance reserves are held by the project owner in a separate interest-bearing account. The PJ must require the project owner to request written approval from the PJ prior to disbursing funds from the project operating cost assistance reserve. The PJ must review each requested distribution from the operating cost assistance reserve, including supporting documentation,to determine that the distribution is reasonable and necessary to cover the operating deficit associated with HOME-ARP units occupied by qualifying households. The PJ must, no less than annually, review the operating cost assistance reserve account to determine that the account is appropriately sized based on the projected operating deficits of HOME-ARP units restricted for occupancy by qualifying households: The PJ may require the project owner to enter into a deposit account control agreement for the operating cost assistance reserve where the PJ must approve disbursements from the account. 24. End of Compliance Period and Return of Operating Cost Assistance Reserve: Any unexpended operating cost assistance reserve remaining at the end of the compliance period must be returned as follows: a. If the HOME-ARP rental project will continue to operate in accordance with the HOME-ARP requirements and serve qualifying households beyond the HOME-ARP 15- year compliance period as demonstrated by enforceable restrictions imposed by the PJ, the project can retain the operating cost assistance reserve amount to address any operating deficits associated with the HOME-ARP units occupied by qualifying households. b. If the HOME-ARP project will not continue to operate in accordance with the HOME- ARP requirements and serve qualifying households beyond the 15-year HOME-ARP compliance period and the HOME-ARP grant has expired or is closed out, the remaining operating cost assistance reserve funds must be deposited in the PJ's local HOME 37 account and recorded as HOME program income receipt in the Integrated Disbursement and Information System(IDIS) and used for eligible costs under 24 CFR part 92. C. Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) HOME-ARP funds may be used to provide tenant-based rental assistance to qualifying households ("HOME-ARP TBRA"). In HOME-ARP TBRA,the PJ assists a qualifying household with payments to cover the entire or insufficient amounts that the qualifying household cannot pay for housing and housing-related costs, such as rental assistance, security deposits, and utility deposits. HOME-ARP TBRA assisted households may choose to rent a unit in a HOME-ARP rental project or any other eligible rental unit. HOME-ARP TBRA is a form of rental assistance that is attached to the household and not a-particular rental unit. Therefore, the HOME-ARP TBRA assisted household may choose to move to another unit with continued HOME-ARP TBRA as long as the new unit meets the applicable property standards of this Notice. If a HOME-ARP TBRA assisted household chooses to move, the rental assistance contract terminates and a new rental assistance contract for the new unit will be executed according to HOME-ARP TBRA requirements. The HOME-ARP TBRA assisted household must notify the PJ before moving in order to receive continued HOME-ARP TBRA. 1. Tenant Selection: Only individuals and families in the qualifying populations are eligible to receive HOME-ARP TBRA assistance. PJs must perform tenant selection in accordance with Section IV.0 of this Notice. The PJ must select qualifying households for HOME- ARP TBRA in accordance with written tenant selection policies and criteria that are based on local housing needs established in the HOME-ARP allocation plan. The PJ must follow written tenant selection policies and criteria that: a. Limit eligibility to households that meet one of the HOME-ARP qualifying populations definitions in accordance with HOME-ARP requirements. Preferences for households in one or more of the HOME-ARP qualifying populations, if any,must comply with the preferences and/or method of prioritization in the PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan and the PJ's policies and procedures for applying such preferences, if any, and must not violate nondiscrimination requirements in 24 CFR 92.350. b. If the PJ selects HOME-ARP TBRA applicants off a waiting list, it must provide for the selection of qualifying households from a written waiting list in accordance with the PJ's preferences-or method-of-prioritization in the chronological-order-of their- application, insofar as is practicable. c. Give prompt written notification to any rejected applicant of the grounds for any rejection, and d. Comply with the VAWA requirements as described in 24 CFR 92.359. Finally, the PJ may offer, in conjunction with HOME-ARP TBRA assistance, a simultaneous award of services in accordance with Section VI.D of this Notice, and also provide particular types of other nonmandatory services that may be most appropriate for persons with a special need or a particular disability. Any provision of supportive services must comply with all requirements of Section VI.D of the Notice and the PJ's policies and procedures. 38 _2. ..Tenant Protections: PJs must require and verify that there is an executed lease between the qualifying household that receives HOME-ARP TBRA and the owner of the rental unit or between the owner of the rental unit and a HOME-ARP sponsor with a sublease between the qualifying households and the HOME-ARP sponsor, in accordance with 24 CFR 92.253(a). A HOME-ARP sponsor is a nonprofit organization that provides housing or supportive services to qualifying households and facilitates the leasing of a rental unit to a qualifying household or the use and maintenance of HOME-ARP TBRA by a qualifying household. PJs may permit a HOME-ARP sponsor, as defined in Section VI.B.19, to execute a lease or master lease with a project owner. The HOME-ARP sponsor must then sublease a unit to a qualifying household. The lease between the qualifying household and the rental unit owner or the sublease between the HOME-ARP sponsor and the qualifying household cannot contain any of the prohibited lease terms specified in 24 CFR 92.253(b). 3. Eligible Costs: Eligible costs under HOME-ARP TBRA include rental assistance, security deposit payments, and utility deposit assistance to qualifying households. HOME-ARP funds may be used to pay for up to 100% of these eligible costs. A PJ may use HOME-ARP TBRA funds to provide loans or grants to qualifying households for security deposits for rental units regardless of whether the PJ provides any other HOME-ARP TBRA assistance. The amount of funds that may be provided for a security deposit may not exceed the equivalent of two months' rent for the unit. Utility deposit assistance is an eligible cost only if rental assistance or a security deposit payment is provided. Costs of inspecting the housing are also eligible as costs of HOME-ARP TBRA. Administration of HOME-ARP TBRA is an eligible cost only if executed in accordance with general management oversight and coordination at 24 CFR 92.207(a), except that the costs of inspecting the housing and determining the income eligibility of the family are eligible project costs under HOME-ARP TBRA. 4. Ineligible Costs: HOME-ARP TBRA may not be used to pay for the homebuyer program as defined at 24 CFR 92.209(c)(2)(iv). 5. Portability of Assistance: A PJ may require the HOME-ARP TBRA assisted household to use HOME-ARP TBRA within the PJ's boundaries or may permit the household to use the assistance outside its boundaries pursuant to 24 CFR 92.209(d). 6. Term of Rental Assistance Contract: The requirements at 24 CFR 92.209(e)defining the term of the rental assistance contract for providing assistance with HOME funds are waived for HOME-ARP TBRA. The PJ must determine the maximum term of the rental assistance contract. The rental assistance contract continues until the end of the rental assistance contract term, as determined by the PJ, or until the lease or sublease is terminated, whichever occurs first. The term of the rental assistance contract may be renewed, subject to the availability of HOME-ARP funds. The term of the rental assistance contract must begin on the first day of the term of the lease or sublease. HOME-ARP TBRA funds cannot be used after the end of the budget period. 7. Maximum Subsidy: The PJ must establish policies for the allowable maximum subsidy, which may differ from the maximum subsidy requirements at 24 CFR 92.209(h). PJs may 39 provide up to 100 percent subsidy for rent, security deposit payments, and utility bills. The PJ must also establish policies for determining any household contribution to rent based on a determination of the qualifying household's income. 8. Rent Standard: Consistent with 24 CFR 92.209(h)(3),PJs must also establish a rent standard for HOME-ARP TBRA by unit size that is based upon local market conditions or the section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program under 24 CFR part 982. The PJ must determine whether the rent for a HOME-ARP TBRA household complies with the rent standard established by the PJ for the HOME-ARP program and must disapprove a lease if the rent does not meet the PJ's rent standard for HOME-ARP TBRA. 9. Housing Quality Standards: Housing occupied by a household receiving HOME-ARP TBRA must comply with all housing quality standards required in 24 CFR 982.401 (or successor inspection standards issued by HUD)unless the tenant is residing in a HOME or HOME-ARP unit, in which case the PJ may defer to initial and ongoing inspection standards. 10.Program Operation: The PJ may operate HOME-ARP TBRA itself or may contract with a PHA or other entity with the capacity to operate a rental assistance program. In either case, the PJ or entity operating the program must approve the lease. HOME-ARP TBRA may be provided through an assistance contract with (1) an owner that leases a unit to a qualifying household; (2)the qualifying household, or(3) an owner and the qualifying household in a tri-parry contract. In the case of HOME-ARP TBRA provided in coordination with a HOME-ARP sponsor, as described below, the PJ may require that payments be made directly to the HOME-ARP sponsor that will make rental payments to the owner on behalf of the qualifying household or require payments directly to the owner of the unit. 11.HOME-ARP TBRA with a HOME-ARP Sponsor: HOME-ARP TBRA may be provided in coordination with a HOME-ARP sponsor. As defined in Section VI.B.19, a HOME-ARP sponsor is a nonprofit organization that provides housing or supportive services to qualifying households and facilitates the leasing of a HOME=ARP rental unit to a qualifying household or the use and maintenance of HOME-ARP TBRA by a qualifying household. A HOME-ARP sponsor may make rental subsidy payments and a security deposit payment on behalf of a qualifying_ household. Under HOME-ARP TBRA.,a._qualify_ing household may reside in housing leased by a HOME-ARP sponsor if there is a sublease that complies with HOME-ARP lease requirements between the HOME-ARP sponsor and the qualifying household. a. Rental Assistance Contract: There must be a rental assistance contract between the PJ and at least one of the following: • HOME-ARP sponsor; • Qualifying household; or • Owner of the housing. Rental subsidy payments are made on behalf of the HOME-ARP TBRA household pursuant to a rental assistance contract. The rental assistance contract continues until the 40 lease is terminated or the term of the rental assistance contract expires(and is not renewed). Regardless of the role of the HOME-ARP sponsor, the HOME-ARP TBRA household has the right to continued HOME-ARP TBRA assistance if the household chooses to move from the unit. HOME-ARP TBRA funds cannot be used beyond the end of the HOME-ARP budget period. The HOME-ARP sponsor may only receive the TBRA subsidy directly from the PJ on behalf of the qualifying household if the rental assistance contract is between the HOME-ARP sponsor and the PJ or the HOME-ARP sponsor and the PJ have entered into a written agreement as outlined below. The HOME-ARP sponsor must make rental subsidy payments to the owner on behalf of the qualifying household per the terms and conditions of the HOME-ARP TBRA contract or written agreement with the PJ. When the HOME-ARP TBRA assisted household moves to a new unit,the HOME-ARP sponsor is not required to continue its sponsor relationship with the HOME-ARP TBRA assisted household for the new rental unit but may do so with the consent of the HOME- ARP TBRA household. The PJ must establish policies and procedures regarding termination of HOME-ARP TBRA assistance for qualifying households who are absent from the rental unit for a minimum of 60 days and where a HOME-ARP sponsor is leasing the rental unit and subleasing to the qualifying household or providing HOME-ARP TBRA rental subsidy payments on behalf of the household. b. Lease and Sublease: PJs must require and verify that each household that receives HOME-ARP TBRA assistance has an executed lease that complies with the tenant protection requirements of this Notice. The lease agreement may be between the project owner and the HOME-ARP TBRA household, or PJs may permit a HOME-ARP sponsor to execute a lease with an owner for an individual unit or a master lease for more than one unit restricted for occupancy by HOME-ARP TBRA households. If the lease agreement is between the HOME-ARP sponsor and owner, the HOME-ARP sponsor must execute a sublease agreement with a HOME-ARP TBRA household. The sublease between the HOME-ARP sponsor and the HOME-ARP TBRA household must meet the tenant protection requirements of this Notice. c. Written Agreement with HOME-ARP Sponsor: The PJ must enter into a written agreement with the HOME-ARP sponsor if the HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance contract is not with the HOME-ARP sponsor and the HOME-ARP sponsor will receive the HOME-ARP TBRA subsidy directly from the PJ. The written agreement must specify the requirements for the HOME-ARP sponsor receiving the HOME-ARP TBRA subsidy on behalf of the qualifying household and the HOME-ARP sponsor's obligation to provide the HOME-ARP TBRA payment to the owner for the unit's required rent. 12. Project Completion: Project completion for a HOME-ARP TBRA project means the final drawdown has been disbursed for the project. 41 D. Supportive Services HOME-ARP funds may be used to provide a broad range of supportive services to qualifying individuals or families as a separate activity or in combination with other HOME-ARP activities. Supportive services include: a)services listed in section 401(29)of the McKinney- Vento Homeless Assistance Act ("McKinney-Vento Supportive Services")1 (42 U.S.C. 11360(29)D; b)homelessness prevention services , as described in Section VI.D.3. and D.4 below; and c) housing counseling services. 1. Eligible Program Participants: Supportive services may be provided to individuals and families who meet the definition of a qualifying population under Section IV.A of this Notice and who are not already receiving these services through another program. Program participants in other HOME-ARP activities are eligible for supportive services under this Notice in accordance with policies and procedures developed by the PJ. These policies and procedures should identify the length of time that program participants may be served by HOME-ARP TBRA and/or HOME ARP rental housing before they will no longer be eligible as a qualifying population for purposes of this section. 2. Client Selection: HOME-ARP funds may only be used to provide supportive services to individuals or families that meet the defmition of a qualifying population in Section IV.A of this Notice. PJs must develop policies and procedures for the selection of program participants for services under this section of the Notice that comply with Section IV.0 and this section of this Notice. 3. Eligible Supportive Services under HOME-ARP: There are three categories specifically included as supportive services under HOME-ARP: a. McKinney-Vento Supportive Services: McKinney-Vento Supportive Services under HOME-ARP are adapted from the services listed in section 401(29) of McKinney- Vento. b. Homelessness Prevention Services: HOME-ARP Homelessness Prevention Services are adapted from eligible homelessness prevention services under the regulations at 24 CFR 576-102,24 CFR 576.103,24 CFR 576 105,-and 24 CFR 576.106,and are revised, supplemented, and streamlined in Section VI.D.4.c.i below. c. Housing Counseling Services: Housing counseling services under HOME-ARP are those consistent with the definition of housing counseling and housing counseling services defined at 24 CFR 5.100 and 5.111, respectively, except where otherwise noted. The requirements at 24 CFR 5.111 state that any housing counseling, as defined in 24 CFR 5.100, required under or provided in connection with any program administered by HUD shall be provided only by organizations and counselors certified by the Secretary under 24 CFR part 214 to provide housing counseling, consistent with 12 U.S.C. 1701x. ' The Consolidated Appropriations Act,2021 (P.L. 116-260)enacted changes that renumbered section 401(27)to (29)of McKinney-Vento. 42 HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agencies can.be found on HUD's website at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program ofces/housing/sfh/hcc. Program requirements and administration under 24 CFR part 214 apply to the provision of HOME-ARP Housing Counseling supportive services except those provisions related to current homeowners do not apply. Eligible HOME-ARP topics under Housing Counseling include but are not limited to the following examples: Rental Housing Pre-Purchase Homebuying Homeless Services Topics Counseling Topics Topics (24 CFR 214.300(e)(5)) (24 CFR 214.300(ej4)) (24 CFR 214 300(e)(1)) HUD rental and rent Advice regarding readiness Homeless assistance subsidy programs and preparation information regarding emergency shelter Other federal, state,or Federal Housing Other emergency services local assistance Administration insured financing Fair housing Housing selection and Transitional housing mobility Rental search assistance Housing search assistance Referral to local, state, and federal resources (24 CFR 214.300(b)(2)) Landlord tenant laws Fair housing and predatory lending 1. Lease terms Budgeting and credit Rent delinquency Loan product comparison Referrals to local, state, Purchase procedures and and federal resources closing costs Referrals to local, state, and federal resources Housing Counseling surrounding the following topics are ineligible under HOME-ARP: • Resolving or preventing mortgage delinquency, including, but not limited to default and foreclosure, loss mitigation, budgeting, and credit; • Home maintenance and financial management for homeowners, including, but not limited to: Escrow funds,budgeting, refinancing, home equity, home improvement, utility costs, energy efficiency, rights and responsibilities of homeowners, and reverse mortgages. In accordance with 24 CFR 214.300(a)(2), housing counselors must establish an action plan for each participating qualifying individual or family. Additionally, as per 24 CFR 43 214.300(c), housing counselors must also make reasonable efforts to have follow-up communications with participating qualifying individuals, when possible, to assure that the individual or family is progressing toward the housing goal established in the plan, to modify or terminate housing counseling, and to learn and report outcomes. 4. Eligible Costs of Supportive Services for Qualifying Individuals and Families: HOME- ARP funds may be used to pay eligible costs associated with the HOME-ARP supportive services activity in accordance with the requirements in this Notice. Eligible costs that may be paid using HOME-ARP funds are limited to only those identified in Section VI.D.4.c below. Any ineligible costs paid using HOME-ARP funds must be repaid in accordance with the requirements of this Notice. HUD has used its discretion in ARP to include eligible costs for supportive services that are necessary to assist the qualifying populations,prevent homelessness, or to enable qualifying households to obtain and maintain housing. The list of eligible costs associated with McKinney-Vento Supportive Services and Homelessness Prevention Services is in Section VI.D.4.c.i of this Notice. While all qualifying households are eligible to receive supportive services under this activity, the PJ must establish requirements for documenting eligible costs for an individual or family in a qualifying population(as defined in Section IV.A of this Notice) as McKinney-Vento supportive services, homelessness prevention services, or Housing Counseling. If a person is homeless, then the person is eligible to be provided the supportive services as McKinney-Vento supportive services for the costs allowable in Section VI.D.4.c below. If a person is housed and the supportive services are intended to help the program participant regain stability in the program participant's current permanent housing or move into other permanent housing to achieve stability in that housing then the person is eligible for homelessness prevention services for the costs allowable in Section VI.D.4.c.i below. Housing Counseling services may be provided regardless of whether a person is homeless or currently housed. PJs must document in their files which types of supportive services they wish to offer program participants. If PJs are using a supportive services provider, PJs must document in their written agreements with supportive service providers whether they are authorizing McKinney-Vento supportive services, homelessness prevention services, Housing Counseling services or some combination of the three. Only the supportive services that are authorized in the written agreement with the supportive service provider may be provided to program participants by that supportive service provider and only program participants that are eligible for those supportive services may be served. As such, supportive services providers must demonstrate through their documentation that the individuals served were eligible to receive the supportive services that were authorized under the written agreement in order for those costs to be eligible. 44 Consistent with the requirements in this section, the PJ may set a maximum dollar amount that a program participant may receive for each type of service described in Section VI.D.4.c. below and may also set a maximum period for which a program participant may receive any of the types of assistance or services. a. Oversight of Eligible Costs: All supportive service costs paid for by HOME-ARP must comply with the requirements of this Notice, including requirements in 2 CFR part 200, subpart E, Cost Principles that require costs be necessary and reasonable. If a qualifying household is already receiving the same eligible supportive service or has been approved to receive the same service through another program or provider,the program participant does not have a need for the HOME-ARP service and the costs related to the service do not comply with the Cost Principles. The PJ is responsible for establishing requirements that allow a program participant to receive only the HOME-ARP services needed so there is no duplication of services or assistance in the use of HOME-ARP funds for supportive services. This may include the use of systems such as Homeless Management Information Systems in coordination with local supportive service providers, CoCs, and other nonprofit organizations. b. Direct provision of services: PJs contracting with service providers engaged directly in the provision of services under the HOME-ARP eligible supportive services categories, shall have written agreements or contracts that comply with the requirements of this Notice and, to the extent practicable, enter into agreements or contracts in amounts that cover the actual total program costs and administrative overhead to provide the services contracted. If the services outlined in paragraph c. below are being directly delivered by the PJ or a subrecipient, the following costs are eligible project delivery costs for those services: • the costs of labor or supplies and materials incurred by the PJ or subrecipient in directly providing supportive services to program participants. • the salary and benefit packages of the PJ and subrecipient staff who directly deliver the services. These project delivery costs must be attributable to the identifiable objective of the service delivered, otherwise they are administrative costs of the PJ or subrecipient. c. Eligible Costs: i. Eligible Costs for McKinney Vento Supportive Services and Homelessness Prevention Services: Eligible costs for supportive services under either of these two categories include costs associated with the following services: (A) Child care: The costs of child care for program participants, including providing meals and snacks, and comprehensive and coordinated developmental activities, are eligible. The child care center must be licensed by the jurisdiction in which it operates in order for its costs to be eligible. The following conditions also apply: 45 • Children must be under the age of 13 unless the children have a disability. • Children with a disability must be under the age of 18. (B) Education services: The costs of improving knowledge and basic educational skills are eligible costs including: • Instruction or training in consumer education,health education, substance abuse prevention, literacy, English as a Second Language, and General Educational Development(GED). • Screening, assessment, and testing; individual or group instruction; tutoring; provision of books, supplies, and instructional material; counseling; and referral to community resources. (C) Employment assistance and job training: The costs of establishing and/or operating employment assistance and job training programs are eligible, including classroom, online and/or computer instruction, on-the-job instruction, services that assist individuals in securing employment, acquiring learning skills, and/or increasing earning potential. The cost of providing reasonable stipends to program participants in employment assistance and job training programs is also an eligible cost. • Learning skills include those skills that can be used to secure and retain a job, including the acquisition of vocational licenses and/or certificates. • Services that assist individuals in securing employment consist of: • Employment screening, assessment, or testing; • Structured job skills and job-seeking skills; • Special training and tutoring, including literacy training and pre- vocational training; • Books and instructional material; • Counseling or job coaching; and • Referral to community resources. (D) Food: The cost of providing meals or groceries to program participants is eligible. (E) Housing search and counseling services: Costs of assisting eligible program participants to locate, obtain, and retain suitable housing are eligible. Services are: • Development of an action plan for locating housing; • Housing search; • Tenant counseling; • Securing utilities; • Making moving arrangements; • Outreach to and negotiation with owners; • Assistance submitting rental applications and understanding leases; • Assessment of housing for compliance with HOME-ARP requirements for TBRA assistance in Section VI.0 of this Notice and financial 46 assistance for short-term and medium-term rental payments provided under Section VI.D.4.c.i.(R)below; • Assistance obtaining utilities; and • Tenant counseling; • Mediation with property owners and landlords on behalf of eligible program participants; • Credit counseling,accessing a free personal credit report, and resolving personal credit issues;and • Payment of rental application fees; • Other Housing counseling costs, as defined in 24 CFR 5.100, funded with or provided in connection with grant funds must be carried out in accordance with 24 CFR 5.111. Please Note: When PJs or subrecipients provide housing services to eligible persons that are incidental to a larger set of holistic case management services,these services do not meet the definition of Housing counseling, as defined in 24,CFR 5.100, and therefore are not required to be carried out in accordance with the certification requirements of 24 CFR 5.111. (F) Legal services: Eligible costs are the fees charged by licensed attorneys and by person(s) under the supervision of licensed attorneys, for advice and representation in matters that interfere with a qualifying individual or family's ability to obtain and retain housing. • Eligible subject matters are child support; guardianship;paternity; emancipation; legal separation; orders of protection and other legal remedies for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault,human trafficking, and stalking; appeal of veterans and public benefit claim denials; landlord-tenant disputes; and the resolution of outstanding criminal warrants; landlord/tenant matters, provided that the services must be necessary to resolve a legal problem that prohibits the program participant from obtaining permanent housing or will likely result in the program participant losing the permanent housing in which the program participant currently resides. • Legal services for immigration and citizenship matters and for issues related to mortgages and homeownership are ineligible. Retainer fee arrangements and contingency fee arrangements are prohibited. • Services may include client intake, receiving and preparing cases for trial,provision of legal advice, representation at hearings, and counseling. • Fees based on the actual service performed(i.e., fee for service) are also eligible, but only if the cost would be less than the cost of hourly fees. Filing fees and other necessary court costs are also eligible. If the subrecipient is a legal services provider and performs the services itself, the eligible costs are the subrecipient's employees' salaries and other costs necessary to perform the services. 47 (G) Life skills training: The costs of teaching critical life management skills that may never have been learned or have been lost during the course of physical or mental illness, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, substance abuse, and homelessness are eligible. These services must be necessary to assist the program participant to function independently in the community. Life skills training includes: • the budgeting of resources and money management, household management, conflict management, shopping for food and other needed items,nutrition, the use of public transportation,and parent training. (H) Mental health services: Eligible costs are the direct outpatient treatment of mental health conditions that are provided by licensed professionals. • Mental health services are the application of therapeutic processes to personal, family, situational, or occupational problems in order to bring about positive resolution of the problem or improved individual or family functioning or circumstances. Problem areas may include family and marital relationships,parent-child problems,or symptom management. • Services are crisis interventions; counseling; individual, family, or group therapy sessions; the prescription of psychotropic medications or explanations about the use and management of medications; and combinations of therapeutic approaches to address multiple problems. (I) Outpatient health services: Eligible costs are the direct outpatient treatment of medical conditions when provided by licensed medical professionals including: • Providing an analysis or assessment of a program participant's health problems and the development of a treatment plan; • Assisting program participants to understand their health needs; • Providing directly or assisting program participants to obtain and utilize appropriate medical treatment; • Preventive medical care and health maintenance services, including in- home health services and emergency medical services; • Provision of appropriate medication; • Providing follow-up services; and • Preventive and non-cosmetic dental care. (J) Outreach services: The costs of activities to engage qualified populations for the purpose of providing immediate support and intervention, as well as identifying potential program participants, are eligible. • Eligible costs include the outreach worker's transportation costs and a cell phone to be used by the individual performing the outreach. • Costs associated with the following services are eligible: initial assessment; crisis counseling; addressing urgent physical needs, such as providing meals, blankets, clothes, or toiletries; actively connecting and providing people with information and referrals to homeless and 48 mainstream programs; and publicizing the availability of the housing and/or services provided within the PJ's geographic area. (K) Substance abuse treatment services: Eligible substance abuse treatment services are designed to prevent, reduce, eliminate, or deter relapse of substance abuse or addictive behaviors and are provided by licensed or certified professionals. The costs include: • Program participant intake and assessment; • Outpatient treatment; • Group and individual counseling • Drug testing; • Inpatient detoxification and other inpatient drug or alcohol treatment are ineligible. (L) Transportation: Eligible costs are: • The costs of program participant's travel on public transportation or in a vehicle provided by the PJ or subrecipient to and from medical care, employment, childcare, or other services eligible under this Notice; • Mileage allowance for service workers to visit program participants and to carry out housing inspections; • The cost of purchasing or leasing a vehicle in which staff transports program participants and/or staff serving program participants; • The cost of gas, insurance,taxes, and maintenance for the vehicle; • The costs of PJ or subrecipient staff to accompany or assist program participants to utilize public transportation; and • If public transportation options are not sufficient within the area, the PJ may make a one-time payment on behalf of a program participant needing car repairs or maintenance required to operate a personal vehicle, subject to the following: • Payments for car repairs or maintenance on behalf of the program participant may not exceed 10 percent of the Blue Book value of the vehicle(Blue Book refers to the guidebook that compiles and quotes prices for new and used automobiles and other vehicles of all makes, models, and types); • Payments for car repairs or maintenance must be paid by the PJ or subrecipient directly to the third party that repairs or maintains the car; and • PJs or subrecipients may require program participants to share in the cost of car repairs or maintenance as a condition of receiving assistance with car repairs or maintenance. • The PJ must establish policies and procedures surrounding payments for the cost of gas, insurance, taxes, the one-time payment for car repairs or maintenance described above, and maintenance for vehicles of program participants. Such costs must be limited to program participants with the inability to pay for such costs and who, without such assistance, would not be able to participate in eligible services under this Section VI.D.4.c.i. 49 (M) Case management: The costs of assessing, arranging, coordinating, and monitoring the delivery of individualized services to meet the needs of the program participant(s) are eligible costs. PJs and subrecipients providing these supportive services must have written standards for providing the assistance. Eligible costs are those associated with the following services and activities: • Conducting the initial evaluation, including verifying and documenting eligibility, for individuals and families applying for supportive services; • Counseling; • Developing, securing, and coordinating services; • Using a centralized or coordinated assessment system that complies with the requirements of Section N.0 of the Notice; • Obtaining federal, State, and local benefits; • Monitoring and evaluating program participant progress; • Providing information and referrals to other providers; • Providing ongoing risk assessment and safety planning with victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking; • Developing an individualized housing and service plan, including planning a path to permanent housing stability; and • Conducting re-evaluations of the program participant's eligibility and the types and amounts of assistance the program participant needs. (N) Mediation: HOME-ARP funds may pay for mediation between the program participant and the owner or person(s) with whom the program participant is living,provided that the mediation is necessary to prevent the program participant from losing permanent housing in which the program participant currently resides. (0) Credit repair: HOME-ARP funds may pay for credit counseling and other services necessary to assist program participants with critical skills related to household budgeting, managing money, accessing a free personal credit report, and resolving personal credit problems. This assistance does not include the payment or modification of a debt. (P) Landlord/Tenant Liaison: Costs of liaison services between property managers/owners and program participants are eligible HOME-ARP costs and may include: • Landlord outreach; • Physical inspections and rent reasonable studies as needed to secure units; • Rental application fees and security deposits for clients, in accordance with the financial assistance costs requirements in (R); • Mediation services in(N) for housing issues that may arise between owner, property manager, or other residents and clients; 50 • Coordination or assistance with the provision of other_HOME-ARP eligible services to assist clients to maintain permanent housing. (Q) Services for special populations: HOME-ARP funds may be used to provide services for special populations, such as victim services, so long as the costs of providing these services are eligible under this section. The term victim services means services that assist program participants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking including services offered by rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters, and other organizations with a documented history of effective work concerning domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. (R) Financial assistance costs: HOME-ARP funds may be used to pay housing owners,utility companies, and other third parties for the following costs, as applicable: • Rental application fees: Rental housing application fee that is charged by the owner to all applicants. • Security deposits: A security deposit that is equal to no more than 2 months' rent. This assistance is separate and distinct from the provision of financial assistance for First,and Last Month's rent provided under this section and cannot be used to duplicate those costs. • Utility deposits: HOME-ARP funds may pay for a standard utility deposit or initiation fee required by the utility company or owner(if owner-paid utilities are provided) for all program participants for the following utilities: • Gas • Electric • Water • Sewer • Utility payments: HOME-ARP funds may pay for up to 24 months of utility payments per program participant,per service, including up to 6 months of utility payments in arrears, per service. A partial payment of a utility bill counts as one month. This assistance may only be provided if the program participant or a member of the same household has an account in his or her name with a utility company or proof of responsibility to make utility payments. Eligible utility services are gas, electric, water, and sewage. No program participant shall receive more than 24 months of utility assistance within any 3-year period. • Moving costs: HOME-ARP funds may pay for moving costs, such as truck rental or hiring a moving company. This assistance may include payment of temporary storage fees for up to 3 months,provided that the fees are accrued after the date the program participant begins receiving assistance under this section of the Notice and before the program participant moves into permanent housing. Payment of temporary storage fees in arrears is not eligible. 51 • First and Last month's rent: If necessary to obtain housing for a program participant, HOME-ARP funds may be used to make a pre-payment of the first and last month's rent under a new lease to the owner at the time the owner is paid the security deposit for the program participant's tenancy in the housing. This assistance must not exceed two month's rent and must be tracked for purposes of determining the total short- and medium-term fmancial assistance for rent that the program participant may receive. This assistance is separate and distinct from financial assistance for Security Deposits provided under this section and cannot be used to duplicate those costs. • Payment of rental arrears: HOME-ARP funds may be used for a one- time payment for up to 6 months of rent in arrears, including any late fees or charges on those arrears, if necessary for the household to maintain their existing housing or, for those without housing, if necessary to remove a demonstrated barrier to obtaining housing. (S) Short-term and medium-term financial assistance for rent: Subject to the following conditions, a PJ may provide a program participant with short-term or medium-term financial assistance for rent,provided that the total financial assistance provided, including any pre-payment of first and last month's rent as described above, does not exceed 24 months of rental payments over any 3-year period. • Short-term means up to 3 months. • Medium-term means more than 3 months but not more than 24 months. • The PJ may make rental payments only to an owner with whom the PJ has entered into a financial assistance agreement for rental payment. The financial assistance agreement must set forth the terms under which rental payments will be provided, including the requirements that apply under this Notice. The financial assistance agreement must provide that, during the term of the agreement, the owner must give the PJ a copy of any notice to the program participant to vacate the housing unit or any complaint used under State or local law to commence an eviction action against--the-program participant-The owner must-serve written notice upon the program participant at least 30 days before termination of tenancy specifying the grounds for the action. Each financial assistance agreement that is executed or renewed must comply with the requirements in 24 CFR 92.359. • The PJ must make timely payments to each owner in accordance with the financial assistance agreement. The financial assistance agreement must contain the same payment due date, grace period, and late payment penalty requirements as the program participant's lease. The PJ is solely responsible for paying late payment penalties that it incurs with non- HOME-ARP funds. • Rental payments cannot be provided unless the rent does not exceed the Fair Market Rent established by HUD, as provided under 24 CFR 52 part 888,and complies with HUD's standard of rent reasonableness, as established under 24 CFR 982.507. • Each program participant receiving financial assistance for rental payments must have a legally binding, written lease for the rental unit,unless the assistance is solely for rental arrears. The lease must be between the owner and the program participant. Where the financial assistance is solely for rental arrears, an oral agreement may be accepted in place of a written lease, if the agreement gives the program participant an enforceable leasehold interest under state law and the agreement and rent owed are sufficiently documented by the owner's financial records,rent ledgers, or canceled checks. New leases must have an initial term of 1 year unless a shorter period is agreed upon by the program participant and owner. The lease requirements in 24 CFR 92.359 apply to this financial assistance. • PJs must establish requirements to prevent the provision of short-or medium-term financial assistance for rent for the same period for which a program participant is receiving rental assistance or living in housing provided with ongoing assistance(such as project-based rental assistance or operating subsidies). • If a program participant receiving financial assistance for short- or medium-term rental payments under this section meets the conditions for an emergency transfer under 24 CFR 5.2005(e), HOME-ARP funds may be used to pay amounts owed for breaking a lease to effectuate an emergency transfer. These costs are not subject to the 24-month limit on rental payments. Ineligible costs-Financial assistance cannot be provided to a program participant who is receiving the same type of assistance through other public sources. Financial assistance also cannot be provided to a program participant who has been provided with replacement housing payments under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended(42 USC 4601 et seq.) and its implementing regulations at 49 CFR part 24, or Section 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 USC 5304(d)and its implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 42,during the period of time covered by the replacement housing payments. ii. Eligible Costs Associated with Housing Counseling under 24 CFR 5.100 and 5.111: Costs associated with housing counseling services as defined at 24 CFR 5.100 and 5.111 are eligible under HOME-ARP. As homeowner assistance and related services are not eligible HOME-ARP activities, costs for the provision of services related to mortgages and homeownership to existing homeowners are also not eligible under HOME-ARP. If a program participant is a candidate for homeownership, costs associated with pre-purchase homebuying counseling, education and outreach are eligible under HOME-ARP. Eligible costs are those costs associated with the services listed in 24 CFR part 214 and include, but are not limited to: 53 (A) Staff salaries and overhead costs of HUD-certified housing counseling agencies related to directly providing eligible housing counseling services to HOME-ARP program participants; (B) Development of a housing counseling workplan; (C) Marketing and outreach; (D) Intake; (E) Financial and housing affordability analysis; (F) Action plans that outline what the housing counseling agency and the client will do to meet the client's housing goals and that address the client's housing problem(s); (G) Follow-up communication with program participants. 5. Termination of assistance to program participants: a. Termination of assistance: The PJ may terminate assistance to a program participant who violates program requirements or conditions of occupancy or no longer needs the services as determined by the PJ. Termination under this section does not bar the PJ from providing further assistance at a later date to the same individual or family under this Notice. b. Due process: The PJ must establish policies and procedures for termination of assistance to program participants. In terminating assistance to a program participant, the PJ must provide a formal process that recognizes the rights of individuals receiving assistance under the due process of law. This process, at a minimum, must consist of: i. Providing the program participant with a written copy of the program rules and the termination process before the participant begins to receive assistance; ii. Written notice to the program participant containing a clear statement of the reasons for termination; iii. A review of the decision, in which the program participant is given the opportunity to present written or oral objections before a person other than the person(or a subordinate of that person)who made or approved the termination decision; and iv. Prompt written notice of the final decision to the program participant. During this process,the RI mustprovide-effective communication-and accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including the provision of reasonable accommodations. Similarly,the PJ must provide meaningful access to persons with LEP. 6. Commitment: For supportive services, commitment means that before disbursing any HOME-ARP funds to any entity, the PJ executed a legally binding written agreement that complies with HOME-ARP requirements with the contractor or subrecipient providing the supportive service (that includes the date of the signature of each person signing the agreement). 7. Policies and Procedures: PJs must establish the following policies and procedures in compliance with this notice: 54 a. Tenant selection procedures in accordance with Section IV.C.2 and this section; b. Eligibility of program participants in other HOME-ARP activities for supportive services under Section VI.D.4.c.i above including the length of time that program participants may be served by HOME-ARP TBRA and/or HOME ARP rental housing before they will no longer be eligible as a qualifying population for purposes of this section; c. If the PJ chooses to set maximum amounts and/or maximum periods for assistance or services, the maximum dollar amount that a program participant may receive for each type of service described in Section VI.D.4.c.i above and/or maximum periods for which a program participant may receive any of the types of assistance or services under this section; d. Documentation of eligible costs; e. Requirements that allow a program participant to receive only the HOME-ARP services needed so there is no duplication of services or assistance in the use of HOME-ARP funds for supportive services; f. Payments for the cost of gas, insurance, taxes,the one-time payment for car repairs or maintenance described above, and maintenance for vehicles of program participants; g. Financial assistance for short-term and medium-term rental payments under this Notice, including requirements to prevent a duplication of rental or financial assistance provided to a program participant; h. Housing stability case management; and i. Termination of assistance to program participants. 8. Project Completion:Project completion for a HOME-ARP Supportive Services project means the final drawdown has been disbursed for the project. E. Acquisition and Development of Non-Congregate Shelter A non-congregate shelter(NCS) is one or more buildings that provide private units or rooms as temporary shelter to individuals and families and does not require occupants to sign a lease or occupancy agreement. HOME-ARP funds may be used to acquire and develop HOME-ARP NCS for individuals and families in qualifying populations. This activity may include but is not limited to the acquisition of land and construction of HOME-ARP NCS or acquisition and/or rehabilitation of existing structures such as motels, hotels, or other facilities to be used for HOME-ARP NCS. HOME-ARP funds may not be used to pay the operating costs of HOME- ARP NCS. Consequently, PJs must consider the availability of ongoing operating funds for the HOME-ARP NCS so that the HOME-ARP NCS can remain viable through the restricted use period specified in this Notice. 55 During the restricted use period, HOME-ARP NCS may: • Remain as HOME-ARP NCS in compliance with the requirements of this Notice. • Be used as a non-congregate emergency shelter under the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG)program (Subtitle B of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act) (42 USC 11371 et seq.), in which case the non-congregate shelter must be operated in compliance with all requirements at 24 CFR part 576 that apply when ESG funds are provided for operating costs or essential services in the shelter. During any period for which ESG funds are provided,the applicable ESG requirements shall govern in the event of any conflict with HOME-ARP requirements. • Be converted to permanent affordable housing according to the requirements established in Section VI.E.11 of this Notice. • Be converted to permanent housing as defined in Subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney- Vento Homeless Assistance Act(42 USC 11381 et seq.) according to requirements of this Notice and 24 CFR part 578. 1. Admission and Occupancy: HOME-ARP NCS units may only be occupied by individuals or families that meet the criteria for one or more of the qualifying populations as defined in Section IV.A. of this Notice. Where applicable, occupancy of NCS units by qualifying populations must be in accordance with the requirements in Section 1V.0 of this Notice. The PJ must not allow qualifying populations to be charged occupancy fees or other charges to occupy a HOME-ARP NCS unit unless the PJ determines such fees and charges to be customary and reasonable and the charges comply with 24 CFR 578.77(b). To ensure that access to HOME-ARP NCS by qualifying populations is effectively integrated with other assistance and services, PJs are encouraged to incorporate each HOME-ARP NCS into the CE established by the CoC(s) for the area the NCS is funded to serve, provided that the CE is used in accordance with Section IV.0 of this Notice. Whether or not packaged with NCS funding, HOME-ARP supportive services may also be provided as needed to qualifying individuals and families served by the HOME-ARP NCS in accordance with the requirements contained in Section VI.D of this Notice. No individual or family may be denied admission to or removed from a HOME-ARP NCS unit on the basis or as a direct result of the fact that the individual or family is or has been a victim of domestic violence,dating violence, sexual assault,sulking,or human trafficking if the individual or family meets the criteria of one of the qualifying populations. 2. Eligible Activities: HOME-ARP funds may be used to acquire and/or rehabilitate or construct HOME-ARP NCS units to serve qualifying populations. Acquisition of vacant land or demolition of existing structures may be undertaken only as part of a HOME-ARP NCS project. HOME-ARP NCS units acquired and/or developed with HOME-ARP funds must meet the requirements of this Notice, i.e.,be used as HOME-ARP NCS or used as emergency shelter under ESG for the restricted use period established in Section VI.E.9 of this Notice. 3. Eligible Costs: HOME-ARP funds may be used for actual costs of acquiring NCS or developing HOME-ARP NCS as follows: 56 a. Acquisition Costs: Costs to acquire improved or unimproved real property. b. Demolition Costs: Costs of demolishing existing structures for the purpose of developing HOME-ARP NCS. c. Development Hard Costs: Costs identified in 24 CFR 92.206(a) to rehabilitate or construct HOME-ARP NCS units, except costs must be for meeting the physical standards established in Section VI.E.7 of this Notice. d. Site Improvements: Costs to make improvements to the project site,including installation of utilities or utility connections, and the construction or rehabilitation of laundry,community facilities, on-site management, or supportive service offices. e. Related Soft Costs: Reasonable and necessary costs incurred by the PJ and owner associated with the financing, acquisition, and development of HOME-ARP NCS projects, including costs identified in 24 CFR 92.206(d) with the following exceptions: i. Costs to provide information services such as affirmative marketing to prospective homeowners and tenants are not eligible. ii. Costs of funding an initial operating deficit reserve are not eligible. iii. Costs of project-specific assistance to community housing development organizations, including technical assistance and site control loans or seed money loans as specified in 24 CFR 92.301 are not eligible. f. Replacement Reserve: Costs to capitalize a replacement reserve to pay the reasonable and necessary costs of replacing major systems and their components whose useful life will end during the restricted use period. Major systems include structural support, roofing, cladding, and weatherproofing, plumbing, electrical and HVAC. The costs of replacing major systems must be determined through a Capital Needs Assessment or documented in writing after an inspection by the PJ or PJ-selected contractor to assess the remaining useful life of major systems expected upon completion of the HOME- ARP NCS project. The costs of a replacement reserve must be included in the project budget in the written agreement along with a list of major systems to be replaced with the reserve and projected replacement schedule during the restricted use period(i.e., reserve for replacement analysis). Rehabilitation planned to be completed with HOME- ARP NCS reserve funds at a later date must be included in IDIS as a rehabilitation activity at initial commitment. 4. Prohibited Costs: HOME-ARP funds may not be used to: a. Pay any operating costs of a HOME-ARP NCS project. b. Provide additional HOME-ARP investment in a HOME-ARP NCS project during the restricted use period, except that additional HOME-ARP funds can be invested in the project up to one year after project completion in IDIS for eligible costs. 57 c. Pay costs of a conversion of HOME-ARP NCS as described in Section VI.E.11 of this Notice. d. Provide non-Federal matching contributions required under any other Federal program. e. Provide assistance for uses authorized under section 9 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437g) (Public Housing Capital and Operating Funds). f. Provide assistance to eligible low-income housing under 24 CFR part 248 (Prepayment of Low-Income Housing Mortgages). g. Pay for the acquisition of property owned by the PJ, except for property acquired by the PJ with HOME-ARP NCS funds, or property acquired in anticipation of carrying out a HOME-ARP NCS project. h. Pay delinquent taxes, fees, or charges on properties to be assisted with HOME-ARP NCS funds. i. Pay for any cost that is not eligible under this Notice. 5. Commitment: PJs must commit HOME-ARP funds before disbursing funds for a HOME- ARP NCS project. HOME-ARP funds are committed to a HOME-ARP NCS project when the PJ executes a legally binding written agreement that meets the requirements in this Notice. If the project is an acquisition-only activity,the PJ may commit HOME-ARP funds if it reasonably expects the project will be operated as HOME-ARP NCS within 6 months of the date of acquisition. Acquisition-only HOME-ARP NCS projects may be performed when the PJ reasonably determines that the units acquired will not require rehabilitation to meet the property standards in Section VI.E.7 of this Notice. If the project is not in active use as HOME-ARP NCS within 6 months of the acquisition, HUD may require the PJ to submit a schedule for placing the project into operation within a period determined by HUD or may require the PJ to repay the funds to its HOME-ARP Treasury Account. For projects-that will involve rehabilitation or new or without acquisition, the PJ may commit HOME-ARP funds if it reasonably expects development to begin within 12 months of the date of commitment. 6. Project Development Due Diligence: HOME-ARP NCS projects must meet the requirements of this Notice for the restricted use period. Consequently, before awarding HOME-ARP funds to a HOME-ARP NCS project,PJs must determine that acquisition and/or development is financially feasible. The PJ is responsible for maintaining continued operation of the NCS in accordance with this Notice throughout the restricted use period. Therefore, the PJ must consider whether the HOME-ARP NCS project has secured or has a high likelihood of securing operating funding because operating costs cannot be paid with HOME-ARP. 58 PJs must assess HOME-ARP NCS projects, including a review of information from the owner and/or developer that demonstrates the project's financial feasibility throughout the restricted use period. Before awarding funds for HOME-ARP NCS,the PJ must: • Require that the developer submit evidence of appropriate skills and experience related to the development of shelters or similar facilities. • Require the owner to submit evidence of prior experience with operating shelters. • Require an,acquisition or development budget, timeline, and sources and uses statement for the acquisition and/or development of the project be submitted for review. • Require the owner to submit a proposed operating budget, including secured sources for operating costs and any operating gap that will require additional assistance. If there is a gap in the operating budget, the PJ should require the owner to submit a plan for securing additional private, local, state, or Federal funding sufficient for successful operation of the project. Before committing funds,PJs should also determine whether the owner intends to continue operating the project as HOME-ARP NCS or emergency shelter NCS under ESG for the entire full restricted use period or plans to convert the HOME-ARP NCS to permanent affordable housing or CoC permanent housing during the restricted use period, once the minimum use period for HOME-ARP NCS established in this section is completed. If a HOME-ARP NCS project owner intends to convert the project to CoC permanent housing or permanent supportive housing during the restricted use period,the PJ is encouraged to pursue partnership and leveraging opportunities with the CoC early in the planning stage of a HOME-ARP NCS project. In such instances,the PJ should consider the physical design needs of an eventual conversion in its evaluation of the HOME-ARP NCS project. 7. Property and Habitability.Standards: HOME-ARP NCS projects must meet the minimum HOME-ARP property standards prior to occupancy and the HOME-ARP NCS ongoing property standards throughout the restricted use period as described in this Notice. An"acquisition only"project must meet the HOME-ARP NCS minimum property standards described in paragraph a. below at the time of acquisition. If the project requires rehabilitation or repair to meet the minimum property standards,the project is considered acquisition and rehabilitation irrespective of the source of funds used for the rehabilitation or repair and must meet the NCS rehabilitation standards in paragraph b. below. In addition, PJs must meet the standards required in this Notice for rehabilitation or new construction, as applicable. The PJ must determine that construction contracts and documents describe the work to be completed in adequate detail to establish a basis for inspection to determine that all work was completed to contracted specifications and that the project met the HOME- ARP NCS property standards. Project classification as rehabilitation or new construction is determined by the PJs local code requirements based on specific work to be completed. PJs may also choose to adopt a standard that exceeds the minimum standards described here. The written agreement must impose the HOME-ARP NCS property standards or the PJ's locally developed standards and require that the PJ or its representatives have access to the property to perform inspections during development and throughout the restricted use period. 59 a. Minimum HOME ARP NCS Property Standards: All HOME-ARP NCS units and common areas must meet all applicable State and local codes, ordinances, and requirements and the applicable provisions of HUD's Lead Safe Housing Rules at 24 CFR Part 35. In addition, all HOME-ARP NCS projects must meet the following minimum safety, sanitation, accessibility, and privacy standards: i. Must be structurally sound to protect occupants from the elements and not pose any threat to health and safety of the occupants. - ii. Must be accessible in accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act(29 U.S.C. 794) and implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 8;the Fair Housing Act(42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) and implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 100; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act(42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq.)and implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 35, all as applicable. iii. Must provide each individual or family with an acceptable, individual room to sleep which includes adequate space and security for themselves and their belongings. iv. Must have a natural or mechanical means of ventilation. The interior air must be free of pollutants at a level that might threaten or harm the health of occupants. v. Must have a water supply free of contamination. vi. Must have in-unit sanitary facilities that are in proper operating condition and are adequate for personal cleanliness and the disposal of human waste. vii. Must provide necessary heating/cooling facilities in proper operating condition. viii. Must have adequate natural or artificial illumination to permit normal indoor activities and support health and safety. There must be sufficient electrical sources to permit the safe use of electrical appliances. ix. Food preparation areas, if any, must contain suitable space and equipment to store, prepare, and serve food in a safe and sanitary manner. x. Must provide one working smoke detector and one working carbon monoxide detector in each unit. All smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and alarm systems must be designed for hearing-impaired residents. All public areas of the shelter must have at least one working smoke detector and one carbon monoxide detector. There must also be a second means of exiting the building in the event of fire or other emergency. Minimum-HOME-ARP NCS RehabilitationStandards-:HOME-ARP-NCS-rehabilitation projects must meet all applicable State and local codes, ordinances, and requirements , or in the absence of such codes, International Residential Code or the International Building Code (as applicable), and must comply with the Lead Safe Housing Rule at 24 CFR Part 35. Additionally,PJs must consider the remaining useful life of major systems. PJs are encouraged to use a Capital Needs Assessment to determine the reasonable and necessary investment of HOME-ARP funding in rehabilitation projects and expected cost of ongoing replacement needs during the restricted use period. If HOME-ARP funding will capitalize a replacement reserve, the PJ must determine the remaining useful life of major systems through a Capital Needs Assessment or other PJ inspection documented in writing, in accordance with requirements for capitalized replacement reserve costs in VI.E.3. 60 Minimum HOME-ARP NCS New Construction Standards: HOME-ARP NCS projects that are newly constructed must meet all applicable State and local codes, ordinances, and requirements, or in the absence of such codes, the International Residential Code or the International Building Code(as applicable to the type of structure). HOME-ARP funds cannot be used to fund a replacement reserve for newly constructed HOME-ARP NCS. b. On-going Property Standards and Inspections: PJs must develop ongoing inspection procedures to verify that HOME-ARP NCS projects meet the minimum HOME-ARP NCS property standards established in this Notice throughout the restricted use period. A PJ's inspection procedures must require annual inspections that are applied consistently to all HOME-ARP NCS projects. When deficiencies are identified,a follow-up inspection to verify that deficiencies are corrected must occur within 6 months. The PJ may establish a list of non-hazardous deficiencies for which correction can be verified by third party documentation(e.g., paid invoice or work order)rather than reinspection. If life-threatening deficiencies exist, the owner or operator of the HOME-ARP NCS must correct such deficiencies immediately. In such instances,the PJ must re-inspect to verify the deficiency has been corrected within 14 days. 8. Project Completion: Project Completion for HOME-ARP NCS means: • All necessary title transfer requirements and construction work has been performed; • The project complies with the requirements of this Notice, including the HOME- ARP NCS property standards as evidenced by a final inspection; • The project is actively operating as a HOME-ARP NCS; • Final drawdown of HOME-ARP funds has been disbursed; and • Project completion information is entered into IDIS. All HOME-ARP NCS projects must be completed within 4 years of the date of commitment of the HOME-ARP funds based on the date of the last signature on the written agreement. If the PJ fails to complete a project within 4 years of project completion, it must comply with the terminated project requirements at 24 CFR 92.205(e)(2). HOME-ARP NCS rehabilitation and new construction projects must begin operating as active shelters within 6 months after the date of completion of the construction work. If the HOME-ARP NCS project is not in use within 6 months, HUD may require the PJ to submit a schedule for placing the project into operation as an active shelter within a period determined by HUD or may require the PJ to repay the HOME-ARP funds to its HOME-ARP Treasury Account. 9. Restricted Use Period: HOME-ARP NCS projects must comply with the requirements of this Notice for not less than the restricted use period specified in this Notice. PJs must impose the HOME-ARP NCS requirements through a deed restriction, covenant running with the land, legally binding agreement restricting the use of the property and recorded on the property in accordance with State recordation laws, or other mechanism approved by HUD. The use restriction should not identify that the property is prioritized for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking. This use restriction must require that the property is operated as HOME-ARP NCS or non-congregate emergency shelter under ESG for the required restricted use period except that HOME-ARP 61 NCS projects may be converted to permanent affordable housing or CoC permanent housing after being operated as HOME-ARP NCS for the applicable minimum use period prior to conversion as described in Section VI.E.11. If the HOME-ARP NCS is converted,the PJ must amend its use restriction to reflect the change in requirements for the remainder of the restricted use period. The restricted use period begins at project completion as defined in Section VI.E.8 of this Notice and must be imposed for at least the following periods: a. New Construction: Newly constructed HOME-ARP NCS units must be operated as HOME-ARP NCS units for qualifying populations for a restricted use period of 15 years,regardless of the amount of HOME-ARP funds invested in the project. b. Rehabilitation: HOME-ARP NCS units which receive any amount of HOME-ARP funds for rehabilitation but are not designated as new construction by the PJ's state or local building code requirements must be operated as HOME-ARP NCS units for qualifying populations for a restricted use period of 10 years. c. Acquisition Only: Units acquired for use as HOME-ARP NCS that do not require rehabilitation for occupancy must serve the qualifying populations for a restricted use period of 10 years. d. PJs may impose longer restricted use periods but must require the project remain financially viable for the extended period. 10.Return of Replacement Reserve: HOME-ARP funds may capitalize a replacement reserve for HOME-ARP NCS projects performing rehabilitation as described in Section VI.E.3 of this Notice. Any unexpended HOME-ARP funds remaining in a project's replacement reserve at the completion of the restricted use period or upon conversion must be used or returned as follows: a. If the HOME-ARP NCS project will continue to operate in accordance with the HOME- ARP NCS requirements and serve qualifying households beyond the HOME-ARP NCS restricted use period-demonstrated by enforceable restrictions imposed by the RI in accordance with Section VI.E.9,the project can retain the replacement reserve to pay reasonable and necessary costs of replacing major systems and their components. b. If the HOME-ARP NCS project will not continue to operate in accordance with the HOME-ARP NCS requirements because the NCS is being converted to either CoC permanent housing or permanent affordable housing as described in Section VI.E.11 of this Notice and the HOME-ARP grant is still open,the remaining HOME-ARP funds in the replacement reserve must be returned to the PJ's HOME Investment Trust Fund Treasury account. c. If the HOME-ARP NCS grant has expired or is closed out, any remaining HOME-ARP funds in the replacement reserve must be deposited in the PJ's local HOME account, 62 recorded as a program income receipt in IDIS and used for eligible costs under 24 CFR part 92. 11. Conversion of Non-Congregate Shelter to Rental Housing: The ARP authorizes the conversion of HOME-ARP NCS units into permanent housing under subtitle C of title IV of McKinney-Vento or permanent affordable housing as described in this section, during the restricted use period. No HOME-ARP funds may be used for conversion. The written agreement between the PJ and the owner of the HOME-ARP NCS project must describe conversion as a possible outcome of the HOME-ARP NCS project; specify the conditions under which conversion will be permitted; and require that the PJ approve any conversion in advance. a. Minimum Use Period: All HOME-ARP NCS projects must be operated as NCS for a minimum period of time prior to conversion. The minimum use period prior to conversion varies based on the original HOME-ARP NCS eligible activity undertaken and the amount of funds invested in the project. If the HOME-ARP NCS project involves rehabilitation, the minimum use period prior to conversion is based on the total cost of the rehabilitation as a percentage of the total appraised value of the improved property. A larger investment for rehabilitation will require operation as HOME-ARP NCS for a longer minimum use period prior to conversion. i. Acquisition Only: HOME-ARP NCS activities not requiring rehabilitation for occupancy must be operated as HOME-ARP NCS for no less than 3 years from project completion prior to conversion. ii. Moderate Rehabilitation: Occurs when an NCS HOME-ARP project requires rehabilitation and the total rehabilitation expenditure from all sources of less than 75 percent of the total appraised value of the improved property. HOME-ARP NCS projects that receive moderate rehabilitation must be operated as HOME-ARP NCS for no less than 5 years from project completion prior to conversion. iii. Substantial Rehabilitation: Occurs when an NCS HOME-ARP project requires rehabilitation and the total rehabilitation expenditure from all sources exceeds 75 percent of the total appraised value of the improved property. HOME-ARP NCS projects that receive substantial rehabilitation must be operated as HOME-ARP NCS for no less than 10 years from project completion before conversion. iv. New Construction: Any HOME-ARP NCS project defined by the PJ's state or local code requirements as new construction must be operated as HOME-ARP NCS for no less than 10 years from project completion prior to conversion. Requirements for conversions vary depending on the type of conversion, as follows: b. Permanent Affordable Housing: During the HOME-ARP NCS restricted use period but only after the HOME-ARP NCS minimum use period, a PJ may provide written approval to convert the project from HOME-ARP NCS to permanent affordable housing (e.g., affordable multifamily rental housing, transitional housing) in accordance with the requirements prescribed in the PJ's written agreement with the HOME-ARP NCS owner. 63 The converted permanent affordable housing project must meet the following requirements: i. Additional HOME-ARP Investment: The PJ is prohibited from investing additional HOME-ARP funds to pay for the cost of converting the project from HOME-ARP NCS to permanent affordable housing or to pay for operating the project as permanent affordable housing. However, the PJ must determine that adequate financial resources are committed to the project to bring it into compliance with the property standards of Section VI.B.11 of this Notice and maintain the financial feasibility of the project to be operated as permanent affordable housing for the qualifying populations throughout the remaining restricted use period. If permitting conversion of HOME-ARP NCS into permanent affordable housing, a PJ must develop and evaluate the project in accordance with standardized underwriting guidelines for conversion. At minimum, the PJ's underwriting guidelines for conversion must include an examination of the sources and uses of funds for the conversion and a careful review of the project's operating budget,including the assumptions,projections, and reasonably expected increases in expenses throughout the minimum compliance period defined in the section below, to determine that the project will remain financially feasible to serve the qualifying populations for the remainder of the restricted use period. The PJ may assist households living in affordable rental housing units in converted projects by providing HOME-ARP TBRA in accordance with Section VI.0 of this Notice or fmancial assistance services in accordance with Section VI.D.4.c.i.R. ii. Minimum Compliance Period: The minimum compliance period for converted housing is the period that the housing must continue to comply with the requirements of this Notice and is equal to the balance of the HOME-ARP NCS restricted use period. A PJ may impose a longer compliance period but should plan for the project's fmancial feasibility for the longer period. The PJ may not use HOME-ARP funds to provide operating assistance, including a capitalized operating reserve, to cover deficits during the minimum or an extended compliance period. The PJ must amend the use restriction for HOME-ARP NCS to reflect the conversion to permanent affordable housing. The provisions for imposing affordability requirements at 24 CFR 92.252(e)(1)through (e)(4) apply to the amended use restriction. In addition, the amended use restriction for the permanent affordable housing must be enforceable to maintain compliance with the requirements of this Notice for the minimum compliance period, including the following: (1) The same number of units that were operated as HOME-ARP NCS for qualifying populations must be restricted for and must be occupied by households that meet the definition of a qualifying population at the time of initial occupancy of the permanent affordable housing. The household's contribution toward rent during this period must be affordable in accordance with Section VI.E.11 of this Notice. 64 (2) The units must comply with the ongoing property condition standards of 24 CFR 92.251(f) throughout the minimum compliance period as demonstrated by an on-site inspection within 12 months of project completion and an on-site inspection at least once every three years thereafter as required by 24 CFR 92.504(d)(ii). (3) Each household that occupies.a HOME-ARP assisted rental unit must have an executed lease that complies with the tenant protections required in Section VI.B.18 of this Notice. iii. Property Standards: For the remaining restricted use period,the PJ must require that project owners maintain the housing as decent, safe and sanitary housing in good repair in accordance with the ongoing property condition standards of 24 CFR 92.251(f)as demonstrated by an on-site inspection at least once every three years in accordance with 24 CFR 92.504(d)(ii). iv. Tenant Contribution to Rent: The PJ must confirm that the qualifying household's contribution to rent is affordable to the household based on a dete rmination of the household's income. If the household is receiving project-based or tenant-based rental assistance, it cannot contribute towards rent more than is permitted in accordance with the requirements of the applicable program. If a qualifying household cannot contribute to rent, or the contribution is insufficient to cover the unit rent, the PJ may provide HOME-ARP TBRA or supportive services to assist the qualifying household but may not provide operating cost assistance or fund an operating cost assistance reserve. v. Tenant Protections: Following conversion, each qualifying household that occupies a permanent affordable housing unit must have an executed lease or sublease that complies with the tenant protections requirements of this Notice. (1) Lease Requirement: There must be a lease between the qualifying household and the owner of the permanent affordable housing project or, if there is a sublease with a qualifying household, a lease between a HOME-ARP sponsor and the owner in accordance with 24 CFR 92.253(a). (2) Prohibited Lease Terms: The lease between the qualifying household and the owner, lease between HOME-ARP sponsor and the owner, and sublease between a HOME-ARP sponsor and qualifying household may not contain any of the prohibited lease terms specified in 24 CFR 92.253(b). (3) Termination of tenancy: An owner may not terminate the tenancy or refuse to renew the lease of a qualifying household(or of a HOME-ARP sponsor with a sublease with a qualifying household) in a permanent affordable housing unit except for serious or repeated violation of the terms and conditions of the lease; for violation of applicable Federal, State, or local laws, or for other good cause. An increase in the qualifying household's income does not constitute good cause. 65 To terminate or refuse to renew tenancy, the owner must serve written notice upon the qualifying household and the HOME-ARP sponsor if the lease is between an owner and HOME-ARP sponsor, specifying the grounds for the action at least 30 days before termination of tenancy. In the case of a sublease, to terminate or refuse to renew tenancy of a qualifying household, the HOME-ARP sponsor, in accordance with the policy established by the PJ, must notify the PJ in advance of serving written notice to the qualifying household and must serve written notice upon the qualifying household at least 30 days before termination of tenancy, specifying the grounds for the action. vi. Coordinated Entry and Project-Specific Waitlists: On a project-by-project basis,the PJ must use the method of tenant selection in Section VI.B.19 of this Notice to select qualifying households for occupancy of permanent affordable housing. vii. Penalties for Noncompliance: The PJ must repay HOME-ARP funds invested in HOME-ARP NCS that was converted to permanent affordable housing if the permanent affordable housing does not comply with initial or ongoing requirements of this Notice during the compliance period. c. CoC Permanent Housing: During the HOME-ARP NCS restricted use period but only after the HOME-ARP NCS minimum use period, a PJ may permit the conversion of a HOME-ARP NCS project to permanent housing or permanent supportive housing under 24 CFR 578.43 (acquisition) and/or 24 CFR 578.45 (rehabilitation) of the CoC program regulations. Conversions may only occur in accordance with the requirements prescribed in the PJ's written agreement with the HOME-ARP NCS owner. If conversion is approved by the PJ, the HOME-ARP NCS use restrictions must remain in place until the project is approved for CoC funding and the required CoC restrictions are imposed on the property. Conversion to CoC permanent housing or permanent supportive housing may serve the following eligible households as defined in 24 CFR 578.3, subject to any further eligibility conditions that may apply to the use of CoC Program funds to provide rental assistance-in the housing or-otherwise support the project.;- ---_-- - - - • Chronically homeless individuals • Homeless individuals or families PJs are prohibited from investing additional HOME-ARP funds to pay for the cost of converting the project to CoC permanent housing or permanent supportive housing. The CoC designates eligible applicants for grant funds under 24 CFR Part 578, which includes nonprofit organizations, States, local governments, and instrumentalities of State or local governments. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply for CoC grants or to be subrecipients of grant funds. Consequently, if a HOME-ARP NCS project owner intends to convert the project to CoC permanent housing or permanent supportive housing during the restricted use period, the PJ is encouraged to pursue partnership and leveraging opportunities with the CoC early in the planning stage of a HOME-ARP NCS 66 project. Additionally,PJs may provide supportive services or HOME-ARP TBRA to qualifying households that must move because of the conversion. (See Section VII.F.4.b for more information on relocations involving shelter occupants). F. Nonprofit Operating and Capacity Building Assistance A PJ may use up to 5 percent of its HOME-ARP allocation to pay operating expenses of CHDOs and other nonprofit organizations that will carry out activities with HOME-ARP funds. A PJ may also use up to an additional 5 percent of its allocation to pay eligible costs related to developing the capacity of eligible nonprofit organizations to successfully carry out HOME- ARP eligible activities. PJs may award operating expense assistance or capacity building assistance to a nonprofit organization if it reasonably expects to provide HOME-ARP funds to the organization for any of the eligible HOME-ARP activities within 24 months of the award. 1. Eligible Costs a. Operating Expense Assistance: Operating expenses are defined as reasonable and necessary costs of operating the nonprofit organization. These costs include employee salaries, wages and other employee compensation and benefits; employee education,training, and travel; rent; utilities; communication costs; taxes; insurance; equipment, materials, and supplies. HOME-ARP funds used for operating expenses must be used for the"general operating costs"of the nonprofit organization. These operating costs must not have a particular final cost objective, such as a project or activity, or must not be directly assignable to a HOME-ARP activity or project. For example,HOME-ARP funds for operating expenses may not be used for staffing costs to provide supportive services or develop HOME-ARP-rental housing (as operating costs to develop HOME-ARP rental housing are paid for by a developer fee which is a project delivery or soft cost). Because ARP does not permit any HOME-ARP funds to be used to operate a shelter, all costs related to operating a non-congregate shelter(e.g., allocable overhead and staffing costs, insurance, utilities) also cannot be paid with HOME-ARP funds. The actual costs of implementing a specific activity or project, including staff costs to deliver supportive services or administer HOME-ARP TBRA, are considered HOME- ARP project delivery costs or project soft costs and are not eligible costs under Nonprofit Operating and Capacity Building Assistance. HOME-ARP project delivery costs are those allowable costs incurred for implementing and carrying out eligible HOME-ARP projects or activities, such as supportive services. All project delivery costs are allocable to a HOME-ARP project, including direct project and related delivery costs integral to developing the project or providing the activity. HOME-ARP project delivery costs may be paid, if eligible, by HOME-ARP funds provided under a written agreement for the activity or project and must not be paid with nonprofit operating expense or capacity building assistance. 67 r b. Capacity Building Assistance: Capacity building expenses are defined as reasonable and necessary general operating costs that will result in expansion or improvement of an organization's ability to successfully carry out eligible HOME-ARP activities. Eligible costs include salaries for new hires including wages and other employee compensation and benefits; costs related to employee training or other staff development that enhances an employee's skill set and expertise; equipment(e.g., computer software or programs that improve organizational processes),upgrades to materials and equipment, and supplies; and contracts for technical assistance or for consultants with expertise related to the HOME-ARP qualifying populations. 2. Limitations on Assistance: NAHA and the HOME regulations limit the amount of operating expense assistance that an organization can receive annually. ARP extends this limitation to the capacity building assistance paid with HOME-ARP funds. In any fiscal year, operating assistance provided to a nonprofit organization may not exceed the greater of 50 percent of the general operating expenses of the organization, as described above, for that fiscal year or$50,000. In any fiscal year, capacity building assistance provided to a nonprofit organization may not exceed the greater of 50 percent of the general operating expenses of the organization, as described above, or$50,000. If an organization receives both operating assistance and capacity building assistance in any fiscal year, the aggregate total amount of assistance it may receive is the greater of 50 percent of the organization's total operating expenses for that fiscal year or$75,000. To implement the above limitations on assistance, HUD has established separate fund types in IDIS for operating expense assistance and capacity building assistance. This will facilitate accurate tracking and ensure that PJs do not exceed the limits established in NAHA and ARP. 3. Commitment of Operating Expense and Capacity Building Assistance: A PJ commits operating expense assistance or capacity building assistance when it enters into a legally binding agreement-with the nonprofit organization-to-provide the-assistance. VII. OTHER FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS HOME-ARP funds are federal financial assistance and, therefore, are subject to requirements applicable to such funds. PJs must comply with the following requirements: 24 CFR part 92, subpart H, 92.352—Environmental review; 92.353 —Displacement,relocation, and acquisition; and 92.355—Lead-based paint. 68 A. Other Federal Requirements and.Nondiscrimination The requirements in 24 CFR 92.350 apply to the HOME-ARP program. PJs must comply with the Federal requirements set forth in 24 CFR part 5, subpart A, including: nondiscrimination and equal opportunity; disclosure requirements; debarred, suspended or ineligible contractors; drug-free work; and housing counseling and the nondiscrimination requirements at section 282 of NAHA. The requirements in section 282 of NAHA are waived in connection with the use of HOME-ARP funds on lands set aside under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920(42 Stat. 108). PJs must also comply with the Violence Against Women Act(VAWA) requirements set forth in 24 CFR 92.359. B. Affirmative Marketing and Minority Outreach The requirements in 24 CFR 92.351 apply to HOME-ARP activities. C. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321) and Related Laws The environmental requirements in 24 CFR 92.352 apply to eligible activities under this Notice. The environmental effects of each activity carried out with HOME-ARP funds must be assessed in accordance with the provisions of NEPA and the related authorities listed in HUD's implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 58. The applicability of the provisions of 24 CFR part 58 is based on the HOME-ARP project as a whole(i.e., all individual project activities, such as acquisition and rehabilitation, aggregated according to the requirements at 24 CFR 58.32), not on the type of the cost paid with HOME-ARP funds. In accordance with the provisions in 24 CFR part 58, activities undertaken with HOME-ARP funds are subject to environmental review by a PJ or State recipient. The PJ or State recipient(referred to as the"Responsible Entity"or "RE")must assume responsibility for environmental review, decision making, and action for each activity that it carries out with HOME-ARP funds, in accordance with the requirements at 24 CFR Part 58. A state PJ must assume responsibility for approval of Requests for Release of Funds and Certification (RROF/C) submitted by State recipients. • No funds may be committed to a HOME-ARP activity or project before the completion of the environmental review and approval of the RROF/C, as applicable. Neither a HOME-ARP recipient nor any participant in the development process, including public or private nonprofit or for-profit entities, or any of their contractors,may commit HUD assistance on an activity or project until the environmental review has been completed and HUD or the state has approved the recipient's RROF/C from the RE as applicable. In addition, until the RROF/C have been approved, neither a HOME-ARP recipient nor any participant in the development process may commit non-HUD funds on or undertake a HOME-ARP activity or project if the activity or project would have an adverse environmental impact or limit the choice of reasonable alternatives. Therefore, it is important for REs to begin and complete any required environmental reviews as soon as possible. 69 1.HOME-ARP TBRA and Supportive Services HOME-ARP TBRA and supportive services as defined at 24 CFR 58.35(b) are categorically excluded,not subject to the Federal laws and authorities at 24 CFR 58.5 (CENST)or exempt from review under NEPA. A RE may complete a single CENST review categorized under 24 CFR 58.35(b) for their supportive services program or their HOME-ARP TBRA program where participants choose their own unit and are not restricted to units within a pre-determined specific project site or sites. There is no need to complete reviews for every unit selected by participants. 2.HOME-ARP Rental Housing Acquisition of a structure to be used as HOME-ARP rental housing is categorically excluded, subject to the Federal laws and authorities referenced at 24 CFR 58.5 (CEST)under 24 CFR 58.35(a)(5) (with the possibility of converting to exempt under 24 CFR 58.34(a)(12)) if the structure acquired will be retained for the same use (e.g.,residential). Rehabilitation of buildings for residential use with one to four units for HOME-ARP rental housing is CEST under 24 CFR 58.35(a)(3)(i), if the density is not increased beyond four units, and the land use is not changed. Rehabilitation of buildings for use as HOME-ARP multifamily rental housing is CEST under 24 CFR 58.35(a)(3)(ii) only if: 1. the unit density is not changed more than 20 percent; 2. the project does not involve changes in land use from residential to non-residential; and 3. the estimated cost of rehabilitation is less than 75 percent of the total estimated cost of replacement after rehabilitation. Rehabilitation for HOME-ARP rental housing that does not meet the thresholds for multifamily residential buildings listed above requires completion of an Environmental Assessment in accordance with 24 CFR Part 58, Subpart E. An Environmental Assessment is also required for new construction, demolition, acquisition of vacant land for new construction, and acquisition of non-residential structures for demolition and new construction. 3. HOME-ARP NCS HOME-ARP NCS activities are subject to environmental review by the RE under 24 CFR part 58.Acquisition of a structure to be used as HOME-ARP NCS is CEST under 24 CFR 58.35(a)(3) (with-the possibility-of-converting-to exemptunder-24-GFR 5&34(a)(1-2))if-the -- structure acquired will be retained for the same use(e.g.,residential). Rehabilitation of a structure for HOME-ARP NCS is CEST if the project meets the thresholds listed at 24 CFR 58.35(a)(3)(i)or(ii). Rehabilitation that does not meet these thresholds requires completion of an Environmental Assessment pursuant to 24 CFR part 58, subpart E.An Environmental Assessment is also required for new construction,demolition, acquisition of vacant land for new construction,and acquisition of non-residential structures for demolition and new construction. HOME-ARP NCS projects which may convert to emergency shelter or permanent housing pursuant to Sec. 3204(a)(4)(B) or(C) of the ARP may complete a single environmental review that covers all proposed HUD funding sources and project activities. Conversion to a program using project-based rental assistance is CEST and requires completion of an environmental review. If conversion or other additional HUD funding sources are proposed after the 70 environmental review has been completed, a CENST review for supplemental assistance under 24 CFR 58.35(b)(7) can be performed if the review is completed by the same RE that conducted the original review and if re-evaluation is not required by 24 CFR 58.47. The PJ or subrecipient, or any contractor of the PJ or subrecipient, may not acquire, rehabilitate, convert, repair, dispose of, demolish, or construct property for a HOME-ARP NCS project, or commit or expend HUD or non-HUD funds for NCS under HOME-ARP, until the RE has completed an environmental review under 24 CFR part 58 and received HUD or state approval of the RROF/C, as applicable. D. Labor Standards The requirements in 24 CFR 92.354 apply to HOME-ARP activities. E. Lead Hazard Control Requirements The Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act(42 U.S.C. 4821-4846), the Residential Lead- Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4851-4856), and implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 35, subparts A, B, J, K,M, and R apply to HOME-ARP-assisted activities. For HOME-ARP NCS, a project must comply with 24 CFR part 35, Subpart K when the HOME-ARP activity is acquisition only. HOME-ARP NCS projects that involve rehabilitation of pre-1978 facilities, whether the rehabilitation is funded with HOME-ARP or other funds, must comply with the requirements of 24 CFR part 35 Subpart J. F. Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act, Section 104(d), and HOME-ARP Displacement, Relocation and Acquisition Program Requirements HOME-ARP funding is subject to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 and section 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, in addition to the Displacement, Relocation and Acquisition regulatory requirements of 24 CFR 92.353. This Notice also includes HOME-ARP program specific relocation requirements applicable to HOME-ARP-assisted projects. PJs must comply with all applicable requirements, as described in this section. 1. Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970: Costs incurred to comply with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, (42 U.S.C. § 4601 et seq.) (URA)are eligible HOME-ARP project costs pursuant to this Notice and 24 CFR 92 206(fl. The URA establishes minimum requirements for the acquisition of real property and the displacement of persons from their homes, businesses, or farms as a direct result of acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition for federally-assisted programs and projects. The URA implementing regulations at 49 CFR part 24 establish: 71 • Requirements for the provision of replacement housing assistance, advisory services, and moving costs to persons displaced as a result of a program or project that receives federal financial assistance; • Requirements for acquisitions, including the payment of just compensation pursuant to 49 CFR part 24, subpart B, and provisions for voluntary acquisitions set forth in 49 CFR 24.101. • Minimum requirements for temporary relocation of persons,businesses, or farms as a result of a project or program that receives federal financial assistance. These requirements are found in Appendix A, Section 24.2(a)(9)(ii)(D). Additional HUD URA policy and guidance is available in HUD Handbook 1378. 2. Section 104(d)of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974: HOME-ARP is HOME funding and subject to the requirements in section 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, (42 USC § 5304(d)), ("section 104(d)") unless waived, as described in this section and Appendix. Costs incurred to comply with section 104(d)requirements are eligible HOME-ARP project costs under 24 CFR 92.206(f). section 104(d) applies to the demolition or conversion, as defined in 24 CFR 42.305, of a lower-income dwelling unit in connection with a HOME or Community Development Block Grant Program(CDBG) assisted activity. section 104(d) includes the following requirements: • A PJ must have a residential anti-displacement and relocation assistance plan(RARAP); • A PJ must provide relocation assistance to displaced lower-income persons; and • A PJ must perform one-for-one replacement of lower-income dwellings demolished or converted to a use other than a lower-income dwelling unit. A lower-income dwelling unit is defined in 24 CFR 42.305 as a dwelling unit with a market rent(including utility costs) that does not exceed the applicable Fair Market Rent(FMR) for existing housing, as defined by HUD. Section 104(d) implementing federal regulations can be found at 24 CFR part 42 Subpart C. HOME-ARP Section 104(d) Waiver/One-for-One Replacement Housing. For purposes of,the one-for-one replacement housing requirements of secti-on 104(d)(2)(A)(i) and(ii) and(d)(3)(42 U.S.C. 5304(d)(2)(A)(i) and(ii) and 42 U.S.C. 5304(d)(3)) and 24 CFR 42.375,lower-income dwelling units shall not include single-room occupancy (SRO)units or residential hotel or motel units in jurisdictions where those units are considered dwelling units under state or local law. All other section 104(d) requirements, including but not limited to the requirement that the PJ have and follow a RARAP, remain in effect. (See 24 CFR 92.353(e) and 24 CFR part 42, subpart C). 3. HOME Program Displacement,Relocation and Acquisition Regulations: In addition to the URA and section 104(d) requirement described above,the HOME program's Displacement, Relocation and Acquisition regulations at 24 CFR 92.353 also apply to projects funded with HOME-ARP funds. Some of these requirements differ from those 72 of the URA and section 104(d), including but not limited to the expanded temporary relocation protections at 24 CFR 92.353(b) and (c); optional relocation assistance policies in 24 CFR 92.353(d); and the right to return to a building or complex, if feasible, upon completion of a HOME project, in accordance with 24 CFR 92.353(a). PJs must follow these program-specific requirements in HOME-ARP assisted projects. PJs are encouraged to develop optional relocation policies to address individuals that may not be eligible for URA or section 104(d)assistance due to their length of occupancy in a unit, ineligibility of their dwelling unit, or other factors beyond their control. Such policies must be in writing, applied consistently, and must not violate any other federal law or regulation. Costs incurred to comply with 24 CFR 92.353, including optional relocation policies, are eligible HOME-ARP project costs under 24 CFR 92.206(f). 4. Additional HOME-ARP Program Relocation Related Requirements: The following additional HOME-ARP program relocation requirements apply: a. Acquisition and/or rehabilitation of hotels, motels and other non-residential property: In states where hotels and motels are not considered dwelling units or residential property, the acquisition of non-residential property such as hotels and motels for the production of HOME-ARP NCS units or HOME-ARP rental housing will not make a person occupying those properties eligible for relocation assistance under the URA, section 104(d) or 24 CFR 92.353. HOME PJs may provide HOME-ARP assistance, as defined by this Notice, including the provision of HOME-ARP supportive services, HOME-ARP TBRA,the ability to stay in HOME-ARP NCS units, or the ability to rent a HOME-ARP rental unit, if the individuals or families can demonstrate that— i. they have been in continuous residence at the property for 30 or more calendar days, and ii. they are a qualifying household, as defined by this Notice. Any assistance provided pursuant to this section may be provided without regard to any preferences, project-specific waiting lists, or any other form of prioritization the PJ has developed pursuant to this Notice. For purposes of HOME-ARP, costs associated with activities under this provision of the Notice may be charged as either project delivery costs or relocation costs eligible under 24 CFR 92.206(f). b. Conversion of HOME ARP NCS: If HOME-ARP NCS units are occupied and converted to either permanent housing under CoC or permanent affordable housing as described in Section VI.E.11 of this Notice, persons occupying the shelter would not normally be eligible for relocation assistance under the URA, section 104(d) or 24 CFR 92.353 because they are not displaced from a dwelling unit. However, since the individuals or families occupying such shelter units are already qualifying households under HOME-ARP, HOME PJs may immediately provide such occupants with HOME- ARP assistance, as defined by this Notice, including the provision of HOME-ARP supportive services, HOME-ARP TBRA, the ability to stay in other HOME-ARP 73 NCS units, or the ability to rent a HOME-ARP rental unit. Additionally,the PJ may provide the occupants with assistance for moving costs or advisory services, as appropriate, as HOME-ARP administrative costs or under the HOME-ARP supportive services activity in Section VI.D of this Notice. Any assistance provided pursuant to this section may be provided without regard to any preferences, project-specific waiting lists, or any other form of prioritization the PJ has developed pursuant to this Notice, as the persons occupying the NCS units were already determined to be qualifying households under the HOME-ARP. 5. Persons Ineligible for HOME-ARP Assistance and Ineligible for URA, Section 104(d), or assistance pursuant to 24 CFR 92.353: If a person is required to move as a direct result of a HOME-ARP project and is determined ineligible for HOME-ARP housing assistance under the preceding Section VII.F.4 and also determined ineligible as a displaced person under the URA, section 104(d)or HOME program rules,the PJ may provide such persons advisory services as an eligible HOME-ARP administrative cost, as the PJ determines to be reasonable and necessary. G. Section 3 Economic Opportunities for Low- and Very Low-Income Persons Section 3 requirements established at 24 CFR Part 75 apply to HOME-ARP-assisted projects. H. Conflicts of Interest HOME-ARP is subject to the following conflicts of interest requirements: 1. Conflicts of Interest: PJs, State recipients, and subrecipients engaging in any of the activities defined this Notice shall be subject to the conflicts of interest provisions at 24 CFR 92.356, including but not limited to the conflicts of interest exception process defined in 24 CFR 92.356(d)-(e). Owners and developers of HOME-ARP NCS and HOME-ARP rental housing shall be subject to 24 CFR 92.356(f). 2. Organizational Conflicts of Interest: The provision of any type or amount of HOME- ARP TBRA or supportive services may not be conditioned on an individual's or family's acceptance or occupancy of a shelter or housing unit owned by the PJ; State recipients; the subrecipient; or a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the subrecipient. No subrecipient may, with respect to individuals or families occupying housing owned by the subrecipient, or any parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the subrecipient, administer financial assistance that includes rental payments,utility deposits, security deposits, or first and last month's rent provided pursuant to this Notice. All contractors of the PJ, State recipients, or subrecipient must comply with the same requirements that apply to subrecipients under this section. 3. Written Standards of Conduct: PJs, State recipients, and subrecipients must maintain written standards of conduct covering the conflicts of interest and organizational conflicts of interest requirements under this Notice and 2 CFR 200.318. The written standards of conduct must also provide for internal controls and procedures to require a fair and open selection process for awarding HOME-ARP funds pursuant to this Notice. These standards 74 must include provisions on if and how Continuum of Care board members may participate in and/or influence discussions or resulting decisions concerning the competition or selection of an award or other financial benefits made pursuant to the HOME-ARP Notice, including internal controls on when funds may be awarded to the organization that the member represents. 4. Requesting Exceptions to Organizational Conflicts of Interest: Any request for an exception to the organizational conflicts of interest provisions in this Notice shall be in writing and shall be considered by HUD only after the PJ or State recipient has provided the following: a. A written disclosure of the nature of the conflict, accompanied by an assurance that there has been public disclosure of the conflict and a description of how the public disclosure was made; and b. An opinion of the PJ's or State recipient's attorney that the interest for which the exception is sought would not violate State or local law. 5. Granting Exceptions to Organizational Conflicts of.Interest: HUD shall determine whether to grant an exception to the organizational conflicts of interest on a case-by-case basis when it determines that the exception will serve to further the purposes of HOME- ARP. HUD shall consider the following factors, as applicable, in determining whether to grant such an exception: c. Whether the exception would provide a significant cost benefit or an essential degree of expertise to the program or project which would otherwise not be available d. Whether undue hardship will result to the PJ, State recipient, subrecipient or the person affected when weighed against the public interest served by avoiding the prohibited conflict; e. Whether conditioning approval on changes to the PJ, State recipient, or subrecipient's policies or procedures can adequately address the organizational conflict of interest; and f. Any other factors relevant to HUD's determination, including the timing of the requested exception. VIII. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION A. PJ Responsibilities The PJ is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of its HOME-ARP program, ensuring that HOME-ARP funds are used in accordance with all program requirements and written agreements, and taking appropriate action when performance problems arise. The use of State recipients, subrecipients, or contractors does not relieve the PJ of this responsibility. B. Written Agreement Requirements Before disbursing any HOME-ARP funds to any entity, the PJ must enter into a written agreement with that entity pursuant to 24 CFR 92.504. Similarly, before disbursing any HOME 75 funds to a State recipient, subrecipient, or contractor which is administering all or a part of the HOME-ARP program on behalf of the PJ,the PJ must also enter into a written agreement with that entity that complies with 24 CFR 92.504 and the requirements described below. A written agreement cannot commit to providing HOME-ARP funds after the end of the HOME-ARP budget period. The written agreement must require compliance with the requirements of this Notice. The content of the written agreement will vary depending upon the role the entity is asked to assume or the type of project undertaken. This section details basic requirements by activity and the minimum provisions, in addition to those at 24 CFR 92.504 that must be included in a written agreement. The written agreement provisions in 24 CFR 92.504 that reference the requirements of 24 CFR 92.350, 24 CFR 92.351, and 24 CFR 92.359 are not waived and apply for all HOME-ARP written agreements. 1. Rental Housing: The PJ must execute a written agreement with the project owner/developer prior to the expenditure of HOME-ARP funds. The written agreement must comply with 24 CFR 92.504 and contain the following additional provisions: a. Use of HOME ARP funds for Rental Housing: The agreement between the owner/developer must describe the address of the project or legal description of the property if a street address has not be assigned to the property,the use of the HOME- ARP funds and other funds for the project, including the tasks to be performed for the project, a schedule for completing the tasks and the project, and a complete budget, including any HOME-ARP funds used to capitalize an operating cost reserve for qualified HOME-ARP units. These items must be in sufficient detail to provide a sound basis for the PJ to effectively monitor performance under the agreement to achieve project completion and compliance with HOME-ARP requirements. b. Operating Cost Assistance: If the PJ will provide HOME-ARP funds for operating cost assistance,the agreement must specify whether the PJ will provide assistance through periodic payments or capitalize the operating cost assistance reserve based on the operating deficit projected for the 15-year compliance period. If the PJ is providing ongoing assistance,the amount of-assistance-must be-based-on the actual operating - deficit associated with the HOME-ARP units restricted for occupancy by qualifying households. The written agreement must specify the frequency of operating assistance payments made to the owner(e.g., monthly, quarterly, etc.) and state that the amount of assistance will be equal to the deficit demonstrated and/or incurred. The written agreement may only provide for HOME-ARP funds to be used for operating assistance payments during the budget period defined in Section VIII.C.4 below. If operating cost assistance will be required beyond the budget period, the PJ should capitalize an operating reserve before the expiration of the budget period for HOME-ARP funds in accordance with Section VI.B.23. If the PJ is capitalizing the operating reserve for the 15-year HOME-ARP compliance period, the amount of assistance must be based on the project's underwriting and the total anticipated operating deficit associated with the HOME-ARP units restricted for occupancy by qualifying households. The written 76 agreement must specify the amount of the capitalized reserve and the restrictions on its use during the minimum compliance period in Section VI.B.18. Net operating income resulting from HOME-ARP operating cost assistance is not permitted and must be prohibited in the written agreement between the participating jurisdiction and the owner. c. Sublease/Master Lease of HOME ARP Units: If the PJ will permit a project owner to execute a sublease or master lease with a nonprofit organization for HOME-ARP units restricted for occupancy by qualifying households, the agreement must specify the duration of the sublease or master lease, applicable rents, lease requirements and tenant protections. d. On-going compliance: The agreement must require rental housing assisted with HOME- ARP funds to comply with the on-going requirements of Section VI.B of this Notice or require repayment in accordance with Section VLB.22. e. Property Standards: The agreement must require the housing to meet the property standards required in 24 CFR 92.251 paragraphs (a)new construction, (b)rehabilitation projects, (c)(1) and(2) acquisition of standard housing and (f)on-going property condition standards. f. Records and reports: The agreement must specify the particular records that must be maintained and the information or reports that must be submitted to assist the PJ in meeting its recordkeeping and reporting requirements. The owner/developer of rental housing must annually provide the PJ with information on rents and occupancy of HOME-ARP assisted units to demonstrate compliance with this Notice. If the rental project has floating HOME-ARP units, the project owner/developer must provide the PJ with information regarding unit substitution and filling vacancies so that the project remains in compliance with the HOME-ARP occupancy requirements. The agreement must specify the reporting requirements, (including copies of financial statements) to enable the PJ to determine the financial condition and continued financial viability of the project. g. Enforcement of the agreement: The agreement must provide for a means for the PJ to enforce compliance with HOME-ARP requirements. This means of enforcement may include liens, deed restrictions, covenants running with the land, use restriction, or other mechanism approved by HUD under which the PJ has the right to require specific performance. In addition, the agreement must specify remedies for breach of the provisions of the agreement. h. Request for disbursement of funds: The agreement must specify that the owner/developer may not request disbursement of funds under the agreement until the funds are needed for payment of eligible costs. The owner/developer may request capitalization of a project operating cost assistance reserve for the qualifying units once all necessary title transfer requirements and construction work have been performed. The amount of each request must be limited to eligible costs in the amount needed, as described in Section VI.B.5.g. 77 i. Duration of the agreement: The agreement must be in effect for at least the 15-year HOME-ARP minimum compliance period. j. On-site Inspections and Financial Oversight: The PJ must comply with the on-site inspections and financial oversight requirements of 24 CFR 92.504(d)(1) and(2). In addition, if the PJ will permit the capitalization of a project operating cost assistance reserve, the PJ must, no less than annually, oversee the administration of the operating cost assistance reserve account to verify that the account is appropriately sized and draws from the account are used to cover any deficits associated with units occupied by qualifying households. k. Tenant Selection: The written agreement must contain provisions explaining the method of tenant selection to be used in accordance with the requirements of Section IV.0 and VI.B.20 of this Notice. This section must be in sufficient detail to determine which method of tenant selection is being used for the qualifying population(i.e.,use of CE, use of CE with oth,er referral methods, or project-specific waiting list),the method of tenant selection for low-income households (See Section VI.B.20.b and 24 CFR 92.253(d)), and any required policies and procedures around the use of a CE or project- specific waiting list. This section must also be in sufficient detail to determine compliance with the PJ's preferences and/or method of prioritization, if any, as well as all applicable fair housing, civil rights, and nondiscrimination requirements, including but not limited to those requirements listed in 24 CFR 5.105(a). 2. TBRA (subrecipient or contractor): The requirements at 24 CFR 92.504, apply to the use of HOME-ARP funds for TBRA. The written agreement provisions in 24 CFR 92.504 that reference the requirements of 24 CFR 92.350, 24 CFR 92.351, and 24 CFR 92.359 are not waived and still apply for HOME-ARP written agreements. The written agreement must contain the following provisions: a. Use of HOME ARP funds: At a minimum, the written agreement must describe the amount and use of the HOME-ARP funds, the tasks to be performed, or services to be provided. HOME-ARP funds cannot be provided after the end of the HOME-ARP budget period. b. Recor-d-and-reports:The agreement must-specify the-particular-records-that-must be maintained and the information or reports that must be submitted to assist the PJ in meeting its recordkeeping and reporting requirements. c. Duration of agreement and disbursement of funds: The agreement must specify the duration of the agreement and state that disbursement of funds under the agreement may not be requested until the funds are needed. d. Compliance with HOME ARP program requirements: The written agreement must require compliance with HOME-ARP program requirements for the HOME-ARP TBRA activity as outlined in Section VI.0 of this Notice. 78 e. Rental assistance contract: There must be a rental assistance contract between the PJ and either the HOME-ARP sponsor, the HOME-ARP TBRA assisted household, or the property owner. The PJ must determine the terms of the rental assistance contract. The rental assistance contract continues until the lease is terminated. If the rental assistance is being provided through a HOME-ARP sponsor, the PJ must determine the term of the rental assistance contract between the PJ and HOME-ARP sponsor. If HOME-ARP TBRA is provided in coordination with a HOME-ARP sponsor, the PJ must enter into a written agreement with the HOME-ARP sponsor if the HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance contract is not with the HOME-ARP sponsor and the HOME- ARP sponsor will be receiving the HOME-ARP TBRA subsidy directly from the PJ. The written agreement must specify the requirements for the HOME-ARP sponsor receiving the TBRA subsidy on behalf of the HOME-ARP TBRA household and the HOME-ARP sponsor's obligation to use the HOME-ARP TBRA payment to pay rent for the unit to the property owner or management agent. If HOME-ARP TBRA is provided in coordination with a HOME-ARP sponsor, the sponsor must enter into a sublease with the HOME-ARP TBRA assisted household that must specify the duration of the sublease, applicable rents, lease requirements and tenant protections, all in accordance with the requirements of this Notice. f. Tenant Selection: The written agreement must require the owner to comply with the method of tenant selection determined by the PJ and applicable requirements of Section IV.0 and VI.C.1 of this Notice. The written agreement must include a description of the required method of tenant selection for the qualifying populations (i.e., use of CE,use of CE with other referral methods,project-specific waiting list),the method of tenant selection for low-income households.(See Section VI.B.20.b and 24 CFR 92.253(d)), and any required policies and procedures around the use of a CE or project-specific waiting list. This section of the written agreement must be in sufficient detail to determine compliance with the PJ's preferences and/or method of prioritization, if any, as well as all applicable fair housing, civil rights, and nondiscrimination requirements, including but not limited to those requirements listed in 24 CFR 5.105(a). 3. Supportive Services (subrecipient or contractor): The requirements at 24 CFR 92.504, apply to the use of HOME-ARP funds for supportive services. The provisions of the written agreement will depend on the role the entity is asked to assume. At a minimum, the written agreement must contain the following provisions: a. Use of HOME funds: The written agreement must describe the amount and uses of the HOME-ARP funds, the tasks to be performed, the services to be provided, and include a budget. The written agreement cannot agree to provide HOME-ARP funds after the end of the HOME-ARP budget period. b. Records and Reports: The agreement must specify the particular records that must be maintained and the information or reports that must be submitted in order to assist the PJ in meeting its recordkeeping and reporting requirements as required under Section VIII.F of this Notice. 79 c. Duration of the agreement and Disbursement of Funds: The agreement must specify the duration of the agreement, and state that disbursement of funds under the agreement may not be requested until the funds are needed. d. Compliance with HOME ARP Program Requirements: The written agreement must also require compliance with HOME-ARP program requirements for the HOME-ARP supportive services activity as described in Section VI.D of this Notice. 4. HOME-ARP Non-Congregate Shelter(owner/developer): Written agreements must be executed between the PJ and the owner for all HOME-ARP NCS projects. A legally binding HOME-ARP NCS written agreement must include the date of the signature of each person signing the agreement. PJs are responsible for entering into written agreements before disbursing HOME-ARP funding. Contents of written agreements can vary based on specific needs of the PJ,the owner, and the project. Agreements for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of HOME-ARP NCS units must contain the following provisions: a. Use of HOME ARP funds: The agreement between the PJ and owner must include the address of the project or legal description of the property if a street address has not been assigned to the property, the use of the HOME-ARP NCS funds and other funds for the project, including the tasks to be performed for the project, a schedule for completing the tasks and the project, and a complete budget. These items must be in sufficient detail to provide a sound basis for the PJ to effectively monitor performance under the agreement to achieve project completion and compliance with HOME-ARP requirements. The written agreement cannot agree to provide HOME-ARP funds after the end of the HOME-ARP budget period. b. Habitability and Property Standards: The agreement must require the HOME-ARP NCS project to meet the habitability and property standards as described in Section VLE.7 of this Notice based on the type of project completed. c. Project Requirements: The agreement must require the HOME-ARP NCS project to meet the project requirements as described in this Notice. d. Other program-requirements:- The agreement-must require the--P--J and owner to carry out the project in compliance with the other Federal requirements of 24 CFR 92 subpart H and 24 CFR 92.505. e. Records and reports: The agreement must specify the particular records that must be maintained and the information or reports that must be submitted to assist the PJ in meeting its recordkeeping and reporting requirements. f. Restricted Use Period: The agreement must require the project to meet the Restricted Use Period as described in Section VI.E.9 of this Notice based on project type. g. Enforcement of the agreement: The agreement must provide for a means for the PJ to enforce compliance with HOME-ARP requirements. This means of enforcement may include liens, deed restrictions, covenants running with the land,use restriction, or other 80 mechanism approved by HUD under which the PJ has the right to require specific performance. In addition, the agreement must specify remedies for breach of the provisions of the agreement. h. Plan of Conversion: PJs that intend to allow conversion of HOME-ARP NCS projects to other permanent affordable housing as permitted in this Notice must describe conversion as a possible outcome of the HOME-ARP NCS project; specify the conditions under which conversion will be permitted; and require that the PJ approve the terms and conditions of any conversion before the conversion occurs. i. Additional PJ Conditions and Requirements: PJs may include additional program and project requirements as determined necessary. 5. Non-Profit Operating and Capacity Building: The requirements at 24 CFR 92.504(c)(6), apply to the use of HOME-ARP funds for non-profit operating and capacity building assistance. The written agreement must describe the amounts and uses of HOME-ARP funds for operating expenses or capacity building. If the non-profit organization is not also receiving HOME-ARP funds to carry out a HOME-ARP project, the agreement must provide that the organization is expected to receive funds for a HOME-ARP project within 24 months of the date of receiving the funds for operating or capacity building expenses and must specify the terms and conditions upon which this expectation is based and the consequences of failure to receive funding for a project. When a PJ provides both operating assistance and capacity building assistance to an organization, it must enter into either one written agreement for both types of assistance or separate written agreements for operating expense assistance and capacity building assistance. If a PJ chooses to enter into one written agreement, the PJ must separately identify the scope of assistance, eligible uses and costs, and a budget for each type of funds. C. Grants Management 1. HOME-ARP Grant Agreement: HUD will make HOME-ARP funds available to the PJ pursuant to a HOME-ARP Grant Agreement, consistent with Section VIII.C.2 below. Subject to the provisions of the grant agreement and requirements in this Notice, HUD will obligate HOME-ARP funds to the PJ upon execution of the agreement by both parties. In the grant agreement,the PJ agrees that funds invested in affordable housing under this Notice are repayable if the housing no longer meets the requirements of this Notice during the compliance period or the NCS no longer meets the requirements of this Notice during the restricted use period. The PJ also agrees to assume all responsibility for environmental review, decision making, and actions, as specified and required in regulation at 24 CFR 92.352 and 24 CFR Part 58. The PJ agrees to comply with 24 CFR 92.505 and applicable Uniform Administrative Requirements at 2 CFR part 200, as amended. The PJ agrees to comply with requirements established by the Office of Management and Budget(OMB) concerning the unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) requirements in Appendix Ito 2 CFR part 200, as amended, and the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) in Appendix A to 2 CFR part 170. The PJ 81 agrees to comply with the federal nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements at 24 CFR 92.350 and affirmative marketing requirements in 24 CFR 92.351 and the VAWA requirements set forth in 24 CFR 92.359. The HOME-ARP grant is obligated when the HUD Authorized Official signs the memorandum obligating HOME-ARP grants. The HOME-ARP Grant Agreement must be signed by the CPD Field Office Director and counter-signed by the PJ's authorized signatory. Once the CPD division in the local field office receives the fully executed HOME-ARP Grant Agreement, it_will send the agreement to HUD's CFO Accounting Office for processing. As described in Section VIII.C.2 of this Notice, funds will become available to the PJ in IDIS once HUD's CFO Accounting Office processes the grant. 2. Access to Administrative Set-aside Funds: Upon issuance of this Notice, HUD will obligate all HOME-ARP grants to PJs through the signing of the HOME-ARP obligating memorandum, after which each HOME-ARP Grant Agreement must be signed by both parties. After obligation,HUD will permit the PJ to use 5 percent of its award for eligible administrative and planning costs under Section VI.A of this Notice. The PJ may not expend any funds for non-administrative and planning costs before the HOME-ARP allocation plan is accepted by HUD as described in Section V.D.2 and 3 of this Notice. HUD will make the remaining HOME-ARP grant funds available to the PJ once HUD accepts the HOME-ARP allocation plan. If the PJ does not submit a HOME-ARP allocation plan or if the PJ's plan is not accepted within a reasonable period of time, as determined by HUD, any costs incurred or HOME-ARP funds expended by the PJ will be considered ineligible costs and must be repaid with non-Federal funds in accordance with guidance from HUD. 3. HOME-ARP Grant Number: The PJ's HOME-ARP grant number is similar to its HOME grant number with the exception of the source type code. All HOME-ARP grants have the program identifier"M"and the source year of the grant "21." The different source type codes are identified in the table below. Source Type HOME Source HOME-ARP Description Type Code Source Type Code HOME Consortium DC DP Metropolitan City MC MP State SG SP Insular Area ST IP Urban County UC UP The unique grantee identifier portion of the grant number will be the same for HOME-ARP grants as it is for HOME grants. See examples of HOME-ARP grant numbers with the different source type codes in the table below. 82 Participating HOME Grant HOME-ARP Jurisdiction Number Grant Number Maryland M21SG240100 M21SP240100 Baltimore M21MC240200 M21MP240200 4. Budget Period: The budget period for HOME-ARP grants begins on the Federal Award Date, which is the date of the HUD Authorized Official's signature specified on the HOME- ARP Grant Agreement. The budget period for HOME-ARP grants ends on September 30, 2030. The PJ may not expend any HOME-ARP funds after September 30, 2030. After September 30,2030, any HOME-ARP funds remaining in the PJ's HOME Investment Trust Fund Treasury account will be cancelled and not available for obligation or expenditure for any purpose (per 31 U.S.C. 1552). 5. Period of Performance: The period of performance for HOME-ARP grants begins on the Federal Award Date, which is the date of the HUD Authorized Official's signature specified on the HOME-ARP Grant Agreement. The period of performance for HOME-ARP grants ends on September 30, 2030. 6. Audit: Audits of the PJ, State recipients, and subrecipients must be conducted in accordance with 2 CFR part 200, subpart.F. 7. Closeout: HOME-ARP funds will be closed out in accordance with 2 CFR part 200, subpart D. The PJ will use HUD's data system to closeout HOME-ARP grants once all HOME-ARP funds have been expended, all HOME-ARP activities are completed in accordance with the requirements of this Notice, and the proper beneficiary data has been entered. In order to closeout its HOME-ARP grants,the PJ must not have any open CPD monitoring findings or audits related the HOME-ARP funds. HUD will provide closeout guidance and instructions at a later date. D. Applicability of Uniform Administrative Requirements. The requirements of 2 CFR part_200, as amended apply to PJs, State recipients, and subrecipients receiving HOME-ARP funds, except for the following provisions: 2 CFR 200.306, 200.307, 200.308 (not applicable to participating jurisdictions),200.311 (except as provided in 24 CFR 92.257), 200.312, 200.329, 200.333, and 200.334. The provisions of 2 CFR 200.305 apply as modified by 24 CFR 92.502(c)and this Notice. If there is a conflict between definitions in 2 CFR part 200 and 24 CFR part 92, the definitions in 24 CFR part 92, govern. Moreover, if there is a conflict between the provisions of 2 CFR part 200 and the provisions of this Notice,the provisions of this Notice govern. Where regulations in 24 CFR part 92 refer to specific regulations of 2 CFR part 200 that were or are renumbered or revised by amendments to 2 CFR part 200, the requirements that apply to the 83 use of HOME-ARP funds are the applicable requirements in 2 CFR part 200, as amended, notwithstanding the renumbered regulatory reference. E. Financial Management 1. The HOME Investment Trust Fund: HUD will establish a HOME-ARP Investment Trust Fund Treasury account(Treasury account) for a PJ's HOME-ARP funds. The Treasury account includes all HOME-ARP funds allocated to the PJ by formula and any HOME-ARP funds repaid by the PJ. The PJ must establish a HOME-ARP Investment Trust Fund local account (local account) as described in 24 CFR 92.500. The PJ may use either a separate local account or, a subsidiary account within its general fund(or other appropriate fund) as the local account. The PJ may not use the same local account for HOME-ARP that it uses for its HOME local account. The local account includes deposits of HOME-ARP funds disbursed from the Treasury account. The local account must be interest-bearing. HUD will reduce or recapture any HOME-ARP funds that are in the Treasury account that are not expended(drawn down) by September 30, 2030. Due to end-of-year financial system closeouts that begin before this date and prevent electronic access to the payment system, requests to draw down the funds must b,e made at least 7 full business days before this date so that the funds still can be drawn from the Treasury account through IDIS. 2. Program Income: Program Income means gross income received by the PJ generated from the use of HOME-ARP funds during the grant period of performance. This includes, but is not limited to,principal and interest payments from a loan made with HOME-ARP funds, or other income or fees received from project owners in connection with HOME-ARP funds, and interest earned by the PJ on program income before its disposition. Program income earned as a result of the use of HOME-ARP funds is HOME program income and must be used in accordance with the requirements of 24 CFR part 92. All program income must be recorded in IDIS. Program income must be deposited in the PJ's HOME-ARP local account(unless the PJ allows a State recipient or subrecipient to retain the program income for additional HOME projects pursuant to such terms aad conditions in the written agreement and this Notice). The PJ must enter HOME-ARP program income retained by the State recipient or subrecipient as a HOME program income receipt in IDIS and subgrant the program income to the State recipient or subrecipient that retained the program income. The PJ is responsible to report on the use of its program income in IDIS, including program income it allowed a State recipient or subrecipient to retain. 3. Repayments: Any HOME-ARP funds used for costs that are not eligible under this Notice, funds invested in a project that is terminated before completion,either voluntarily or otherwise, or funds invested in HOME-ARP rental housing and NCS that does not meet the requirements in this Notice for the applicable period specified in this Notice must be repaid by the PJ to its Treasury account. If the funds are repaid after September 30, 2030, they will be recaptured by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the PJ will not be able to re-use the 84 funds for eligible HOME-ARP activities. HOME-ARP funds may not be repaid to the PJ's local account. 4. Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS): The PJ will use IDIS to administer its HOME-ARP funds. The PJ will request disbursements of HOME-ARP funds from its Treasury account and collect and report information on the use of HOME-ARP funds through IDIS. (For purposes of reporting in IDIS, a HOME-ARP project is an activity.) The PJ must report all program income in IDIS. The requirements of 24 CFR 92.502(c)(3) do not apply to HOME-ARP funds. In accordance with this Notice, a HOME-ARP written agreement providing HOME-ARP funds to a project or the CHDO/nonprofit must be signed and dated by: a. the PJ and project owner for HOME-ARP rental and HOME-ARP NCS; b. the PJ and service provider for HOME-ARP supportive services; c. the PJ and landlord, tenant, and/or HOME-ARP sponsor, as applicable, for HOME-ARP TBRA; and, d. the PJ and CHDO/nonprofit organization for HOME-ARP Operating Expenses and Capacity Building Assistance. This must occur before any HOME-ARP funds are disbursed. Federal funds cannot be drawn from the Treasury account in advance of the need to pay an eligible cost. Consequently, HOME-ARP funds cannot be drawn from the U.S. Treasury and placed in escrow or advanced in lump sums to State recipients, subrecipients,project owners, service providers, or landlords or tenants, except funds drawn down for a HOME-ARP rental project for an operating cost assistance reserve or reserve for replacement pursuant to Section VI.B.5.g. of this Notice or a HOME-ARP NCS project for a replacement reserve pursuant to Section VI.E. Once funds are drawn from the PJ's Treasury account,they must be expended for an eligible HOME-ARP cost within 15 days. Any interest earned within the 15-day period may be retained by the PJ as HOME program income and recorded in IDIS as a program income receipt. Any funds that are drawn down and not expended for eligible costs within 15 days of the disbursement must be returned to HUD for deposit in the PJ's Treasury account. Interest earned after 15 days belongs to the United States and must be remitted to the United States as provided in 2 CFR 200.305(b)(9), except interest amounts up to $500 per year may be retained for the PJ's administrative expenses. Additional HOME-ARP funds may be committed to a project up to one year after project completion. 85 HUD will govern access to IDIS by other entities participating in the HOME program(e.g., State recipients). Only PJs and State recipients (if permitted by the State) may request disbursement. F. Recordkeeping Each PJ must establish and maintain sufficient records to enable HUD to determine whether the PJ has met the requirements of this Notice. At a minimum,the following records are needed: 1. Program Records: a. Records evidencing that all HOME-ARP funds used by a PJ for TBRA, supportive services, and acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter units benefit individuals and families in qualifying populations. b. Records evidencing that not less than 70 percent of affordable rental housing units acquired, rehabilitated, and/or constructed with HOME funds by a PJ are restricted for occupancy by households in the qualifying populations. c. Records documenting compliance with the 15 percent limitation on administrative and planning costs. d. Records documenting compliance with the 5 percent limitation on CHDO and non-profit operating and capacity building costs. e. The underwriting and subsidy layering guidelines adopted in accordance with Section VI.B.10 of this Notice that support the PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan certification. f. If existing debt is refinanced for multifamily rehabilitation projects,the HOME-ARP refinancing guidelines established in the HOME-ARP in the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. g. If HOME-ARP funds are used for TBRA, records supporting the PJ's written selection policies and criteria; supporting documentation for preferences for specific categories of qualifying_individuals;_and records_supporting the rent standard_and.minimum_tenant contribution established in accordance with Section VI.C.7 and 8 of this Notice. h. Confidentiality. i. The PJ's written policies and procedures for maintaining confidentiality of qualifying households as individuals or families fleeing,or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking in accordance with Section VIII.H. ii. The PJ's written policies and procedures for maintaining confidentiality in compliance with the VAWA protections contained in 24 CFR Part 5, Subpart L. 86 2. Project Records: PJs are required to retain the following records for HOME-ARP-assisted projects, as specified by activity type. a. A full description of each project assisted with HOME-ARP funds, including the location(address of project), form of HOME-ARP assistance, and the units, families, or qualifying households assisted with HOME-ARP funds, subject to confidentiality requirements in this Notice. b. The source and application of funds for each project, including supporting documentation in accordance with 2 CFR 200.302; and records to document the eligibility and permissibility of the project costs, including the documentation of the actual HOME-ARP-eligible development costs of each HOME-ARP-assisted unit as defined in this Notice. c. Records (i.e., written agreements) demonstrating compliance with the written agreement requirements in Section VIII.B of this Notice. d. Records (e.g., inspection reports) demonstrating that each HOME-ARP rental project meets the property standards in Section VI.B.11 of this Notice at project completion and through the applicable minimum compliance period. In addition, during a HOME-ARP rental project's minimum compliance period, records demonstrating compliance with the property standards and financial oversight pursuant to 24 CFR 92.504(d) and the operating cost assistance reserve management and oversight required by Section VI.B.23 of this Notice. e. Records (e.g., inspection reports) demonstrating that each unit occupied by a qualifying household receiving HOME-ARP TBRA, meets the housing quality standards of Section VI.C.9 of this Notice at initial occupancy and throughout the household's term of assistance. f. Records (e.g., inspection reports)demonstrating that each NCS project meets the property and habitability standards of Section VI.E.7 of this Notice at project completion and throughout the applicable restricted use period. g. Records demonstrating that each qualifying household is eligible for HOME-ARP assistance based on the requirements of the ARP and Section IV of this Notice. h. Records demonstrating that each household qualifying as homeless,records that meet the requirements in 24 CFR 576.500(b)(1), (2), (3), or(4), as applicable (except that youth aged 24 and under must not be required to provide third-party documentation to show they are homeless to receive any shelter, housing, or services for which ESG or CoC Program funds may be used to supplement the HOME-ARP assistance). i. Records demonstrating that each household qualifying as "at risk of homelessness," records that meet the requirements in 24 CFR 576.500(c)(1) or(2), as applicable, and include the following documentation of annual income: 87 i. Income evaluation form containing the minimum requirements specified by HUD and completed by the recipient or subrecipient; and ii. Source documents for the assets held by the household and income received over the most recent period for which representative data is available before the date of the evaluation(e.g.,wage statement,unemployment compensation statement, public benefits statement, bank statement); iii. To the extent that source documents are unobtainable, a written statement by the relevant third party (e.g., employer, government benefits administrator) or the written certification by the recipient's or subrecipient's intake staff of the oral verification by the relevant third party of the income the household received over the most recent period for which representative data is available; or iv. To the extent that source documents and third-party verification are unobtainable,the written certification by the household of the amount of income the household received for the most recent period representative of the income that the household is reasonably expected to receive over the 3-month period following the evaluation. j. Records demonstrating compliance with the household income requirements in accordance with Section VI.B.12 of this Notice for each HOME-ARP rental project. k. Records demonstrating that each HOME-ARP rental and NCS project meets the minimum compliance period or restricted use period described in Sections VI.B.18 and VI.E.9 respectively, of this Notice. 1. Records demonstrating that for each HOME-ARP rental housing unit or for each household receiving HOME-ARP TBRA, compliance with the tenant protection requirements of Sections VI.B.19 and VI.C.2,respectively, of this Notice. For HOME- ARP TBRA or rental projects under a master lease,the PJ must retain records demonstrating that a master lease for housing leased by a HOME-ARP sponsor and each sublease between a qualifying household and HOME-ARP sponsor complies with the tenant and participant protections of 24 CFR 92.253 and this Notice. Records must be kept for each household. m. Records demonstrating compliance with the return of the HOME-ARP rental capitalized operating cost assistance reserve and/or the NCS replacement reserve at the end of the compliance or restricted use period in accordance with Sections VI.B.24 and VI.E.10 respectively, of this Notice. n. Records demonstrating that each HOME-ARP rental and each NCS project meets the underwriting and subsidy layering or due diligence requirements of Section VI.B.10 or VI.E.6 of this Notice. o. Records demonstrating that each HOME-ARP rental housing project meets the rent limitations of Sections VI.B.13 and VI.B.15 of this Notice for the 15-year minimum compliance period. Records must be kept for each household assisted. 88 p. Records demonstrating that each multifamily HOME-ARP rental housing project involving rehabilitation with refinancing complies with the refinancing guidelines established in accordance with 24 CFR 92.206(b). q. Records demonstrating that a site and neighborhood standards review was conducted for each HOME-ARP rental housing project involving new construction under Section VI.B of this Notice to determine that the site meets the requirements of 24 CFR 983.57(e)(2) and(e)(3), in accordance with 24 CFR 92.202. r. Records demonstrating that any conversion of HOME-ARP NCS complies with the requirements established by Section VI.E of this Notice, including that conversion of NCS only occurred after the end of the applicable minimum use period defined in Section VI.E.l1. s. For all HOME-ARP NCS projects the following documents must be maintained, as applicable: i. Purchase contract, closing documents, settlement statement and title work for acquisitions. ii. Appraisal or other estimation of value to justify acquisition expenditure. iii. Architectural and engineering contracts and completed designs, plans, and specifications for rehabilitation and new construction activities. iv. Invoices, pay requests, and proof of payment for all project expenditures. v. Proof of insurance. vi. Project and program audits. t. For all HOME-ARP Supportive Services projects pursuant to McKinney-Vento or Homelessness Prevention Supportive Services: i. Records, where applicable, demonstrating compliance with the termination of assistance requirement as described in Section VI.D.5 of this Notice. ii. Records of all solicitations of and agreements with subrecipients and contractors, records of all payment requests by and dates of payments made to subrecipients, and documentation of all monitoring and sanctions of subrecipients, as applicable including any findings and corrective actions required. iii. Records of all procurement contracts and documentation of compliance with the procurement requirements in 2 CFR part 200, subpart D, as revised by Section VIII.D of this Notice. iv. Records evidencing the use of the written procedures required under Section VI.D.2 and records evidencing compliance with Section IV.C.2 of this Notice. 89 v. Records of all leases, subleases,and financial assistance agreements for the provision of rental payments, documentation of payments made by the PJ to owners, HOME-ARP sponsor, or qualifying households for the provision of financial assistance for rental payments, and supporting documentation for these payments, including dates of occupancy by qualifying individuals and families. vi. Records that document the monthly allowance for utilities (excluding telephone) used to determine compliance with the rent restriction. vii. Records of the types of services provided under the PJ's program and the amounts spent on these services. viii. Records demonstrating subrecipient compliance with the recordkeeping requirements in Section VIILF of this Notice. u. For all HOME-ARP Housing Counseling Services projects as defined in 24 CFR part 5, each participating housing counseling agency must maintain a recordkeeping and reporting system in accordance with 24 CFR 214.315 and 24 CFR 214.317.The system must permit HUD to easily access all information needed for a performance review. v. For all HOME-ARP-assisted nonprofit operating expense and capacity building assistance activities: i. Records concerning the use of funds for nonprofit operating expense and capacity building assistance must be maintained to enable HUD to determine whether the PJ has met the requirements of Section VLF of this Notice. ii. Written agreements between the PJ and the nonprofit organization providing nonprofit operating expense assistance or capacity building assistance must be retained for five years after the agreement terminates. 3. Financial records: a. Records, in accordance with 2 CFR 200.302, identifying the source and application of HOME-ARP funds, Identification_must include,.as applicable,the Assistance Listing program title and number(formerly Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance), Federal award identification number and year,name of the Federal agency, and name of the pass-through entity, if any. b. Records concerning the HOME-ARP Investment Trust Fund Treasury account and local account required to be established and maintained by this Notice, including deposits, disbursements, balances, supporting documentation and any other information required by IDIS. c. Records identifying the source and application of program income and repayments. d. Records demonstrating adequate budget control and other records required by 2 CFR 200.302, including evidence of periodic account reconciliations. 90 4. Program administration records: a. Records demonstrating compliance with the written agreements required by Section VIII.B of this Notice. b. Records demonstrating compliance with the applicable uniform administrative requirements required by Section VIII.D of this Notice. c. Records documenting required inspections, monitoring reviews and audits, and the resolution of any findings or concerns. 5. Records concerning other Federal requirements: a. Equal opportunity and fair housing records. i. Data on the extent to which each racial and ethnic group,and single-headed households by gender of household head)have applied for, participated in, or benefited from, any program or activity funded in whole or in part with HOME- ARP funds. ii. Documentation that the PJ submitted a certification that it will affirmatively further fair housing consistent with HUD's Interim Final Rule entitled Restoring Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Definitions and Certifications(86 FR 30779,June 10, 2021)(codified at 24 CFR 5.151 and 5.152;), available at https //www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/06/10/2021-12114/restoring- affirmatively-furthering-fair-housing-definitions-and-certifications. iii. Records demonstrating compliance with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements of 24 CFR 92, Subpart H. b. Affirmative marketing and MBE/WBE records. i. Records demonstrating compliance with the affirmative marketing procedures and requirements of 24 CFR 92.351 and this Notice. ii. Documentation and data on the steps taken to implement the jurisdiction's outreach programs to minority-owned(MBE)and female-owned(WBE) businesses including data indicating the racial/ethnic or gender character of each business entity receiving a contract or subcontract of$25,000 or more paid, or to be paid, with HOME-ARP funds; the amount of the contract or subcontract, and documentation of participating jurisdiction's affirmative steps to assure that minority business and women's business enterprises have an equal opportunity to obtain or compete for contracts and subcontracts as sources of supplies, equipment, construction, and services. c. Records demonstrating compliance with the environmental review requirements of 24 CFR 92.352, 24 CFR part 58, and this Notice including flood insurance requirements. 91 d. Records demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 24 CFR 92.353 and the provisions of Section VII.F of this Notice regarding displacement, relocation, and real property acquisition, including but not limited to: i. project occupancy lists identifying the name and address of all persons occupying the real property on the date described in 24 CFR 92.353(c)(2)(i)(A), moving into the property on or after the date described in 24 CFR 92.353(c)(2)(i)(A), and occupying the property upon completion of the project; ii. lists of all individuals or families occupying hotels and motels and other nonresidential properties acquired, rehabilitated,,and/or demolished and newly constructed to become HOME-ARP NCS or HOME-ARP rental housing that qualify for assistance under this Notice as members of a qualifying population, as well as records indicating whether such persons were assisted by the HOME- ARP program by the PJ following the closure of the nonresidential properties because of HOME-ARP activities iii. lists of all individuals or families occupying HOME-ARP NCS that were converted during the required use period that qualify for assistance under this Notice, as well as records indicating whether moving costs or advisory services were provided as part of HOME-ARP administrative costs or under the HOME- ARP supportive services activity in Section VI.D of this Notice, and records indicating whether such persons were assisted by the HOME-ARP program by the PJ following the conversion of the HOME-ARP NCS units. iv. Documentation that the PJ has and followed a RARAP in accordance with 24 CFR 92.353 and 24 CFR 42.325. e. Records demonstrating compliance with the labor requirements of 24 CFR 92.354, including contract provisions and payroll records. f. Records demonstrating compliance with the lead-based paint requirements of 24 CFR part 35, subparts A, B, J, K, M and R, as applicable. g. Records supporting-compliancewith conflict of interest-requirements in 24 CFR 92:356, as revised by Section VII.H of this Notice, as well as documentation of any exceptions granted by HUD or a state PJ, as applicable, to the conflict of interest provisions in 24 CFR 92.356, as revised by Section VII.H of this Notice. h. Records demonstrating compliance with debarment and suspension requirements in 2 CFR part 2424. i. Records concerning intergovernmental review, as required by 24 CFR 92.357. j. Records of emergency transfers requested under 24 CFR 5.2005(e) and 24 CFR 92.359 pertaining to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault,or stalking, including data on the outcomes of those requests. 92 k. Documentation of actions undertaken to meet the requirements of 24 CFR hart 75 which implements section 3 of the Housing Development Act of 1968,as amended(12 U.S.C. 1701u). 6. State Recipients and Subrecipients: A PJ that distributes HOME-ARP funds to State recipients or subrecipients must require the State recipients or subrecipients to keep the records required by paragraphs 1. program records, 2. project records,3. financial records, 4. program administration records, and 5. records concerning other federal requirements of Section VIII.F of this Notice, and such other records as the PJ determines to be necessary to enable the PJ to carry out its responsibilities under this Notice. The PJ need not duplicate the records kept by the State recipients or subrecipients. The PJ must keep records concerning its annual review of the performance and compliance of each State recipient and subrecipient as required under 24 CFR 92.504(a). 7. Period of record retention: All records pertaining to HOME-ARP funds must be retained for five years, except as provided below. a. For HOME-ARP rental housing projects,records may be retained for five years after the project completion date; except that records of individual tenant income verifications, project rents and project inspections must be retained for the most recent five-year period, until five years after the affordability period terminates. b. For HOME-ARP TBRA projects, records must be retained for five years after the period of rental assistance terminates. c. Written agreements must be retained for five years after the agreement terminates. d. Records covering displacements and acquisition must be retained for five years after the date by which all persons displaced from the property and all persons whose property acquired for the project have received the final payment to which they are entitled i is accordance with 24 CFR 92.353. e. If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, monitoring, inspection, or other action has been started before the expiration of the required record retention period records must be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until the end of the required period, whichever is later. 8. Access to records: The PJ must provide citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties with reasonable access to records, consistent with applicable state and local laws and any other applicable grant conditions from other federal grant programs regarding privacy and obligations of confidentiality. The PJ, subrecipient, contractor, or owner may create a program participant identifier code or number that can be used on a file and maintained internally, in such a way that the number itself does not inadvertently identify the program participant, (i.e., no use of initials, date of birth, or other pieces of information that might suggest the identity of the program participant). The "key"or"cypher" for the program participant identifier code would itself be confidential and would not leave the provider. In the circumstance of HUD programs, the 93 Unique Personal Identification Number which is generated within the comparable database could be used with auditors to identify records of services to distinct individuals, subject to the below requirement. HUD and the Comptroller General of the United States, any of their representatives,have the right of access to any pertinent books, documents,papers, or other records of the PJ, state recipients, and subrecipients, in order to make audits, examinations, excerpts,and transcripts. If a provider of services or operator of an NCS is subject to state or local laws or other federal grant programs that require that HUD not be given access to records detailing PII of victims,then auditors or evaluators may be given access to representative files without any sharing of individual identifying information. G. Reporting and Performance Reports. The PJ must submit reports in a format and at such time as prescribed by HUD. In addition, HUD and Office of the Inspector General(OIG) staff must be given access,upon reasonable notice,to all information related to the selection, award, and use of HOME-ARP funds. Each PJ must enter the required HOME-ARP data elements timely in IDIS. 1. For HOME-ARP rental activities under Section VI.B of this Notice,the PJ must enter complete project completion information when it completes the activity in IDIS, except the assisted units can be marked vacant until they are occupied by eligible households. 2. For HOME-ARP NCS activities under Section VI.E of this Notice,the PJ must enter complete project completion information when it completes the activity in IDIS. In addition,the PJ must report the disposition of any HOME-ARP-assisted NCS activity that is converted to another eligible use at the time of conversion. 3. For HOME-ARP TBRA activities under Section VI.0 of this Notice, the PJ must report beneficiary information in IDIS at the time assistance is provided. 4. For HOME-ARP Supportive Services activities under Section VI.D of this Notice, the PJ must report in IDIS quarterly,by the 30th day after the end of each calendar quarter, on the number of homeless and not homeless households assisted with supportive services and housing counseling, including the race arid-ethnicity;-50-uselialztsize; and-household type of the households assisted. HUD will issue guidance about reporting on HOME-ARP activities in the PJ's consolidated annual performance and evaluation report(CAPER)required under 24 CFR 91.520, at a later date. H. Confidentiality Requirements 1. All entities assisted by HOME-ARP funds must develop, implement, and maintain written procedures to require that— 94 a. All records containing personally identifying information of any individual or family who applies for and/or receives HOME-ARP assistance will be kept secure and confidential; b. The address or location of any NCS or HOME-ARP rental housing exclusively for individuals fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking will not be made public, except as necessary where making the address or location public does not identify occupancy of the NCS or HOME-ARP rental housing, when necessary to record use restrictions or restrictive covenants in accordance with Section VI.B or VI.E,or with written authorization of the person or entity responsible for the operation of the NCS or HOME-ARP rental housing; and c. The address or location of any program participant that is a fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking will not be made public, except as provided under a privacy policy of the PJ consistent with state and local laws and any other grant conditions from other federal grant programs regarding privacy and obligations of confidentiality. 2. Documenting status of a qualifying population that is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking: a. If an individual or family qualifies because the individual or family is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking then acceptable evidence includes an oral or written statement by the qualifying individual or head of household seeking assistance that they are fleeing that situation. An oral statement may be documented by either— i. a written certification by the individual or head of household; or ii. a written certification by a victim service provider, intake worker, social worker, legal assistance provider, health-care provider, law enforcement agency, legal assistance provider, pastoral counselor, or an intake worker in any other organization from whom the individual or family sought assistance. The written documentation need only include the minimum amount of information indicating that the individual or family is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking and need not include any additional details about the conditions that prompted the individual or family to seek assistance. IX. PERFORMANCE REVIEWS HUD will review the performance of each PJ in carrying out its responsibilities for the use of HOME-ARP funds and its compliance with the requirements of this Notice. Such reviews may take the form of remote or on-site monitoring, review of IDIS data or reports, assessment of documents requested from the PJ, subrecipient, or other entity carrying out HOME-ARP activities, and inquiries resulting from external audit reports, media reports, citizen complaints, 95 or other sources of relevant information. HUD may also review a PJ's timely use of HOME- ARP funds for eligible activities, including the progress of expenditures for individual projects or activities,the requirement to place a project in service in accordance with requirements in this Notice, and compliance of HOME-ARP rental housing and NCS with the 4-year deadline for completing projects. If HUD preliminarily determines that a PJ has not met a requirement of this Notice or an applicable requirement of the HOME regulations at 24 CFR Part 92, HUD will communicate its determination in writing and provide the PJ with the opportunity to demonstrate, based on substantial facts, documentation, and data,that it has done so. HUD may extend any time period it provided to the PJ to demonstrate its compliance if upon request of the PJ, HUD determines that is it infeasible for the PJ to provide a full response within the prescribed period. If the PJ fails to demonstrate to HUD's satisfaction that it has met the requirement, HUD will take corrective or remedial action in accordance with this section or 24 CFR 92.552. A. Corrective and Remedial Actions Corrective or remedial actions for a performance deficiency(e.g., failure to meet a provision of this Notice or an applicable provision of 24 CFR Part 92)will be designed to prevent a continuation of the deficiency; mitigate, to the extent possible, its adverse effects or consequences; and prevent its recurrence. HUD may impose corrective or remedial actions including but not limited to the following: 1. HUD may instruct the PJ to submit and comply with proposals for action to correct, mitigate and prevent a performance deficiency, including: a. Preparing and following a schedule of actions for carrying out the affected activities, consisting of schedules,timetables, and milestones necessary to implement the affected activities; b. Establishing and following a management plan that assigns responsibilities for carrying out the remedial actions; c. Canceling or revising activities likely to be affected by the performance deficiency, before expending HOME-ARP funds for the activities; d. Reprogramming HOME-ARP funds that have not yet been expended from affected activities to other eligible activities; e. Reimbursing its HOME-ARP grant in any amount not used in accordance with the requirements of this Notice; f. Suspending disbursement of HOME-ARP funds for affected activities; and g. Establishing procedures to ensure compliance with HOME-ARP requirements. 96 2. HUD may also: a. Change the method of payment from an advance to a reimbursement basis and may require supporting documentation to be submitted for HUD review for each payment request before payment is made; b. Determine the PJ to be high risk and impose special conditions or restrictions on the use of HOME-ARP funds in accordance with 2 CFR 200.208; and c. Take other remedies that may be legally available, including remedies under 2 CFR 200.339 and 200.340. B. Sanctions The requirements at 24 CFR 92.552 apply to HOME-ARP funds, except that the provision at 24 CFR 92.552(a)(2)(iv) related to failure to comply with matching contribution requirements shall not apply. X. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT A Finding of No Significant Impact(FONSI) with respect to the environment has been made in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 50, which implement section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). The FONSI is available for inspection at HUD's Funding Opportunities web page at: https://www.hud.gov/program offices/spm/gmomgmt/grantsinfo/fundingopps. 97 P. R. #23188 05/23/2023 M. Essex Page 4 of 3 ATTACHMENT "B" LEGACY CDC HOME - ARP TBRA PROGRAM - PORT ARTHUR POLICIES & PROCEDURES A/S6,.. IlD LEGACY COMMUNITY DEVELOPM ENT CORP MARCH 2023 el EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Page 1 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2023 A. OVERVIEW OF LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA PROGRAM AND POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The purpose of the Policies and Procedures is to establish the Tender Loving Care Center for Children dba Legacy Community Development Corporation (LEGACY CDC) guidelines for conducting HOME-ARP Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Program in a manner consistent with federal requirements. LEGACY CDC is responsible for complying with all changes in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations pertaining to LEGACY CDC's TBRA program. If such changes conflict with this plan, HUD regulations will have precedence, and LEGACY CDC will revise this plan accordingly. On an ongoing basis, LEGACY CDC may make minor, non-substantive modifications to the Policies and Procedures to clarify existing guidelines and/or to correct editing errors. LEGACY CDC'S SERVICE AREA INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING CITY LIMITS OF PORT ARTHUR ONLY B. FAIR HOUSING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY a. Nondiscrimination It is LEGACY CDC's policy to fully comply with federal, state, and local non-discrimination laws and with the rules and regulations which govern Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity in housing and employment. LEGACY CDC will not deny any household or individual the equal opportunity to apply for or receive assistance under LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA program on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, familial or marital status, handicap or disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, prior arrest or conviction, or status as a victim of domestic violence. b. Reasonable Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities LEGACY CDC's policies and practices will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities to ensure that they may fully access and use LEGACY CDC's TBRA benefits. Applicants and participants may telephone LEGACY CDC to request accommodation at any time. This policy is intended to afford persons with disabilities equal opportunity to obtain the same results and gain the same benefits as those who do not have disabilities and is applicable to all situations described in this plan. Reasonable accommodation will be made only after applicants or participants with a disability request a change to LEGACY CDC's applicable policies or practices. Page 2 1 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program- Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 A household contacting LEGACY CDC to request accommodation will be provided with instructions as to the type of documentation to submit in support of the request. LEGACY CDC will review all requests, reach out to the individual's health provider for clarification or additional information if needed, and decide to approve or deny based on the information provided. For LEGACY CDC to approve reasonable accommodation, there must be an identifiable relationship between the requested accommodation and the individual's disability. LEGACY CDC may deny the request if it will cause undue financial or administrative burden or will change the fundamental nature of the program. Applicants and participants will be notified by mail or phone. LEGACY CDC will provide reasonable search time and extensions to households with disabled persons so that they may located housing to meet their needs Reasonable search time will be determined by LEGACY CDC but shall not be unlimited. Household disability must be verified with a Verification of Disability Form (available at LEGACY CDC or HUD webpage.) C. QUALIFYING POPULATIONS American Rescue Plan (ARP) requires that funds be used to primarily benefit individuals and families in the following specified "qualifying populations." Any individual or family who meets the criteria for these populations is eligible to receive assistance or services funded through HOME-ARP without meeting additional criteria (e.g., additional income criteria). All income calculations to meet income criteria of a qualifying population or required for income determinations in HOME-ARP eligible activities must use the annual income definition in 24 CFR 5.6og in accordance with the requirements of 24 CFR 92.2o3(a)(1). a. Homeless Homeless, as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 Homeless (1), (2), or (3): (1) An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, meaning: (i) An individual or family with a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground; (ii) An individual or family living in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living arrangements (including congregate shelters, transitional housing, and hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by federal, state, or local government programs for low-income individuals); or 4 Page 3153 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 (iii) An individual who is exiting an institution where he or she resided for 90 days or less and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately before entering that institution; (2) An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence, provided that: (i) The primary nighttime residence will be lost within 14 days of the date of application for homeless assistance; (ii) No subsequent residence has been identified; and (iii) The individual or family lacks the resources or support networks, e.g., family, friends, faith-based or other social networks needed to obtain other permanent housing; (3) Unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age, or families with children and youth, who do not otherwise qualify as homeless under this definition, but who: (i) Are defined as homeless under section 387 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5732a), section 637 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9832), section 41403 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e-2), section 33o(h) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b(h)), section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012), section 17(b) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(b)), or section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a); (ii) Have not had a lease, ownership interest, or occupancy agreement in permanent housing at any time during the 6o days immediately preceding the date of application for homeless assistance; (iii) Have experienced persistent instability as measured by two moves or more during the 6o-day period immediately preceding the date of applying for homeless assistance; and (iv) Can be expected to continue in such status for an extended period of time because of chronic disabilities, chronic physical health or mental health conditions, substance addiction, histories of domestic violence or childhood abuse (including neglect), the presence of a child or youth with a disability, or two or more barriers to employment, which include the lack of a high school degree or General Education Development (GED), illiteracy, low English proficiency, a history of incarceration or detention for criminal activity, and a history of unstable employment; b. At-Risk of Homelessness At risk of Homelessness, as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 At risk of homelessness: (1) An individual or family who: 5 Page 4153 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 (i) Has an annual income below 3o percent of median family income for the area, as determined by HUD; (ii) Does not have sufficient resources or support networks, e.g., family, friends, faith-based or other social networks, immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency shelter or another place described in paragraph (1) of the "Homeless" definition in this section; and (iii) Meets one of the following conditions: (A) Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 6o days immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention assistance; (B) Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship; (C) Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their current housing or living situation will be terminated within 21 days after the date of application for assistance; (D) Lives in a hotel or motel and the cost of the hotel or motel stay is not paid by charitable organizations or by federal, State, or local government programs for low-income individuals; (E) Lives in a single-room occupancy or efficiency apartment unit in which there reside more than two persons or lives in a larger housing unit in which there reside more than 1.5 people per room, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau; (F) Is exiting a publicly funded institution, or system of care (such as a health- care facility, a mental health facility, foster care or other youth facility, or correction program or institution); or (G) Otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated with instability and an increased risk of homelessness, as identified in the recipient's approved consolidated plan; (2) A child or youth who does not qualify as "homeless" under this section, but qualifies as "homeless" under section 387(3) of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 U.S.C. 5732a(3)), section 637(11) of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9832(11)), section 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. i4o43e-2(6)), section 33o(h)(5)(A) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b(h)(5)(A)), section 3(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012(1)), or section 17(b)(15) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(b)(15)); or (3) A child or youth who does not qualify as "homeless" under this section but qualifies as "homeless"under section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act(42 U.S.C. 11434a(2)), and the parent(s) or guardian(s) of that child or youth if living with her or him. Page 5 1 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedure MAR 2 0 2 3 c. Fleeing or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking, as defined by HUD. For HOME-ARP, this population includes any individual or family who is fleeing, or is attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. This population includes cases where an individual or family reasonably believes that there is a threat of imminent harm from further violence due to dangerous or life-threatening conditions that relate to violence against the individual or a family member, including a child, that has either taken place within the individual's or family's primary nighttime residence or has made the individual or family afraid to return or remain within the same dwelling unit. In the case of sexual assault, this also includes cases where an individual reasonably believes there is a threat of imminent harm from further violence if the individual remains within the same dwelling unit that the individual is currently occupying, or the sexual assault occurred on the premises during the go-day period preceding the date of the request for transfer. Domestic violence, which is defined in 24 CFR 5.2003 includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by: 1) A current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim (the term "spouse or intimate partner of the victim" includes a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim, as determined by the length of the relationship, the type of the relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship); 2) A person with whom the victim shares a child in common; 3) A person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; 4) A person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving HOME-ARP funds; or 5) Any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction. Dating violence which is defined in 24 CFR 5.2003 means violence committed by a person: i) Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and 2) Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: a. The length of the relationship; b. The type of relationship; and c. The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. Page 6153 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 Sexual assault which is defined in 24 CFR 5.2o03 means any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, Tribal, or State law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent. Stalking which is defined in 24 CFR 5.2003 means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: i) Fear for the person's individual safety or the safety of others; or 2) Suffer substantial emotional distress. Human Trafficking includes both sex and labor trafficking, as outlined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), as amended (22 U.S.C. 7102). These are defined as: i) Sex trafficking means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act, in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained i8 years of age; or 2) Labor trafficking means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery. d. Other Populations Other Populations where providing supportive services or assistance under section 212(a) of NAHA (42 U.S.C. 12742(a)) would prevent the family's homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability. HUD defines these populations as individuals and households who do not qualify under any of the populations above but meet one of the following criteria: (1) Other Families Requiring Services or Housing Assistance to Prevent Homelessness is defined as households (i.e., individuals and families) who have previously been qualified as "homeless" as defined in 24 CFR 91.5, are currently housed due to temporary or emergency assistance, including financial assistance, services, temporary rental assistance or some type of other assistance to allow the household to be housed, and who need additional housing assistance or supportive services to avoid a return to homelessness. (2) At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability is defined as household who meets either paragraph (i) or (ii) below: (i) has annual income that is less than or equal to 3o0/0 of the area median income, as determined by HUD and is experiencing severe cost burden (i.e.,is paying more than 5o0/0 of monthly household income toward housing costs); Page 7153 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 (ii) has annual income that is less than or equal to 50% of the area median income, as determined by HUD, AND meets one of the following conditions from paragraph (iii) of the"At risk of homelessness" definition established at 24 CFR 91.5: (A)Has moved because of economic reasons two or more times during the 6o days immediately preceding the application for homelessness prevention assistance; (B) Is living in the home of another because of economic hardship; (C)Has been notified in writing that their right to occupy their current housing or living situation will be terminated within 21 days after the date of application for assistance; (D) Lives in a hotel or motel and the cost of the hotel or motel stay is not paid by charitable organizations or by Federal, State, or local government programs for low-income individuals; (E) Lives in a single-room occupancy or efficiency apartment unit in which there reside more than two persons or lives in a larger housing unit in which there reside more than 1.5 persons reside per room, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau; (F) Is exiting a publicly funded institution, or system of care (such as a health- care facility, a mental health facility, foster care or other youth facility, or correction program or institution); or (G)Otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated with instability and an increased risk of homelessness, as identified in the recipient's approved consolidated plan Veterans and Families that include a Veteran Family Member that meet the criteria for one of the qualifying populations described above are eligible to receive HOME-ARP assistance. D. IMPROVING ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) • LEGACY CDC provides language access services to limited-English proficient individuals. • Currently, LEGACY CDC translates notices and forms into Spanish, identified as the most common foreign language of LEGACY CDC's clients. Additionally, LEGACY CDC employs bilingual staff members who can assist clients as needed. • Should applicants or participants need other language services, LEGACY CDC will work to secure those services on an as needed basis which does not affect an applicant's position on the waitlist or qualification for services. Page 8 1 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 E. VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA) a. Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA) provides: "An applicant for or tenant of housing assisted under a covered housing program may not be denied admission to, denied assistance under, terminated from participation in, or evicted from the housing on the basis that the applicant or tenant is or has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, if the applicant or tenant otherwise qualifies for admission, assistance, participation, or occupancy." An incident or actual or threatened domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking shall not be construed as a serious or repeated violation of a lease by, or good cause for terminating assistance to, the victim or threatened victim. HUD's final rule is to implement expanded VAWA protections including requirements to develop an emergency transfer plan and provide notice of VAWA rights to applicants and participants. Tenancy or occupancy rights may not be denied solely on the basis of criminal activity directly relating to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking if the criminal activity is engaged in by a member of the tenant's household or any guest or other person under the tenant's control and the tenant or an affiliated individual of the tenant is the victim or threatened victim of such domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. An affiliated individual is a spouse, parent, sibling, or child of that individual or an individual to whom that individual stands in loco parentis, or any individual, tenant or lawful occupant living in the household of that individual. VAWA does not limit otherwise available authority to evict or terminate assistance to a tenant for any violation of a lease not premised on the act of violence in question against the tenant or an affiliated person, so long as the victim is not subject to a more demanding standard than other tenants. Nor does VAWA limit the authority to terminate assistance to or evict a tenant if it is demonstrated that an actual and imminent threat to other tenants or individuals employed at or providing services to the property would be present if the assistance is not terminated or the tenant is not evicted, and no other actions could be taken to reduce or eliminate the threat. VAWA also does not supersede any provision of Federal, State, or local law that provides greater protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. b. Definitions of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom Page 9153 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction. • SPOUSE OR INTIMATE PARTNER OF THE VICTIM:includes a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim, as determined by the length of the relationship, the type of the relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. • SEXUAL ASSAULT: means any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent. • STALKING: Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: o fear for the person's individual safety or the safety of others; or o suffer substantial emotional distress • DATING VIOLENCE: Violence committed by a person: o Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and o Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: ■ The length of the relationship; ■ The type of the relationship; and ■ The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. C. Victim Documentation When a participant household is facing termination of assistance or an applicant household is facing denial of assistance because of the actions of a participant, household member, guest, or other person under the participant's control and a participant or individual affiliated with the participant claims that she or he is the victim of such actions and that the actions are related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, LEGACY CDC will require the individual to submit documentation affirming that claim. LEGACY CDC will accept one of four methods for certification of a claim: 1. A completed Form HUD-5382; or 2. A record of a Federal, State, tribal, territorial, or local law enforcement agency, court, or administrative agency; or 3. A document signed by the victim and by an employee, agent, or volunteer of a victim service provider, an attorney, a medical professional, or a mental health professional ("professional"), from whom the victim has sought assistance relating to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or the effects of abuse. The document must specify that the professional believes the incident or incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking occurred. Page 10 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 4. At the discretion of LEGACY CDC, a statement or other evidence provided by the victim. If the documentation submitted contains conflicting information (including certification forms from two or more members of a household each claiming to be a victim and naming the other(s) as a perpetrator). LEGACY CDC may require submission of third-party documentation (as described in the last three bullets above) within 3o days of the date that LEGACY CDC requested third-party documentation. The required certification and supporting documentation must be submitted to LEGACY CDC within 14 business days after LEGACY CDC issues its written request. The 14-day deadline may be extended at LEGACY CDC's discretion. If the individual does not provide the required certification and supporting documentation within 14 calendar days, or the approved extension period (including 3o-day period allowed to submit required third-party documentation.) LEGACY CDC does not have to provide VAWA protections and may proceed with the planned denial or termination of assistance. d. Terminating or Denying Assistance to a Domestic Violence Offender or Removing the Offender from the Household VAWA does not provide protections for offenders. LEGACY CDC may terminate LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA to the abuser or perpetrator or remove him or her from the LEGACY CDC household. In terminating an abuser or perpetrator from the household, LEGACY CDC will follow the guidelines in the Policies and Procedures and will not take away the right so eligible tenants or otherwise punish the remaining tenants. In addition, a landlord may bifurcate a lease in order to evict or remove a tenant or lawful occupant of the housing who engages in criminal activity directly relating to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against an affiliated individual or other individual, without evicting or removing, or otherwise penalizing a victim of such criminal activity who is also a tenant or lawful occupant of the housing. e. Emergency Move LEGACY CDC may grant a request for prior approval to move within the service area (defined above), even if there is a violation of the lease. Individuals qualifying as victims of domestic violence in accordance with applicable federal code are eligible for assistance under the Emergency Transfer Plan if their written emergency transfer request includes either: • A statement expressing that the tenant reasonably believes that there is a threat of imminent harm from further violence if he or she were to remain in the assisted unit; OR • A statement that the tenant was a sexual assault victim and that the assault occurred on the premises during the go-day calendar period preceding the tenant's request for an emergency transfer. Page 11I53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 f. Confidentiality Requirements All information provided to the LEGACY CDC regarding domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including the fact that an individual is a victim of such violence, assault, or stalking, must be retained in confidence and may neither be entered into any shared database nor provided to any related entity, except to the extent that the disclosure is: • Requested or consented to in writing by the individual in a time-limited release, • Required for use in a proceeding or hearing regarding denial or termination of LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA, or • Is otherwise required by applicable law. • Disclosure of information contained in LEGACY CDC records is also subject to confidentiality requirements under Federal and State social services laws and regulations. F. APPLICATION PROCESS, METHOD OF PRIORITIZATION SELECTION, WAITLIST a. Application Format LEGACY CDC uses the Neighborly Portal Application and supplemental forms that solicits information regarding eligibility criteria, including: • Proof of all income and assets • Proof of citizenship or qualifying immigration status for every household member • Documentation of allowable expenses; and • Any other information that LEGACY CDC deems necessary to determine program eligibility in conformance with applicable statutes, regulations, and HUD notices. An applicant household must complete the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA on-line application and submit it to LEGACY CDC. If an applicant household misrepresents the information on which eligibility or household share of the rent is established, LEGACY CDC may deny or terminate LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA housing assistance. b. Application Period • At LEGACY CDC's discretion, when funding is available, LEGACY CDC will set an application period of at least 3o days during which households may submit applications on the form established by LEGACY CDC. • LEGACY CDC will disseminate notice of the application period, including on LEGACY CDC's website. • LEGACY CDC may also work with other agencies to solicit applications from clients in known need of rental assistance. • Household can make an appointment by calling an Intake Specialist at (409) 832- 2723 Ext. 29 to assist with applying online. • A household may submit no more than one application per period. Page 12 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 c. Method of Prioritization Selection Only households in the qualifying populations are eligible to receive HOME-ARP TBRA assistance. After the application period closes, LEGACY CDC will create a household waitlist. LEGACY CDC will review all applications based on prioritization in the chronological order of their submission (prioritized first come, first serve). All applicants will receive written notification of their placement on the waitlist and next steps within 3o days of the close of the application period. Applicants who have submitted incorrect or incomplete information will have an opportunity to correct or supplement their application within io days of notice by LEGACY CDC identifying any missing information or documentation that must be submitted. If the application remains incomplete after io days, the household will be deemed ineligible and the application denied, unless an extension of the io-day waiting period is granted by LEGACY CDC for good cause. If a household is determined to be ineligible, LEGACY CDC will send a written denial notice to the household at the last address known to LEGACY CDC. If found ineligible, applicant households have the right to have the decision reviewed by administrative review. The right to administrative review is set forth in the denial notice. d. Placement on the Waitlist LEGACY CDC coupons will be issued in order of prioritized submission to applicant households that meet the eligibility criteria, until coupons are no longer available. LEGACY CDC will maintain the waitlist of applicant households eligible for HOME-ARP TBRA funds when the number of households exceeds the number of coupons available. Applicant households will be placed onto the waitlist in order of their application submission date and will be selected from the waitlist in that prioritized order to receive HOME-ARP TBRA coupons that become available, for so long as funding remains available. Once placed on the waitlist, a household will retain its placement unless it is selected or removed. LEGACY CDC will organize the waitlist to indicate the following: • Applicant Name • Family/Unit Size • Date and time of application receipt • Application Number • Qualification for any prioritization for which the family may be eligible. LEGACY CDC will not deny admission to its HOME-ARP TBRA program for any household that qualifies. Qualified households will be placed on the waitlist if funding is unavailable or tied to other program participants. Page 13 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP IBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 e. Removal of Applicants from the Waitlist • Applicant households who are found ineligible for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA will be removed from the waitlist, including those who may have initially qualified for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA but whose circumstances subsequently changed. • Applicants who do not respond to periodic written requests from LEGACY CDC for updated household information will be removed from the waitlist. • Households will also be removed from the waitlist if letters from LEGACY CDC are returned as undeliverable. • Applicants on the waitlist are responsible for maintaining current information with LEGACY CDC including income and household composition. • LEGACY CDC will give an applicant household written notice of its final decision to deny LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA participation. The notice will include the reason for denial and advise the household of the right to request a review of the decision. f. Selection of Applicants from the Waitlist As funding and coupons become available, LEGACY CDC reviews applications and submitted documentation of households on the waitlist, seeks verification where necessary, and offers eligible applicant households' participation in LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA. Eligible applicant households will be selected for participation in LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA in prioritized order of their application submission date, regardless of household size. When there is insufficient funding available for the first applicant household on the waitlist, LEGACY CDC will not consider any other applicant household on the waiting list until funding becomes available for the first applicant household. g. Applicant Household Separations If an applicant household separates into two or more otherwise eligible household units prior to execution of the lease and LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Rental Assistance Contract, LEGACY CDC will decide on a case-by-case basis which of the household units will be considered the applicant household and remain eligible to receive LEGACY CDC HOME- ARP TBRA rental assistance. If the second resulting household unit also qualifies for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance, that household may apply to be placed on the waitlist. LEGACY CDC will consider factors including, but not limited to: • Which household member applied as head of household • Which household unit retains any children, disabled members, or members over 62 years of age • Role of domestic violence in the separation • Role of criminal activity in the separation • Recommendations of social service agencies, including state and local children's service agencies, or qualified professionals Documentation of these factors is the responsibility of the applicant households. If either or both households do not provide the documentation, they may be removed from the waitlist and denied a coupon for failure to supply information requested by LEGACY CDC Page 14 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 G. LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA ELIGIBILITY a. Eligibility To be eligible for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA, a household must meet the following eligibility requirements: • The household's adjusted income must not exceed 5o0/0 of area median income as set forth by HUD; and • At least one member of the applicant household must be either a citizen or noncitizen with a qualifying immigration status under Section 1436a of Title 42 of the United States Code b. Participant Household Separations If a household receiving LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance separates, LEGACY CDC will decide on a case-by-case basis which of the resulting household units will continue to receive LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance. If the second resulting household unit qualifies for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance, that household may apply to be placed on the waitlist for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance. LEGACY CDC will consider factors including, but not limited to: • Which household member applied as head of household; • Which household unit retains any children, disabled members, or members over the age of 62; • Role of domestic violence in the separation; • Role of criminal activity or incarceration in the separation; and • Recommendations of social service agencies, including state and local children's service agencies, or qualified professionals. C. Live-In Aides and Attendants ■ For the purpose of determining unit size, one live-in aide to reside in the assisted unit to care for a household member who is elderly or disabled will be counted as a household member. ■ LEGACY CDC will approve live-in aides determined to be essential to the care and well-being of a household member, if the aide is not responsible for the support of, and would not be living in the unit except to provide care for, assisted household member(s). Written verification of (including the hours of care) is required from a reliable, knowledgeable professional such as a doctor, social worker, or caseworker. ■ Relatives are not automatically excluded from being live-in aides, but they must meet all of the elements in the live-in aide description above. ■ Although counted when determining unit size, a live-in aide is not otherwise treated as a household member. Income and immigration status of a live-in aide is not considered in determining a household's LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA eligibility or rental assistance amount. Live-in aides may not receive LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance for the assisted unit as a result of household separation or death of a household member. Page 15 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 ■ LEGACY CDC will approve live-in aides as a reasonable accommodation to make LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA accessible to and usable by household members with disabilities. Approval of live-in aides as a reasonable accommodation will be in accordance with 24 CFR Part 8. d. Household Absence from the Assisted Unit Household absence from the unit is defined as the entire household not residing in the assisted unit. The absence of some household members is not considered a "Household Absence from the Unit." Household Absence An entire household may not be absent from the assisted unit for a period of more than i8o days in a 12-month period in any circumstance and for any reason. After go consecutive days of absence, assistance will terminate unless the household establishes that: • The absence from the assisted unit was due to exceptional circumstances beyond the household's control, such as hospitalization; ■ The household intends to return to the assisted unit within i8o days of departure; and ■ The household is not maintaining an alternate residence. Individual Absence Any individual who is absent from the assisted unit for more than go consecutive days will not be counted as household member unless such individual is absent due to hospitalization, military deployment, or other good cause as determined by LEGACY CDC on a case-by-case basis, and is reasonably expected to return within i8o days. A household member who is away at school but intends to live with the household in the assisted unit during school recesses is considered a household member. A child who resides in the assisted unit with his or her parent for at least 183 days of the year pursuant to a joint custody agreement or order is counted as a household member, provided that such parent is also a household member.A foster child who is placed and resides in the assisted unit for more than 183 days of the year is counted as a household member. e. Income A household's income determines eligibility for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA and is also used to calculate the household contribution amount and the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance amount. LEGACY CDC will use the policies and methods described in this section to ensure that only eligible households receive LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance and that no household pays more or less than its obligation under state and federal regulations. INCOME LIMITS - A household's adjusted income at the time of initial eligibility determination and upon acceptance as a LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA participant cannot exceed 8o% of Area Median Income. A household must re- verify income prior to acceptance as a LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA participant Page 16 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program- Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 if more than six months have elapsed since LEGACY CDC determined the household to be income eligible. ANNUAL INCOME - All income which is received by, issued on behalf of, or derived from assets accessible by any household member. ADJUSTED INCOME means a household's annual income minus the following deductions: 1. $48o for each dependent 2. $40o for any elderly or disabled household member 3. Sum of the following, if in excess of 30 of the household's annual income: a. Unreimbursed medical expenses of any elderly or disabled household member, and b. Unreimbursed reasonable attendant care and auxiliary apparatus expenses for disabled household members enabling any household member to be employed (not exceeding earned income received by household members i8 years or older who are able to work because of such attendant care or auxiliary apparatus). 4. Households will be required to submit a written certification as to whether any expenses have been or will be reimbursed 5. Reasonable childcare expenses necessary to enable household members to work or pursue an education, not in excess of employment income included in annual income. INCOME FROM FULL-TIME STUDENTS - LEGACY CDC will not include in annual income the earnings in excess of $48o for each full-time student i8 years and older. However, financial aid amounts exceeding tuition must be included in annual income with the exception of financial aid paid to a student over 23 with dependent children, or to full-time students residing with his or her parents. INCOME OF TEMPORARILY ABSENT FAMILY MEMBERS- Income of household members who are temporarily absent is counted, except for full-time students who have documented their absence from the household. This includes the income (pay and allowances) of household members serving in the military, except hazardous duty pay when exposed to hostile fire is excluded. AVERAGING INCOME- LEGACY CDC will use available information to average anticipated income from all known sources when the sources are expected to change during the year. Rounding of Income and Deductions- Generally LEGACY CDC will round to the nearest whole dollar at the final calculation for each income/deduction source. LEGACY CDC will follow all directions from income sources such as Social Security, which provides directions on how to round income. EARNED INCOME DISALLOWANCE- LEGACY CDC will disallow the increase in annual income provided by the regulations covering the self-sufficiency incentive for disabled household members. The disallowance of increases in income as a result of employment of persons with disabilities will not apply for the purposes of admission to the program. Page 17 153 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program- Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 f. Citizenship/Eligible Immigration Status ■ In order to receive assistance, at least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or a noncitizen with a qualifying immigration status. Eligible immigrants are persons who are in one of the immigrant categories as specified by HUD in 24 CFR Part 5. ■ For the citizenship/eligible immigration requirement, the status of each member of the household is considered individually. Households that include eligible and ineligible individuals are considered individually. ■ Households that include eligible and ineligible individuals based on immigration status will be given notice that their assistance will be pro-rated by multiplying the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance amount by a fraction, the denominator of which is the total number of household members and the numerator of which is the total number of household members who are ineligible for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA based upon immigration status, and that they may request a review conference or administrative hearing if they contest this determination. ■ Household members who are neither citizens nor eligible immigrants may contest LEGACY CDC's determination of their citizenship status through INS and/or LEGACY CDC's administrative appeals process. ■ Assistance for noncitizen students or their noncitizen spouses and children is prohibited. g. Social Security Numbers ■ Applicants and participants must disclose and verify social security numbers for all household members. ■ Failure to furnish verification of social security numbers is grounds for denial or termination of assistance. ■ Failure to correct a social security number submitted to LEGACY CDC that cannot be verified in the federal registry is grounds for denial or termination of LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA. ■ Persons who have not been issued a social security number, including ineligible immigrants, must sign a certification that they have never been issued a number. ■ Persons who disclose their social security number but cannot provide verification must sign a certification and provide verification within 6o days. Elderly or disabled persons must provide verification within 120 days. ■ Applicants without social security cards may provide other acceptable forms of documentation that identify the social security number, including Form W-2; IRS Form iogg; Unemployment benefit letters; Court records. h. Privacy Rights ■ LEGACY CDC's policy regarding the release of information is in accordance with state and local laws. Page 18 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 ■ LEGACY CDC's practices and procedures are designed to safeguard the privacy of LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA applicants and participants. All applicant and participant paper files will be stored in a secure location, which is only accessible by authorized staff. Access to information stored electronically will be limited to employees with proper authorization. ■ LEGACY CDC staff will not discuss household information contained in files unless there is a business reason to do so. Inappropriate discussion of household information or improper disclosure of household information by staff will result in disciplinary action. H. VERIFICATION a. Verification Factors and Required Documentation ■ It is the obligation of LEGACY CDC to obtain complete information regarding applicants and thoroughly document the methods by which it has verified all pertinent information in the applicant's file. ■ LEGACY CDC requires verification of all factors affecting LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA eligibility, such as household composition, household income and assets, citizenship/eligible immigration status, receipt of federal benefits, and other items related to program eligibility before an applicant household is issued a LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA coupon. ■ All program participants must also comply with the verification process during annual recertification. ■ For applicants, verification of U.S. citizenship/eligible immigration status occurs at the same time as verification of other factors of eligibility. Upon request, LEGACY CDC may grant an extension of 3o days for households to submit evidence of eligible immigration status prior to denying an application. ■ For purposes of application reviews and coupon issuance: Income documents are only valid for 120 days from the time they are received by LEGACY CDC. Therefore, if more than 120 days have passed since the date of submission to LEGACY CDC, LEGACY CDC will not issue a coupon until income information is re-verified. ■ For coupon holders and coupon term extensions: LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA coupon holders may be required to re-verify income at LEGACY CDC's request. Income must be re-verified before providing LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA if more than six months have elapsed since LEGACY CDC determined that an applicant household was income-eligible. ■ For purposes of annual recertification: Income documents are only valid for 120 days from the time they are received by LEGACY CDC. Therefore, if more than 120 days have passed between date of submission to LEGACY CDC, LEGACY CDC will not recertify a household until income information is re-verified. b. Third-Party Verification ■ LEGACY CDC will first rely on its own data sources, as well as state and federal sources to determine a participant household's continued eligibility for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA assistance. Page 19 153 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program- Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 • LEGACY CDC may also request an applicant or program participant to submit documentation of income issued by an appropriate third party. Such documentation must be submitted by the applicant or program participant within io calendar days of the request unless additional time is requested and granted for good cause. 1. Additionally, a third party (ex. Employer, Social Security Administration) may be contacted directly to provide documentation of eligibility factors. I. BRIEFINGS, HOUSEHOLD OBLIGATIONS, AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY a. Briefings and Household Obligations i. Briefing Upon selection of the household from the waiting list, LEGACY CDC will conduct a briefing with the head of household. Individuals with a disability may have a proxy attend the briefing session on their behalf if proper documentation is provided indicating the inability to attend and naming the proxy. If warranted, LEGACY CDC may also conduct individual briefings for households with a disabled head of household or spouse at their home upon request by the household, and if LEGACY CDC staff determines it is required for reasonable accommodation. The briefing will cover the following general topics: • How LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA works; • Household responsibilities; • Creating a Self-Sufficiency Plan • How the household can lease a unit; • Recertification; • Moves; • Grounds for termination; and • Right of Review • LEGACY CDC will take affirmative steps to make interpreters available when briefing LEP individuals. • All applicants attending a briefing will receive the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Applicant Briefing Book explaining program requirements. • Applicants who miss more than two briefing sessions will have their applications rejected. LEGACY CDC will not issue a LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA coupon to a household unless the household representative has attended the briefing and signed the coupon. ii. Household Obligations The following are obligations of participants under the program. Violation of one or more of these obligations is grounds for denial or termination of assistance under LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA. Page 20 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 THE HOUSEHOLD MUST: ■ Supply any information that LEGACY CDC, or HUD determines is necessary to the administration of the program; ■ Supply any information regarding household income and composition requested by LEGACY CDC for use in any annual or interim recertification; ■ Disclose and verify social security numbers of applicants and household members (if applicable); ■ Timely pay the household share of the rent, and any utilities for which the household is responsible, this includes but is not limited to maintaining status in any utility assistance program which makes these payments possible; ■ Complete measurable goals on self-sufficiency plan before annual recertification ■ Know and comply with the conditions of the lease and LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA program requirements; ■ Allow Housing Quality Standard (HQS) inspectors to access the unit at reasonable times and after reasonable notice; ■ Timely correct any HQS breach caused by the household; ■ Notify LEGACY CDC and the owner before the household moves out of the unit, or terminates the lease on notice to the owner; ■ Promptly notify LEGACY CDC in writing of an absence of the household from the assisted unit, as well as the absence of any individual household member, expected to last more than 90 days; ■ Add any guest residing in the assisted unit for more than 90 days during a year as a member of the household and report to LEGACY CDC as a change in household composition; ■ Inform LEGACY CDC if an individual who is ineligible for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA due to immigration status is residing in the assisted unit; ■ Promptly notify LEGACY CDC when an owner takes action to evict the household, give LEGACY CDC a copy of any eviction notice; ■ Use the assisted unit as the household's sole residence; ■ Inform LEGACY CDC of any changes in household composition within 3o days of such changes occurring; ■ Continue to include at least one member who is a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant; and ■ Comply with all LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA program requirements. THE HOUSEHOLD MUST NOT: ■ Commit any serious or repeated violation of the lease; ■ Assign the lease, sublet the assisted unit, rent out a room in the unit, or transfer the unit; ■ Own or have any interest in the unit; ■ Receive LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance while residing in a unit owned by a parent, child, grandparent, sister, or brother of any household member without LEGACY CDC approval; Page 21 153 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 ■ Commit fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with this or any federal housing program; ■ Receive LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA while receiving another housing subsidy for the same unit or for a different unit, under any duplicative (as determined by HUD) federal, state, or local housing assistance program; ■ Engage in profit-making activities in the unit, unless such activities are legal, approved by the owner, or permitted under the lease and incidental to primary use of the unit for residence by members of the household; ■ Engage in drug-related criminal activity, violent criminal activity, other criminal activity, or alcohol abuse that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of other residents and persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises; or ■ Intentionally or negligently damage, or permit a guest to damage, the unit or premises beyond normal wear and tear. iii. Self-Sufficiency Plans LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA program offers self-sufficiency plan to participants. The program participant may complete and make progress toward a self-sufficiency plan. The goal of the self-sufficiency plan is to help families work toward permanent housing solutions and address any financial obstacles. Permanent housing is defined as permanent subsidized housing or market rate depending upon individual circumstances. Self-Sufficiency Plans may include: • Completion of Money Management course upon Unit Approval • Follow-up session with a HUD certified Housing Counseling to assist in creating a self-sufficiency goal and action plan • Attend three (3) additional counseling sessions, per approval term, to track progress toward self-sufficiency goal • Apply for and maintain placement on Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program LEGACY CDC will document the following for the household's Self-Sufficiency Plan: • Description of household need • Identify services to assist household • Describe how needs will be met • Timeframe for completion • Record attendance to required training Page 22 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 J. ISSUANCE OF COUPONS, UNIT SIZE, AND RENT STANDARD AMOUNTS a. LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Coupon Issuance When funding is available, and after the household has been certified eligible and briefed on program requirements, LEGACY CDC issues a LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA coupon to the household. The coupon represents a contractual agreement between LEGACY CDC and the household, specifying the rights and responsibilities of each party, and is the household's authorization to search for an eligible unit. It also specifies the standard unit size assigned to the household.A coupon does not constitute admission to the program, and a coupon-holder is not considered a program participant until such time as a lease and RCC become effective. b. Coupon Term, Suspensions and Extensions The initial coupon term will be 6o calendar days. LEGACY CDC may grant an additional i5 calendar days extension to certain coupon holders in documented special circumstances, including filing a housing discrimination complaint. LEGACY CDC may also grant extensions to all coupon holders in appropriate circumstances, based, for example, on market conditions. LEGACY CDC will also grant extensions as needed as reasonable accommodation to make the program accessible to and usable by a person with disabilities. A household may need to re-verify income before a coupon extension is granted. LEGACY CDC will suspend the coupon term (i.e. stop the clock) if the applicant has provided a Request for Unit Approval (RUA) until the time that LEGACY CDC approves or denies the request. The applicant's search time will be extended for a period of time equal to the number of days elapsed between the submission of the RUA and denial of the request. If the coupon term has expired before the household receives unit approval, the household may submit a new application for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA if LEGACY CDC reopens the application period. LEGACY CDC is not required to notify a household that its coupon has expired. C. Unit Size and LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Rent Standard Amounts At issuance, the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA coupon will specify the household's unit size on which the household's rent standard amount or initial maximum rent will be based. The household may select any unit at or below the household's rent standard amount that would not be overcrowded according to HUD HQS definition, which allots at least one bedroom/living space for every two persons. LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rent standard amounts are based on unit size. Page 23 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 LEGACY CDC will set the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rent standard amount for each unit size at an amount that is between 95-11o% of the small area Fair Market Rent applicable in its service area, as published annually by HUD. The LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rent standard amounts will remain the same until such time as the LEGACY CDC determines that a different percentage of FMR is warranted. LEGACY CDC will publish LEGACY CDC HOME- ARP TBRA rent standard amounts on LEGACY CDC's website and in the LEGACY CDC HOME- ARP TBRA Applicant Briefing Book. Determining Unit Size on Coupon The unit size on the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA coupon will be determined based upon the total number of household members intending to reside in the assisted unit. Generally, standard unit sizes provide for the smallest number of bedrooms needed to accommodate a household without overcrowding. LEGACY CDC does not determine who will share a bedroom/sleeping room. Households may choose an apartment smaller or larger than the unit size on their coupon, as long as the assisted unit will not be overcrowded. The table below sets forth standard unit sizes by household size. Size of Household Unit Size 1 0-1 lto2 1 2to4 2 4to6 3 6to8 4 8toio 5 10 t0 12 6 For purposes of determining a household's unit size: 1. In the case of documented pregnancy of a household member, the unborn child will be counted as a household member; 2. Any single live-in aide approved by LEGACY CDC to reside in the assisted unit to care for a household member who is disabled or 62 years of age or older will be counted as a household member; 3. A child who resides in the assisted unit with his or her parent for at least 183 days of the year pursuant to a joint custody agreement or order will be counted as a household member, provided that such parent is a household member; 4. A foster child who is placed and will reside in the assisted unit for more than 183 days of the year will be counted as a household member; 5. A household member who is away at school but intends to live with the household in the assisted unit during school recesses will be counted as a household member; 6. An individual who will be absent from the assisted unit for more than go consecutive days will not be counted as a household member unless such individual is absent due to hospitalization, military deployment, or other good cause as determined by Page 24 ( 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program- Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 LEGACY CDC on a case-by-case basis, and is reasonably expected to return within i8o days; and 7. If a household member is disabled, LEGACY CDC may increase the unit size it assigns to the household as a reasonable accommodation for the disabled household member. K. HOUSING QUALITY STANDARDS LEGACY CDC is required by federal legislation and HUD regulations to ensure that each assisted unit occupied by a household participating in LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA is "decent, safe and sanitary." To meet this requirement, LEGACY CDC will conduct a Housing Quality Standard inspection prior to providing LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA assistance and at least annually to ensure continued compliance with HQS throughout the term of assisted tenancy. Inspected units will receive a designation of"pass" or "fail." a. Physical Standards In order to pass a HQS inspection, a unit must meet standards on the following components: • Sanitary facilities; • Food preparation and refuse disposal; • Space and security; • Thermal environment; • Illumination and electricity; • Structure and materials; • Interior air quality; • Water supply; • Lead-based paint; • Access; • Site and neighborhood; • Sanitary condition; and • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors Bedrooms and Unit Layout At a minimum, a dwelling unit must have a living room, a kitchen area, and a bathroom. (Single Room Occupancy Units are exempt from this requirement). The unit must also have at least one living/sleeping room for every two household members. • A studio apartment is considered a living/sleeping room • Each living/sleeping room must also have: • Two working outlets; or one working outlet and one working light fixture; and • A window if the room is used primarily for sleeping • Unit Size is based on the number of legal bedrooms; sleeping quarters that are not technically bedrooms do not count as bedrooms in determining unit size and rent standard amount. Page 25 ( 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program- Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 Kitchen A kitchen area must be used primarily for the preparation and storage of food. It must have the following items: • Oven and a stove with top burners. All burners must be working, and all knobs to turn the burners on and off must be present (Single Room Occupancy Units excepted); • A refrigerator of appropriate size, based on the number of household members. For example, countertop or compact-type refrigerators are insufficient for a family of four. The refrigerator must also maintain a temperature low enough to keep food from spoiling, and the freezer space must be present and in working condition; • Storage: the kitchen must have space for storage, preparation and serving of food; and • Kitchen Sink: a kitchen sink must provide running hot and cold water from the faucet and have a properly working drain. Bathroom The bathroom must be contained within the unit and have the following characteristics: • An enclosed and operating toilet facility; • A shower or tub with running hot and cold water; • A permanently-installed washbasin (bathroom sink); • One permanent light fixture in working condition; and • A window or alternative adequate ventilation. Other Rooms Used for Living Other rooms used for living are defined broadly, and include bedrooms, dining room, entrance hall, and corridor. If any of these areas are used primarily for sleeping, they must have a window, and two working outlets or one working outlet plus one working permanent light fixture. b. Specific Apartment Items Windows The windows should not show any signs of severe deterioration. The presence of any of the conditions listed below requires a failure rating. Severe deterioration means: • Missing or broken panes; • Dangerously loose, cracked panes (which present a cutting hazard); • Windows that will not close; • Windows that, when closed, do not form a reasonably tight seal, and allow the outside elements to enter; or • Broken window balance Doors All exterior doors must be lockable, have no holes and have all trim intact.All interior doors must have handles, contain no holes, and have all trim intact. Page 26 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program- Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 Walls and Ceilings Walls and ceilings may not show any signs of being structurally unsound or hazardous. The presence of any condition below is an automatic HQS failure. Unsound or hazardous means: • Severe bulging, buckling, or leaning; or • Large cracks or holes allowing drafts or rodents to enter; or • Loose sections of plaster in danger of falling; or • Presence of severe mold Floors In order to pass inspection, floors must not show any signs of being structurally unsound or hazardous. The presence of any condition below will result in an automatic HQS failure. • Severe buckling or major movements under walking stress; • Large sections of damaged or missing flooring (two square feet or more where floor beams are visible); or • Large cracks or holes allowing drafts or rodents to enter Electrical A unit must be free of electrical hazards and meet the following criteria: • Kitchen - One working electric outlet and one permanently installed light fixture. • Bathroom - One permanent light fixture. An outlet may be present, but is not required. An outlet cannot be substituted for an overhead light fixture. • Living Room and Bedroom - Two operating electrical dual outlets, or one operating dual outlet and one permanent overhead or wall mounted light fixture. Electrical hazards that cause an automatic HQS failure include the following: • Exposed, uninsulated, frayed wires; • Missing switch covers; • Overloaded circuits; • Improper wire connections to outlets; • Light fixtures hanging from electric wire with no other firm support; and • Illegal wiring from building source to the tenant's unit. Heating The heating must have a direct or indirect heat source as defined below: • Direct - each room used for living must have a radiator, hot air register, or a facility for baseboard heat. • Indirect - If there is no heat source present in the room, heat must be able to enter the room from an adjacent heated room. Plumbing • The kitchen and bathroom must have hot and cold running water; • The unit should be free from major plumbing leaks; and • The plumbing must be free from major corrosion that results in serious or persistent levels of rust in the water. Page 27 153 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 Access • The unit must have its own entrance; • Steps numbering six or more to any entrance in the building must also have a handrail at least three feet high; • Doors and windows that are accessible from the outside must have legal, working locks; and • Double cylinder locks are considered an automatic HQS failure and a hazardous condition. Apartments or buildings with double cylinder locks are automatic failures. Exits • The unit must have an unblocked, acceptable, alternative means of egress in case of fire (ex. Fire escapes, fire exit); • Illegal window gates (gates that are located in the front of fire escape windows and are locked with combination locks or key padlocks) are illegal and an automatic HQS failure • Legal window gates are located in front of fire escape windows and allow easy exit in case of emergency. These types of gates do not have locks, but have a mechanical level that can be lifted and the gate pulled back in case of an emergency. Gates with a quick release system are permissible. Sanitary • The unit must be free of severe infestation of vermin or roaches; and • Sanitary facilities must be in proper operating condition and adequate for personal cleanliness and disposal of human and animal waste Smoke Detectors • A smoke detector is required in every unit, except where exempted by local law. Building owners are responsible for installing the detectors in accordance with the law, while tenants are responsible for maintaining them in working order. The detector is to be located in the hall of the unit near the bedrooms and on every floor if the dwelling has multiple floors. The detector may be battery or hard-wire operated; • If the detector is present, but is inoperable (due to the need for a battery or if the tenant has removed the smoke detector for cooking purposes), the failure will be considered a tenant-based deficiency; • If a hearing-impaired person is occupying the dwelling unit, the detectors must have an alarm system designed for hearing-impaired persons as specified in the National Fire Protection Association Standards. Lead-Based Paint Federal lead-based paint requirements applying to LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA are codified at 24 CFR Part 35, subparts A, B, M, and R. xiii. Emergency Conditions LEGACY CDC may determine certain HQS defects to be emergencies. The owner must repair these defects within 24 hours. The following list provides examples of the type of household defects LEGACY CDC considers emergency HQS failures. Depending on their severity, other Page 28153 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 conditions may be cited as emergency HQS failures requiring 24-hour correction period including: • Gas leaks • Smoking/Sparking electrical outlets or wiring; or • Building in imminent danger of collapse Tenant-Caused Defects LEGACY CDC distinguishes between tenant-caused and owner-caused HQS defects on the inspection report provided to both tenant and owner. Unless provided for in the lease agreement, owners are not responsible for the correction of HQS defects that are tenant- based. The following list provides examples of defects that LEGACY CDC will consider to be caused by the tenant/participant. LEGACY CDC reserves the right to make a determination of the cause of any deficiency following an inspection and discussion with both the owner and the tenant. Examples of tenant-caused failures include: • No electricity when the tenant is responsible for payment of utilities; • No gas to the unit when the tenant is responsible for this utility; • A fire escape blocked or exit blocked by tenant; • The heavy accumulation of refuse or debris in the unit; • No battery in the smoke detector or the smoke detector is inoperable; • Not providing HQS inspector with access to a specific room in the assisted unit C. The Inspection Process General Policies There are six types of HQS inspections: 1. Initial inspection prior to entering into an RAC with an owner 2. Special inspection (occupancy checks, complaints, hazardous situations) 3. Re-inspections to confirm that deficiencies have been corrected 4. Verification Inspection 5. Quality control inspection Inspections will be scheduled in accordance with 24 CFR Part 982 and this policies and procedures.Additionally, inspections may be scheduled at the request of HUD, an applicant, a participant, an owner/managing agent, or any other interested party. LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA will provide reasonable notice to both tenant and owner of the scheduled inspection date. For occupied units, the tenant is responsible for providing access to the unit. Except in emergency situations, LEGACY CDC will provide reasonable notice of any inspection and a reasonable opportunity for the owner and household to reschedule an inspection. If two scheduled HQS inspections of occupied units are missed, LEGACY CDC may terminate the household from LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA for failure to uphold program obligations. For initial inspections of vacant units, owners are responsible for providing access and failure to do so may result in a cancellation of the Request for Unit Approval. Page 29I53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 HQS inspectors will document on the appropriate form all defects that may cause the unit to fail to meet HQS standards, and will indicate whether those failures are deemed to be caused by the owner or the tenant, or both. HUD requires that LEGACY CDC verify that HQS failure items have been repaired. A re-inspection of a unit with HQS failures is not a regulatory requirement, provided that LEGACY CDC can obtain verification through alternative means. As defined herein, LEGACY CDC will require re-inspections for emergency items, for tenant-caused failures, and other times at LEGACY CDC's discretion and/or at the request of the owner or tenant; however LEGACY CDC will verify nonemergency, owner-caused failures through certifications signed by both the owner and tenant. LEGACY CDC reserves the right require re-inspection or to accept self-certification of emergency own-caused failures. If the unit fails its HQS inspection, notification of the failure and a list of the defects will be provided to the tenant and the owner, and a copy will go into the tenant's file. A failure letter from LEGACY CDC will provide the owner (or tenant, if the defect is tenant-caused) with the date by which repairs must be made, and inform the owner or tenant to notify LEGACY CDC (in writing or by phone) that the defects have been corrected. The failure letter will also notify the owner that a RAC will be abated in accordance with LEGACY CDC policies if repairs are not completed within 24 hours in the case of emergency failures, or 25 days in the case of routine, non-emergency failures. Initial Inspections for New Program Units LEGACY CDC will schedule inspections upon submission of a complete RUA. LEGACY CDC will notify the owner and program applicant if the unit passes HQS inspection. An initial inspection that passes HQS will be valid for one year. However, LEGACY CDC reserves the right to conduct a second inspection if the period between the initial inspection and execution of the RAC exceeds 6o days. If the unit does not pass inspection, LEGACY CDC will notify the owner of the defects. LEGACY CDC will notify the program applicant of the failure, giving the applicant the option of searching for an alternate unit or waiting for the deficiency to be resolved, if the owner indicates that the defect will be corrected within a reasonable time. It is the owner's responsibility to notify LEGACY CDC that the failure has been corrected and ask LEGACY CDC to conduct a re-inspection. LEGACY CDC will notify the owner and program applicant if the unit passed the re-inspection. Access to vacant units for the initial inspection is the responsibility of the owner. If an owner misses two appointments, LEGACY CDC has the option of revoking the RUA and issuing a new coupon to the program applicant. Special Inspections Tenants, owners, and interested third parties may report HQS complaints to LEGACY CDC. LEGACY CDC will attempt to inform the owner of the reported failure conditions and then attempt to confirm with the tenant if conditions have been corrected. LEGACY CDC will Page 30 153 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 attempt to conduct an inspection if the reported failure conditions are not confirmed as corrected by the tenant. If LEGACY CDC fails to gain access, the tenant will be notified to contact LEGACY CDC and arrange an inspection should the failure conditions remain. LEGACY CDC recommends that tenants immediately report hazardous situations to LEGACY CDC. An HQS complaint inspection will be considered critical if the defect creates an immediately hazardous situation. Inspections by LEGACY CDC may be used to verify the existence or correction of an emergency hazard. If the defect endangers the household's health or safety, the owner will be required to make the repair within 24 hours. In these instances, LEGACY CDC will provide the owner and tenant of written notification of the emergency and the 24-hour correction requirement. LEGACY CDC will also notify the tenant and the owner of the possible suspension of LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance payments if the repairs are not made. Payment suspensions will be effective the first of the month following the correction period. In cases where life-threatening HQS failure exists, the household may be eligible for emergency rehousing. LEGACY CDC may issue a new coupon for the household to find alternative housing if the repairs on the current assisted unit have not been made within a reasonable period of time. LEGACY CDC has the right to terminate a RAC if another federal, state, or local authority or agency inspects a unit and certifies that is unsafe for the household. d. Abatement of Rent and Termination of RAC or LEGACY CDC HOME- ARP TBRA Participation Based on HQS Failure For owner-caused non-emergency failures in occupied units, owners will be given the option of certifying in writing that defects have been corrected. A LEGACY CDC provided certification must be signed by both the tenant and owner and submitted via mail, fax, or email within 25 days of the failed inspection to avoid abatement on the first of the month following the 25-day correction period or termination of the RAC and HRA HOME-ARP TBRA payments will occur. If the owner does not correct failures within 25 days, LEGACY CDC may abate LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance payments. The abatement will take effect the first of the month following the 25-day correction period and will continue until all HQS deficiencies have been corrected and verified via a self-certification or verification inspection by LEGACY CDC. If the owner has made repairs, but is unable to obtain the signature of the tenant on the certification form, the owner may request a verification inspection. LEGACY CDC will make reasonable attempts to re-inspect the unit before the 25th day; however, payment will not be abated if the inspection cannot take place before the 25th day. The items are verified corrected as of the date indicated by the owner. If the unit does not pass the scheduled verification inspection,retroactive abatement will take place after LEGACY CDC notifies the owner of the failed inspection. Page 31 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 Non-certifiable items (ex. Emergency failures and tenant-caused failures) will continue to be automatically re-inspected by LEGACY CDC within 24 hours, and tenant-caused failures within 25 days. For an initial/vacant unit, it is the owner's responsibility to notify LEGACY CDC that corrections have been made and to request a second inspection. If a unit fails a second inspection for emergency failures, LEGACY CDC may abate LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance payments on the first of the month following the initial 24-hour correction period. The owner must notify LEGACY CDC and provide documentation of corrections in order for a third inspection to occur. If the unit then passes, LEGACY CDC will make any retroactive payments to the date the repairs were documented, so long as notification of repair occurs within 6o days of the repair. If a vacant unit fails the verification re-inspection, LEGACY CDC will deny the RUA. LEGACY CDC reserves the right to re-inspect for any self-certified failure items for verification purposes. Additionally, LEGACY CDC will randomly re-inspect at least 25% of all self-certified failure items for quality assurance purposes. If a random quality assurance re-inspection reveals that self-certified item is not corrected, the unit will fail inspection. Self-Certification is not acceptable for the following failures: • Tenant-caused failures • If a tenant dispute that the defect has been corrected • Vacant Units • Initial Inspections LEGACY CDC reserves the right to accept self-certification for emergency failures. Owner-Caused Failures When an owner fails to correct an HQS failure within the specified period, LEGACY CDC will either abate HRA HOME-ARP TBRA payments in their entirety until such time as the owner remedies the HQS failure as determined by LEGACY CDC, or terminate the RAC and cease LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA payments. LEGACY CDC will provide the owner with written notice that LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance payments will be abated effective the first of the month following the correction period or that LEGACY CDC is terminating the RAC and LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA assistance payments. A copy of the notice will also be sent to the tenant. The notice of abatement state that the tenant is not responsible for LEGACY CDC's portion of the abated rent. The abatement will continue until all HQS deficiencies have been corrected and verified via receipt of self-certification of HQS corrections or by re-inspection by LEGACY CDC. It is the owner's responsibility to notify LEGACY CDC that deficiencies have been corrected. If LEGACY CDC abates LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA payments or terminates the RAC, LEGACY CDC will allow the household to move. Page 32 153 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 Tenant-Caused Failures When the tenant causes an HQS failure, LEGACY CDC will provide the tenant with a notice of the defect and the required timeframe to correct the defect. If the household causes a hazardous HQS failure requiring immediate correction, the household must correct the defect within no more than 24 hours at the household's expense. For other household-causes defects, the household must correct the defect within no more than 25 calendar days. If LEGACY CDC does not receive notification that defects have been corrected within the above timeframe, LEGACY CDC will terminate the tenant's participation in LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA on the first of the month following the correction period. L. RENT REASONABLENESS DETERMINATIONS a. General Policy LEGACY CDC will not approve a lease until it has been determined that the rent is reasonable and, for the household's first year in the unit, rent (including heat and hot water) does not exceed the applicable rent standard amount. Furthermore,the contract rent must be reasonable during the whole course of the assisted tenancy in the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA program. The term "reasonable" means that the owner's proposed rent is within a range of rents that appropriately reflects the market conditions of a particular service area/neighborhood, considering all of the relevant factors specified in 24 CFR §982.5o7 and listed below. In all cases, the rent paid to the owner may not exceed the rent charged by the owner for comparable unassisted units on the premises. b. When and How Rent Reasonableness Determinations Are Made Rent reasonableness determinations are made when LEGACY CDC reviews an initial or renewal lease. LEGACY CDC will determine that the proposed rent: • Is reasonable in relation to rents for similar units in the private market; and • Does not exceed rents charged by the owner for comparable, unassisted units LEGACY CDC's reasonable rent determination will consider: • Overall conditions of the unit; • Utilities provided by the owner; • Location of the unit; • Rental market conditions; • Number of bedrooms; • Facilities; and • Age of building/structure; Each participant file will contain documentation that a rent reasonableness review has been conducted for the assisted tenancy. Page 33 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 c. Rent Reasonableness Methodology For all units, LEGACY CDC will review rent reasonableness by: • Reviewing the rental information provided by the owner in the LEGACY CDC HOME- ARP TBRA Landlord Package and information in the RUA, and • Comparing the requested rent amounts with rents for comparable, unassisted units located on the premises, using a rent roll or leases provided by the owner. • If the information above is unavailable or inconclusive, LEGACY CDC will obtain information on comparable, unassisted units in the local market from online sources, newspaper listings, and any other independently verifiable source of information. Owners must provide to LEGACY CDC any information requested by LEGACY CDC on rents charged by the owner for other units on the premises or elsewhere. If the owner does not comply with LEGACY CDC requests for information, the RUA will be rejected and the owner will be notified in writing with a copy to the household. M. CALCULATING HOUSEHOLD CONTRIBUTION TO RENT AND LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA RENT STANDARD AMOUNT a. Calculating Total Monthly Household Contribution to Rent A household's total monthly contribution to rent is the sum of the following: The highest of the following amounts, rounded to the nearest dollar: • 3o% of the household's adjusted income, divided by 12; • lo% of the household's annual income, divided by 12 • PLUS the amount, if any, by which the rent exceeds the applicable rent standard amount, after the household's first year in the assisted unit; • PLUS the amount, if any by which the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance amount has been reduced because of a household member's ineligibility based on immigration status. b. Minimum Monthly Household Contribution to Rent The minimum household contribution to rent under LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA is look of gross monthly income c. LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Rent Standard Amount The LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rent standard amount is the maximum rent (including utilities) that LEGACY CDC will approve for a household's first in an assisted unit. LEGACY CDC sets the rent standard based on unit size and fair market rent for the unit's location per HUD. Page 34 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 Increase/Decrease in Payment Standard An increase/decrease in the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rent standard amount will not be applied to a household during the RAC term, and the household rent standard amount will remain the same for purposes of calculating the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance for the one-year term of the initial lease. Change in Household Size If the household size changes during the RAC term, LEGACY CDC will not assign a new unit size and change the household's rent standard amount. The tenant will be required to provide documentation of a decrease in household size, such as a utility bill or lease verifying the former household member's new address. If other documentation is not available, LEGACY CDC will use its discretion in assessing whether alternative documentation can be used to show that the former household member no longer resides in the subsidized unit. Application of Rent Standard Amount The rent standard amount for a household's assigned unit size that is in effect when the RAC is executed is used in calculating the household contribution. N. GENERAL LEASING POLICIES AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE CONTRACT a. Initial Steps in the Leasing Process When a household finds a suitable unit and the owner is willing to lease the unit under LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA, the following documents must be submitted to LEGACY CDC, prior to the expiration of the coupon: • A completed Landlord Package, including a completed LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Request for Unit Approval (RUA); • A copy of the proposed lease, including HUD-prescribed LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Lease Addendum; Both the owner and coupon holder must sign the RUA, and the household may not submit more than one RUA at a time. LEGACY CDC will review the proposed lease and the RUA to determine whether they can be approved. The following factors are considered: • Whether the unit meets HUD's Housing Quality Standards (HQS); • Whether the rent is reasonable; • Whether the proposed lease complies with HUD requirements; and • Whether the owner is approvable and there are not conflicts of interest Page 35I53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program- Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 Initial Household Share of Rent For the household's first year in the assisted unit, the rent may not exceed the household's rent standard amount.A proposed lease providing for rent in excess of the household's rent standard amount in the initial year will not be approved. Disapproval of the Request for Unit Approval If LEGACY CDC determines that the RUA cannot be approved, the owner and the household will be notified in writing unless verbal notification will suffice based on the reason for the disapproval. When the RUA is disapproved, LEGACY CDC will provide the household with a new LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA coupon with a revised expiration date, along with a new Landlord Package and RUA form, so that the household can resume its search for eligible housing. Screening of Applicants for Household Behavior or Suitability Placing a household on the waiting list or selecting a household for participation in LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA is not a representation by LEGACY CDC to prospective owners about the household's expected behavior or suitability for tenancy. Tenant screening and selection are the responsibility of the owner. b. The Lease and Lease Addendum Form of Lease All proposed private leases submitted for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA must comply with federal, state, and local law,include the HUD-required LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Lease Addendum as an attachment, and be reviewed and approved by LEGACY CDC staff. THE LEASE MUST CONTAIN: • The name of the owner and tenant; • The address of the unit rented (including apartment or duplex numbers as applicable) • The term of the lease (initial and any provisions for renewal); • The amount of the monthly rent to owner; and • Specifications concerning which utilities and appliances are to be supplied by the owner and which are to be supplied by the household. THE LEASE MUST NOT CONTAIN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TERMS: • Agreement to be sued - Agreement by the tenant to be sued, to admit guilt, or to a judgment in favor of the owner in a lawsuit brought in connection with the lease • Treatment of property - Agreement by the tenant that the owner may take, hold, or sell personal property of household members without notice to the tenant and a court decision on the rights of the parties. This prohibition, however, does not apply to an agreement by the tenant concerning disposition of personal property remaining in the Page 36 153 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 unit after the tenant has moved out of the unit. The owner may dispose of this personal property in accordance with applicable law. • Excusing owner from responsibility -Agreement by the tenant not to hold the owner or the owner's agents legally responsible for any action or failure to act, whether or intentional or negligent. • Waiver of Notice - Agreement of the tenant that the owner may institute a lawsuit without notice to the tenant • Waiver of Legal Proceedings - Agreement by the tenant that the owner may evict the tenant or household members without instituting a civil court proceeding in which the tenant has the opportunity to present a defense, or before a court decision on the rights of the parties. • Waiver of a jury trial - Agreement by the tenant to waive any right to a trial by jury. • Waiver of right to appeal court decision-Agreement by the tenant to waive the tenant's right to appeal, or to otherwise challenge in court, a court decision in connection with the lease. • Tenant chargeable with cost of legal actions regardless of outcome - Agreement by the tenant to pay attorney's fees or other legal costs even if the tenant wins in a court proceeding by the owner against the tenant. The tenant, however, may be obligated to pay costs if the tenant loses. Initial Lease Term Initial lease terms in the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA program will be for a period of 12 months. Changes in Lease If a tenant and owner mutually agree to alter the current lease agreement, any changes must be in writing, dated, and signed by both parties. The owner must provide a copy of the updated lease to LEGACY CDC. LEGACY CDC will approve any mutually agreed upon changes in a lease, as long as the lease still complies with HUD requirements. A new RUA, lease, and RAC are required for: • Changes in tenant/owner-supplied utilities • Changes governing the term of the lease; and • Moving to a new unit in the same building or complex. Prior approval from LEGACY CDC and a new Landlord Package and HQS inspection are required. Separate Agreements The owner is prohibited from demanding, requesting, or receiving any amount above the rent and security deposit specified in the RAC. Any appliance, service or other item that is routinely provided to unassisted tenants or permanently installed in the unit may not be placed under a separate agreement and must be included in the approved lease. LEGACY CDC approval of a reasonable and customary additional charge or fee may only be requested for optional amenities. Page 37 153 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 Violation of this provision may result in the owner being barred from further participation in any LEGACY CDC rental assistance programs. Before disqualifying an owner, LEGACY CDC will provide notice and an opportunity to object in writing. All separate agreements for special items or services must be attached to the proposed lease and approved by LEGACY CDC. Approved additional costs and fees will be identified in the RUA. If agreements are executed at a later date, they must be approved by LEGACY CDC and attached to the lease. A tenant's failure to perform under a separate agreement has no effect on the tenant's rights under the lease, and cannot be a cause for eviction. If the tenant and owner agree on charges for an optional additional item, as long as those changes are reasonable and not a substitute for a higher rent, LEGACY CDC will permit them. Security Deposits If the owner requires a security deposit to rent the unit, LEGACY CDC can assist the household with a security deposit that does not exceed one month's rent. Household will be responsible for security deposit. c. Rental Coupon Contracts (RCC) A RCC will be executed after the following events: 1. Tenant is issued a coupon; 2. Tenant locates a unit prior to coupon expiration; 3. Rent reasonability test is conducted and rent is determined eligible 4. Landlord package and proposed lease are approved and owner has been validated to receive payments 5. Unit passes HQS inspection 6. Household income has been reverified, if more than six months have elapsed since LEGACY CDC determined the household to be income eligible. The RCC and lease MUST be executed simultaneously. LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance payments will be made to the owner, in accordance with the terms of the RCC, during the lease term while the household is residing in the assisted unit. The term of the RCC will terminate upon termination of the lease and may not exceed 12 months. Overpayments In accordance with the terms of all RCCs, if LEGACY CDC determines that the owner is not entitled to any part of the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance payment, LEGACY CDC may exercise rights and remedies including deducting the amount of overpayment from any amounts due the owner (including amounts due under any other RCC), recovering payments suspending future payments, or terminating the contract. Page 38 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 LEGACY CDC may seek additional relief by judicial order or action, including specific performance, other injunctive relief, or order for damages. Examples of overpayment that may occur include: • Payments made when a unit is under abatement because of HQS violations, or a RCC has been terminated for HQS violations; • Payments made for a unit vacated with or without the knowledge of the owner. This policy does not apply to LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance payments for the month of the move-out. LEGACY CDC may recoup any amount due for the period that a tenant did not reside in the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA-assisted unit; • Payments made mistakenly twice in one month because of record-keeping or other error; and • Change of ownership In all these examples, the owner would owe LEGACY CDC the portion of the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance payment to which he/she is not entitled. Termination of RCC and Payment LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Rental Assistance payments pursuant to a RCC terminate if: • The lease is terminated by the owner, in accordance with the terms of the lease; • The lease terminates and is not renewed; • The RCC terminates; • LEGACY CDC terminates assistance for the household; or • Funding for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA program is no longer available. If an owner has commenced the process to evict the tenant, and if the household continues to reside in the unit, LEGACY CDC must continue to make payments to the owner in accordance with the RAC until the owner has obtained a judicial determination allowing the owner to evict the tenant. LEGACY CDC will continue such payments until the household is evicted from the unit or moves out. Payments will be pro-rated to eviction date. d. Household Move Out If the household moves out of the unit, LEGACY CDC may not make any payments to the owner for any month after the month when the household moves out. The owner may keep the payment for the month during which the household moves out. Violation of Space Standards If LEGACY CDC determines that the unit no longer meets HQS because of an increase in household size or change in household composition, LEGACY CDC may issue the household a new LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA coupon to enable it to find an acceptable unit. If the household locates an acceptable unit available for rental by the household, LEGACY CDC must terminate the original RAC, with notification to the household and owner. The RAC terminates at the end of the month that follows the month in which notification is given, and LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA payments must terminate by the end of the month when the household moves from such unit. Page 39 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 0. OWNERS a. Definition of Owner An owner is defined as any person or entity legally authorized to lease the assisted unit. A principal or interested party in a partnership or cooperation will be considered an owner, if authorization to act on behalf of the partnership, corporation, etc. is provided. Proof of ownership is required for participation in the program and must be submitted in the following form: • If the property is managed by an agent and payments are made to a management company, a copy of the management agreement; and • A copy of the recorded deed or shareholder agreement and W-9: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number & Certification b. Disapproval of Owner LEGACY CDC will not approve a LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA tenancy if HUD or another party has informed LEGACY CDC that the owner is debarred, suspended, or subject to limited denial of participation, or if the owner has been disqualified by LEGACY CDC. An owner who demands, requests, or receives any amount above what is set forth in the RAC and lease will be barred from further participation in any LEGACY CDC rental assistance program. Before placing an owner on a disqualification list, LEGACY CDC will provide notice to the owner and an opportunity for the owner to object in writing. LEGACY CDC MUST ALSO DISAPPROVE A LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA TENANCY UNDER THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES: • The federal government has instituted an administrative or judicial action against the owner for a violation of the Fair Housing Act or other federal equal opportunity requirements and such action is pending; • A court or administrative agency has determined that the owner violated the Fair Housing Act or other federal equal opportunity requirements; • The owner is a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sister, or brother of any LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA household member. LEGACY CDC will waive this restriction as a reasonable accommodation for a household member who is a person with a disability. • LEGACY CDC may use its discretion to deny a LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA tenancy under the following circumstances: • Violations of obligations under one or more LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA RACs, ex. Refusal to renew leases of LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA participants in violation of 24 CFR §92.253(c). • History of Housing Maintenance violations; • Acts of fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program; • Participation in any drug-related criminal activity or any violent criminal activity; P age 40 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 • Current or previous practice of non-compliance with HQS and/or state and local 1 housing codes or with applicable housing standards for units leased under any other federal housing program; • Current or prior history of refusing to evict other assisted tenants for activity by the tenant, any member of the household, a guest, or another person under the control of any member of the household that: threatens the right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents; threatens the health or safety of residents, LEGACY CDC employees, or owner employees; threatens the neighbors' health or safety, or neighbors' right to peaceful enjoyment of their residences; or engages in drug-related criminal activity or violent criminal activity; • Current or prior history of engaging in or threatening abusive or violent behavior toward LEGACY CDC personnel; and • Failure to pay state or local real estate taxes, fines, or assessments. Any owner who has entered into a legal agreement with LEGACY CDC to pay outstanding obligations may be approved for participation in LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA. This decision will be made by LEGACY CDC on a case-by-case basis. c. Change in Ownership A prior owner must obtain LEGACY CDC's written consent before a RCC may be assigned to a new owner. The new owner must agree in writing, in a form acceptable to LEGACY CDC, to comply with all terms and conditions of the RCC. LEGACY CDC may deny approval of assignment of the RCC to the new owner for any of the reasons listed above. LEGACY CDC will process a change of ownership only if the request is accompanied by proper documentation of ownership of the property in question (copy of the deed or title) and proper documentation of the sale agreement, as well as Form W-9 and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Form. LEGACY CDC must receive written request by the old owner or new owner in order to change the RAC payee and/or the address to which the payment is to be sent. P. MOVING WITH CONTINUED LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA ASSISTANCE AND PORTABILITY a. Moves The need for the move is a direct result of a documented health and safety concern or other good cause, as determined by LEGACY CDC on a case-by-case basis. In accordance with VAWA and the Emergency Transfer Plan, victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking may make an emergency request for prior approval to move and maintain LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA eligibility and to obtain assistance in locating another available, safe dwelling unit. Page 41 153 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 If LEGACY CDC does not grant a participant's request for prior approval to move, it will issue a LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Notice of Denial of Request for Prior Approval to Move, which provides information concerning appeal procedures to contest the denial. b. Portability Portability is a term used to describe a household's ability to rent a dwelling unit outside LEGACY CDC's jurisdiction and continue to receive assistance. A LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA participant is not permitted to move with assistance outside of LEGACY CDC's service area. Q. DENIAL OR TERMINATION OF ASSISTANCE LEGACY CDC may deny or terminate LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA for a household because of the household's action or failure to act, failure to meet eligibility requirements, or insufficiency of LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA funding. LEGACY CDC will provide households with a written description of the household's obligations under LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA, the grounds for denying or terminating LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA, and LEGACY CDC's procedures for informal agency review conferences, administrative hearings, and additional appeals. a. Forms of Denial/Termination of LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Denial of LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA for an applicant may include any or all of the following: • Denying an application for failure to provide requested documentation and supplemental information within the time allowed; • Denying an application because the household misrepresented household income or composition or failed to supply true and complete information; • Denying an application based on LEGACY CDC's determination that the application household failed to meet LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA eligibility requirements; • Determining that a household member is ineligible for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA on the grounds of immigration status; • Removing a household from the waitlist because it no longer satisfies eligibility requirements or fails to timely or adequately respond to a request for additional documentation; • Denying an application because the household voluntarily withdrew its LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA application by signing and submitting to LEGACY CDC a statement of application withdrawal; • Denying an application because the head of household failed to attend a briefing session and sign a LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Coupon. • Expiration or rescission of a LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Coupon. • Termination of LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA for a participant may include: • Terminating LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance payments under current Page 42 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 b. Grounds for Denial/Termination of LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA LEGACY CDC may deny LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA to an applicant or terminate LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA for a participant under any of the following circumstances: • The household fails to meet all LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA eligibility requirements; • Any member of the household fails to disclose and verify Social Security numbers and execute consent forms for obtaining information in accordance with 24 CFR Part 5; • An applicant household on the waitlist fails to timely or adequately respond to a request from LEGACY CDC to provide additional documentation regarding the household's income and composition and to establish that the household continues to meet LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA eligibility requirements; • Any household member has committed fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with this or any federal housing program; • Sufficient LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA funding is unavailable; • No current member of the household is a citizen or qualifying noncitizen; • The LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance amount has been zero for six months; • The sole member of the household participating in LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA dies; • LEGACY CDC determines that a household member knowingly permitted another individual who is not eligible for LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA due to immigration status to reside on a permanent basis in the assisted unit, and the ineligible individual was not considered in calculating the prorated LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance amount. Such households will also be barred from submitting a new LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA application for not less than 24 months; • The household fails to grant access to its assisted unit for an HQS inspection; • The household violated tenant responsibilities under the lease; • The household is absent from the assisted unit for more than a total of i8o days in a 12-month period in any circumstance and for any reason; • The household is absent from the assisted unit for 90 consecutive days, unless the household establishes that: (1) the absence was due to exceptional circumstances beyond the household's control, such as hospitalization, (2) the household intends to return to the assisted unit within i8o days of departure, and (3) the household is not maintaining an alternative residence; • Any member of the household engages in drug-related criminal activity, violent criminal activity, other criminal activity, or alcohol abuse that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of other residents; • The household has engaged in or threated abusive or violent behavior toward LEGACY CDC personnel. This includes verbal as well as physical abuse or violence. Use of expletives that are generally considered insulting, racial epithets, or other language, written or oral, that is customarily used to insult or intimidate, may be cause for termination or denial. "Threatening" refers to oral or written threats and physical gestures or use of animals as weapons that communicate an intent to abuse or commit violence; Page 43 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 • The household has misrepresented income, household composition, or any other reported information on or accompanying the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA application, annual recertification, or other official communication with LEGACY CDC; • The household has failed to timely report a change in household composition or absence from the assisted unit; • The household has violated one of the household obligations listed in the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Coupon, LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Applicant Briefing Book, or LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Policies and Procedures; • The household has failed to provide information and documentation requested by LEGACY CDC; • The household has failed to: attend a scheduled briefing with LEGACY CDC and sign the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA coupon or attend a mandatory conference scheduled by LEGACY CDC • A household member has engaged in activity that may threaten the health or safety of the owner, property management staff, or persons performing the contract administration function or responsibility on behalf of LEGACY CDC, including a LEGACY CDC employee or contractor or agent; • The household has vacated the assisted unit without notifying LEGACY CDC; • The household is responsible for remedying an HQS failure and fails to make required repairs or take other corrective action within the period specified by LEGACY CDC; • The household fails to complete an approved move after the owner of the assisted unit fails to renew a lease. c. Notice of Intent to Terminate Participation in LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA If LEGACY CDC decides to terminate the household's participation in LEGACY CDC HOME- ARP TBRA for grounds other than a lack of available funding, LEGACY CDC must give the household a written notice of intent to terminate, with reasons, as well as notify the household of its right to an informal agency review conference. Terminations will allow a minimum of 3o days' notice, with the following exception: • Death of sole household member. The termination will be effective the end of the month of the date of death, as confirmed by the Social Security Administration or death certificate. LEGACY CDC will not make LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance payments beyond this date. • Insufficient funding. The termination will be effective as of the date that funding is no longer available. A notice of termination will be sent to the affected household. d. LEGACY CDC Discretion In deciding whether to deny admission or terminate participation in LEGACY CDC HOME- ARP TBRA because of an action or failure to act by household members, LEGACY CDC has discretion to consider all of the circumstances in each case including the seriousness of the circumstances. Such acts include, but are not limited to: Page 44 I 53 Legacy CDC H O M E - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 • Failure to occupy a unit as a primary residence after execution of a Rental Coupon Contract • Failure to attend a conference • Failure to utilize the coupon within the time allowed LEGACY CDC will use its discretion in reviewing the extent of participation or culpability of individual household members and the length of time since the violation occurred. LEGACY CDC may also review the household's more recent history and record of compliance and the effects of that denial of program admission or termination of assistance may have on other household members who were not involved in the action or failure to act. LEGACY CDC may impose, as a condition of continued assistance for other household members, a requirement that household members who participated in, or were culpable for the action or failure to act, will not reside in the unit. LEGACY CDC may then permit the other household members to continue in the program. e. Lease Violations The following criteria will be used to decide if a serious or repeated violation of the lease will result in termination of assistance: • If the owner terminates tenancy through court action for serious or repeated violation of the lease; • If the owner notifies the household of termination of tenancy for a serious or repeated lease violation and the household moves from the unit prior to completion of court action; and LEGACY CDC determines based on available evidence that the cause of the move is a serious or repeated violation of the lease; • If the household fails to provide access to the unit for the owner or management agent, or fails to make necessary repairs for which the tenant is responsible, so that HQS deficiencies can be cured as required; • If there are police reports, neighborhood complaints, or other third party information that has been verified by LEGACY CDC; and • If the household fails to pay its share of the rent on time and/or pay utilities for the household is responsible as stipulated by the lease. Non-payment of rent is considered a serious violation of the lease.A court order of eviction for non-payment is not required for LEGACY CDC to terminate assistance. If an owner provides sufficient documentation of non-payment of rent, LEGACY CDC will consider termination of assistance for the participant. f. Termination of Tenancy by Owner The owner may only evict the tenant by court action. During the term of the lease (the initial term or any extension thereafter), the owner may only terminate the tenancy because of: • Serious or repeated violations of the lease; • Disturbance of neighbors; • Destruction of property; • Living or housekeeping habits that cause damage to the unit or premises; • Violation of federal, state, or local law that imposes obligations on the tenant in connection with the occupancy or use of the unit and the premises; or • Other good cause Page 45 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 An owner may not refuse to renew the lease of a household participating in LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA except for serious or repeated violation of the terms and conditions of the lease, violation of applicable law, or other good cause. To terminate or refuse to renew tenancy, the owner must serve written notice upon the tenant specifying the grounds for the action at least 3o days before the termination of the tenancy. HUD specifies that property owners cannot discriminate against tenants for being recipients of federal housing assistance. g. Procedures for Noncitizens Applicant or participant households in which no members are either U.S. citizens or eligible immigrants are not eligible for assistance and must have their assistance terminated. LEGACY CDC will verify all household members who declare eligible immigration status, using a federal database. Assistance may not be terminated while verification of a participant household member's eligible immigration status is pending. If the household or any household member claimed eligible immigration status and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) primary and secondary verifications failed to document the status, the household may make an appeal to the USCIS and request a LEGACY CDC administrative review. After LEGACY CDC has made a determination of ineligibility, the household will be notified of the determination and the reasons and informed of the option for prorated assistance (if applicable). h. Missed Appointments and Deadlines It is a household's obligation to supply information, documentation and certification as needed for LEGACY CDC to fulfill its responsibilities. LEGACY CDC schedules appointments and sets deadlines in order to obtain the required information. An applicant or participant who fails to keep an appointment or to supply information required by a deadline without notifying the agency may be sent a notice of denial or termination of assistance for failure to provide required information. Appointments may be scheduled and time requirements will be imposed for the following events and circumstances: • Eligibility for admission; • Verification procedures • Coupon issuance and briefings; • HQS inspections; • Annual Recertification; and • Conferences and Appeals Acceptable reasons for missing appointments or failing to provide information by deadlines are: medical emergency, household emergency, and any other reason that LEGACY CDC deems appropriate. These reasons are only acceptable if LEGACY CDC is notified in a timely manner. Page 46 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 R. AGENCY REVIEW CONFERENCES All applicants who have been denied assistance and participants who face termination of assistance for grounds other than a lack of available funding may seek review of LEGACY CDC's decision by requesting an agency review conference. A program applicant or participant may also seek review of a decision by LEGACY CDC affecting eligibility. Or the amount of assistance, removal from a waitlist, and denial of a request to move. Determination of, or change to, the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rent standard amount is not reviewable. LEGACY CDC will notify applicants and participants in writing of LEGACY CDC's decision and their right to a review of that decision. An agency review conference must be requested within 14 days of the date of the LEGACY CDC notification letter. LEGACY CDC will take affirmative steps to communicate with people who need services or information in a language other than English. a. Authorized Representatives Applicants and participants have a right to be represented by legal counsel or other representative at their own expense. Written authorization is required where practicable for a representative other than an attorney to appear at an agency review conference or administrative hearing or to review a case record. An employee of an attorney may present written authorization from the attorney, or the attorney may advise LEGACY CDC by telephone of such employee's authorization. Once LEGACY CDC has been informed that a person or organization is an authorized representative, such representative will receive copies of all correspondence from LEGACY CDC regarding the conference. b. Aid Continuing If a participant requests an administrative conference regarding a determination by LEGACY CDC to reduce, restrict, suspend, or discontinue LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance payments within io days of the date of the date of the LEGACY CDC notification letter or by the effective date of a Notice of Intent to Terminate Participation in LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA, and the appeal is based on a claim of incorrect computation or an incorrect factual determination, benefits will continue unchanged until the conference decision is issued or until the end of the term of the current rental assistance contract, unless: the action is due to insufficient funding, the sole issue on appeal is one of law or policy, the participant waive his or her right to continue assistance in writing, or the participant fails without good cause to appear at the hearing. The decision issued by the review conference can be reviewed by LEGACY CDC's Board of Directors, or a subset the composition of which will be determined by LEGACY CDC's Board President and Secretary. To request a Board Review the applicant or his/her designee must submit a written request no later than 15 days after LEGACY CDC sends the decision. Rental assistance payments will continue until a written decision is issued by the Board, as long as the RAC remains in effect. Page 47I53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 c. Review Conferences Notice LEGACY CDC will provide the applicant/participant with notice of the date, time, and location of the review conference no fewer than 7 calendar days prior to the scheduled date of the hearing, unless the issue underlying the request has been resolved and the applicant/participant has withdrawn the conference request. Examination of Case Record An applicant, participant, or authorized representative has the right to examine his/her LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA case file and all documents and records that LEGACY CDC intends to use in the review conference. Upon request by telephone, email, or written correspondence; LEGACY CDC will provide copies of such documents and any additional documents in LEGACY CDC's possession that the applicant, participant, or authorized representative identifies and requests for purposes of preparing for the review conference. LEGACY CDC will provide such documents free of charge reasonably in advance of the review conference. If the request is made less than 5 business days before the review conference, LEGACY CDC will provide copies no later than at the time of the review conference. Adjournment A review conference may be adjourned for cause as determined by LEGACY CDC or at the request of applicant or participant. Conduct of the Review Conference The review conference will be convened and facilitated by LEGACY CDC's Program Director. LEGACY CDC's review panel will include at least 3 staff and no more than 5 who were not involved in the decision being appealed. LEGACY CDC's staff that made the determination on appeal may attend the review conference to explain and clarify the decision and any file notations that may be under review. The applicant/participant has a right to give a brief statement during the review conference as to why they believe the decision was in error, offer documentary evidence on their own behalf, and examine any documents offered by LEGACY CDC. A transcript of the review conference will be made. The transcript, all documentary evidence, and the conference decision will collectively constitute the conference record. Review Conference Decision The Review Conference Panel will issue a decision regarding the appealed action. The decision will be made in writing and include the following: • The action that was reviewed • Relevant facts • Laws, regulations, and any applicable internal policy • Reasons for the decision Page 48J53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 • Directives to TBRA staff, when appropriate A copy of the decision, along with written notice to the applicant/participant of additional appeal options will be sent to the applicant or their authorized representative and placed in the applicant's file. Abandonment of Review Conference Request LEGACY CDC will consider a review conference request abandoned if the applicant/participant or authorized representative fails to appear for the conference hearing, unless the applicant/participant or authorized representative: • Contacted LEGACY CDC prior to the conference to request that it be rescheduled, or • Contacts LEGACY CDC within 5 calendar days of the scheduled review conference and provides good cause for the failure to appear. If the above requirements are met, LEGACY CDC will reschedule the review conference vii. Effect of Review Conference Decision LEGACY CDC will not be bound by a review conference decision that: • Contradict HUD Regulations or Requirements; • Contradict HUD regulations; • Contradict the policies in the Policies and procedures If LEGACY CDC determines that the review conference decision meets any of the above exceptions, it will promptly notify the household of the determination and reasons. Additional Appeal A decision made by the review conference may be reviewed by the Board of Directors or a subset as determined by the Board President&Secretary. LEGACY CDC must receive written notice of such a request within 15 calendar days after the review conference decision was sent to the applicant/participant. The complete review conference decision, the appeal request, and statement from LEGACY CDC staff will be submitted to the Board for review. The Board will render a written decision based on the review conference record, request, and statement. The Board's decision is final and all other appeals must be done through external sources. S. PROGRAM INTEGRITY a. Preventing, Detecting, and Investigating Errors, Program Abuse, and Fraud If LEGACY CDC decides that a household, owner, or LEGACY CDC employee has abused the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA program, LEGACY CDC will take action to correct the situation. LEGACY CDC may at any time deny LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA assistance to an applicant or terminate program assistance for a participant if a preponderance of evidence shows that any household member has willfully and intentionally committed Page 49 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with a federal housing program. LEGACY CDC's actions will vary based on the nature and severity of the abuse. Fraud and abuse can consist of either a single act or a patent of actions made with the intent to deceive or mislead, and which constitutes a false statement, omission, or concealment of a substantive fact. Fraud and abuse result in the payment of program funds in violation of program requirements. In determining whether a case of fraud or abuse exists, LEGACY CDC must recognize the differences between unintentional and intentional misreporting. LEGACY CDC will also evaluate the special circumstances and seriousness of a case to determine whether further investigation for evidence of fraud or abuse is required. For example, failure to report required information due to a lack of understanding may be considered an error or omission and not fraud or abuse. For owners, collecting payments for a vacated unit when the owner is not aware that the assisted household has vacated may also be considered an error or omission and not fraud. Fraud allegations are received or discovered from many different sources. When information indicates that fraud may exist, the household and/or owner and/or LEGACY CDC employee may be required to attend a conference to review the issue. LEGACY CDC may forward the case to appropriate law enforcement at any time. Referrals based on fraud do not prohibit LEGACY CDC from deciding to deny assistance to an applicant or terminate program assistance for a participant or owner. b. Corrective Measures and Penalties If an error has been made in determining household income, household share of the rent, household composition, or household size, LEGACY CDC will promptly correct the error after notice to the household and owner. For corrections in the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance amount, LEGACY CDC will issue a revised Rent Breakdown notice. For changes in household size, the correction may require the household to move to a new unit if there is an HQS violation due to overcrowding. The specific corrective action that LEGACY CDC takes depends upon the fault of the party in causing the error, as more fully described below. Household Share Too High Error or Omission - fault of LEGACY CDC: LEGACY CDC will refund the total amount due to the household. If the household owed the owner rent, LEGACY CDC may choose to pay the amount due or a portion thereof directly to the owner on behalf of the household. Error or Omission - fault of the household: If the error is the fault of the household, LEGACY CDC will not reimburse the household, but will process the change effective the first of the month following notification or discovery of the error or omission. Household Share Too Low Error or Omission-fault of LEGACY CDC: If the household share of the rent is incorrectly set too low, LEGACY CDC will give the household and owner notice of the change in Page 50 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 household share and LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance amount, to be effective immediately Error or Omission - fault of household: If the household share of rent is set too low due to error or omission of the household, LEGACY CDC may exercise its discretion to terminate assistance for that household. If LEGACY CDC elects not to terminate assistance, LEGACY CDC will notify both the owner and tenant of the corrected tenant share and LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance amount, to be effective immediately. Household Assigned Larger Unit than Size Entitles Error or Omission - fault of LEGACY CDC: LEGACY CDC will grant prior approval to move to a new unit and issue the household a coupon for the correct unit size. If in LEGACY CDC's judgement the household has failed to relocate within a reasonable time, LEGACY CDC may adjust the household's LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rent standard amount at the annual recertification. LEGACY CDC will give proper notice to both the household and the owner of any resulting change in the LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance amount. Error or Omission - fault of household: LEGACY CDC may terminate assistance or, at its discretion, immediately correct the household's rent standard amount to reflect the correct unit size and provide the owner and the household with notification of the new LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA rental assistance amount. In addition, if the household requests prior approval to move to a smaller unit, LEGACY CDC may in its discretion grant the request and issue a new coupon with the correct unit size. Household Assigned Smaller Unit than Size Entitles Error or Omission - fault of LEGACY CDC or household: If the household is overcrowded under HQS in the current unit, LEGACY CDC will immediately notify the household and the owner of the error, approve the household to move to a new unit, and issue the household a coupon for the correct unit size. If the household does not relocate within a reasonable period, LEGACY CDC may terminate assistance. T. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION a. LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA Notices LEGACY CDC HOME-ARP TBRA deems all notices that are mailed through the U.S. Postal Service to have been received five (5) calendar days after mailing unless the Postal Service returns the notice as undeliverable. LEGACY CDC may also send some notices via certified mail. P age 51 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME - ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 U. Conflict of Interest Policy a. Issues Conflicts of interest raise issues of governance, tax, and regulatory authority. They also raise concerns in the mind of the public and members of the media, potentially undermining an organization's reputation and good standing. b. Circumstances Generally speaking, a conflict-of-interest situation arises when a staff member or one of his or her family members holds a personal or financial interest that compromises or could compromise the staff member's independence of judgment in exercising his or her responsibilities. Staff members should minimize conflicts of interest, disclose ethical, legal, financial, and other conflicts, and remove themselves from decision-making if their duties would otherwise call on them to act in a situation involving themselves, their family members, or entities closely associated with them or their family members. c. Actions This policy requires staff members to disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest, as well as certain relationships and transactions,to enable an Administrator to report required information on its IRS Form ggo and to enable the Board, management, HUD to take steps it considers necessary or advisable to address conflicts of interest. HOME-ARP TBRA is subject to conflict of interest regulations defined in 24 CFR § 92.356 and 24 CFR § 200. Depending on the circumstances, a relationship or and transaction disclosed under this policy: (1) may not constitute a conflict of interest; (2) may constitute a permitted conflict - if following certain procedures; or (3) may constitute an altogether prohibited conflict. d. Procedures For all potential conflicts of interest, Legacy CDC will follow the following steps: (1) Contact our Performance Specialist for guidance (2) Have affected person(s) complete the Determination of Conflict Interest Form (Form 6.12) and submit applicable support documentation to HUD (3) If there is a conflict of interest, we may: (a) Deny assistance or benefit and document the file; (b) Request an exception from HUD and submit applicable documentation; or (c) Follow guidance outlined by HUD upon review. Page 52 I 53 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program- Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3 (4)All HUD approved conflicts of interest will be processed by a high-level member of management to ensure confidentiality. Page 53 153 Legacy CDC HOME -ARP TBRA Program - Port Arthur Polices & Procedures MAR 2 0 2 3