Notice Section 1.4.A.5 Relocation Requirements
*Internal HUD Use Only
*Internal HUD Use Only
Early Relocation in a Multiphase Transaction
In the case of a multi-phase transaction where a PHA is replacing a public housing project through multiple phases on the same campus, a resident has a right to return to the Covered Project or to other converted phases of the property which have converted and are available for occupancy at the time the resident is eligible to exercise the right to return. However, generally, a family living in a converting public housing unit cannot be relocated until a RCC has been issued. In the context of a multi-phase redevelopment of a public housing property, can a family living in a public housing unit that is in the early stages of conversion planning (i.e., the RCC has not been issued) be offered the opportunity to move to a unit in a phase that has already been completed if it has available units?It will generally be in the best interests of residents to be able to move to newly constructed units as soon as they are available. Where a resident is living in a public housing unit that has not yet been re-replaced through new construction, the PHA may provide the resident the opportunity to move to the newly constructed unit. Where the conversion of the unit the resident is living in has not yet reached the RCC stage, the PHA may request from HUD permission to undertake early relocation in order to offer such residents the opportunity to move to the newly constructed unit. If a resident accepts such an offer, they would be exercising their right of return to a phase within a multi-phase transaction and would not need to provide a consent relinquishing their right of return. If an early phase is getting modest rehabilitation, rather than being newly constructed, if the resident’s unit is anticipated to be replaced through new construction, and if the PHA is offering the resident the ability to move to the rehabilitated unit, the difference should be disclosed to the resident and HUD may require that, as a condition of the early relocation approval, the resident must be offered a right of return to the resident’s phase (i.e., the new construction unit). In any event, when planning a relocation, particularly in the context of a multi-phase redevelopment, it is always a best practice to consider social supports residents receive from their neighbors and to facilitate maintaining such networks to the greatest extent feasible. This may include offering residents a subsequent move even if their right of return has been satisfied.
Delivery of GIN to Residents
What is RAD's definition of "personally served" regarding the delivery of GIN notices?The GIN should be hand delivered to the head of household and the PHA should get written acknowledgement of receipt for their records. Leaving the GIN in a mailbox or under the door is not sufficient. HUD needs to know that the head of the household actually received the GIN and that requires a signature by the head of household.
Right to Return
When does a resident first get the Right to Return? With the issuance of the RIN? The CHAP? Some other milestone?Under Section 6 of the RAD Relocation Notice (H 2016-17), eligibility for protections under said Notice apply to any person residing at the Converting Project and who is legally on the public housing lease, has submitted an application to be added to an existing lease, or is otherwise in lawful occupancy at the time of CHAP issuance. Consequently the Right to Return would apply to anyone meeting these conditions at the time of CHAP issuance.
Right to Return and Over Crowded Unit
If a family is currently over-crowded in their unit according to HQS standards and there is no way to accommodate them in the building because there are no vacancies, is the new owner obligated to honor the family’s right to return to the property or to find the family housing elsewhere because the owner would be violating the over-crowding standard? If it’s the latter, what options are the new owner entitled to give to this family?In the situation you describe, the owner must offer the family a unit in the converted project. The owner may also choose to offer another unit elsewhere that is of the proper size, but the family may not be required or pressured to accept the alternative unit.
Tenant Refuses Unit at Transfer of Assistance Site
We are moving tenants under Transfer of Assistance. If we offer the dislocated tenants a new unit at the receiving site and they refuse the new site is our obligation terminated? What if we offer a voucher after the refusal, are there any other obligations long term. (We would still offer relocation payment.)In the situation you mention, your obligation is limited to the relocation assistance that you provided in the RAD Notice of Relocation. You may choose to, but are not required to, offer relocation assistance in addition to what you provided in the RAD Notice of Relocation .You should consult with local counsel regarding any local legal actions regarding legal actions/termination of assistance.
Relocated Residents Opt Not To Return
What happens if tenants who are relocated off-site choose not to come back? What is the PHA's responsibility for relocation costs for such tenants? Is there any impact on the RAD PBRA or PBV Contract?Your question describes a tenant who accepts temporary relocation assistance but later decides not to return to the completed project. In this situation, the PHA's responsibility for relocation assistance is limited to the assistance that the PHA offered (and the tenant accepted) in the RAD Notice of Relocation. See Notice H-2014-09 / PIH-2014-17 "Relocation Requirements under the REntal Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program, Public Housing in the First Component". In the situation you describe, the RAD project itself, and the RAD HAP Contract, are unaffected, except that the RAD project no longer needs to hold a unit for the tenant who decided not to return.
Resident Protections for Transfers of Assistance to an Existing, Non-Public Housing Site
When there is a transfer of assistance (ToA) to an occupied, non-public housing site, are occupants of the receiving site entitled to RAD or other protections?When the project-based assistance is transferred from one site (transferring site) to another (receiving site) in connection with a RAD conversion, generally, residents of the transferring site have protections and rights under RAD. Occupants of the receiving site are not generally entitled to RAD protections and rights due to the incoming assistance. However, if acquisition, rehabilitation or demolition is planned and will cause occupants of the receiving site to move, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (URA) may apply. In that event, the project owner is required to provide a General Information Notice (GIN) to occupants of the receiving site “as soon as feasible”. Under these circumstances, HUD anticipates that “as soon as feasible” will generally mean no later than when the site is identified to receive the proposed transfer of assistance in connection with the RAD conversion. Where a receiving site was not identified in the initial RAD application or CHAP, a GIN should be provided at the time the site is identified, or more specifically, when the PHA submits a revised CHAP application identifying the site, but no later than 30 days after submitting the revised CHAP application identifying the receiving site. Project owners and PHAs should be mindful that although occupants of the receiving site may not be eligible for RAD related protections and assistance, occupants that are required to move may be protected and eligible for relocation assistance and payments under the URA. In some cases, where CDBG or HOME funds are involved, those occupants may also be protected and eligible for relocation assistance and payments under section 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act (section 104(d)). Additional information and resources on the URA and section 104(d) are available on HUD’s Acquisition and Relocation website at www.hud.gov/relocation
Moving Residents of a Transfer of Assistance Conversion to a Section 8 Property Owned by PHA
The Housing Authority will be doing a transfer of assistance. However, some residents may decide that they would rather not relocate to the Transfer of Assistance site. If a resident does not wish to move to the Transfer of Assistance site, may the PHA allow these residents to initiate a move to other nearby project-based Section 8 RAD housing owned by the PHA? If so, can such moves be treated by the PHA similarly to a “Resident Initiated Public Housing Transfer Related to the RAD Transaction” as described in Section 7.4 of the RAD Notice Regarding Fair Housing and Civil rights Requirements and Relocation Requirements (PIH 2016-17)?We believe this is addressed on pages 45-46 of the RAD Relocation Notice- see excerpt below. If this scenario applies to your project, please contact your RAD Transaction Manager so that HUD approval can be obtained. - "If HUD determines that the distance from the Converting Project to the site of the Covered Project is significant and the resident could not reasonably be required to move to the new site, then HUD will require the PHA to adjust project plans to accommodate the resident in an assisted unit (e.g., a public housing unit, some other project-based Section 8 unit or a market unit 46 with a housing choice voucher) within a reasonable distance of the site of the Converting Project. HUD will evaluate whether this requirement applies on a case by case basis, considering whether the distance would impose a significant burden on residents’ access to existing employment, transportation options, schooling or other critical services. Accommodating the resident may also be satisfied by the resident’s consent to an alternative housing option pursuant to Section 6.10. The requirement set forth in this paragraph is in addition to all protections, including, for example, the offer of comparable replacement dwellings, which are required in all instances where a transfer of assistance is subject to the URA and/or Section 104(d)."
Housing Choice Voucers & URA Requirements
We plan to offer Housing Choice Vouchers to residents who choose permanent relocation and waive their right to return. If a resident accepts the voucher, does that satisfy RAD and URA relocation requirements and relieve the PHA of its relocation obligations?No. Vouchers are a useful tool in the relocation process and can be part of the relocation assistance package offered to a public housing resident. However, the offer and use of a voucher alone does not satisfy all applicable RAD and URA relocation requirements. For example, the URA requires that displaced residents be provided relocation advisory services and moving options and payments. Additionally, the URA generally provides that a resident cannot be required to move permanently before receiving at least 90 days advance written notice of the earliest date on which they will be required to move. If the 90-day notice is issued before a comparable replacement dwelling is made available to the resident, the notice must inform that the resident that they will not have to move earlier than 90 days after a comparable replacement dwelling is made available. Residents that will be displaced may not be required to move unless at least one, and when possible, three or more comparable replacement dwellings are made available to them in accordance with 49 CFR 24.204(a). When Housing Choice Vouchers are reflected in a PHA’s offers of comparable replacement dwellings, the PHA must ensure that comparable replacement dwellings are made available to residents before displacement. This includes ensuring that the identified dwellings are eligible to participate in the HCV program. PHAs also need to determine whether any resident will be eligible to receive a replacement housing payment (gap payment) determined in accordance with 49 CFR 24.402. For further guidance on the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and its applicability to the URA and RAD, please refer to the following online resources: • HUD RAP Newsletter- Vol. 5 No. 1, dated May 15, 2014, is available at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=HUD_RAP_Vol5_No1.pdf • HUD Handbook 1378 – Chapter 2-6 “gap payments” when using a voucher is available at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=1378c2CPDH.pdf • The RAD Relocation Notice is available at: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=RAD_Notice2.pdf
URA Requirements for Packing Expenses
Does the Uniform Relocation Act require an owner to be financially responsible for the cost of packing a resident’s belongings if the resident is being moved on site, one time (as opposed to off site, then returning to the property). I know the owner is responsible for the cost of the move itself. I’m just not sure about the requirement to have movers pack the belongings.As provided in Footnote 15 of the RAD Relocation Notice (H 2014-09/PIH 2014-17), the PHA must provide reimbursement for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by a resident in connection with the resident’s permanent move to another unit within the same building/complex. The PHA has the option of undertaking the move itself. If the PHA chooses to do so, the Notice provides that it is the PHA’s responsibility to pack and move the resident’s belongings and household goods, if the resident so desires. If the resident prefers to pack their own belongings, the PHA may nonetheless still be responsible for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses that the resident incurs in connection with the move, including costs associated with packing and unpacking of personal property. The PHA is responsible for making a reasonableness determination with respect to a resident’s claim for reimbursement. If the PHA does not undertake the move itself, the PHA should be aware that the cost of packing and unpacking personal property is considered to be an eligible actual moving expense under URA regulations at 49 CFR 24.301(g)(2).
Calculation of Proration of Moving Expenses
How is the proration calculated? i.e., if the PHA pays for the move, for example $1200 – and the family has ineligible members, would the family have to pay back the prorated portion to the PHA?Moving expenses provided for an eligible family that includes displaced persons that are lawfully present and persons that are not lawfully present in the United States are to be calculated based on the proportion of lawful occupants to the total number of occupants, except where the move is undertaken by the PHA from one public housing unit to another public housing unit and is set at a flat rate (that is, not based on the number of eligible individuals in the family). As an example, if 3 out of 5 total occupants are found to be eligible to receive relocation assistance, then the family is eligible to receive assistance to cover 3/5 (or 60%) of the moving expenses that the family would otherwise have been eligible to receive. For additional information, please see Frequently Asked Questions attached to an August 9, 1999 Federal Highway Administration memorandum relating to Section 104 of the URA (available at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/real_estate/uniform_act/relocation/illegaqa.cfm). Please note that when a PHA undertakes the move at no cost to the resident, the PHA is responsible for doing so in accordance with all applicable Public Housing requirements, including any requirements that govern the provision of assistance to persons that are not U.S. citizens or lawfully present resident noncitizens. If a PHA undertakes the family’s move at no cost to the family, a subsequent discovery that the family contains an ineligible family member does not justify seeking repayment from the family. However, the PHA should address the issue to ensure that the overpayment is not charged to public housing funds or characterized as an eligible moving expense under the URA.
Proration of Moving Expenses
When is proration of moving expenses necessary, and why?Section 104(a) of the URA, and implementing regulations at 49 CFR 24.208, provide that a displaced person is not eligible to receive relocation payments or other assistance under the URA if the person is an alien not lawfully present in the United States. This general rule is subject to the hardship exception discussed in another FAQ. To comply with section 104 and the regulations, moving expenses must be prorated, that is, computed based on the eligible members of the family. Similar requirements apply to the use of public housing funds. See 24 CFR 5.520(“Proration of Assistance”).
Determining a Residents Moving Benefits
What is the best way to determine a resident’s moving benefits?The URA rules for moving expenses for a displaced person are located at 49 CFR 24.301-24.306. Additional guidance on expenses relating to residential moves is found at Paragraph 3-2 of HUD Handbook 1378, “Tenant Assistance, Relocation and Real Property Acquisition,” http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=1378c3CPDH.pdf. PHAs participating in RAD should also follow the guidance regarding moves in Appendix 1 of the RAD Relocation Notice, H2014-09/PIH2014-17. If not all members of the family being relocated are persons lawfully present in the United States, proration of moving expenses may be necessary. See other FAQs on proration for more information.
Relocation to Other Public Housing Units
My deal is closed. I’ve converted my units to PBRA. Can my relocation plan involve relocating families temporarily to other public housing units?Yes, a PHA can move families temporarily into available public housing units as long as the PHA’s public admissions and occupancy procedures allow for this. Families temporarily relocated to public housing units would be treated as public housing residents during that period (e.g. the family would use a public housing lease and the PHA could consider the unit occupied for purposes of the Operating Fund subsidy, etc.). PHAs should note that the temporary relocation unit must be decent, safe, and sanitary.
Ability to Charge Fee for Resident Missing Move Date
Can the PHA charge residents fees for missing move dates?According to federal public housing rules, PHAs have limited abilities to charge additional fees unless permitted by state and local law. PHAs should consult with local counsel and review their lease terms to determine whether or not such fees would be allowed.
Deposits for Replacement Housing Units and Relocation Expenses
Are security or utility deposits for replacement housing units considered a reasonable relocation expense?URA regulations consider refundable security and utility deposits to be an ineligible expense in connection with a permanent move. However, in the context of temporary relocation, HUD policy allows for a PHA to advance funds for such deposits under a repayment agreement or pay such deposits on behalf of a temporarily relocated resident (provided any refund will be made to the PHA). For more information, see paragraph 2-7(A)(3) of HUD’s Relocation Handbook, HUD Handbook 1378.
Impact of Housing Choice Vouchers on Right to Return
If a resident decides to accept a Housing Choice Voucher, how is the right of return affected?When a resident chooses to accept permanent relocation payments and assistance in accordance with URA or at URA levels for a RAD conversion (for example accepting a HCV as their permanent relocation housing), the resident is also choosing to decline their right to return to the completed RAD property. If a resident accepts an HCV as a temporary relocation housing option, this acceptance does not mean that the resident is declining their right to return. A resident can choose to accept temporary relocation assistance and payments without declining their RAD right to return. PHAs are reminded that residents must give informed consent to decline their right to return, meaning they are making a decision based on an informed understanding of their housing options, and that PHAs must keep auditable records of this decision.
PHA's Responsibility for Relocation Advisory Services
Are housing authorities expected to walk residents through the process of moving utilities and forwarding mail, or just to pay the out-of-pocket expenses of those kinds of activities?Part of URA requirements are to provide relocation advisory services for any permanent relocations. Under RAD, advisory services are required for relocations lasting longer than a year and strongly recommended for relocations that are for shorter periods.
Residents Unable to Move due to Illness/Disability
What are the ramifications for residents who absolutely will not move – due to illnesses and severely disabled HHM’s? The PHA’s legal counsel is addressing this from the legal standpoint, however do you have any advice from the relocation perspective?This issue involves a temporary move and the residents are expected to return to the units. Generally, assuming that the relocation process is done in accordance with the RAD Relocation Notice, H 2014-09/PIH 2014-17, the temporary relocation of residents should proceed smoothly. Keep in mind that the Notice gives more specific requirements for relocating residents with disabilities. See Notice at §10, pages 10-12. Specifically, PHAs should consult the disabled residents’ information to provide them with replacement housing appropriate to their accessibility needs. To the extent the PHA has complied with these Notice requirements and the residents still refuse to move, the PHA should consult State and local law for any legal remedies.
Timing of Resident Relocation
Can relocation take place before closing/RAD Conversion?Relocation may not begin until RCC issuance. However, in rare cases, some project plans may necessitate relocation prior to RCC issuance. In these cases, PHAs need prior HUD approval to relocate residents prior to the RCC issuance date, as described in section 6.8 of the RAD Fair Housing, Civil Rights, and Relocation Notice. PHAs must contact their assigned RAD transaction manager (TM) to discuss plans as early as possible in the process to ensure compliance with all URA and RAD requirements. PHAs should refer to Section 9: Initiation of Relocation of Notice H 2016-17/PIH 2016-17 for further information and requirements related to relocation prior to RCC issuance.
Timing of Fulfilling Resdient Relocation Requirements
When do resident relocation requirements begin, at CHAP Award or at Closing? Our PHA wants to make sure they are providing required notices and assistance on time.PHAs should begin to engage residents on relocation matters as soon as they begin to develop any RAD development or rehabilitation plans that may involve relocation. PHAs should refer to Section 4: Relocation Planning of Notice H 2014-09/PIH 2014-17. The chart provided in this section presents a general sequencing of relocation planning activities within the RAD milestones.
Applicability of URA for Persons Relocating for Less than 12 Months
When converting to PBRA or PBV under RAD, does the URA apply to persons temporarily relocating – for less than twelve months – or only for those residents who relocate either permanently or for more than one year?URA applies to RAD projects that involve acquisition, demolition, or rehabilitation. So if your deal involves acquisition, demolition, or rehabilitation, then URA applies. Both URA and RAD have requirements for relocations that last less than a year. For example, URA requires that a resident who will be temporarily relocated receive reimbursement for reasonable out of pocket expenses connected to the move, such as moving expenses and increased housing costs. Additionally, RAD would require residents that move temporarily receive a RAD Notice of Relocation, which is a specific RAD requirement, and not one that comes from the URA.
RAD Accessibility & Relocation Checklist for Mod Rehab Conversions
Do Mod Rehab conversions under the First Component of RAD need to complete the RAD Relocation and Accessibility checklist as part of the Financing Plan?No.
HUD Form for Relocation Expenses
Can the form 40030 “Claim for Temporary Expenses” be used for the temporary moves or do we need to use form 40054 “Residential Claim for Moving and Related Expenses” for all moves? This would ease the reporting burden significantly.HUD-40030 is specifically designed to be used for temporary (residential) moves under the URA. HUD-40054 is specifically designed to be used for permanent (residential) moves under the URA. The forms are not interchangeable. Each form serves a different purpose. Persons who temporarily relocate are not eligible for the same relocation payments and moving options as persons who permanently relocate and vice versa.
Change in Family Composition While in Temporary Unit
What are the reporting procedures should there be a change in family composition changes while the family is in a temporary unit? Would we just update the information using our current management software and submit to PIC or is there a different action needed.A change in family composition during a temporary relocation period should be reported into either TRACS or PIC. Under PBRA conversions, once the property has converted, families will not be reported in PIC. Instead, owners will submit tenant data through 50059s in TRACS. Families should continue to be reported in TRACS even while temporarily relocated from the property under HAP contract. For conversion to the PBV program, families temporarily relocated into units subsidized through the public housing, HCV, PBV, or other program that normally reports into PIC should report these changes in PIC.
Voluntarily Waiver of Right to Return
Can a family voluntarily waive its right to return?Yes. A family may voluntarily waive its right to return. If a PHA is going to obtain a voluntary waiver of the right to return, HUD recommends the PHA first offer the family a public housing unit or Housing Choice Voucher in lieu of a right to return. If this is not possible, the PHA is still required to provide permanent relocation assistance as defined in the URA, and must ensure that all fair housing and civil rights conditions are met.
Relocation and URA
Under RAD, will the relocation costs be subject to URA for former tenants returning to the property?Yes.
Temporary Relocation
We made a decision to relocate tenants prior to RAD and have used funds designated for public housing to move the tenants out. If we convert the units through RAD, we will not have access to these funds to move the tenants back into the project after the renovation. How will we cover the relocation costs to move the tenants back to the project?You are correct that, once the RAD closing has occurred, public housing funds can no longer be used to pay for continued relocation costs. However, RAD permits you to transfer public housing funds to the RAD project at the RAD closing, so you might consider that approach. Of course, you may also include relocation costs in your RAD development budget.
Resident Relocation and Priority on HCV Voucher Wait List
If we are using RAD to redevelop our final public housing site, can the residents of the public housing site being demolished get priority on the HCV voucher wait list so that they can receive a voucher for relocation since we can not get temporary relocation vouchers?If you want to use your current vouchers to help with the required relocation at the site being demolished, your PHA should amend its Section 8 Administrative Plan, if applicable, to provide a preference for the families who are affected by the demolition. (You should also be aware that you can use the HAP payments that would otherwise flow to the project during the construction period as a source of relocation funds.)