UNITED STATES HOUSING ACT OF 1937
Public Law 75–896, as amended
50 Stat. 888, as amended
UNITED STATES HOUSING ACT OF 1937
896
117–328
Statute Compilation
United States House of Representatives
Office of the Legislative Counsel
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United States Housing Act of 1937
Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016
Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act
10348
75
1937-09-01
UNITED STATES HOUSING ACT OF 1937
[
Public Law 75–896
;
September 1, 1937
;
50 Stat. 888
]
[As Amended Through P.L. 117–328, Enacted December 29, 2022]
[Currency: This publication is a compilation of the text of Chapter 896 of the 75th Congress. It was last amended by the public law listed in the As Amended Through note above and below at the bottom of each page of the pdf version and reflects current law through the date of the enactment of the public law listed at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/comps/]
[Note: While this publication does not represent an official version of any Federal statute, substantial efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents. The official version of Federal law is found in the United States Statutes at Large and in the United States Code. The legal effect to be given to the Statutes at Large and the United States Code is established by statute (1 U.S.C. 112, 204).]
TITLE I—

GENERAL PROGRAM OF ASSISTED HOUSING

short title
Section 1.
[42 U.S.C. 1437 note]
This Act may be cited as the “United States Housing Act of 1937”.
SEC. 2.
[42 U.S.C. 1437]

DECLARATION OF POLICY AND PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY ORGANIZATION.
(a)

Declaration of Policy.—
It is the policy of the United States—
(1)
to promote the general welfare of the Nation by employing the funds and credit of the Nation, as provided in this Act—
(A)
to assist States and political subdivisions of States to remedy the unsafe housing conditions and the acute shortage of decent and safe dwellings for low-income families;
(B)
to assist States and political subdivisions of States to address the shortage of housing affordable to low-income families; and
(C)
consistent with the objectives of this title, to vest in public housing agencies that perform well, the maximum amount of responsibility and flexibility in program administration, with appropriate accountability to public housing residents, localities, and the general public;
(2)
that the Federal Government cannot through its direct action alone provide for the housing of every American citizen, or even a majority of its citizens, but it is the responsibility of the Government to promote and protect the independent and collective actions of private citizens to develop housing and strengthen their own neighborhoods;
(3)
that the Federal Government should act where there is a serious need that private citizens or groups cannot or are not addressing responsibly; and
(4)
that our Nation should promote the goal of providing decent and affordable housing for all citizens through the efforts and encouragement of Federal, State, and local governments, and by the independent and collective actions of private citizens, organizations, and the private sector.
(b)

Public Housing Agency Organization.—
(1)

Required membership.—
Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), the membership of the board of directors or similar governing body of each public housing agency shall contain not less than 1 member—
(A)
who is directly assisted by the public housing agency; and
(B)
who may, if provided for in the public housing agency plan, be elected by the residents directly assisted by the public housing agency.
(2)

Exception.—
Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any public housing agency—
(A)
that is located in a State that requires the members of the board of directors or similar governing body of a public housing agency to be salaried and to serve on a full-time basis; or
(B)
with less than 300 public housing units, if—
(i)
the agency has provided reasonable notice to the resident advisory board of the opportunity of not less than 1 resident described in paragraph (1) to serve on the board of directors or similar governing body of the public housing agency pursuant to such paragraph; and
(ii)
within a reasonable time after receipt by the resident advisory board established by the agency pursuant to section 5A(e) of notice under clause (i), the public housing agency has not been notified of the intention of any resident to participate on the board of directors.
(3)

Exception for certain jurisdictions.—
(A)

Exception.—
A covered agency (as such term is defined in subparagraph (C) of this paragraph) shall not be required to include on the board of directors or a similar governing board of such agency a member described in paragraph (1).
(B)

Advisory board requirement.—
Each covered agency that administers Federal housing assistance under section 8 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) that chooses not to include a member described in paragraph (1) on the board of directors or a similar governing board of the agency shall establish an advisory board of not less than 6 residents of public housing or recipients of assistance under section 8 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) to provide advice and comment to the agency or other administering entity on issues related to public housing and section 8. Such advisory board shall meet not less than quarterly.
(C)

Covered agency or entity.—
For purposes of this paragraph, the term “covered agency” means a public housing agency or such other entity that administers Federal housing assistance for—
(I)1
the Housing Authority of the county of Los Angeles, California; or
^1
So in law. The enumerator for this clause should read lowercase “(i)”.
(ii)
any of the States of Alaska, Iowa, and Mississippi.
(4)

Nondiscrimination.—
No person shall be prohibited from serving on the board of directors or similar governing body of a public housing agency because of the residence of that person in a public housing project or status as assisted under section 8.

rental payments; definitions
Sec. 3.
[42 U.S.C. 1437a]
(a)
(1)
Dwelling units assisted under this Act shall be rented only to families who are low-income families at the time of their initial occupancy of such units. Reviews of family income shall be made pursuant to paragraph (6); except that, in the case of any family with a fixed income, as defined by the Secretary, after the initial review of the family’s income, the public housing agency or owner shall not be required to conduct a review of the family’s income for any year for which such family certifies, in accordance with such requirements as the Secretary shall establish, which shall include policies to adjust for inflation-based income changes, that 90 percent or more of the income of the family consists of fixed income, and that the sources of such income have not changed since the previous year, except that the public housing agency or owner shall conduct a review of each such family’s income not less than once every 3 years. Except as provided in paragraph (2)2 and subject to the requirement under paragraph (3), a family shall pay as rent for a dwelling unit assisted under this Act (other than a family assisted under section 8(o) or (y) or paying rent under section 8(c)(3)(B)) the highest of the following amounts, rounded to the nearest dollar:
^2
Another exception is provided under section 519(d) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, Public Law 105–276, which is set forth, post, this part.
(A)
30 per centum of the family's monthly adjusted income;
(B)
10 per centum of the family's monthly income; or
(C)
if the family is receiving payments for welfare assistance from a public agency and a part of such payments, adjusted in accordance with the family's actual housing costs, is specifically designated by such agency to meet the family's housing costs, the portion of such payments which is so designated.
(2)

Rental payments for public housing families.—
(A)

Authority for family to select.—
(i)

In general.—
A family residing in a public housing dwelling3 shall pay as monthly rent for the unit the amount determined under clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (B), subject to the requirement under paragraph (3) (relating to minimum rents). Each public housing agency shall provide for each family residing in a public housing dwelling unit owned, assisted, or operated by the agency to elect annually whether the rent paid by such family shall be determined under clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (B). A public housing agency may not at any time fail to provide both such rent options for any public housing dwelling unit owned, assisted, or operated by the agency.
^3
So in law. Probably should refer to a “public housing dwelling unit”.
(ii)

Authority to retain flat and ceiling rents.—
Notwithstanding clause (i) or any other provision of law, any public housing agency that is administering flat rents or ceiling rents pursuant to any authority referred to in section 519(d) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 before the effective day of such Act4 may continue to charge rent in accordance with such rent provisions after such effective date, except that the agency shall provide for families residing in public housing dwelling units owned or operated by the agency to elect annually whether to pay rent under such provisions or in accordance with one of the rent options referred to in subparagraph (A).
^4
Pursuant to section 503 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1437 note), the effective date was October 1, 1999, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in such Act or to the extent that the Secretary, by notice, implemented any provision of such Act before such date.
(B)

Allowable rent structures.—
(i)

Flat rents.—
Each public housing agency shall establish, for each dwelling unit in public housing owned or operated by the agency, a flat rental amount for the dwelling unit, which—
(I)5
shall not be lower than 80 percent of—
- (aa)
the applicable fair market rental established under section 8(c) of this Act; or
- (bb)
at the discretion of the Secretary, such other applicable fair market rental established by the Secretary that the Secretary determines more accurately reflects local market conditions and is based on an applicable market area that is geographically smaller than the applicable market area used for purposes of the applicable fair market rental under section 8(c);
except that a public housing agency may apply to the Secretary for exception allowing for a flat rental amount for a property that is lower than the amount otherwise determined pursuant to item (aa) or (bb) and the Secretary may grant such exception if the Secretary determines that the fair market rental for the applicable market area pursuant to item (aa) or (bb) does not reflect the market value of the property and the proposed lower flat rental amount is based on a market analysis of the applicable market and complies with subclause (II) and
^5
The margin of subclause (I), as amended by section 238(1) of division K of Public Law 113–235, is so in law.
(II)
shall be designed in accordance with subparagraph (D) so that the rent structures do not create a disincentive for continued residency in public housing by families who are attempting to become economically self-sufficient through employment or who have attained a level of self-sufficiency through their own efforts.
If a new flat rental amount for a dwelling unit will increase a family's existing rental payment by more than 35 percent, the new flat rental amount shall be phased in as necessary to ensure that the family's existing rental payment does not increase by more than 35 percent annually. The preceding sentence shall not be construed to require establishment of rental amounts equal to 80 percent of the fair market rental in years when the fair market rental falls from the prior year.
(ii)

Income-based rents.—
(I)

In general.—
The monthly rental amount determined under this clause for a family shall be an amount, determined by the public housing agency, that does not exceed the greatest of the amounts (rounded to the nearest dollar) determined under subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1). This clause may not be construed to require a public housing agency to charge a monthly rent in the maximum amount permitted under this clause.
(II)

Discretion.—
Subject to the limitation on monthly rental amount under subclause (I), a public housing agency may, in its discretion, implement a rent structure under this clause requiring that a portion of the rent be deposited to an escrow or savings account, imposing ceiling rents, or adopting income exclusions (such as those set forth in section 3(b)(5)(B)), or may establish another reasonable rent structure or amount.
(C)

Switching rent determination methods because of hardship circumstances.—
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in the case of a family that has elected to pay rent in the amount determined under subparagraph (B)(i), a public housing agency shall immediately provide for the family to pay rent in the amount determined under subparagraph (B)(ii) during the period for which such election was made upon a determination that the family is unable to pay the amount determined under subparagraph (B)(i) because of financial hardship, including—
(i)
situations in which the income of the family has decreased because of changed circumstances, loss of6 reduction of employment, death in the family, and reduction in or loss of income or other assistance;
^6
So in law. Probably should be “or”.
(ii)
an increase, because of changed circumstances, in the family's expenses for medical costs, child care, transportation, education, or similar items; and
(iii)
such other situations as may be determined by the agency.
(D)

Encouragement of self-sufficiency.—
The rental policy developed by each public housing agency shall encourage and reward employment and economic self-sufficiency.
(E)

Income reviews.—
Notwithstanding the second sentence of paragraph (1), in the case of families that are paying rent in the amount determined under subparagraph (B)(i), the agency shall review the income of such family not less than once every 3 years.
(3)

Minimum rental amount.—
(A)

Requirement.—
Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, the method for rent determination elected pursuant to paragraph (2)(A) of this subsection by a family residing in public housing, section 8(o)(2) of this Act, or section 206(d) of the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 (including paragraph (5) of such section), the following entities shall require the following families to pay a minimum monthly rental amount (which amount shall include any amount allowed for utilities) of not more than $50 per month, as follows:
(i)
Each public housing agency shall require the payment of such minimum monthly rental amount, which amount shall be determined by the agency, by—
(I)
each family residing in a dwelling unit in public housing by the agency;
(II)
each family who is assisted under the certificate or moderate rehabilitation program under section 8; and
(III)
each family who is assisted under the voucher program under section 8, and the agency shall reduce the monthly assistance payment on behalf of such family as may be necessary to ensure payment of such minimum monthly rental amount.
(ii)
The Secretary shall require each family who is assisted under any other program for rental assistance under section 8 to pay such minimum monthly rental amount, which amount shall be determined by the Secretary.
(B)

Exception for hardship circumstances.—
(i)

In general.—
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a public housing agency (or the Secretary, in the case of a family described in subparagraph (A)(ii)) shall immediately grant an exemption from application of the minimum monthly rental under such subparagraph to any family unable to pay such amount because of financial hardship, which shall include situations in which (I) the family has lost eligibility for or is awaiting an eligibility determination for a Federal, State, or local assistance program, including a family that includes a member who is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act who would be entitled to public benefits but for title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996; (II) the family would be evicted as a result of the imposition of the minimum rent requirement under subparagraph (A); (III) the income of the family has decreased because of changed circumstance, including loss of employment; (IV) a death in the family has occurred; and (V) other situations as may be determined by the agency (or the Secretary, in the case of a family described in subparagraph (A)(ii)).
(ii)

Waiting period.—
If a resident requests a hardship exemption under this subparagraph and the public housing agency (or the Secretary, in the case of a family described in subparagraph (A)(ii)) reasonably determines the hardship to be of a temporary nature, an exemption shall not be granted during the 90-day period beginning upon the making of a request for the exemption. A resident may not be evicted during such 90-day period for nonpayment of rent. In such a case, if the resident thereafter demonstrates that the financial hardship is of a long-term basis, the agency (or the Secretary) shall retroactively exempt the resident from the applicability of the minimum rent requirement for such 90-day period.
(4)

Occupancy by police officers.—
(A)

In general.—
Subject to subparagraph (B) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public housing agency may, in accordance with the public housing agency plan for the agency, allow a police officer who is not otherwise eligible for residence in public housing to reside in a public housing dwelling unit. The number and location of units occupied by police officers under this paragraph and the terms and conditions of their tenancies shall be determined by the public housing agency.
(B)

Increased security.—
A public housing agency may take the actions authorized in subparagraph (A) only for the purpose of increasing security for the residents of a public housing project.
(C)

Definition.—
In this paragraph, the term “police officer” means any person determined by a public housing agency to be, during the period of residence of that person in public housing, employed on a full-time basis as a duly licensed professional police officer by a Federal, State, or local government or by any agency thereof (including a public housing agency having an accredited police force).
(5)

Occupancy by over-income families in certain public housing.—
(A)

Authority.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public housing agency that owns or operates less than 250 units may, on a month-to-month basis, lease a dwelling unit in a public housing project to an over-income family in accordance with this paragraph, but only if there are no eligible families applying for housing assistance from the public housing agency for that month and the agency provides not less than 30-day public notice of the availability of such assistance.
(B)

Terms and conditions.—
The number and location of dwelling units of a public housing agency occupied under this paragraph by over-income families, and the terms and conditions of those tenancies, shall be determined by the public housing agency, except that—
(i)
notwithstanding paragraph (2), rent for a unit shall be in an amount that is not less than the costs to operate the unit;
(ii)
if an eligible family applies for residence after an over-income family moves in to the last available unit, the over-income family shall vacate the unit in accordance with notice of termination of tenancy provided by the agency, which shall be provided not less than 30 days before such termination; and
(iii)
if a unit is vacant and there is no one on the waiting list, the public housing agency may allow an over-income family to gain immediate occupancy in the unit, while simultaneously providing reasonable public notice and outreach with regard to availability of the unit.
(C)

Definition.—
For purposes of this paragraph, the term “over-income family” means an individual or family that is not a low-income family at the time of initial occupancy.
(6)

Reviews of family income.—
(A)

Frequency.—
Reviews of family income for purposes of this section shall be made—
(i)
in the case of all families, upon the initial provision of housing assistance for the family;
(ii)
annually thereafter, except as provided in paragraph (1) with respect to fixed-income families;
(iii)
upon the request of the family, at any time the income or deductions (under subsection (b)(5)) of the family change by an amount that is estimated to result in a decrease of 10 percent (or such lower amount as the Secretary may, by notice, establish, or permit the public housing agency or owner to establish) or more in annual adjusted income; and
(iv)
at any time the income or deductions (under subsection (b)(5)) of the family change by an amount that is estimated to result in an increase of 10 percent or more in annual adjusted income, or such other amount as the Secretary may by notice establish, except that any increase in the earned income of a family shall not be considered for purposes of this clause (except that earned income may be considered if the increase corresponds to previous decreases under clause (iii)), except that a public housing agency or owner may elect not to conduct such review in the last three months of a certification period.
(B)

In general.—
Reviews of family income for purposes of this section shall be subject to the provisions of section 904 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 3544).
(7)

Calculation of income.—
(A)

Use of current year income.—
In determining family income for initial occupancy or provision of housing assistance pursuant to clause (i) of paragraph (6)(A) or pursuant to reviews pursuant to clause (iii) or (iv) of such paragraph, a public housing agency or owner shall use the income of the family as estimated by the agency or owner for the upcoming year.
(B)

Use of prior year income.—
In determining family income for annual reviews pursuant to paragraph (6)(A)(ii), a public housing agency or owner shall, except as otherwise provided in this paragraph and paragraph (1), use the income of the family as determined by the agency or owner for the preceding year, taking into consideration any redetermination of income during such prior year pursuant to clause (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (6)(A).
(C)

Other income.—
In determining the income for any family based on the prior year’s income, with respect to prior year calculations of income not subject to subparagraph (B), a public housing agency or owner may make other adjustments as it considers appropriate to reflect current income.
(D)

Safe harbor.—
A public housing agency or owner may, to the extent such information is available to the public housing agency or owner, determine the family’s income prior to the application of any deductions based on timely income determinations made for purposes of other means-tested Federal public assistance programs (including the program for block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act, a program for Medicaid assistance under a State plan approved under title XIX of the Social Security Act, and the supplemental nutrition assistance program (as such term is defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2012))). The Secretary shall, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, develop electronic procedures to enable public housing agencies and owners to have access to such benefit determinations made by other means-tested Federal programs that the Secretary determines to have comparable reliability. Exchanges of such information shall be subject to the same limitations and tenant protections provided under section 904 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act Amendments of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 3544) with respect to information obtained under the requirements of section 303(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 503(i)).
(E)

Electronic income verification.—
The Secretary shall develop a mechanism for disclosing information to a public housing agency for the purpose of verifying the employment and income of individuals and families in accordance with section 453(j)(7)(E) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653(j)(7)(E)), and shall ensure public housing agencies have access to information contained in the “Do Not Pay” system established by section 5 of the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–248; 126 Stat. 2392).
(F)

PHA and owner compliance.—
A public housing agency or owner may not be considered to fail to comply with this paragraph or paragraph (6) due solely to any de minimis errors made by the agency or owner in calculating family incomes.
(8)

Carbon monoxide alarms.—
Each public housing agency shall ensure that carbon monoxide alarms or detectors are installed in each dwelling unit in public housing owned or operated by the public housing agency in a manner that meets or exceeds—
(A)
the standards described in chapters 9 and 11 of the 2018 publication of the International Fire Code, as published by the International Code Council; or
(B)
any other standards as may be adopted by the Secretary, including any relevant updates to the International Fire Code, through a notice published in the Federal Register.
(9)

Qualifying smoke alarms.—
(A)

In general.—
Each public housing agency shall ensure that a qualifying smoke alarm is installed in accordance with applicable codes and standards published by the International Code Council or the National Fire Protection Association and the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 72, or any successor standard, in each level and in or near each sleeping area in any dwelling unit in public housing owned or operated by the public housing agency, including in basements but excepting crawl spaces and unfinished attics, and in each common area in a project containing such a dwelling unit.
(B)

Definitions.—
For purposes of this paragraph, the following definitions shall apply:
(i)

Smoke alarm defined.—
The term “smoke alarm” has the meaning given the term “smoke detector” in section 29(d) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2225(d)).
(ii)

Qualifying smoke alarm defined.—
The term “qualifying smoke alarm” means a smoke alarm that—
(I)
in the case of a dwelling unit built before the date of enactment of this paragraph and not substantially rehabilitated after the date of enactment of this paragraph—
- (aa)
(AA)
is hardwired; or
(BB)
uses 10-year non rechargeable, nonreplaceable primary batteries and is sealed, is tamper resistant, and contains silencing means; and
- (bb)
provides notification for persons with hearing loss as required by the National Fire Protection Association Standard 72, or any successor standard; or
(II)
in the case of a dwelling unit built or substantially rehabilitated after the date of enactment of this paragraph, is hardwired.
(b)
When used in this Act:
(1)
The term “low-income housing” means decent, safe, and sanitary dwellings assisted under this Act. The term “public housing” means low-income housing, and all necessary appurtenances thereto, assisted under this Act other than under section 8. The term “public housing” includes dwelling units in a mixed finance project that are assisted by a public housing agency with capital or operating assistance. When used in reference to public housing, the term “low-income housing project” or “project” means (A) housing developed, acquired, or assisted by a public housing agency under this Act, and (B) the improvement of any such housing.
(2)
(A)
The term low-income families means those families whose incomes do not exceed 80 per centum of the median income for the area, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families, except that the Secretary may establish income ceilings higher or lower than 80 per centum of the median for the area on the basis of the Secretary's findings that such variations are necessary because of prevailing levels of construction costs or unusually high or low family incomes.
(B)
The term very low-income families means low-income families whose incomes do not exceed 50 per centum of the median family income for the area, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families, except that the Secretary may establish income ceilings higher or lower than 50 per centum of the median for the area on the basis of the Secretary's findings that such variations are necessary because of unusually high or low family incomes.
(C)7
The term extremely low-income families means very low-income families whose incomes do not exceed the higher of—
(i)
the poverty guidelines updated periodically by the Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of section 673(2) of the Community Services Block Grant Act applicable to a family of the size involved (except that this clause shall not apply in the case of public housing agencies or projects located in Puerto Rico or any other territory or possession of the United States); or
(ii)
30 percent of the median family income for the area, as determined by the Secretary, with adjustments for smaller and larger families (except that the Secretary may establish income ceilings higher or lower than 30 percent of the median for the area on the basis of the Secretary's findings that such variations are necessary because of unusually high or low family incomes).
^7
Margin so in law.
(D)
Such ceilings shall be established in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture for any rural area, as defined in section 520 of the Housing Act of 1949, taking into account the subsidy characteristics and types of programs to which such ceilings apply. In determining median incomes (of persons, families, or households) for an area or establishing any ceilings or limits based on income under this Act, the Secretary shall determine or establish area median incomes and income ceilings and limits for Westchester and Rockland Counties, in the State of New York, as if each such county were an area not contained within the metropolitan statistical area in which it is located. In determining such area median incomes or establishing such income ceilings or limits for the portion of such metropolitan statistical area that does not include Westchester or Rockland Counties, the Secretary shall determine or establish area median incomes and income ceilings and limits as if such portion included Westchester and Rockland Counties. In determining areas that are designated as difficult development areas for purposes of the low-income housing tax credit, the Secretary shall include Westchester and Rockland Counties, New York, in the New York City metropolitan area.
(3)

Persons and families.—
(A)

Single persons.—
The term “families” includes families consisting of a single person in the case of (i) an elderly person, (ii) a disabled person, (iii) a displaced person, (iv) the remaining member of a tenant family, (v) a youth described in section 8(x)(2)(B), and (vi) any other single persons. In no event may any single person under clause (v) or (vi) of the first sentence be provided a housing unit assisted under this Act of 2 or more bedrooms.
(B)

Families.—
The term “families” includes families with children and, in the cases of elderly families, near-elderly families, and disabled families, means families whose heads (or their spouses), or whose sole members, are elderly, near-elderly, or persons with disabilities, respectively. The term includes, in the cases of elderly families, near-elderly families, and disabled families, 2 or more elderly persons, near-elderly persons, or persons with disabilities living together, and 1 or more such persons living with 1 or more persons determined under the public housing agency plan to be essential to their care or well-being.
(C)

Absence of children.—
The temporary absence of a child from the home due to placement in foster care shall not be considered in determining family composition and family size.
(D)

Elderly person.—
The term “elderly person” means a person who is at least 62 years of age.
(E)

Person with disabilities.—
The term “person with disabilities” means a person who—
(i)
has a disability as defined in section 223 of the Social Security Act,
(ii)
is determined, pursuant to regulations issued by the Secretary, to have a physical, mental, or emotional impairment which (I) is expected to be of long-continued and indefinite duration, (II) substantially impedes his or her ability to live independently, and (III) is of such a nature that such ability could be improved by more suitable housing conditions, or
(iii)
has a developmental disability as defined in section 102 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000.
Such term shall not exclude persons who have the disease of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or any conditions arising from the etiologic agent for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no individual shall be considered a person with disabilities, for purposes of eligibility for low-income housing under this title, solely on the basis of any drug or alcohol dependence. The Secretary shall consult with other appropriate Federal agencies to implement the preceding sentence.
(F)

Displaced person.—
The term “displaced person” means a person displaced by governmental action, or a person whose dwelling has been extensively damaged or destroyed as a result of a disaster declared or otherwise formally recognized pursuant to Federal disaster relief laws.
(G)

Near-elderly person.—
The term “near-elderly person” means a person who is at least 50 years of age but below the age of 62.
(4)

Income.—
The term “income” means, with respect to a family, income received from all sources by each member of the household who is 18 years of age or older or is the head of household or spouse of the head of the household, plus unearned income by or on behalf of each dependent who is less than 18 years of age, as determined in accordance with criteria prescribed by the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, subject to the following requirements:
(A)

Included amounts.—
Such term includes recurring gifts and receipts, actual income from assets, and profit or loss from a business.
(B)

Excluded amounts.—
Such term does not include—
(i)
any imputed return on assets, except to the extent that net family assets exceed $50,000, except that such amount (as it may have been previously adjusted) shall be adjusted for inflation annually by the Secretary in accordance with an inflationary index selected by the Secretary;
(ii)
any amounts that would be eligible for exclusion under section 1613(a)(7) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1382b(a)(7));
(iii)
deferred disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs that are received in a lump sum amount or in prospective monthly amounts;
(iv)
any expenses related to aid and attendance under section 1521 of title 38, United States Code, to veterans who are in need of regular aid and attendance; and
(v)
exclusions from income as established by the Secretary by regulation or notice, or any amount required by Federal law to be excluded from consideration as income.
(C)

Earned income of students.—
Such term does not include—
(i)
earned income, up to an amount as the Secretary may by regulation establish, of any dependent earned during any period that such dependent is attending school or vocational training on a full-time basis; or
(ii)
any grant-in-aid or scholarship amounts related to such attendance used—
(I)
for the cost of tuition or books; or
(II)
in such amounts as the Secretary may allow, for the cost of room and board.
(D)

Educational savings accounts.—
Income shall be determined without regard to any amounts in or from, or any benefits from, any Coverdell education savings account under section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any qualified tuition program under section 529 of such Code.
(E)

Recordkeeping.—
The Secretary may not require a public housing agency or owner to maintain records of any amounts excluded from income pursuant to this subparagraph.
(5)

Adjusted income.—
The term “adjusted income” means, with respect to a family, the amount (as determined by the public housing agency or owner) of the income of the members of the family residing in a dwelling unit or the persons on a lease, after any deductions from income as follows:
(A)

Elderly and disabled families.—
$525 in the case of any family that is an elderly family or a disabled family.
(B)

Minors, students, and persons with disabilities.—
$480 for each member of the family residing in the household (other than the head of the household or his or her spouse) who is less than 18 years of age or is attending school or vocational training on a full-time basis, or who is 18 years of age or older and is a person with disabilities.
(C)

Child care.—
Any reasonable child care expenses necessary to enable a member of the family to be employed or to further his or her education.
(D)

Health and medical expenses.—
The amount, if any, by which 10 percent of annual family income is exceeded by the sum of—
(i)
in the case of any elderly or disabled family, any unreimbursed health and medical care expenses; and
(ii)
any unreimbursed reasonable attendant care and auxiliary apparatus expenses for each handicapped member of the family, if determined necessary by the public housing agency or owner to enable any member of such family to be employed.
The Secretary shall, by regulation, provide hardship exemptions to the requirements of this subparagraph and subparagraph (C) for impacted families who demonstrate an inability to pay calculated rents because of financial hardship. Such regulations shall include a requirement to notify tenants regarding any changes to the determination of adjusted income pursuant to such subparagraphs based on the determination of the family’s claim of financial hardship exemptions required by the preceding sentence. Such regulations shall be promulgated in consultation with tenant organizations, industry participants, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with an adequate comment period provided for interested parties.
(E)

Permissive deductions.—
Such additional deductions as a public housing agency may, at its discretion, establish, except that the Secretary shall establish procedures to ensure that such deductions do not materially increase Federal expenditures.
The Secretary shall annually calculate the amounts of the deductions under subparagraphs (A) and (B), as such amounts may have been previously calculated, by applying an inflationary factor as the Secretary shall, by regulation, establish, except that the actual deduction determined for each year shall be established by rounding such amount to the next lowest multiple of $25.
(6)

Public housing agency.—
(A)

In general.—
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term “public housing agency” means any State, county, municipality, or other governmental entity or public body (or agency or instrumentality thereof) which is authorized to engage in or assist in the development or operation of public housing, or a consortium of such entities or bodies as approved by the Secretary.
(B)

Section 8 program.—
For purposes of the program for tenant-based assistance under section 8, such term includes—
(i)
a consortia of public housing agencies that the Secretary determines has the capacity and capability to administer a program for assistance under such section in an efficient manner;
(ii)
any other public or private nonprofit entity that, upon the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, was administering any program for tenant-based assistance under section 8 of this Act (as in effect before the effective date of such Act), pursuant to a contract with the Secretary or a public housing agency; and
(iii)
with respect to any area in which no public housing agency has been organized or where the Secretary determines that a public housing agency is unwilling or unable to implement a program for tenant-based assistance section 88, or is not performing effectively—
^8
So in law.
(I)
the Secretary or another public or private nonprofit entity that by contract agrees to receive assistance amounts under section 8 and enter into housing assistance payments contracts with owners and perform the other functions of public housing agency under section 8; or
(II)
notwithstanding any provision of State or local law, a public housing agency for another area that contracts with the Secretary to administer a program for housing assistance under section 8, without regard to any otherwise applicable limitations on its area of operation.
(7)
The term “State” includes the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories and possessions of the United States, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
(8)
The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(9)

Drug-related criminal activity.—
The term “drug-related criminal activity” means the illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, use, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute, or use, of a controlled substance (as such term is defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act).
(10)

Mixed-finance project.—
The term “mixed-finance project” means a public housing project that meets the requirements of section 35.
(11)

Public housing agency plan.—
The term “public housing agency plan” means the plan of a public housing agency prepared in accordance with section 5A.
(12)

Capital fund.—
The term “Capital Fund” means the fund established under section 9(d).
(13)

Operating fund.—
The term “Operating Fund” mean the fund established under section 9(e).
(c)
When used in reference to public housing:
(1)
The term “development” means any or all undertakings necessary for planning, land acquisition, demolition, construction, or equipment, in connection with a low-income housing project. The term “development cost” comprises the costs incurred by a public housing agency in such undertakings and their necessary financing (including the payment of carrying charges), and in otherwise carrying out the development of such project, but does not include the costs associated with the demolition of or remediation of environmental hazards associated with public housing units that will not be replaced on the project site, or other extraordinary site costs as determined by the Secretary. Construction activity in connection with a low-income housing project may be confined to the reconstruction, remodeling, or repair of existing buildings.
(2)
The term “operation” means any or all undertakings appropriate for management, operation, services, maintenance, security (including the cost of security personnel), or financing in connection with a low-income housing project. The term also means the financing of tenant programs and services for families residing in low-income housing projects, particularly where there is maximum feasible participation of the tenants in the development and operation of such tenant programs and services. As used in this paragraph, the term “tenant programs and services” includes the development and maintenance of tenant organizations which participate in the management of low-income housing projects; the training of tenants to manage and operate such projects and the utilization of their services in project management and operation; counseling on household management, housekeeping, budgeting, money management, child care, and similar matters; advice as to resources for job training and placement, education, welfare, health, and other community services; services which are directly related to meeting tenant needs and providing a wholesome living environment; and referral to appropriate agencies in the community when necessary for the provision of such services. To the maximum extent available and appropriate, existing public and private agencies in the community shall be used for the provision of such services.
(3)
The term “acquisition cost” means the amount prudently required to be expended by a public housing agency in acquiring property for a low-income housing project.9
^9
Section 622(c) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, Public Law 102–550, amended this subsection by inserting after “project.” the following new paragraphs:
``(4) The term “congregate housing” means low-rent housing with which there is connected a central dining facility where wholesome and economical meals can be served to occupants. Expenditures incurred by a public housing agency in the operation of a central dining facility in connection with congregate housing (other than the cost of providing food and service) shall be considered a cost of operation of the project.
``(5) The terms “group home” and “independent living facility” have the meanings given such terms in section 811(k) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.''.
Because the amendatory instructions did not specify which occurrence of “project.” the new paragraphs were to be placed after, the amendment could not be executed. The new paragraphs were probably intended to be inserted after this paragraph.
(d)

Availability of Income Matching Information.—
(1)

Disclosure to pha.—
A public housing agency, or the owner responsible for determining the participant's eligibility or level of benefits, shall require any family described in paragraph (2) who receives information regarding income, earnings, wages, or unemployment compensation from the Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to income verification procedures of the Department to disclose such information, upon receipt of the information, to the public housing agency that owns or operates the public housing dwelling unit in which such family resides or that provides the housing assistance under this Act on behalf of such family, as applicable, or to the owner responsible for determining the participant's eligibility or level of benefits.
(2)

Families covered.—
A family described in this paragraph is a family that resides in a dwelling unit—
(A)
that is a public housing dwelling unit;
(B)
for which tenant-based assistance is provided under section 8,10 or
^{10}
Punctuation so in law. Probably should be a semicolon.
(C)
for which project-based assistance is provided under section 8, section 202, or section 811.

loans for lower income housing projects
Sec. 4.
[42 U.S.C. 1437b]
(a)
The Secretary may make loans or commitments to make loans to public housing agencies to help finance or refinance the development, acquisition, or operation of low-income housing projects by such agencies. Any contract for such loans and any amendment to a contract for such loans shall provide that such loans shall bear interest at a rate specified by the Secretary which shall not be less than a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans, plus one-eighth of 1 per centum. Such loans shall be secured in such manner and shall be repaid within such period not exceeding forty years, or not exceeding forty years from the date of the bonds evidencing the loan, as the Secretary may determine. The Secretary may require loans or commitments to make loans under this section to be pledged as security for obligations issued by a public housing agency in connection with a low-income housing project.
(b)
The Secretary may issue and have outstanding at any one time notes and other obligations for purchase by the Secretary of the Treasury in an amount which will not, unless authorized by the President, exceed $1,500,000,000. For the purpose of determining obligations incurred to make loans pursuant to this Act against any limitation otherwise applicable with respect to such loans, the Secretary shall estimate the maximum amount to be loaned at any one time pursuant to loan agreements then outstanding with public housing agencies. Such notes or other obligations shall be in such forms and denominations and shall be subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Secretary with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. The notes or other obligations issued under this subsection shall have such maturities and bear such rate or rates of interest as shall be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized and directed to purchase any notes or other obligations of the Secretary issued hereunder and for such purpose is authorized to use as a public debt transaction the proceeds from the sale of any securities issued under chapter 31 of title 31, United States Code, and the purposes for which securities may be issued under such chapter are extended to include any purchases of such obligations. The Secretary of the Treasury may at any time sell any of the notes or other obligations acquired by him under this section. All redemptions, purchases, and sales by the Secretary of the Treasury of such notes or other obligations shall be treated as public debt transactions of the United States.
(c)
(1)
At such times as the Secretary may determine, and in accordance with such accounting and other procedures as the Secretary may prescribe, each loan made by the Secretary under subsection (a) that has any principal amount outstanding or any interest amount outstanding or accrued shall be forgiven; and the terms and conditions of any contract, or any amendment to a contract, for such loan with respect to any promise to repay such principal and interest shall be canceled. Such cancellation shall not affect any other terms and conditions of such contract, which shall remain in effect as if the cancellation had not occurred. This paragraph shall not apply to any loan the repayment of which was not to be made using annual contributions, or to any loan all or part of the proceeds of which are due a public housing agency from contractors or others.
(2)
(A)
On the date of the enactment of the Housing and Community Development Reconciliation Amendments of 1985,11 each note or other obligation issued by the Secretary to the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to subsection (b), together with any promise to repay the principal and unpaid interest that has accrued on each note or obligation, shall be forgiven; and any other term or condition specified by each such obligation shall be canceled.
^{11}
April 7, 1986.
(B)
On September 30, 1986, and on any subsequent September 30, each such note or other obligation issued by the Secretary to the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to subsection (b) during the fiscal year ending on such date, together with any promise to repay the principal and unpaid interest that has accrued on each note or obligation, shall be forgiven; and any other term or condition specified by each such obligation shall be canceled.
(3)
Any amount of budget authority (and contract authority) that becomes available during any fiscal year as a result of the forgiveness of any loan, note, or obligation under this subsection shall be rescinded.

contributions for lower income housing projects
Sec. 5.
[42 U.S.C. 1437c]
(a)
(1)
The Secretary may make annual contributions to public housing agencies to assist in achieving and maintaining the lower income character of their projects. The Secretary shall embody the provisions for such annual contributions in a contract guaranteeing their payment. The contribution payable annually under this section shall in no case exceed a sum equal to the annual amount of principal and interest payable on obligations issued by the public housing agency to finance the development or acquisition cost of the lower income project involved. Annual contributions payable under this section shall be pledged, if the Secretary so requires, as security for obligations issued by a public housing agency to assist the development or acquisition of the project to which annual contributions relate and shall be paid over a period not to exceed 40 years.
(2)
The Secretary may make contributions (in the form of grants) to public housing agencies to cover the development cost of public housing projects. The contract under which such contributions shall be made shall specify the amount of capital contributions required for each project to which the contract pertains, and that the terms and conditions of such contract shall remain in effect for a 40-year period.
(3)
The amount of contributions that would be established for a newly constructed project by a public housing agency designed to accommodate a number of families of a given size and kind may be established under this section for a project by such public housing agency that would provide housing for the comparable number, sizes, and kinds of families through the acquisition and rehabilitation, or use under lease, of structures that are suitable for low-income housing use and obtained in the local market.
(b)
The Secretary may prescribe regulations fixing the maximum contributions available under different circumstances, giving consideration to cost, location, size, rent-paying ability of prospective tenants, or other factors bearing upon the amounts and periods of assistance needed to achieve and maintain low rentals. Such regulations may provide for rates of contribution based upon development, acquisition, or operation costs, number of dwelling units, number of persons housed, interest charges, or other appropriate factors.
(c)
(1)
The Secretary may enter into contracts for annual contributions aggregating not more than $7,875,049,000 per annum, which amount shall be increased by $1,494,400,000 on October 1, 1980, and by $906,985,000 on October 1, 1981. The additional authority to enter into such contracts provided on or after October 1, 1980, shall be effective only in such amounts as may be approved in appropriation Acts. In addition, the aggregate amount which may be obligated over the duration of the contracts may not exceed $31,200,000 with respect to the additional authority provided on October 1, 1980, and $18,087,370,000 with respect to the additional authority provided on October 1, 1981.
(2)
The Secretary shall enter into only such new contracts for preliminary loans as are consistent with the number of dwelling units for which contracts for annual contributions may be entered into.
(3)
The full faith and credit of the United States is solemnly pledged to the payment of all annual contributions contracted for pursuant to this section, and there are hereby authorized to be appropriated in each fiscal year, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the amounts necessary to provide for such payments.
(4)
All payments of annual contributions pursuant to this section shall be made out of any funds available for purposes of this Act when such payments are due, except that funds obtained through the issuance of obligations pursuant to section 4(b) (including repayments or other realizations of the principal of loans made out of such funds) shall not be available for the payment of such annual contributions.
(5)
During such period as the Secretary may prescribe for starting construction, the Secretary may approve the conversion of public housing development authority for use under section 9 or for use for the acquisition and rehabilitation of property to be used in public housing, if the public housing agency, after consultation with the unit of local government, certifies that such assistance would be more effectively used for such purpose, and if the total number of units assisted will not be less than 90 per centum of the units covered by the original reservation.
(6)
The aggregate amount of budget authority which may be obligated for contracts for annual contributions and for grants under section 17 is increased by $9,912,928,000 on October 1, 1983, and by such sums as may be approved in appropriation Acts on October 1, 1984. The aggregate amount of budget authority that may be obligated for contracts for annual contributions for assistance under section 8, for contracts referred to in paragraphs (7)(A)(iv) and (7)(B)(iv), for grants for public housing, for comprehensive improvement assistance, and for amendments to existing contracts, is increased (to the extent approved in appropriation Acts) by $7,167,000,000 on October 1, 1987, and by $7,300,945,000 on October 1, 1988. The aggregate amount of budget authority that may be obligated for assistance referred to in paragraph (7) is increased (to the extent approved in appropriation Acts) by $16,194,000,000 on October 1, 1990, and by $14,709,400,000 on October 1, 1991. The aggregate amount of budget authority that may be obligated for assistance referred to in paragraph (7) is increased (to the extent approved in appropriation Acts) by $14,710,990,520 on October 1, 1992, and by $15,328,852,122 on October 1993.
(7)
(A)
Using the additional budget authority provided under paragraph (6) and the balances of budget authority that become available during fiscal year 1993, the Secretary shall, to the extent approved in appropriation Acts, reserve authority to enter into obligations aggregating—
(i)
for public housing grants under subsection (a)(2), not more than $830,900,800, of which amount not more than $257,320,000 shall be available for Indian housing;
(ii)
for assistance under section 8, not more than $1,977,662,720, of which $20,000,000 shall be available for 15-year contracts for project-based assistance to be used for a multicultural tenant empowerment and homeownership project located in the District of Columbia, except that assistance provided for such project shall not be considered for purposes of the percentage limitations under section 8(i)(2); except that not more than 49 percent of any amounts appropriated under this clause may be used for vouchers under section 8(o);
(iii)
for comprehensive improvement assistance grants under section 14(k), not more than $3,100,000,000;
(iv)
for assistance under section 8 for property disposition, not more than $93,032,000;
(v)
for assistance under section 8 for loan management, not more than $202,000,000;
(vi)
for extensions of contracts expiring under section 8, not more than $6,746,135,000, which shall be for 5-year contracts for assistance under section 8 and for loan management assistance under such section;
(vii)
for amendments to contracts under section 8, not more than $1,350,000,000;
(viii)
for public housing lease adjustments and amendments, not more than $83,055,000;
(ix)
for conversions from leased housing contracts under section 23 of this Act (as in effect immediately before the enactment of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974) to assistance under section 8, not more than $12,767,000; and
(x)
for grants under section 24 for revitalization of severely distressed public housing, not more than $300,000,000.
(B)
Using the additional budget authority provided under paragraph (6) and the balances of budget authority that become available during fiscal year 1994, the Secretary shall, to the extent approved in appropriation Acts, reserve authority to enter into obligations aggregating—
(i)
for public housing grants under subsection (a)(2), not more than $865,798,634, of which amount not more than $268,127,440 shall be available for Indian housing;
(ii)
for assistance under section 8, not more than $2,060,724,554, of which $20,000,000 shall be available for 15-year contracts for project-based assistance to be used for a multicultural tenant empowerment and homeownership project located in the District of Columbia, except that assistance provided for such project shall not be considered for purposes of the percentage limitations under section 8(i)(2); except that not more than 49 percent of any amounts appropriated under this clause may be used for vouchers under section 8(o);
(iii)
for comprehensive improvement assistance grants under section 14(k), not more than $3,230,200,000;
(iv)
for assistance under section 8 for property disposition, not more than $96,939,344;
(v)
for assistance under section 8 for loan management, not more than $210,484,000;
(vi)
for extensions of contracts expiring under section 8, not more than $7,029,472,670, which shall be for 5-year contracts for assistance under section 8 and for loan management assistance under such section;
(vii)
for amendments to contracts under section 8, not more than $1,406,700,000;
(viii)
for public housing lease adjustments and amendments, not more than $86,543,310;
(ix)
for conversions from leased housing contracts under section 23 of this Act (as in effect immediately before the enactment of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974) to assistance under section 8, not more than $13,303,214; and
(x)
for grants under section 24 for revitalization of severely distressed public housing, not more than $312,600,000.
(C)
(i)
Any amount available for the conversion of a project to assistance under section 8(b)(1), if not required for such purpose, shall be used for assistance under section 8(b)(1).
(ii)
Any amount available for assistance under section 8 for property disposition, if not required for such purpose, shall be used for assistance under section 8(b)(1).
(8)
Any amount available for Indian housing under subsection (a) that is recaptured shall be used only for such housing.
(d)
Any contract for loans or annual contributions, or both, entered into by the Secretary with a public housing agency, may cover one or more than one low-income housing project owned by such public housing agency; in the event the contract covers two or more projects, such projects may, for any of the purposes of this Act and of such contract (including, but not limited to, the determination of the amount of the loan, annual contributions, or payments in lieu of taxes, specified in such contract), be treated collectively as one project.
(e)
In recognition that there should be local determination of the need for low-income housing to meet needs not being adequately met by private enterprise—
(1)
the Secretary shall not make any contract with a public housing agency for preliminary loans (all of which shall be repaid out of any moneys which become available to such agency for the development of the projects involved) for surveys and planning in respect to any low-income housing projects (i) unless the governing body of the locality involved has by resolution approved the application of the public housing agency for such preliminary loan; and (ii) unless the public housing agency has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary that there is need for such low-income housing which is not being met by private enterprise; and
(2)
the Secretary shall not make any contract for loans (other than preliminary loans) or for contributions pursuant to this Act unless the governing body of the locality involved has entered into an agreement with the public housing agency providing for the local cooperation required by the Secretary pursuant to this Act; the Secretary shall require that each such agreement shall provide that, notwithstanding any order, judgment, or decree of any court (including any settlement order), before making any amounts that are provided pursuant to any contract for contributions under this title available for use for the development of any housing or other property not previously used as public housing, the public housing agency shall (A) notify the chief executive officer (or other appropriate official) of the unit of general local government in which the public housing for which such amounts are to be so used is located (or to be located) of such use, and (B) pursuant to the request of such unit of general local government, provide such information as may reasonably be requested by such unit of general local government regarding the public housing to be so assisted (except to the extent otherwise prohibited by law).
(f)
Subject to the specific limitations or standards in this Act governing the terms of sales, rentals, leases, loans, contracts for annual contributions, or other agreements, the Secretary may, whenever he deems it necessary or desirable in the fulfillment of the purposes of this Act, consent to the modification, with respect to rate of interest, time of payment of any installment of principal or interest, security, amount of annual contribution, or any other term, of any contract or agreement of any kind to which the Secretary is a party. When the Secretary finds that it would promote economy or be in the financial interest of the Federal Government or is necessary to assure or maintain the lower income character of the project or projects involved, any contract heretofore or hereafter made for annual contributions, loans, or both, may be amended or superseded by a contract entered into by mutual agreement between the public housing agency and the Secretary. Contracts may not be amended or superseded in a manner which would impair the rights of the holders of any outstanding obligations of the public housing agency involved for which annual contributions have been pledged. Any rule of law contrary to this provision shall be deemed inapplicable.
(g)
In addition to the authority of the Secretary under subsection (a) to pledge annual contributions as security for obligations issued by a public housing agency, the Secretary is authorized to pledge annual contributions as a guarantee of payment by a public housing agency of all principal and interest on obligations issued by it to assist the development or acquisition of the project to which the annual contributions relate, except that no obligation shall be guaranteed under this subsection if the income thereon is exempt from Federal taxation.
(h)

Audits.—
(1)

By secretary and comptroller general.—
Each contract for contributions for any assistance under this Act to a public housing agency shall provide that the Secretary, the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall, for the purpose of audit and examination, have access to any books, documents, papers, and records of the public housing agency that are pertinent to this Act and to its operations with respect to financial assistance under the 12 this Act.
^{12}
So in law.
(2)

Withholding of amounts for audits under single audit act.—
The Secretary may, in the sole discretion of the Secretary, arrange for and pay the costs of an audit required under chapter 75 of title 31, United States Code. In such circumstances, the Secretary may withhold, from assistance otherwise payable to the agency under this Act, amounts sufficient to pay for the reasonable costs of conducting an acceptable audit, including, when appropriate, the reasonable costs of accounting services necessary to place the agency's books and records in auditable condition. As agreed to by the Secretary and the Inspector General, the Inspector General may arrange for an audit under this paragraph.
(i)

Prohibition on Use of Funds.—
None of the funds made available to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to carry out this Act, which are obligated to State or local governments, public housing agencies, housing finance agencies, or other public or quasi-public housing agencies, shall be used to indemnify contractors or subcontractors of the government or agency against costs associated with judgments of infringement of intellectual property rights.
SEC. 5A.
[42 U.S.C. 1437c–1]

PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY PLANS.
(a)

5-Year Plan.—
(1)

In general.—
Subject to paragraph (3), not less than once every 5 fiscal years, each public housing agency shall submit to the Secretary a plan that includes, with respect to the 5 fiscal years immediately following the date on which the plan is submitted—
(A)
a statement of the mission of the public housing agency for serving the needs of low-income and very low-income families in the jurisdiction of the public housing agency during such fiscal years; and
(B)
a statement of the goals and objectives of the public housing agency that will enable the public housing agency to serve the needs identified pursuant to subparagraph (A) during those fiscal years.
(2)

Statement of goals.—
The 5-year plan shall include a statement by any public housing agency of the goals, objectives, policies, or programs that will enable the housing authority to serve the needs of child and adult victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
(3)

Initial plan.—
The initial 5-year plan submitted by a public housing agency under this subsection shall be submitted for the 5-year period beginning on October 1, 1999, or the first fiscal year thereafter for which the public housing agency initially receives assistance under this Act.
(b)

Annual Plan.—
(1)

In general.—
Effective beginning upon October 1, 1999, each public housing agency shall submit to the Secretary an annual public housing agency plan under this subsection for each fiscal year for which the public housing agency receives assistance under section 8(o) or 9.
(2)

Updates.—
For each fiscal year after the initial submission of an annual plan under this subsection by a public housing agency, the public housing agency may comply with requirements for submission of a plan under this subsection by submitting an update of the plan for the fiscal year.
(3)

Exemption of certain phas from filing requirement.—
(A)

In general.—
Notwithstanding paragraph (1) or any other provision of this Act—
(i)
the requirement under paragraph (1) shall not apply to any qualified public housing agency; and
(ii)
except as provided in subsection (e)(4)(B), any reference in this section or any other provision of law to a “public housing agency” shall not be considered to refer to any qualified public housing agency, to the extent such reference applies to the requirement to submit an annual public housing agency plan under this subsection.
(B)

Civil rights certification.—
Notwithstanding that qualified public housing agencies are exempt under subparagraph (A) from the requirement under this section to prepare and submit an annual public housing plan, each qualified public housing agency shall, on an annual basis, make the certification described in paragraph (16) of subsection (d), except that for purposes of such qualified public housing agencies, such paragraph shall be applied by substituting “the public housing program of the agency” for “the public housing agency plan”.
(C)

Definition.—
For purposes of this section, the term “qualified public housing agency” means a public housing agency that meets the following requirements:
(i)
The sum of (I) the number of public housing dwelling units administered by the agency, and (II) the number of vouchers under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)) administered by the agency, is 550 or fewer.
(ii)
The agency is not designated under section 6(j)(2) as a troubled public housing agency, and does not have a failing score under the section 8 Management Assessment Program during the prior 12 months.
(c)

Procedures.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall establish requirements and procedures for submission and review of plans, including requirements for timing and form of submission, and for the contents of such plans.
(2)

Contents.—
The procedures established under paragraph (1) shall provide that a public housing agency shall—
(A)
in developing the plan consult with the resident advisory board established under subsection (e); and
(B)
ensure that the plan under this section is consistent with the applicable comprehensive housing affordability strategy (or any consolidated plan incorporating such strategy) for the jurisdiction in which the public housing agency is located, in accordance with title I of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, and contains a certification by the appropriate State or local official that the plan meets the requirements of this paragraph and a description of the manner in which the applicable contents of the public housing agency plan are consistent with the comprehensive housing affordability strategy.
(d)

Contents.—
An annual public housing agency plan under subsection (b) for a public housing agency shall contain the following information relating to the upcoming fiscal year for which the assistance under this Act is to be made available:
(1)

Needs.—
A statement of the housing needs of low-income and very low-income families residing in the jurisdiction served by the public housing agency, and of other low-income and very low-income families on the waiting list of the agency (including housing needs of elderly families and disabled families), and the means by which the public housing agency intends, to the maximum extent practicable, to address those needs.
(2)

Financial resources.—
A statement of financial resources available to the agency and the planned uses of those resources.
(3)

Eligibility, selection, and admissions policies.—
A statement of the policies governing eligibility, selection, admissions (including any preferences), assignment, and occupancy of families with respect to public housing dwelling units and housing assistance under section 8(o), including—
(A)
the procedures for maintaining waiting lists for admissions to public housing projects of the agency, which may include a system of site-based waiting lists under section 6(r); and
(B)
the admissions policy under section 16(a)(3)(B) for deconcentration of lower-income families.
(4)

Rent determination.—
A statement of the policies of the public housing agency governing rents charged for public housing dwelling units and rental contributions of families assisted under section 8(o).
(5)

Operation and management.—
A statement of the rules, standards, and policies of the public housing agency governing maintenance and management of housing owned, assisted, or operated by the public housing agency (which shall include measures necessary for the prevention or eradication of pest infestation, including by cockroaches), and management of the public housing agency and programs of the public housing agency.
(6)

Grievance procedure.—
A statement of the grievance procedures of the public housing agency.
(7)

Capital improvements.—
With respect to public housing projects owned, assisted, or operated by the public housing agency, a plan describing the capital improvements necessary to ensure long-term physical and social viability of the projects.
(8)

Demolition and disposition.—
With respect to public housing projects owned by the public housing agency—
(A)
a description of any housing for which the PHA will apply for demolition or disposition under section 18; and
(B)
a timetable for the demolition or disposition.
(9)

Designation of housing for elderly and disabled families.—
With respect to public housing projects owned, assisted, or operated by the public housing agency, a description of any projects (or portions thereof) that the public housing agency has designated or will apply for designation for occupancy by elderly and disabled families in accordance with section 7.
(10)

Conversion of public housing.—
With respect to public housing owned by a public housing agency—
(A)
a description of any building or buildings that the public housing agency is required to convert to tenant-based assistance under section 33 or that the public housing agency plans to voluntarily convert under section 22;
(B)
an analysis of the projects or buildings required to be converted under section 33; and
(C)
a statement of the amount of assistance received under this Act to be used for rental assistance or other housing assistance in connection with such conversion.
(11)

Homeownership.—
A description of any homeownership programs of the agency under section 8(y) or for which the public housing agency has applied or will apply for approval under section 32.
(12)

Community service and self-sufficiency.—
A description of—
(A)
any programs relating to services and amenities provided or offered to assisted families;
(B)
any policies or programs of the public housing agency for the enhancement of the economic and social self-sufficiency of assisted families;13
^{13}
So in law.
(C)
how the public housing agency will comply with the requirements of subsections (c) and (d) of section 12 (relating to community service and treatment of income changes resulting from welfare program requirements).
(13)

Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking programs.—
A description of—
(A)
any activities, services, or programs provided or offered by an agency, either directly or in partnership with other service providers, to child or adult victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking;
(B)
any activities, services, or programs provided or offered by a public housing agency that helps child and adult victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, to obtain or maintain housing; and
(C)
any activities, services, or programs provided or offered by a public housing agency to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, or to enhance victim safety in assisted families.
(14)

Safety and crime prevention.—
A plan established by the public housing agency, which shall be subject to the following requirements:
(A)

Safety measures.—
The plan shall provide, on a project-by-project or jurisdiction-wide basis, for measures to ensure the safety of public housing residents.
(B)

Establishment.—
The plan shall be established in consultation with the police officer or officers in command for the appropriate precinct or police department.
(C)

Content.—
The plan shall describe the need for measures to ensure the safety of public housing residents and for crime prevention measures, describe any such activities conducted or to be conducted by the agency, and provide for coordination between the agency and the appropriate police precincts for carrying out such measures and activities.
(D)

Secretarial action.—
If the Secretary determines, at any time, that the security needs of a project are not being adequately addressed by the plan, or that the local police precinct is not complying with the plan, the Secretary may mediate between the public housing agency and the local precinct to resolve any issues of conflict.
(15)

Pets.—
The requirements of the agency, pursuant to section 31, relating to pet ownership in public housing.
(16)

Civil rights certification.—
A certification by the public housing agency that the public housing agency will carry out the public housing agency plan in conformity with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and will affirmatively further fair housing.
(17)

Annual audit.—
The results of the most recent fiscal year audit of the public housing agency under section 5(h)(2).
(18)

Asset management.—
A statement of how the agency will carry out its asset management functions with respect to the public housing inventory of the agency, including how the agency will plan for the long-term operating, capital investment, rehabilitation, modernization, disposition, and other needs for such inventory.
(19)

Other.—
Any other information required by law to be included in a public housing agency plan.
(e)

Resident Advisory Board.—
(1)

In general.—
Except as provided in paragraph (3), each public housing agency shall establish 1 or more resident advisory boards in accordance with this subsection, the membership of which shall adequately reflect and represent the residents assisted by the public housing agency.
(2)

Functions.—
Each resident advisory board established under this subsection by a public housing agency shall assist and make recommendations regarding the development of the public housing agency plan for the agency. The agency shall consider the recommendations of the resident advisory boards in preparing the final public housing agency plan, and shall include, in the public housing agency plan submitted to the Secretary under this section, a copy of the recommendations and a description of the manner in which the recommendations were addressed.
(3)

Waiver.—
The Secretary may waive the requirements of this subsection with respect to the establishment of resident advisory boards for a public housing agency if the agency demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that there exist resident councils or other resident organizations of the public housing agency that—
(A)
adequately represent the interests of the residents of the public housing agency; and
(B)
have the ability to perform the functions described in paragraph (2).
(4)

Qualified public housing agencies.—
(A)

In general.—
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), nothing in this section may be construed to exempt a qualified public housing agency from the requirement under paragraph (1) to establish 1 or more resident advisory boards. Notwithstanding that qualified public housing agencies are exempt under subsection (b)(3)(A) from the requirement under this section to prepare and submit an annual public housing plan, each qualified public housing agency shall consult with, and consider the recommendations of the resident advisory boards for the agency, at the annual public hearing required under subsection (f)(5), regarding any changes to the goals, objectives, and policies of that agency.
(B)

Applicability of waiver authority.—
Paragraph (3) shall apply to qualified public housing agencies, except that for purposes of such qualified public housing agencies, subparagraph (B) of such paragraph shall be applied by substituting “the functions described in the second sentence of paragraph (4)(A)” for “the functions described in paragraph (2)”.
(f)

Public Hearings.—
(1)

In general.—
In developing a public housing agency plan under this section, the board of directors or similar governing body of a public housing agency shall conduct a public hearing to discuss the public housing agency plan and to invite public comment regarding that plan. The hearing shall be conducted at a location that is convenient to residents.
(2)

Availability of information and notice.—
Not later than 45 days before the date of a hearing conducted under paragraph (1), the public housing agency shall—
(A)
make the proposed public housing agency plan and all information relevant to the hearing and proposed plan available for inspection by the public at the principal office of the public housing agency during normal business hours; and
(B)
publish a notice informing the public that—
(i)
that 14 the information is available as required under subparagraph (A); and
^{14}
So in law.
(ii)
that 14 a public hearing under paragraph (1) will be conducted.
(3)

Adoption of plan.—
A public housing agency may adopt a public housing agency plan and submit the plan to the Secretary in accordance with this section only after—
(A)
conducting a public hearing under paragraph (1);
(B)
considering all public comments received; and
(C)
making any appropriate changes in the public housing agency plan, in consultation with the resident advisory board.
(4)

Advisory board consultation enforcement.—
Pursuant to a written request made by the resident advisory board for a public housing agency that documents a failure on the part of the agency to provide adequate notice and opportunity for comment under this subsection and a finding by the Secretary of good cause within the time period provided for in subsection (i)(4), the Secretary may require the public housing agency to adequately remedy such failure before final approval of the public housing agency plan under this section.
(5)

Qualified public housing agencies.—
(A)

Requirement.—
Notwithstanding that qualified public housing agencies are exempt under subsection (b)(3)(A) from the requirement under this section to conduct a public hearing regarding the annual public housing plan of the agency, each qualified public housing agency shall annually conduct a public hearing—
(i)
to discuss any changes to the goals, objectives, and policies of the agency; and
(ii)
to invite public comment regarding such changes.
(B)

Availability of information and notice.—
Not later than 45 days before the date of any hearing described in subparagraph (A), a qualified public housing agency shall—
(i)
make all information relevant to the hearing and any determinations of the agency regarding changes to the goals, objectives, and policies of the agency to be considered at the hearing available for inspection by the public at the principal office of the public housing agency during normal business hours; and
(ii)
publish a notice informing the public that—
(I)
the information is available as required under clause (i); and
(II)
a public hearing under subparagraph (A) will be conducted.
(g)

Amendments and Modifications to Plans.—
(1)

In general.—
Except as provided in paragraph (2), nothing in this section shall preclude a public housing agency, after submitting a plan to the Secretary in accordance with this section, from amending or modifying any policy, rule, regulation, or plan of the public housing agency, except that a significant amendment or modification may not—
(A)
be adopted, other than at a duly called meeting of board of directors (or similar governing body) of the public housing agency that is open to the public; and
(B)
be implemented, until notification of the amendment or modification is provided to the Secretary and approved in accordance with subsection (i).
(2)

Consistency and notice.—
Each significant amendment or modification to a public housing agency plan submitted to the Secretary under this section shall—
(A)
meet the requirements under subsection (c)(2) (relating to consultation with resident advisory board and consistency with comprehensive housing affordability strategies); and
(B)
be subject to the notice and public hearing requirements of subsection (f).
(h)

Submission of Plans.—
(1)

Initial submission.—
Each public housing agency shall submit the initial plan required by this section, and any amendment or modification to the initial plan, to the Secretary at such time and in such form as the Secretary shall require.
(2)

Annual submission.—
Not later than 75 days before the start of the fiscal year of the public housing agency, after submission of the initial plan required by this section in accordance with subparagraph (A), each public housing agency shall annually submit to the Secretary a plan update, including any amendments or modifications to the public housing agency plan.
(i)

Review and Determination of Compliance.—
(1)

Review.—
Subject to paragraph (2), after submission of the public housing agency plan or any amendment or modification to the plan to the Secretary, to the extent that the Secretary considers such action to be necessary to make determinations under this paragraph, the Secretary shall review the public housing agency plan (including any amendments or modifications thereto) and determine whether the contents of the plan—
(A)
set forth the information required by this section and this Act to be contained in a public housing agency plan;
(B)
are consistent with information and data available to the Secretary, including the approved comprehensive housing affordability strategy under title I of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act for the jurisdiction in which the public housing agency is located; and
(C)
are not prohibited by or inconsistent with any provision of this title or other applicable law.
(2)

Elements exempted from review.—
The Secretary may, by regulation, provide that one or more elements of a public housing agency plan shall be reviewed only if the element is challenged, except that the Secretary shall review the information submitted in each plan pursuant to paragraphs (3)(B), (8), and (15) of subsection (d).
(3)

Disapproval.—
The Secretary may disapprove a public housing agency plan (or any amendment or modification thereto) only if Secretary 15 determines that the contents of the plan (or amendment or modification) do not comply with the requirements under subparagraph 15 (A) through (C) of paragraph (1).
^{15}
So in law.
(4)

Determination of compliance.—
(A)

In general.—
Except as provided in subsection (j)(2), not later than 75 days after the date on which a public housing agency plan is submitted in accordance with this section, the Secretary shall make the determination under paragraph (1) and provide written notice to the public housing agency if the plan has been disapproved. If the Secretary disapproves the plan, the notice shall state with specificity the reasons for the disapproval.
(B)

Failure to provide notice of disapproval.—
In the case of a plan disapproved, if the Secretary does not provide notice of disapproval under subparagraph (A) before the expiration of the period described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall be considered, for purposes of this Act, to have made a determination that the plan complies with the requirements under this section and the agency shall be considered to have been notified of compliance upon the expiration of such period. The preceding sentence shall not preclude judicial review regarding such compliance pursuant to chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code, or an action regarding such compliance under section 1979 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (42 U.S.C. 1983).
(5)

Public availability.—
A public housing agency shall make the approved plan of the agency available to the general public.
(j)

Troubled and At-Risk PHAs.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary may require, for each public housing agency that is at risk of being designated as troubled under section 6(j)(2) or is designated as troubled under section 6(j)(2), that the public housing agency plan for such agency include such additional information as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, in accordance with such standards as the Secretary may establish or in accordance with such determinations as the Secretary may make on an agency-by-agency basis.
(2)

Troubled agencies.—
The Secretary shall provide explicit written approval or disapproval, in a timely manner, for a public housing agency plan submitted by any public housing agency designated by the Secretary as a troubled public housing agency under section 6(j)(2).
(k)

Streamlined plan.—
In carrying out this section, the Secretary may establish a streamlined public housing agency plan for—
(A)16
public housing agencies that are determined by the Secretary to be high performing public housing agencies;
^{16}
Indented so in law. Subparagraphs (A) through (C) probably should be designated as paragraphs (1) through (3).
(B)16
public housing agencies with less than 250 public housing units that have not been designated as troubled under section 6(j)(2); and
(C)16
public housing agencies that only administer tenant-based assistance and that do not own or operate public housing.
(l)

Compliance With Plan.—
(1)

In general.—
In providing assistance under this title, a public housing agency shall comply with the rules, standards, and policies established in the public housing agency plan of the public housing agency approved under this section.
(2)

Investigation and enforcement.—
In carrying out this title, the Secretary shall—
(A)
provide an appropriate response to any complaint concerning noncompliance by a public housing agency with the applicable public housing agency plan; and
(B)
if the Secretary determines, based on a finding of the Secretary or other information available to the Secretary, that a public housing agency is not complying with the applicable public housing agency plan, take such actions as the Secretary determines to be appropriate to ensure such compliance.

contract provisions and requirements
Sec. 6.
[42 U.S.C. 1437d]
(a)
The Secretary may include in any contract for loans, contributions, sale, lease, mortgage, or any other agreement or instrument made pursuant to this Act, such covenants, conditions, or provisions as he may deem necessary in order to insure the lower income character of the project involved, in a manner consistent with the public housing agency plan. Any such contract shall require that, except in the case of housing predominantly for elderly or disabled families, high-rise elevator projects shall not be provided for families with children unless the Secretary makes a determination that there is no practical alternative.
(b)
(1)
Each contract for loans (other than preliminary loans) or contributions for the development, acquisition, or operation of public housing shall provide that the total development cost of the project on which the computation of any annual contributions under this Act may be based may not exceed the amount determined under paragraph (2) (for the appropriate structure type) unless the Secretary provides otherwise, and in any case may not exceed 110 per centum of such amount unless the Secretary for good cause determines otherwise.
(2)
For purposes of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall determine the total development cost by multiplying the construction cost guideline for the project (which shall be determined by averaging the current construction costs, as listed by not less than 2 nationally recognized residential construction cost indices, for publicly bid construction of a good and sound quality) by—
(A)
in the case of elevator type structures, 1.6; and
(B)
in the case of nonelevator type structures, 1.75.
(3)
In calculating the total development cost of a project under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall consider only capital assistance provided by the Secretary to a public housing agency that are 17 authorized for use in connection with the development of public housing, and shall exclude all other amounts, including amounts provided under—
^{17}
So in law.
(A)
the HOME investment partnerships program authorized under title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act; or
(B)
the community development block grants program under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
(4)
The Secretary may restrict the amount of capital funds that a public housing agency may use to pay for housing construction costs. For purposes of this paragraph, housing construction costs include the actual hard costs for the construction of units, builders' overhead and profit, utilities from the street, and finish landscaping.
(c)
Every contract for contributions shall provide that—
(1)
the Secretary may require the public housing agency to review and revise its maximum income limits if the Secretary determines that changed conditions in the locality make such revision necessary in achieving the purposes of this Act;
(2)
the public housing agency shall determine, and so certify to the Secretary, that each family in the project was admitted in accordance with duly adopted regulations and approved income limits; and the public housing agency shall review the incomes of families living in the project no less frequently than annually;
(3)
the public housing agency shall promptly notify (i) any applicant determined to be ineligible for admission to the project of the basis for such determination and provide the applicant upon request, within a reasonable time after the determination is made, with an opportunity for an informal hearing on such determination, and (ii) any applicant determined to be eligible for admission to the project of the approximate date of occupancy insofar as such date can be reasonably determined;
(4)
the public housing agency shall comply with such procedures and requirements as the Secretary may prescribe to assure that sound management practices will be followed in the operation of the project, including requirements pertaining to—
(A)
making dwelling units in public housing available for occupancy, which shall provide that the public housing agency may establish a system for making dwelling units available that provides preference for such occupancy to families having certain characteristics; each system of preferences established pursuant to this subparagraph shall be based upon local housing needs and priorities, as determined by the public housing agency using generally accepted data sources, including any information obtained pursuant to an opportunity for public comment as provided under section 5A(f) and under the requirements applicable to the comprehensive housing affordability strategy for the relevant jurisdiction;
(B)
the establishment of satisfactory procedures designed to assure the prompt payment and collection of rents and the prompt processing of evictions in the case of nonpayment of rent;
(C)
the establishment of effective tenant-management relationships designated to assure the satisfactory standards of tenant security and project maintenance are formulated and that the public housing agency (together with tenant councils where they exist) enforces those standards fully and effectively;
(D)
the development by local housing authority managements of viable homeownership opportunity programs for low-income families capable of assuming the responsibilities of homeownership;
(E)
for each agency that receives assistance under this title, the establishment and maintenance of a system of accounting for rental collections and costs (including administrative, utility, maintenance, repair and other operating costs) for each project or operating cost center (as determined by the Secretary), which collections and costs shall be made available to the general public and submitted to the appropriate local public official (as determined by the Secretary); except that the Secretary may permit agencies owning or operating less than 500 units to comply with the requirements of this subparagraph by accounting on an agency-wide basis; and
(F)
requiring the public housing agency to ensure and maintain compliance with subtitle C of title VI of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 and any regulations issued under such subtitle.
(d)
Every contract for contributions with respect to a low-income housing project shall provide that no contributions by the Secretary shall be made available for such project unless such project (exclusive of any portion thereof which is not assisted by contributions under this Act) is exempt from all real and personal property taxes levied or imposed by the State, city, county, or other political subdivision; and such contract shall require the public housing agency to make payments in lieu of taxes equal to 10 per centum of the sum of the shelter rents charged in such project, or such lesser amount as (i) is prescribed by State law, or (ii) is agreed to by the local governing body in its agreement for local cooperation with the public housing agency required under section 5(e)(2) of this Act, or (iii) is due to failure of a local public body or bodies other than the public housing agency to perform any obligation under such agreement. If any such project is not exempt from all real and personal property taxes levied or imposed by the State, city, county, or other political subdivision, such contract shall provide, in lieu of the requirement for tax exemption and payments in lieu of taxes, that no contributions by the Secretary shall be made available for such project unless and until the State, city, county, or other political subdivision in which such project is situated shall contribute, in the form of cash or tax remission, the amount by which the taxes paid with respect to the project exceed 10 per centum of the shelter rents charged in such project.
[(e)
[Repealed.] ]
(f)

Housing Quality Requirements.—
(1)

In general.—
Each contract for contributions for a public housing agency shall require that the agency maintain its public housing in a condition that complies with standards which meet or exceed the housing quality standards established under paragraph (2).
(2)

Federal standards.—
The Secretary shall establish housing quality standards under this paragraph that ensure that public housing dwelling units are safe and habitable. Such standards shall include requirements relating to habitability, including maintenance, health and sanitation factors, condition, and construction of dwellings, and shall, to the greatest extent practicable, be consistent with the standards established under section 8(o)(8)(B)(i). The Secretary may determine whether the laws, regulations, standards, or codes of any State or local jurisdiction meet or exceed these standards, for purposes of this subsection.
(3)

Annual inspections.—
Each public housing agency that owns or operates public housing shall make an annual inspection of each public housing project to determine whether units in the project are maintained in accordance with the requirements under paragraph (1). The agency shall retain the results of such inspections and, upon the request of the Secretary, the Inspector General for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or any auditor conducting an audit under section 5(h), shall make such results available.
(g)
Every contract for contributions (including contracts which amend or supersede contracts previously made) may provide that—
(1)
upon the occurrence of a substantial default in respect to the covenants or conditions to which the public housing agency is subject (as such substantial default shall be defined in such contract), the public housing agency shall be obligated at the option of the Secretary either to convey title in any case where, in the determination of the Secretary (which determination shall be final and conclusive), such conveyance of title is necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act, or to deliver to the Secretary possession of the project, as then constituted, to which such contract relates; and
(2)
the Secretary shall be obligated to reconvey or redeliver possession of the project, as constituted at the time of reconveyance or redelivery, to such public housing agency or to its successor (if such public housing agency or a successor exists) upon such terms as shall be prescribed in such contract, and as soon as practicable (i) after the Secretary is satisfied that all defaults with respect to the project have been cured, and that the project will, in order to fulfill the purposes of this Act, thereafter be operated in accordance with the terms of such contract; or (ii) after the termination of the obligation to make annual contributions available unless there are any obligations or covenants of the public housing agency to the Secretary which are then in default. Any prior conveyances and reconveyances or deliveries and redeliveries of possession shall not exhaust the right to require a conveyance or delivery of possession of the project to the Secretary pursuant to subparagraph (1)18 upon the subsequent occurrence of a substantial default.
^{18}
So in law. Probably intended to refer to paragraph (1).
Whenever such a contract for annual contributions includes provisions which the Secretary in such contract determines are in accordance with this subsection, and the portion of the annual contribution payable for debt service requirements pursuant to such contract has been pledged by the public housing agency as security for the payment of the principal and interest on any of its obligations, the Secretary (notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act) shall continue to make such annual contributions available for the project so long as any of such obligations remain outstanding, and may covenant in such contract that in any event such annual contributions shall in each year be at least equal to an amount which, together with such income or other funds as are actually available from the project for the purpose at the time such annual contribution is made, will suffice for the payment of all installments, falling due within the next succeeding twelve months, of principal and interest on the obligations for which the annual contributions provided for in the contract shall have been pledged as security. In no case shall such annual contributions be in excess of the maximum sum specified in the contract involved, nor for longer than the remainder of the maximum period fixed by the contract.
(h)
On or after October 1, 1983, the Secretary may enter into a contract involving new construction only if the public housing agency demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the cost of new construction in the neighborhood where the public housing agency determines the housing is needed is less than the cost of acquisition or acquisition and rehabilitation in such neighborhood, including any reserve fund under subsection (i), would be.
(i)
The Secretary may, upon application by a public housing agency in connection with the acquisition of housing for use as public housing, establish and set aside a reserve fund in an amount not to exceed 30 per centum of the acquisition cost which shall be available for use for major repairs to such housing.
(j)
(1)
The Secretary shall develop and publish in the Federal Register indicators to assess the management performance of public housing agencies and resident management corporations. The indicators shall be established by rule under section 553 of title 5, United States Code. Such indicators shall enable the Secretary to evaluate the performance of public housing agencies and resident management corporations in all major areas of management operations. The Secretary shall, in particular, use the following indicators:19
^{19}
Section 113(e)(1)(C) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–550; 106 Stat. 3691) amended this sentence by striking “indicators.” and inserting “indicators for public housing agencies, to the extent practicable:”. Because the matter to be struck by the amendment does not appear in this sentence, the amendment could not be executed.
(A)
The number and percentage of vacancies within an agency's inventory, including the progress that an agency has made within the previous 3 years to reduce such vacancies.
(B)
The amount and percentage of funds provided to the public housing agency from the Capital Fund under section 9(d) which remain unobligated by the public housing agency after 3 years.
(C)
The percentage of rents uncollected.
(D)
The utility consumption (with appropriate adjustments to reflect different regions and unit sizes).
(E)
The average period of time that an agency requires to repair and turn-around vacant units.
(F)
The proportion of maintenance work orders outstanding, including any progress that an agency has made during the preceding 3 years to reduce the period of time required to complete maintenance work orders.
(G)
The percentage of units that an agency fails to inspect to ascertain maintenance or modernization needs within such period of time as the Secretary deems appropriate (with appropriate adjustments, if any, for large and small agencies).
(H)
The extent to which the public housing agency—
(i)
coordinates, promotes, or provides effective programs and activities to promote the economic self-sufficiency of public housing residents; and
(ii)
provides public housing residents with opportunities for involvement in the administration of the public housing.
(I)
The extent to which the public housing agency—
(i)
implements effective screening and eviction policies and other anticrime strategies; and
(ii)
coordinates with local government officials and residents in the project and implementation of such strategies.
(J)
The extent to which the public housing agency is providing acceptable basic housing conditions.
(K)
Any other factors as the Secretary deems appropriate.20
^{20}
The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1992, Public Law 102-139, 105 Stat. 757, provides as follows:
``Section 6(j)(1) of the Housing Act of 1937, 42 U.S.C. 1437d(j)(1), section 502(a) of the National Affordable Housing Act, is amended as follows:
``(1) by adding at the end of subparagraph (H) the following language: “which shall not exceed the seven factors in the statute, plus an additional five”; and
``(2) by adding as subparagraph (I) the following:
`(I) The Secretary shall:
`(1) administer the system of evaluating public housing agencies flexibly to ensure that such agencies are not penalized as result of circumstances beyond their control;
`(2) reflect in the weights assigned to the various indicators the differences in the difficulty of managing individual projects that result from their physical condition and their neighborhood environment; and
`(3) determine a public housing agency's status as `troubled with respect to the program under section 14' based upon factors solely related to its ability to carry out that program.'.''.
The amendments were probably intended to be made to section 6(j)(1) of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended by section 502(a) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. Subparagraph (H), referred to in paragraph (1) of this provision from the appropriations Act, has since been redesignated as subparagraph (K).
(2)
(A)
(i)
The Secretary shall, under the rulemaking procedures under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, establish procedures for designating troubled public housing agencies, which procedures shall include identification of serious and substantial failure to perform as measured by the performance indicators specified under paragraph (1) and such other factors as the Secretary may deem to be appropriate. Such procedures shall provide that an agency that fails on a widespread basis to provide acceptable basic housing conditions for its residents shall be designated as a troubled public housing agency. The Secretary may use a simplified set of indicators for public housing agencies with less than 250 public housing units. The Secretary shall also designate, by rule under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, agencies that are troubled with respect to the program for assistance from the Capital Fund under section 9(d).
(ii)
The Secretary may also, in consultation with national organizations representing public housing agencies and public officials (as the Secretary determines appropriate), identify and commend public housing agencies that meet the performance standards established under paragraph (1) in an exemplary manner.
(iii)
The Secretary shall establish procedures for public housing agencies to appeal designation as a troubled agency (including designation as a troubled agency for purposes of the program for assistance from the Capital Fund under section 9(d)), to petition for removal of such designation, and to appeal any refusal to remove such designation.
(B)
(i)
Upon designating a public housing agency with more than 250 units as troubled pursuant to subparagraph (A) and determining that an assessment under this subparagraph will not duplicate any comparable and recent review, the Secretary shall provide for an on-site, independent assessment of the management of the agency.
(ii)
To the extent the Secretary deems appropriate (taking into account an agency's performance under the indicators specified under paragraph (1)), the assessment team shall also consider issues relating to the agency's resident population and physical inventory, including the extent to which (I) the agency's comprehensive plan prepared pursuant to section 14 adequately and appropriately addresses the rehabilitation needs of the agency's inventory, (II) residents of the agency are involved in and informed of significant management decisions, and (III) any projects in the agency's inventory are severely distressed and eligible for assistance pursuant to section 24.
(iii)
An independent assessment under this subparagraph shall be carried out by a team of knowledgeable individuals selected by the Secretary (referred to in this section as the “assessment team”) with expertise in public housing and real estate management. In conducting an assessment, the assessment team shall consult with the residents and with public and private entities in the jurisdiction in which the public housing is located. The assessment team shall provide to the Secretary and the public housing agency a written report, which shall contain, at a minimum, recommendations for such management improvements as are necessary to eliminate or substantially remedy existing deficiencies.
(C)
The Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with each troubled public housing agency, after reviewing the report submitted pursuant to subparagraph (B) (if applicable) and consulting with the agency's assessment team.
To the extent the Secretary deems appropriate (taking into account an agency's performance under the indicators specified under paragraph (1)), such agreement shall also set forth a plan for enhancing resident involvement in the management of the public housing agency.21 Such agreement shall set forth—
^{21}
So in law. This new flush sentence probably should have been inserted after clause (iii) of this subparagraph. See section 113(a)(3)(B) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, Public Law 102–550.
(i)
targets for improving performance as measured by the performance indicators specified under paragraph (1) and other requirements within a specified period of time;
(ii)
strategies for meeting such targets, including a description of the technical assistance that the Secretary will make available to the agency; and
(iii)
incentives or sanctions for effective implementation of such strategies, which may include any constraints on the use of funds that the Secretary determines are appropriate.
The Secretary and the public housing agency shall, to the maximum extent practicable, seek the assistance of local public and private entities in carrying out the agreement.
(D)22
The Secretary shall apply the provisions of this paragraph to resident management corporations as well as public housing agencies.
^{22}
Indented so in law.
(3)
(A)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law or of any contract for contributions, upon the occurrence of events or conditions that constitute a substantial default by a public housing agency with respect to the covenants or conditions to which the public housing agency is subject or an agreement entered into under paragraph (2), the Secretary may—
(i)
solicit competitive proposals from other public housing agencies and private housing management agents which (I) in the discretion of the Secretary, may be selected by existing public housing residents through administrative procedures established by the Secretary, and (II) if appropriate, shall provide for such agents to manage all, or part, of the housing administered by the public housing agency or all or part of the other programs of the agency;
(ii)
petition for the appointment of a receiver (which may be another public housing agency or a private management corporation) of the public housing agency to any district court of the United States or to any court of the State in which the real property of the public housing agency is situated, that is authorized to appoint a receiver for the purposes and having the powers prescribed in this subsection;
(iii)
solicit competitive proposals from other public housing agencies and private entities with experience in construction management in the eventuality that such agencies or firms may be needed to oversee implementation of assistance made available from the Capital Fund under section 9(d) for the housing; and
(iv)
take possession of all or part of the public housing agency, including all or part of any project or program of the agency, including any project or program under any other provision of this title; and
(v)
require the agency to make other arrangements acceptable to the Secretary and in the best interests of the public housing residents and families assisted under section 8 for managing all, or part, of the public housing administered by the agency or of the programs of the agency.
Residents of a public housing agency designated as troubled pursuant to paragraph (2)(A) may petition the Secretary in writing to take 1 or more of the actions referred to in this subparagraph. The Secretary shall respond to such petitions in a timely manner with a written description of the actions, if any, the Secretary plans to take and, where applicable, the reasons why such actions differ from the course proposed by the residents.
(B)
(i)
If a public housing agency is identified as troubled under this subsection, the Secretary shall notify the agency of the troubled status of the agency.
(ii)
(I)
Upon the expiration of the 1-year period beginning on the later of the date on which the agency receives initial notice from the Secretary of the troubled status of the agency under clause (i) and the date of the enactment of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199823, the agency shall improve its performance, as measured by the performance indicators established pursuant to paragraph (1), by at least 50 percent of the difference between the most recent performance measurement and the measurement necessary to remove that agency's designation as troubled.
^{23}
October 21, 1998.
(II)
Upon the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the later of the date on which the agency receives initial notice from the Secretary of the troubled status of the agency under clause (i) and the date of the enactment of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199823, the agency shall improve its performance, as measured by the performance indicators established pursuant to paragraph (1), such that the agency is no longer designated as troubled.
(III)
In the event that a public housing agency designated as troubled under this subsection fails to comply with the requirements set forth in subclause (I) or (II), the Secretary shall—
- (aa)
in the case of a troubled public housing agency with 1,250 or more units, petition for the appointment of a receiver pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii); or
- (bb)
in the case of a troubled public housing agency with fewer than 1,250 units, either petition for the appointment of a receiver pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii), or take possession of the public housing agency (including all or part of any project or program of the agency) pursuant to subparagraph (A)(iv) and appoint, on a competitive or noncompetitive basis, an individual or entity as an administrative receiver to assume the responsibilities of the Secretary for the administration of all or part of the public housing agency (including all or part of any project or program of the agency).
This subparagraph shall not be construed to limit the courses of action available to the Secretary under subparagraph (A).
(IV)
During the period between the date on which a petition is filed under subclause (III)(aa) and the date on which a receiver assumes responsibility for the management of the public housing agency under such subclause, the Secretary may take possession of the public housing agency (including all or part of any project or program of the agency) pursuant to subparagraph (A)(iv) and may appoint, on a competitive or noncompetitive basis, an individual or entity as an administrative receiver to assume the responsibilities of the Secretary for the administration of all or part of the public housing agency (including all or part of any project or program of the agency).
(C)
If a receiver is appointed pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii), in addition to the powers accorded by the court appointing the receiver, the receiver—
(i)
may abrogate any contract to which the United States or an agency of the United States is not a party that, in the receiver's written determination (which shall include the basis for such determination), substantially impedes correction of the substantial default, but only after the receiver determines that reasonable efforts to renegotiate such contract have failed;
(ii)
may demolish and dispose of all or part of the assets of the public housing agency (including all or part of any project of the agency) in accordance with section 18, including disposition by transfer of properties to resident-supported nonprofit entities;
(iii)
if determined to be appropriate by the Secretary, may seek the establishment, as permitted by applicable State and local law, of 1 or more new public housing agencies;
(iv)
if determined to be appropriate by the Secretary, may seek consolidation of all or part of the agency (including all or part of any project or program of the agency), as permitted by applicable State and local laws, into other well-managed public housing agencies with the consent of such well-managed agencies; and
(v)
shall not be required to comply with any State or local law relating to civil service requirements, employee rights (except civil rights), procurement, or financial or administrative controls that, in the receiver's written determination (which shall include the basis for such determination), substantially impedes correction of the substantial default.
(D)
(i)
If, pursuant to subparagraph (A)(iv), the Secretary takes possession of all or part of the public housing agency, including all or part of any project or program of the agency, the Secretary—
(I)
may abrogate any contract to which the United States or an agency of the United States is not a party that, in the written determination of the Secretary (which shall include the basis for such determination), substantially impedes correction of the substantial default, but only after the Secretary determines that reasonable efforts to renegotiate such contract have failed;
(II)
may demolish and dispose of all or part of the assets of the public housing agency (including all or part of any project of the agency) in accordance with section 18, including disposition by transfer of properties to resident-supported nonprofit entities;
(III)
may seek the establishment, as permitted by applicable State and local law, of 1 or more new public housing agencies;
(IV)
may seek consolidation of all or part of the agency (including all or part of any project or program of the agency), as permitted by applicable State and local laws, into other well-managed public housing agencies with the consent of such well-managed agencies;
(V)
shall not be required to comply with any State or local law relating to civil service requirements, employee rights (except civil rights), procurement, or financial or administrative controls that, in the Secretary's written determination (which shall include the basis for such determination), substantially impedes correction of the substantial default; and
(VI)
shall, without any action by a district court of the United States, have such additional authority as a district court of the United States would have the authority to confer upon a receiver to achieve the purposes of the receivership.
(ii)
If, pursuant to subparagraph (B)(ii)(III)(bb), the Secretary appoints an administrative receiver to assume the responsibilities of the Secretary for the administration of all or part of the public housing agency (including all or part of any project or program of the agency), the Secretary may delegate to the administrative receiver any or all of the powers given the Secretary by this subparagraph, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate and subject to clause (iii).
(iii)
An administrative receiver may not take an action described in subclause (III) or (IV) of clause (i) unless the Secretary first approves an application by the administrative receiver to authorize such action.
(E)
The Secretary may make available to receivers and other entities selected or appointed pursuant to this paragraph such assistance as the Secretary determines in the discretion of the Secretary is necessary and available to remedy the substantial deterioration of living conditions in individual public housing projects or other related emergencies that endanger the health, safety, and welfare of public housing residents or families assisted under section 8. A decision made by the Secretary under this paragraph shall not be subject to review in any court of the United States, or in any court of any State, territory, or possession of the United States.
(F)
In any proceeding under subparagraph (A)(ii), upon a determination that a substantial default has occurred and without regard to the availability of alternative remedies, the court shall appoint a receiver to conduct the affairs of all or part of the public housing agency in a manner consistent with this Act and in accordance with such further terms and conditions as the court may provide. The receiver appointed may be another public housing agency, a private management corporation, or any other person or appropriate entity. The court shall have power to grant appropriate temporary or preliminary relief pending final disposition of the petition by the Secretary.
(G)
The appointment of a receiver pursuant to this paragraph may be terminated, upon the petition of any party, when the court determines that all defaults have been cured or the public housing agency is capable again of discharging its duties.
(H)
If the Secretary (or an administrative receiver appointed by the Secretary) takes possession of a public housing agency (including all or part of any project or program of the agency), or if a receiver is appointed by a court, the Secretary or receiver shall be deemed to be acting not in the official capacity of that person or entity, but rather in the capacity of the public housing agency, and any liability incurred, regardless of whether the incident giving rise to that liability occurred while the Secretary or receiver was in possession of all or part of the public housing agency (including all or part of any project or program of the agency), shall be the liability of the public housing agency.
(4)

Sanctions for improper use of amounts.—
(A)

In general.—
In addition to any other actions authorized under this Act, if the Secretary finds that a public housing agency receiving assistance amounts under section 9 for public housing has failed to comply substantially with any provision of this Act relating to the public housing program, the Secretary may—
(i)
terminate assistance payments under this section 924 to the agency;
^{24}
So in law.
(ii)
withhold from the agency amounts from the total allocations for the agency pursuant to section 9;
(iii)
reduce the amount of future assistance payments under section 9 to the agency by an amount equal to the amount of such payments that were not expended in accordance with this Act;
(iv)
limit the availability of assistance amounts provided to the agency under section 9 to programs, projects, or activities not affected by such failure to comply;
(v)
withhold from the agency amounts allocated for the agency under section 8; or
(vi)
order other corrective action with respect to the agency.
(B)

Termination of compliance action.—
If the Secretary takes action under subparagraph (A) with respect to a public housing agency, the Secretary shall—
(i)
in the case of action under subparagraph (A)(i), resume payments of assistance amounts under section 9 to the agency in the full amount of the total allocations under section 9 for the agency at the time that the Secretary first determines that the agency will comply with the provisions of this Act relating to the public housing program;
(ii)
in the case of action under clause (ii) or (v) of subparagraph (A), make withheld amounts available as the Secretary considers appropriate to ensure that the agency complies with the provisions of this Act relating to such program;
(iii)
in the case of action under subparagraph (A)(iv), release such restrictions at the time that the Secretary first determines that the agency will comply with the provisions of this Act relating to such program; or
(iv)
in the case of action under subparagraph (vi), cease such action at the time that the Secretary first determines that the agency will comply with the provisions of this Act relating to such program.
(5)
The Secretary shall submit to the Congress annually, as a part of the report of the Secretary under section 8 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act, a report that—
(A)
identifies the public housing agencies that have been designated as troubled under paragraph (2);
(B)
describes the grounds on which such public housing agencies were designated as troubled and continue to be so designated;
(C)
describes the agreements that have been entered into with such agencies under such paragraph;
(D)
describes the status of progress under such agreements;
(E)
describes any action that has been taken in accordance with paragraph (3)25; and
^{25}
Section 113(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, Public Law 102–550, provides as follows:
``(d) Annual Reports.—Section 6(j)(5)(E) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437d(j)(4)(E)), as so redesignated by subsection (d)(1), is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following: “, including an accounting of the authorized funds that have been expended to support such actions”.''.
The amendment could not be executed because this paragraph was designated as paragraph (4) at the time of enactment. The subsection heading and the United States Code citation indicate that the amendment probably was intended to be made to this subparagraph.
(F)
describes the status of any public housing agency designated as troubled with respect to the program for assistance from the Capital Fund under section 9(d) and specifies the amount of assistance the agency received under such program.
(6)
(A)
To the extent that the Secretary determines such action to be necessary in order to ensure the accuracy of any certification made under this section, the Secretary shall require an independent auditor to review documentation or other information maintained by a public housing agency pursuant to this section to substantiate each certification submitted by the agency or corporation relating to the performance of that agency or corporation.
(B)
The Secretary may withhold, from assistance otherwise payable to the agency or corporation under section 9, amounts sufficient to pay for the reasonable costs of any review under this paragraph.
(7)
The Secretary shall apply the provisions of this subsection to resident management corporations in the same manner as applied to public housing agencies.
(k)
The Secretary shall by regulation require each public housing agency receiving assistance under this Act to establish and implement an administrative grievance procedure under which tenants will—
(1)
be advised of the specific grounds of any proposed adverse public housing agency action;
(2)
have an opportunity for a hearing before an impartial party upon timely request within any period applicable under subsection (l);
(3)
have an opportunity to examine any documents or records or regulations related to the proposed action;
(4)
be entitled to be represented by another person of their choice at any hearing;
(5)
be entitled to ask questions of witnesses and have others make statements on their behalf; and
(6)
be entitled to receive a written decision by the public housing agency on the proposed action.
For any grievance concerning an eviction or termination of tenancy that involves any activity that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises of other tenants or employees of the public housing agency or any violent or drug-related criminal activity on or off such premises, or any activity resulting in a felony conviction, the agency may (A) establish an expedited grievance procedure as the Secretary shall provide by rule under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, or (B) exclude from its grievance procedure any such grievance, in any jurisdiction which requires that prior to eviction, a tenant be given a hearing in court which the Secretary determines provides the basic elements of due process (which the Secretary shall establish by rule under section 553 of title 5, United States Code). Such elements of due process shall not include a requirement that the tenant be provided an opportunity to examine relevant documents within the possession of the public housing agency. The agency shall provide to the tenant a reasonable opportunity, prior to hearing or trial, to examine any relevant documents, records, or regulations directly related to the eviction or termination.
(l)
Each public housing agency shall utilize leases which—
(1)
have a term of 12 months and shall be automatically renewed for all purposes except for noncompliance with the requirements under section 12(c) (relating to community service requirements); except that nothing in this title shall prevent a resident from seeking timely redress in court for failure to renew based on such noncompliance;
(2)
do not contain unreasonable terms and conditions;
(3)
obligate the public housing agency to maintain the project in a decent, safe, and sanitary condition;
(4)
require the public housing agency to give adequate written notice of termination of the lease which shall not be less than—
(A)
a reasonable period of time, but not to exceed 30 days—
(i)
if the health or safety of other tenants, public housing agency employees, or persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises is threatened; or
(ii)
in the event of any drug-related or violent criminal activity or any felony conviction;
(B)
14 days in the case of nonpayment of rent; and
(C)
30 days in any other case, except that if a State or local law provides for a shorter period of time, such shorter period shall apply;
(5)
require that the public housing agency may not terminate the tenancy except for serious or repeated violation of the terms or conditions of the lease or for other good cause;
(6)
provide that any criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other tenants or any drug-related criminal activity on or off such premises, engaged in by a public housing tenant, any member of the tenant's household, or any guest or other person under the tenant's control, shall be cause for termination of tenancy;
(7)
specify that with respect to any notice of eviction or termination, notwithstanding any State law, a public housing tenant shall be informed of the opportunity, prior to any hearing or trial, to examine any relevant documents, records or regulations directly related to the eviction or termination;
(7)26
provide that any occupancy in violation of section 576(b) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (relating to ineligibility of illegal drug users and alcohol abusers) or the furnishing of any false or misleading information pursuant to section 577 of such Act (relating to termination of tenancy and assistance for illegal drug users and alcohol abusers) shall be cause for termination of tenancy;27
^{26}
So in law. Probably should be designated as paragraph (8).
^{27}
So in law.
(9)
provide that it shall be cause for immediate termination of the tenancy of a public housing tenant if such tenant—
(A)
is fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction, under the laws of the place from which the individual flees, for a crime, or attempt to commit a crime, which is a felony under the laws of the place from which the individual flees, or which, in the case of the State of New Jersey, is a high misdemeanor under the laws of such State; or
(2)28
is violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under Federal or State law.
^{28}
Indented and designated so in law. Probably should be designated as subparagraph (B).
For purposes of paragraph (5), the term “drug-related criminal activity” means the illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, use, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute, or use, of a controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)).
(m)
The Secretary shall not impose any unnecessarily duplicative or burdensome reporting requirements on tenants or public housing agencies assisted under this Act.
(n)
When a public housing agency evicts an individual or family from a dwelling unit for engaging in criminal activity, including drug-related criminal activity, the public housing agency shall notify the local post office serving that dwelling unit that such individual or family is no longer residing in the dwelling unit.
(o)
In providing housing in low-income housing projects, each public housing agency may coordinate with any local public agencies involved in providing for the welfare of children to make available dwelling units to—
(1)
families identified by the agencies as having a lack of adequate housing that is a primary factor—
(A)
in the imminent placement of a child in foster care; or
(B)
in preventing the discharge of a child from foster care and reunification with his or her family; and
(2)
youth, upon discharge from foster care, in cases in which return to the family or extended family or adoption is not available.
[(p)
[Repealed.] ]
(q)

Availability of Records.—
(1)

In general.—
(A)

Provision of information.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, except as provided in subparagraph (C), the National Crime Information Center, police departments, and other law enforcement agencies shall, upon request, provide information to public housing 29 agencies regarding the criminal conviction records of adult applicants for, or tenants of, public housing for purposes of applicant screening, lease enforcement, and eviction.
^{29}
Section 575(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, title V of Public Law 105–276, approved October 21, 1998, amended this subparagraph by striking “public housing” and inserting “covered housing”. Because the term “public housing” appears twice in this subparagraph, the amendment could not be executed. The amendment was probably intended to strike the second occurrence of the term.
(B)

Requests by owners of project-based section 8 housing.—
A public housing agency may make a request under subparagraph (A) for information regarding applicants for, or tenants of, housing that is provided project-based assistance under section 8 only if the housing is located within the jurisdiction of the agency and the owner of such housing has requested that the agency obtain such information on behalf of the owner. Upon such a request by the owner, the agency shall make a request under subparagraph (A) for the information. The agency may not make such information available to the owner but shall perform determinations for the owner regarding screening, lease enforcement, and eviction based on criteria supplied by the owner.
(C)

Exception.—
A law enforcement agency described in subparagraph (A) shall provide information under this paragraph relating to any criminal conviction of a juvenile only to the extent that the release of such information is authorized under the law of the applicable State, tribe, or locality.
(2)

Opportunity to dispute.—
Before an adverse action is taken with regard to assistance under this title on the basis of a criminal record, the public housing agency shall provide the tenant or applicant with a copy of the criminal record and an opportunity to dispute the accuracy and relevance of that record.
(3)

Fees.—
A public housing agency may be charged a reasonable fee for information provided under paragraph (1). In the case of a public housing agency obtaining information pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) for another owner of housing, the agency may pass such fee on to the owner initiating the request and may charge additional reasonable fees for making the request on behalf of the owner and taking other actions for owners under this subsection.
(4)

Records management.—
Each public housing agency shall establish and implement a system of records management that ensures that any criminal record received by the public housing agency is—
(A)
maintained confidentially;
(B)
not misused or improperly disseminated; and
(C)
destroyed, once the purpose for which the record was requested has been accomplished.
(5)

Confidentiality.—
A public housing agency receiving information under this subsection may use such information only for the purposes provided in this subsection and such information may not be disclosed to any person who is not an officer, employee, or authorized representative of the agency and who has a job-related need to have access to the information in connection with admission of applicants, eviction of tenants, or termination of assistance. For judicial eviction proceedings, disclosures may be made to the extent necessary. The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish procedures necessary to ensure that information provided under this subsection to a public housing agency is used, and confidentiality of such information is maintained, as required under this subsection. The Secretary shall establish standards for confidentiality of information obtained under this subsection by public housing agencies on behalf of owners.
(6)

Penalty.—
Any person who knowingly and willfully requests or obtains any information concerning an applicant for, or tenant of, covered housing assistance pursuant to the authority under this subsection under false pretenses, or any person who knowingly and willfully discloses any such information in any manner to any individual not entitled under any law to receive it, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not more than $5,000. The term “person” as used in this paragraph include an officer, employee, or authorized representative of any public housing agency.
(7)

Civil Action.—
Any applicant for, or tenant of, covered housing assistance affected by (A) a negligent or knowing disclosure of information referred to in this subsection about such person by an officer, employee, or authorized representative of any public housing agency, which disclosure is not authorized by this subsection, or (B) any other negligent or knowing action that is inconsistent with this subsection, may bring a civil action for damages and such other relief as may be appropriate against any public housing agency responsible for such unauthorized action. The district court of the United States in the district in which the affected applicant or tenant resides, in which such unauthorized action occurred, or in which the officer, employee, or representative alleged to be responsible for any such unauthorized action resides, shall have jurisdiction in such matters. Appropriate relief that may be ordered by such district courts shall include reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation costs.
(8)

Definitions.—
For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions shall apply:
(A)

Adult.—
The term “adult” means a person who is 18 years of age or older, or who has been convicted of a crime as an adult under any Federal, State, or tribal law.
(B)

Covered housing assistance.—
The term “covered housing assistance” means—
(i)
a dwelling unit in public housing;
(ii)
a dwelling unit in housing that is provided project-based assistance under section 8, including new construction and substantial rehabilitation projects; and
(iii)
tenant-based assistance under section 8.
(C)

Owner.—
The term “owner” means, with respect to covered housing assistance described in subparagraph (B)(ii), the entity or private person (including a cooperative or public housing agency) that has the legal right to lease or sublease dwelling units in the housing assisted.
(r)

Site-Based Waiting Lists.—
(1)

Authority.—
A public housing agency may establish procedures for maintaining waiting lists for admissions to public housing projects of the agency, which may include (notwithstanding any other law, regulation, handbook, or notice to the contrary) a system of site-based waiting lists under which applicants may apply directly at or otherwise designate the project or projects in which they seek to reside. All such procedures shall comply with all provisions of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act, and other applicable civil rights laws.
(2)

Notice.—
Any system described in paragraph (1) shall provide for the full disclosure by the public housing agency to each applicant of any option available to the applicant in the selection of the project in which to reside.
(s)

Authority To Require Access to Criminal Records.—
A public housing agency may require, as a condition of providing admission to the public housing program or assisted housing program under the jurisdiction of the public housing agency, that each adult member of the household provide a signed, written authorization for the public housing agency to obtain records described in subsection (q)(1) regarding such member of the household from the National Crime Information Center, police departments, and other law enforcement agencies.
(t)

Obtaining Information From Drug Abuse Treatment Facilities.—
(1)

Authority.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law other than the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), a public housing agency may require each person who applies for admission to public housing to sign one or more forms of written consent authorizing the agency to receive information from a drug abuse treatment facility that is solely related to whether the applicant is currently engaging in the illegal use of a controlled substance.
(2)

Confidentiality of applicant's records.—
(A)

Limitation on information requested.—
In a form of written consent, a public housing agency may request only whether the drug abuse treatment facility has reasonable cause to believe that the applicant is currently engaging in the illegal use of a controlled substance.
(B)

Records management.—
Each public housing agency that receives information under this subsection from a drug abuse treatment facility shall establish and implement a system of records management that ensures that any information received by the public housing agency under this subsection—
(i)
is maintained confidentially in accordance with section 543 of the Public Health Service Act (12 U.S.C. 290dd–2);
(ii)
is not misused or improperly disseminated; and
(iii)
is destroyed, as applicable—
(I)
not later than 5 business days after the date on which the public housing agency gives final approval for an application for admission; or
(II)
if the public housing agency denies the application for admission, in a timely manner after the date on which the statute of limitations for the commencement of a civil action from the applicant based upon that denial of admission has expired.
(C)

Expiration of written consent.—
In addition to the requirements of subparagraph (B), an applicant's signed written consent shall expire automatically after the public housing agency has made a final decision to either approve or deny the applicant's application for admittance to public housing.
(3)

Prohibition of discriminatory treatment of applicants.—
(A)

Forms signed.—
A public housing agency may only require an applicant for admission to public housing to sign one or more forms of written consent under this subsection if the public housing agency requires all such applicants to sign the same form or forms of written consent.
(B)

Circumstances of inquiry.—
A public housing agency may only make an inquiry to a drug abuse treatment facility under this subsection if—
(i)
the public housing agency makes the same inquiry with respect to all applicants; or
(ii)
the public housing agency only makes the same inquiry with respect to each and every applicant with respect to whom—
(I)
the public housing agency receives information from the criminal record of the applicant that indicates evidence of a prior arrest or conviction; or
(II)
the public housing agency receives information from the records of prior tenancy of the applicant that demonstrates that the applicant—
- (aa)
engaged in the destruction of property;
- (bb)
engaged in violent activity against another person; or
- (cc)
interfered with the right of peaceful enjoyment of the premises of another tenant.
(4)

Fee permitted.—
A drug abuse treatment facility may charge a public housing agency a reasonable fee for information provided under this subsection.
(5)

Disclosure permitted by treatment facilities.—
A drug abuse treatment facility shall not be liable for damages based on any information required to be disclosed pursuant to this subsection if such disclosure is consistent with section 543 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290dd–2).
(6)

Option to not request information.—
A public housing agency shall not be liable for damages based on its decision not to require each person who applies for admission to public housing to sign one or more forms of written consent authorizing the public housing agency to receive information from a drug abuse treatment facility under this subsection.
(7)

Definitions.—
For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions shall apply:
(A)

Drug abuse treatment facility.—
The term “drug abuse treatment facility” means an entity that—
(i)
is—
(I)
an identified unit within a general medical care facility; or
(II)
an entity other than a general medical care facility; and
(ii)
holds itself out as providing, and provides, diagnosis, treatment, or referral for treatment with respect to the illegal use of a controlled substance.
(B)

Controlled substance.—
The term “controlled substance” has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802).
(C)

Currently engaging in the illegal use of a controlled substance.—
The term “currently engaging in the illegal use of a controlled substance” means the illegal use of a controlled substance that occurred recently enough to justify a reasonable belief that an applicant's illegal use of a controlled substance is current or that continuing illegal use of a controlled substance by the applicant is a real and ongoing problem.
(8)

Effective date.—
This subsection shall take effect upon enactment and without the necessity of guidance from, or any regulation issued by, the Secretary.

designated housing for elderly and disabled families
Sec. 7.
[42 U.S.C. 1437e]
(a)

Authority To Provide Designated Housing.—
(1)

In general.—
Subject only to provisions of this section and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public housing agency for which a plan under subsection (d) is in effect may provide public housing projects (or portions of projects) designated for occupancy by (A) only elderly families, (B) only disabled families, or (C) elderly and disabled families.
(2)

Priority for occupancy.—
In determining priority for admission to public housing projects (or portions of projects) that are designated for occupancy as provided in paragraph (1), the public housing agency may make units in such projects (or portions) available only to the types of families for whom the project is designated.
(3)

Eligibility of near-elderly families.—
If a public housing agency determines that there are insufficient numbers of elderly families to fill all the units in a project (or portion of a project) designated under paragraph (1) for occupancy by only elderly families, the agency may provide that near-elderly families may occupy dwelling units in the project (or portion).
(b)

Standards Regarding Evictions.—
Except as provided in section 16(e)(1)(B), any tenant who is lawfully residing in a dwelling unit in a public housing project may not be evicted or otherwise required to vacate such unit because of the designation of the project (or portion of a project) pursuant to this section or because of any action taken by the Secretary or any public housing agency pursuant to this section.
(c)

Relocation Assistance.—
A public housing agency that designates any existing project or building, or portion thereof, for occupancy as provided under subsection (a)(1) shall provide, to each person and family who agrees to be relocated in connection with such designation—
(1)
notice of the designation and an explanation of available relocation benefits, as soon as is practicable for the agency and the person or family;
(2)
access to comparable housing (including appropriate services and design features), which may include tenant-based rental assistance under section 8, at a rental rate paid by the tenant that is comparable to that applicable to the unit from which the person or family has vacated; and
(3)
payment of actual, reasonable moving expenses.
(d)

Required Plan.—
A plan under this subsection for designating a project (or portion of a project) for occupancy under subsection (a)(1) is a plan, prepared by the public housing agency for the project and submitted to the Secretary, that—
(1)
establishes that the designation of the project is necessary—
(A)
to achieve the housing goals for the jurisdiction under the comprehensive housing affordability strategy under section 105 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act; and
(B)
to meet the housing needs of the low-income population of the jurisdiction; and
(2)
includes a description of—
(A)
the project (or portion of a project) to be designated;
(B)
the types of tenants for which the project is to be designated;
(C)
any supportive services to be provided to tenants of the designated project (or portion);
(D)
how the design and related facilities (as such term is defined in section 202(d)(8) of the Housing Act of 1959)30 of the project accommodate the special environmental needs of the intended occupants; and
^{30}
Probably intended to refer to section 202(d)(8) as in effect before October 1, 1991.
(E)
any plans to secure additional resources or housing assistance to provide assistance to families that may have been housed if occupancy in the project were not restricted pursuant to this section.
For purposes of this subsection, the term “supportive services” means services designed to meet the special needs of residents.
(e)

Review of Plans.—
(1)

Review and notification.—
The Secretary shall conduct a limited review of each plan under subsection (d) that is submitted to the Secretary to ensure that the plan is complete and complies with the requirements of subsection (d). The Secretary shall notify each public housing agency submitting a plan whether the plan complies with such requirements not later than 60 days after receiving the plan. If the Secretary does not notify the public housing agency, as required under this paragraph or paragraph (2), the plan shall be considered, for purposes of this section, to comply with the requirements under subsection (d) and the Secretary shall be considered to have notified the agency of such compliance upon the expiration of such 60-day period.
(2)

Notice of reasons for determination of noncompliance.—
If the Secretary determines that a plan, as submitted, does not comply with the requirements under subsection (d), the Secretary shall specify in the notice under paragraph (1) the reasons for the noncompliance and any modifications necessary for the plan to meet such requirements.
(3)

Standards for determination of noncompliance.—
The Secretary may determine that a plan does not comply with the requirements under subsection (d) only if—
(A)
the plan is incomplete in significant matters required under such subsection; or
(B)
there is evidence available to the Secretary that challenges, in a substantial manner, any information provided in the plan.
(4)

Treatment of existing plans.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a public housing agency shall be considered to have submitted a plan under this subsection if the agency has submitted to the Secretary an application and allocation plan under this section (as in effect before the date of the enactment of the Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 199631) that have not been approved or disapproved before such date of enactment.
^{31}
March 28, 1996.
(f)

Effectiveness.—
(1)

5-year effectiveness of original plan.—
A plan under subsection (d) shall be in effect for purposes of this section during the 5-year period that begins upon notification under subsection (e)(1) of the public housing agency that the plan complies with the requirements under subsection (d).
(2)

Renewal of plan.—
Upon the expiration of the 5-year period under paragraph (1) or any 2-year period under this paragraph, an agency may extend the effectiveness of the designation and plan for an additional 2-year period (that begins upon such expiration) by submitting to the Secretary any information needed to update the plan. The Secretary may not limit the number of times a public housing agency extends the effectiveness of a designation and plan under this paragraph.
(3)

Transition provision.—
Any application and allocation plan approved under this section (as in effect before the date of the enactment of the Housing Opportunity Program Extension Act of 199631) before such date of enactment shall be considered to be a plan under subsection (d) that is in effect for purposes of this section for the 5-year period beginning upon such approval.
(g)

Inapplicability of Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisitions Policy Act of 1970.—
No tenant of a public housing project shall be considered to be displaced for purposes of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisitions 32 Policy Act of 1970 because of the designation of any existing project or building, or portion thereof, for occupancy as provided under subsection (a) of this section.
^{32}
So in law. Probably should be “Acquisition”.

lower income housing assistance
Sec. 8.
[42 U.S.C. 1437f]
(a)
For the purpose of aiding lower-income families in obtaining a decent place to live and of promoting economically mixed housing, assistance payments may be made with respect to existing housing in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(b)

Other Existing Housing Programs.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary is authorized to enter into annual contributions contracts with public housing agencies pursuant to which such agencies may enter into contracts to make assistance payments to owners of existing dwelling units in accordance with this section. In areas where no public housing agency has been organized or where the Secretary determines that a public housing agency is unable to implement the provisions of this section, the Secretary is authorized to enter into such contracts and to perform the other functions assigned to a public housing agency by this section.
(2)
The Secretary is authorized to enter into annual contributions contracts with public housing agencies for the purpose of replacing public housing transferred in accordance with title III of this Act. Each contract entered into under this subsection shall be for a term of not more than 60 months.
(c)
(1)
(A)
An assistance contract entered into pursuant to this section shall establish the maximum monthly rent (including utilities and all maintenance and management charges) which the owner is entitled to receive for each dwelling unit with respect to which such assistance payments are to be made. The maximum monthly rent shall not exceed by more than 10 per centum the fair market rental established by the Secretary periodically but not less than annually for existing or newly constructed rental dwelling units of various sizes and types in the market area suitable for occupancy by persons assisted under this section, except that the maximum monthly rent may exceed the fair market rental (A) by more than 10 but not more than 20 per centum where the Secretary determines that special circumstances warrant such higher maximum rent or that such higher rent is necessary to the implementation of a housing strategy as defined in section 105 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, or (B) by such higher amount as may be requested by a tenant and approved by the public housing agency in accordance with paragraph (3)(B). In the case of newly constructed and substantially rehabilitated units, the exception in the preceding sentence shall not apply to more than 20 per centum of the total amount of authority to enter into annual contributions contracts for such units which is allocated to an area and obligated with respect to any fiscal year beginning on or after October 1, 1980. Each fair market rental in effect under this subsection shall be adjusted to be effective on October 1 of each year to reflect changes, based on the most recent available data trended so the rentals will be current for the year to which they apply, of rents for existing or newly constructed rental dwelling units, as the case may be, of various sizes and types in the market area suitable for occupancy by persons assisted under this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, after the date of enactment of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1977, the Secretary shall prohibit high-rise elevator projects for families with children unless there is no practical alternative. If units assisted under this section are exempt from local rent control while they are so assisted or otherwise, the maximum monthly rent for such units shall be reasonable in comparison with other units in the market area that are exempt from local rent control.
(B)
Fair market rentals for an area shall be published not less than annually by the Secretary on the site of the Department on the World Wide Web and in any other manner specified by the Secretary. Notice that such fair market rentals are being published shall be published in the Federal Register, and such fair market rentals shall become effective no earlier than 30 days after the date of such publication. The Secretary shall establish a procedure for public housing agencies and other interested parties to comment on such fair market rentals and to request, within a time specified by the Secretary, reevaluation of the fair market rentals in a jurisdiction before such rentals become effective. The Secretary shall cause to be published for comment in the Federal Register notices of proposed material changes in the methodology for estimating fair market rentals and notices specifying the final decisions regarding such proposed substantial methodological changes and responses to public comments.
(2)
(A)
The assistance contract shall provide for adjustment annually or more frequently in the maximum monthly rents for units covered by the contract to reflect changes in the fair market rentals established in the housing area for similar types and sizes of dwelling units or, if the Secretary determines, on the basis of a reasonable formula. However, where the maximum monthly rent, for a unit in a new construction, substantial rehabilitation, or moderate rehabilitation project, to be adjusted using an annual adjustment factor exceeds the fair market rental for an existing dwelling unit in the market area, the Secretary shall adjust the rent only to the extent that the owner demonstrates that the adjusted rent would not exceed the rent for an unassisted unit of similar quality, type, and age in the same market area, as determined by the Secretary.33 The immediately foregoing sentence shall be effective only during fiscal year 1995, fiscal year 1996 prior to April 26, 1996, and fiscal years 1997 and 1998, and during fiscal year 1999 and thereafter. Except for assistance under the certificate program, for any unit occupied by the same family at the time of the last annual rental adjustment, where the assistance contract provides for the adjustment of the maximum monthly rent by applying an annual adjustment factor and where the rent for a unit is otherwise eligible for an adjustment based on the full amount of the factor, 0.01 shall be subtracted from the amount of the factor, except that the factor shall not be reduced to less than 1.0.34 In the case of assistance under the certificate program, 0.01 shall be subtracted from the amount of the annual adjustment factor (except that the factor shall not be reduced to less than 1.0), and the adjusted rent shall not exceed the rent for a comparable unassisted unit of similar quality, type, and age in the market area. The immediately foregoing two sentences shall be effective only during fiscal year 1995, fiscal year 1996 prior to April 26, 1996, and fiscal years 1997 and 1998, and during fiscal year 1999 and thereafter. In establishing annual adjustment factors for units in new construction and substantial rehabilitation projects, the Secretary shall take into account the fact that debt service is a fixed expense. The immediately foregoing sentence shall be effective only during fiscal year 1998.
^{33}
The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1995, Public Law 103–327, 108 Stat. 2315, approved September 28, 1994, amended this subsection by inserting this sentence and the sentence that follows. Such Act provides that “amendment shall apply to all contracts for new construction, substantial rehabilitation, and moderate rehabilitation projects under which rents are adjusted under section 8(c)(2)(A) ofby applying an annual adjustment factor.”.
^{34}
The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1995, Public Law 103–327, 108 Stat. 2315, approved September 28, 1994, amended this subsection by inserting this sentence and second sentence following this sentence. Such Act provides that “amendment shall apply to all contracts that are subject to section 8(c)(2)(A) ofan that provide for rent adjustments using an annual adjustment factor.”.
(B)
The contract shall further provide for the Secretary to make additional adjustments in the maximum monthly rent for units under contract to the extent he determines such adjustments are necessary to reflect increases in the actual and necessary expenses of owning and maintaining the units which have resulted from substantial general increases in real property taxes, utility rates, or similar costs which are not adequately compensated for by the adjustment in the maximum monthly rent authorized by subparagraph (A). The Secretary shall make additional adjustments in the maximum monthly rent for units under contract (subject to the availability of appropriations for contract amendments) to the extent the Secretary determines such adjustments are necessary to reflect increases in the actual and necessary expenses of owning and maintaining the units that have resulted from the expiration of a real property tax exemption. Where the Secretary determines that a project assisted under this section is located in a community where drug-related criminal activity is generally prevalent and the project's operating, maintenance, and capital repair expenses have been substantially increased primarily as a result of the prevalence of such drug-related activity, the Secretary may (at the discretion of the Secretary and subject to the availability of appropriations for contract amendments for this purpose), on a project by project basis, provide adjustments to the maximum monthly rents, to a level no greater than 120 percent of the project rents, to cover the costs of maintenance, security, capital repairs, and reserves required for the owner to carry out a strategy acceptable to the Secretary for addressing the problem of drug-related criminal activity. Any rent comparability standard required under this paragraph may be waived by the Secretary to so implement the preceding sentence. The Secretary may (at the discretion of the Secretary and subject to the availability of appropriations for contract amendments), on a project by project basis for projects receiving project-based assistance, provide adjustments to the maximum monthly rents to cover the costs of evaluating and reducing lead-based paint hazards, as defined in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.
(C)
Adjustments in the maximum rents under subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall not result in material differences between the rents charged for assisted units and unassisted units of similar quality, type, and age in the same market area, as determined by the Secretary. In implementing the limitation established under the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall establish regulations for conducting comparability studies for projects where the Secretary has reason to believe that the application of the formula adjustments under subparagraph (A) would result in such material differences. The Secretary shall conduct such studies upon the request of any owner of any project, or as the Secretary determines to be appropriate by establishing, to the extent practicable, a modified annual adjustment factor for such market area, as the Secretary shall designate, that is geographically smaller than the applicable housing area used for the establishment of the annual adjustment factor under subparagraph (A). The Secretary shall establish such modified annual adjustment factor on the basis of the results of a study conducted by the Secretary of the rents charged, and any change in such rents over the previous year, for assisted units and unassisted units of similar quality, type, and age in the smaller market area. Where the Secretary determines that such modified annual adjustment factor cannot be established or that such factor when applied to a particular project would result in material differences between the rents charged for assisted units and unassisted units of similar quality, type, and age in the same market area, the Secretary may apply an alternative methodology for conducting comparability studies in order to establish rents that are not materially different from rents charged for comparable unassisted units. If the Secretary or appropriate State agency does not complete and submit to the project owner a comparability study not later than 60 days before the anniversary date of the assistance contract under this section, the automatic annual adjustment factor shall be applied. The Secretary may not reduce the contract rents in effect on or after April 15, 1987, for newly constructed, substantially rehabilitated, or moderately rehabilitated projects assisted under this section (including projects assisted under this section as in effect prior to November 30, 1983), unless the project has been refinanced in a manner that reduces the periodic payments of the owner. Any maximum monthly rent that has been reduced by the Secretary after April 14, 1987, and prior to the enactment of this sentence shall be restored to the maximum monthly rent in effect on April 15, 1987. For any project which has had its maximum monthly rents reduced after April 14, 1987, the Secretary shall make assistance payments (from amounts reserved for the original contract) to the owner of such project in an amount equal to the difference between the maximum monthly rents in effect on April 15, 1987, and the reduced maximum monthly rents, multiplied by the number of months that the reduced maximum monthly rents were in effect.35
^{35}
Section 1004(a) of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988, Public Law 100–628, added this sentence and the preceding sentence. Section 1004(b) of such Act provides as follows:
``(b) Budget Compliance.—During fiscal year 1989, the amendment made by subsection (a)(2) shall be effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts. For purposes of section 202 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Reaffirmation Act of 1987 (Public Law 100–119), to the extent that this section has the effect of transferring an outlay of the United States from one fiscal year to an adjacent fiscal year, the transfer is a necessary (but secondary) result of a significant policy change.''.
(3)
The amount of the monthly assistance payment with respect to any dwelling unit shall be the difference between the maximum monthly rent which the contract provides that the owner is to receive for the unit and the rent the family is required to pay under section 3(a) of this Act.
(4)
The assistance contract shall provide that assistance payments may be made only with respect to a dwelling unit under lease for occupancy by a family determined to be a lower income family at the time it initially occupied such dwelling unit, except that such payments may be made with respect to unoccupied units for a period not exceeding sixty days (A) in the event that a family vacates a dwelling unit before the expiration date of the lease for occupancy or (B) where a good faith effort is being made to fill an unoccupied unit, and, subject to the provisions of the following sentence, such payments may be made, in the case of a newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated project, after such sixty-day period in an amount equal to the debt service attributable to such an unoccupied dwelling unit for a period not to exceed one year, if a good faith effort is being made to fill the unit and the unit provides decent, safe, and sanitary housing. No such payment may be made after such sixty-day period if the Secretary determines that the dwelling unit is in a project which provides the owner with revenues exceeding the costs incurred by such owner with respect to such project.
(5)
The Secretary shall take such steps as may be necessary, including the making of contracts for assistance payments in amounts in excess of the amounts required at the time of the initial renting of dwelling units, the reservation of annual contributions authority for the purpose of amending housing assistance contracts, or the allocation of a portion of new authorizations for the purpose of amending housing assistance contracts, to assure that assistance payments are increased on a timely basis to cover increases in maximum monthly rents or decreases in family incomes.
[(6)
[Repealed.] ]
[(7)
[Repealed.] ]
(8)
(A)
Not less than one year before termination of any contract under which assistance payments are received under this section, other than a contract for tenant-based assistance under this section, an owner shall provide written notice to the Secretary and the tenants involved of the proposed termination. The notice shall also include a statement that, if the Congress makes funds available, the owner and the Secretary may agree to a renewal of the contract, thus avoiding termination, and that in the event of termination the Department of Housing and Urban Development will provide tenant-based rental assistance to all eligible residents, enabling them to choose the place they wish to rent, which is likely to include the dwelling unit in which they currently reside. Any contract covered by this paragraph that is renewed may be renewed for a period of up to 1 year or any number or years, with payments subject to the availability of appropriations for any year.
(B)
In the event the owner does not provide the notice required, the owner may not evict the tenants or increase the tenants' rent payment until such time as the owner has provided the notice and 1 year has elapsed. The Secretary may allow the owner to renew the terminating contract for a period of time sufficient to give tenants 1 year of advance notice under such terms and conditions as the Secretary may require.
(C)
Any notice under this paragraph shall also comply with any additional requirements established by the Secretary.
(D)
For purposes of this paragraph, the term “termination” means the expiration of the assistance contract or an owner's refusal to renew the assistance contract, and such term shall include termination of the contract for business reasons.
(d)
(1)
Contracts to make assistance payments entered into by a public housing agency with an owner of existing housing units shall provide (with respect to any unit) that—
(A)36
the selection of tenants shall be the function of the owner, subject to the annual contributions contract between the Secretary and the agency, except that with respect to the certificate and moderate rehabilitation programs only, for the purpose of selecting families to be assisted, the public housing agency may establish local preferences, consistent with the public housing agency plan submitted under section 5A (42 U.S.C. 1437c–1) by the public housing agency;
^{36}
Margin so in law.
(B)
(i)
the lease between the tenant and the owner shall be for at least one year or the term of such contract, whichever is shorter, and shall contain other terms and conditions specified by the Secretary;
(ii)
during the term of the lease, the owner shall not terminate the tenancy except for serious or repeated violation of the terms and conditions of the lease, for violation of applicable Federal, State, or local law, or for other good cause;
(iii)
during the term of the lease, any criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other tenants, any criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of their residences by persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises, or any drug-related criminal activity on or near such premises, engaged in by a tenant of any unit, any member of the tenant's household, or any guest or other person under the tenant's control, shall be cause for termination of tenancy;
(iv)
any termination of tenancy shall be preceded by the owner's provision of written notice to the tenant specifying the grounds for such action; and
(v)37
it shall be cause for termination of the tenancy of a tenant if such tenant—
^{37}
Indented so in law.
(I)
is fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction, under the laws of the place from which the individual flees, for a crime, or attempt to commit a crime, which is a felony under the laws of the place from which the individual flees, or which, in the case of the State of New Jersey, is a high misdemeanor under the laws of such State; or
(II)
is violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under Federal or State law;
(C)
maintenance and replacement (including redecoration) shall be in accordance with the standard practice for the building concerned as established by the owner and agreed to by the agency; and
(D)
the agency and the owner shall carry out such other appropriate terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed to by them.
(2)
(A)
Each contract for an existing structure entered into under this section shall be for a term of not less than one month nor more than one hundred and eighty months. The Secretary shall permit public housing agencies to enter into contracts for assistance payments of less than 12 months duration in order to avoid disruption in assistance to eligible families if the annual contributions contract is within 1 year of its expiration date.
(B)
(i)
In determining the amount of assistance provided under an assistance contract for project-based assistance under this paragraph or a contract for assistance for housing constructed or substantially rehabilitated pursuant to assistance provided under section 8(b)(2) of this Act (as such section existed immediately before October 1, 1983), the Secretary may consider and annually adjust, with respect to such project, for the cost of employing or otherwise retaining the services of one or more service coordinators under section 66138 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to coordinate the provision of any services within the project for residents of the project who are elderly or disabled families.
^{38}
So in law. Probably intended to refer to section 671 of such Act.
(ii)
The budget authority available under section 5(c) for assistance under this section is authorized to be increased by $15,000,000 on or after October 1, 1992, and by $15,000,000 on or after October 1, 1993. Amounts made available under this subparagraph shall be used to provide additional amounts under annual contributions contracts for assistance under this section which shall be made available through assistance contracts only for the purpose of providing service coordinators under clause (i) for projects receiving project-based assistance under this paragraph and to provide additional amounts under contracts for assistance for projects constructed or substantially rehabilitated pursuant to assistance provided under section 8(b)(2) of this Act (as such section existed immediately before October 1, 1983) only for such purpose.
(C)39
An assistance contract for project-based assistance under this paragraph shall provide that the owner shall ensure and maintain compliance with subtitle C of title VI of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 and any regulations issued under such subtitle.
^{39}
Indented so in law.
(D)39
An owner of a covered section 8 housing project (as such term is defined in section 659 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992) may give preference for occupancy of dwelling units in the project, and reserve units for occupancy, in accordance with subtitle D of title VI of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992.
(3)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, with the approval of the Secretary the public housing agency administering a contract under this section with respect to existing housing units may exercise all management and maintenance responsibilities with respect to those units pursuant to a contract between such agency and the owner of such units.
(4)
A public housing agency that serves more than one unit of general local government may, at the discretion of the agency, in allocating assistance under this section, give priority to disabled families that are not elderly families.
(5)39

Calculation of limit.—
Any contract entered into under section 514 of the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 shall be excluded in computing the limit on project-based assistance under this subsection.
(6)

Treatment of common areas.—
The Secretary may not provide any assistance amounts pursuant to an existing contract for project-based assistance under this section for a housing project and may not enter into a new or renewal contract for such assistance for a project unless the owner of the project provides consent, to such local law enforcement agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate, for law enforcement officers of such agencies to enter common areas of the project at any time and without advance notice upon a determination of probable cause by such officers that criminal activity is taking place in such areas.
(e)
(1)
Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to prohibit an owner from pledging, or offering as security for any loan or obligation, a contract for assistance payments entered into pursuant to this section: Provided, That such security is in connection with a project constructed or rehabilitated pursuant to authority granted in this section, and the terms of the financing or any refinancing have been approved by the Secretary.
[(2)
[Repealed.]
40
^{40}
Section 289(a) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, Public Law 101–625, set forth, post, in part IV of this compilation, provides that no new grants shall be made under this paragraph after October 1, 1991, except for funds allocated for single room occupancy dwellings as authorized by title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Section 289(b) of such Act repealed this paragraph, effective on October 1, 1991, except with respect to single-room occupancy dwellings under title IV of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Before its repeal, the provisions of this section contained the authority for the moderate rehabilitation program.
The provisions of this paragraph, as in effect on the date of such repeal, are set forth in the footnote to section 441 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, found in part VI, post, of this compilation.]
(f)
As used in this section—
(1)
the term “owner” means any private person or entity, including a cooperative, an agency of the Federal Government, or a public housing agency, having the legal right to lease or sublease dwelling units;
(2)
the terms “rent” or “rental” mean, with respect to members of a cooperative, the charges under the occupancy agreements between such members and the cooperative;
(3)
the term “debt service” means the required payments for principal and interest made with respect to a mortgage secured by housing assisted under this Act;
(4)
the term “participating jurisdiction” means a State or unit of general local government designated by the Secretary to be a participating jurisdiction under title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act;
(5)
the term “drug-related criminal activity” means the illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, use, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute, or use, of a controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802));
(6)
the term “project-based assistance” means rental assistance under subsection (b) that is attached to the structure pursuant to subsection (d)(2) or (o)(13); and
(7)
the term “tenant-based assistance” means rental assistance under subsection (o) that is not project-based assistance and that provides for the eligible family to select suitable housing and to move to other suitable housing.
(g)
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, assistance payments under this section may be provided, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, with respect to some or all of the units in any project approved pursuant to section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959.
(h)
Sections 5(e) and 641 and any other provisions of this Act which are inconsistent with the provisions of this section shall not apply to contracts for assistance entered into under this section.
^{41}
Section 565(c) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, title V of Public Law 105–276, approved October 21, 1998, amended this subsection by inserting “(except as provided in section 6(j)(3))” after “section 6”. The amendment could not be executed.
(i)
The Secretary may not consider the receipt by a public housing agency of assistance under section 811(b)(1) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, or the amount received, in approving assistance for the agency under this section or determining the amount of such assistance to be provided.
(j)

Carbon Monoxide Alarms.—
Each owner of a dwelling unit receiving project-based assistance under this section shall ensure that carbon monoxide alarms or detectors are installed in the dwelling unit in a manner that meets or exceeds—
(1)
the standards described in chapters 9 and 11 of the 2018 publication of the International Fire Code, as published by the International Code Council; or
(2)
any other standards as may be adopted by the Secretary, including any relevant updates to the International Fire Code, through a notice published in the Federal Register.
(k)
The Secretary shall establish procedures which are appropriate and necessary to assure that income data provided to public housing agencies and owners by families applying for or receiving assistance under this section is complete and accurate. In establishing such procedures, the Secretary shall randomly, regularly, and periodically select a sample of families to authorize the Secretary to obtain information on these families for the purpose of income verification, or to allow those families to provide such information themselves. Such information may include, but is not limited to, data concerning unemployment compensation and Federal income taxation and data relating to benefits made available under the Social Security Act, the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, or title 38, United States Code. Any such information received pursuant to this subsection shall remain confidential and shall be used only for the purpose of verifying incomes in order to determine eligibility of families for benefits (and the amount of such benefits, if any) under this section.
(l)

Qualifying Smoke Alarms.—
(1)

In general.—
Each owner of a dwelling unit receiving project-based assistance under this section shall ensure that qualifying smoke alarms are installed in accordance with applicable codes and standards published by the International Code Council or the National Fire Protection Association and the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 72, or any successor standard, in each level and in or near each sleeping area in such dwelling unit, including in basements but excepting crawl spaces and unfinished attics, and in each common area in a project containing such a dwelling unit.
(2)

Definitions.—
For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions shall apply:
(A)

Smoke alarm defined.—
The term “smoke alarm” has the meaning given the term “smoke detector” in section 29(d) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2225(d)).
(B)

Qualifying smoke alarm defined.—
The term “qualifying smoke alarm” means a smoke alarm that—
(i)
in the case of a dwelling unit built before the date of enactment of this subsection and not substantially rehabilitated after the date of enactment of this subsection—
(I)
- (aa)
is hardwired; or
- (bb)
uses 10-year non rechargeable, nonreplaceable primary batteries and—
(AA)
is sealed;
(BB)
is tamper resistant; and
(CC)
contains silencing means; and
(II)
provides notification for persons with hearing loss as required by the National Fire Protection Association Standard 72, or any successor standard; or
(ii)
in the case of a dwelling unit built or substantially rehabilitated after the date of enactment of this paragraph, is hardwired.
[(m)
[Repealed.] ]
[(n)
[Repealed.] ]
(o)

Voucher Program.—
(1)

Authority.—
(A)

In general.—
The Secretary may provide assistance to public housing agencies for tenant-based assistance using a payment standard established in accordance with subparagraph (B). The payment standard shall be used to determine the monthly assistance that may be paid for any family, as provided in paragraph (2).
(B)

Establishment of payment standard.—
Except as provided under subparagraph (D), the payment standard for each size of dwelling unit in a market area shall not exceed 110 percent of the fair market rental established under subsection (c) for the same size of dwelling unit in the same market area and shall be not less than 90 percent of that fair market rental, except that no public housing agency shall be required as a result of a reduction in the fair market rental to reduce the payment standard applied to a family continuing to reside in a unit for which the family was receiving assistance under this section at the time the fair market rental was reduced. The Secretary shall allow public housing agencies to request exception payment standards within fair market rental areas subject to criteria and procedures established by the Secretary.
(C)

Set-aside.—
The Secretary may set aside not more than 5 percent of the budget authority made available for assistance under this subsection as an adjustment pool. The Secretary shall use amounts in the adjustment pool to make adjusted payments to public housing agencies under subparagraph (A), to ensure continued affordability, if the Secretary determines that additional assistance for such purpose is necessary, based on documentation submitted by a public housing agency.
(D)

Approval.—
The Secretary may require a public housing agency to submit the payment standard of the public housing agency to the Secretary for approval, if the payment standard is less than 90 percent of the fair market rental or exceeds 110 percent of the fair market rental, except that a public housing agency may establish a payment standard of not more than 120 percent of the fair market rent where necessary as a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability, without approval of the Secretary. A public housing agency may use a payment standard that is greater than 120 percent of the fair market rent as a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability, but only with the approval of the Secretary. In connection with the use of any increased payment standard established or approved pursuant to either of the preceding two sentences as a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability, the Secretary may not establish additional requirements regarding the amount of adjusted income paid by such person for rent.
(E)

Review.—
The Secretary—
(i)
shall monitor rent burdens and review any payment standard that results in a significant percentage of the families occupying units of any size paying more than 30 percent of adjusted income for rent; and
(ii)
may require a public housing agency to modify the payment standard of the public housing agency based on the results of that review.
(2)

Amount of monthly assistance payment.—
Subject to the requirement under section 3(a)(3) (relating to minimum rental amount), the monthly assistance payment for a family receiving assistance under this subsection shall be determined as follows:
(A)

Tenant-based assistance; rent not exceeding payment standard.—
For a family receiving tenant-based assistance, if the rent for the family (including the amount allowed for tenant-paid utilities) does not exceed the applicable payment standard established under paragraph (1), the monthly assistance payment for the family shall be equal to the amount by which the rent (including the amount allowed for tenant-paid utilities) exceeds the greatest of the following amounts, rounded to the nearest dollar:
(i)
30 percent of the monthly adjusted income of the family.
(ii)
10 percent of the monthly income of the family.
(iii)
If the family is receiving payments for welfare assistance from a public agency and a part of those payments, adjusted in accordance with the actual housing costs of the family, is specifically designated by that agency to meet the housing costs of the family, the portion of those payments that is so designated.
(B)

Tenant-based assistance; rent exceeding payment standard.—
For a family receiving tenant-based assistance, if the rent for the family (including the amount allowed for tenant-paid utilities) exceeds the applicable payment standard established under paragraph (1), the monthly assistance payment for the family shall be equal to the amount by which the applicable payment standard exceeds the greatest of amounts under clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A).
(C)

Families receiving project-based assistance.—
For a family receiving project-based assistance, the rent that the family is required to pay shall be determined in accordance with section 3(a)(1), and the amount of the housing assistance payment shall be determined in accordance with subsection (c)(3) of this section.
(D)

Utility allowance.—
(i)

General.—
In determining the monthly assistance payment for a family under subparagraphs (A) and (B), the amount allowed for tenant-paid utilities shall not exceed the appropriate utility allowance for the family unit size as determined by the public housing agency regardless of the size of the dwelling unit leased by the family.
(ii)

Exception for families in including persons with disabilities.—
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), upon request by a family that includes a person with disabilities, the public housing agency shall approve a utility allowance that is higher than the applicable amount on the utility allowance schedule if a higher utility allowance is needed as a reasonable accommodation to make the program accessible to and usable by the family member with a disability.
(3)

40 percent limit.—
At the time a family initially receives tenant-based assistance under this section with respect to any dwelling unit, the total amount that a family may be required to pay for rent may not exceed 40 percent of the monthly adjusted income of the family.
(4)

Eligible families.—
To be eligible to receive assistance under this subsection, a family shall, at the time a family initially receives assistance under this subsection, be a low-income family that is—
(A)
a very low-income family;
(B)
a family previously assisted under this title;
(C)
a low-income family that meets eligibility criteria specified by the public housing agency;
(D)
a family that qualifies to receive a voucher in connection with a homeownership program approved under title IV of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act; or
(E)
a family that qualifies to receive a voucher under section 223 or 226 of the Low-Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act of 1990.
(5)

Reviews of family income.—
(A)

In general.—
Reviews of family incomes for purposes of this section shall be subject to paragraphs (1), (6), and (7) of section 3(a) and to section 904 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988.
(B)

Procedures.—
Each public housing agency administering assistance under this subsection shall establish procedures that are appropriate and necessary to ensure that income data provided to the agency and owners by families applying for or receiving assistance from the agency is complete and accurate.
(6)
Selection of families and disapproval of
owners.—
(A)

Preferences.—
(i)

Authority to establish.—
Each public housing agency may establish a system for making tenant-based assistance under this subsection available on behalf of eligible families that provides preference for such assistance to eligible families having certain characteristics, which may include a preference for families residing in public housing who are victims of a crime of violence (as such term is defined in section 16 of title 18, United States Code) that has been reported to an appropriate law enforcement agency.
(ii)

Content.—
Each system of preferences established pursuant to this subparagraph shall be based upon local housing needs and priorities, as determined by the public housing agency using generally accepted data sources, including any information obtained pursuant to an opportunity for public comment as provided under section 5A(f) and under the requirements applicable to the comprehensive housing affordability strategy for the relevant jurisdiction.
(B)

Selection of tenants.—
Each housing assistance payment contract entered into by the public housing agency and the owner of a dwelling unit)42 shall provide that the screening and selection of families for those units shall be the function of the owner. In addition, the public housing agency may elect to screen applicants for the program in accordance with such requirements as the Secretary may establish.
^{42}
So in law. There is no open parenthesis.
(C)

PHA disapproval of owners.—
In addition to other grounds authorized by the Secretary, a public housing agency may elect not to enter into a housing assistance payments contract under this subsection with an owner who refuses, or has a history of refusing, to take action to terminate tenancy for activity engaged in by the tenant, any member of the tenant's household, any guest, or any other person under the control of any member of the household that—
(i)
threatens the health or safety of, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by, other tenants or employees of the public housing agency, owner, or other manager of the housing;
(ii)
threatens the health or safety of, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the residences by, persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises; or
(iii)
is drug-related or violent criminal activity.
(7)

Leases and tenancy.—
Each housing assistance payment contract entered into by the public housing agency and the owner of a dwelling unit—
(A)
shall provide that the lease between the tenant and the owner shall be for a term of not less than 1 year, except that the public housing agency may approve a shorter term for an initial lease between the tenant and the dwelling unit owner if the public housing agency determines that such shorter term would improve housing opportunities for the tenant and if such shorter term is considered to be a prevailing local market practice;
(B)
shall provide that the dwelling unit owner shall offer leases to tenants assisted under this subsection that—
(i)
are in a standard form used in the locality by the dwelling unit owner; and
(ii)
contain terms and conditions that—
(I)
are consistent with State and local law; and
(II)
apply generally to tenants in the property who are not assisted under this section;
(C)
shall provide that during the term of the lease, the owner shall not terminate the tenancy except for serious or repeated violation of the terms and conditions of the lease, for violation of applicable Federal, State, or local law, or for other good cause, and in the case of an owner who is an immediate successor in interest pursuant to foreclosure during the term of the lease vacating the property prior to sale shall not constitute other good cause, except that the owner may terminate the tenancy effective on the date of transfer of the unit to the owner if the owner—
(i)
will occupy the unit as a primary residence; and
(ii)
has provided the tenant a notice to vacate at least 90 days before the effective date of such notice.;43
^{43}
The period followed by a semicolon in clause (ii) is so in law.
(D)
shall provide that during the term of the lease, any criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other tenants, any criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of their residences by persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises, or any violent or drug-related criminal activity on or near such premises, engaged in by a tenant of any unit, any member of the tenant's household, or any guest or other person under the tenant's control, shall be cause for termination of tenancy;
(E)
shall provide that any termination of tenancy under this subsection shall be preceded by the provision of written notice by the owner to the tenant specifying the grounds for that action, and any relief shall be consistent with applicable State and local law; and
(F)
may include any addenda required by the Secretary to set forth the provisions of this subsection. In the case of any foreclosure on any federally-related mortgage loan (as that term is defined in section 3 of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 2602)) or on any residential real property in which a recipient of assistance under this subsection resides, the immediate successor in interest in such property pursuant to the foreclosure shall assume such interest subject to the lease between the prior owner and the tenant and to the housing assistance payments contract between the prior owner and the public housing agency for the occupied unit, except that this provision and the provisions related to foreclosure in subparagraph (C) shall not shall not 44 affect any State or local law that provides longer time periods or other additional protections for tenants.
^{44}
The phrase “shall not shall not” is so in law. Probably should strike “shall not shall not” and insert “shall not”.
(8)

Inspection of units by pha's.—
(A)

Initial inspection.—
(i)

In general.—
For each dwelling unit for which a housing assistance payment contract is established under this subsection, the public housing agency (or other entity pursuant to paragraph (11)) shall inspect the unit before any assistance payment is made to determine whether the dwelling unit meets the housing quality standards under subparagraph (B), except as provided in clause (ii) or (iii) of this subparagraph.
(ii)

Correction of non-life-threatening conditions.—
In the case of any dwelling unit that is determined, pursuant to an inspection under clause (i), not to meet the housing quality standards under subparagraph (B), assistance payments may be made for the unit notwithstanding subparagraph (C) if failure to meet such standards is a result only of non-life-threatening conditions, as such conditions are established by the Secretary. A public housing agency making assistance payments pursuant to this clause for a dwelling unit shall, 30 days after the beginning of the period for which such payments are made, withhold any assistance payments for the unit if any deficiency resulting in noncompliance with the housing quality standards has not been corrected by such time. The public housing agency shall recommence assistance payments when such deficiency has been corrected, and may use any payments withheld to make assistance payments relating to the period during which payments were withheld.
(iii)

Use of alternative inspection method for interim period.—
In the case of any property that within the previous 24 months has met the requirements of an inspection that qualifies as an alternative inspection method pursuant to subparagraph (E), a public housing agency may authorize occupancy before the inspection under clause (i) has been completed, and may make assistance payments retroactive to the beginning of the lease term after the unit has been determined pursuant to an inspection under clause (i) to meet the housing quality standards under subparagraph (B). This clause may not be construed to exempt any dwelling unit from compliance with the requirements of subparagraph (D).
(B)

Housing quality standards.—
The housing quality standards under this subparagraph are standards for safe and habitable housing established—
(i)
by the Secretary for purposes of this subsection; or
(ii)
by local housing codes or by codes adopted by public housing agencies that—
(I)
meet or exceed housing quality standards, except that the Secretary may waive the requirement under this subclause to significantly increase access to affordable housing and to expand housing opportunities for families assisted under this subsection, except where such waiver could adversely affect the health or safety of families assisted under this subsection; and
(II)
do not severely restrict housing choice 45
^{45}
So in law. Should probably end with a period.
(C)

Inspection.—
The determination required under subparagraph (A) shall be made by the public housing agency (or other entity, as provided in paragraph (11)) pursuant to an inspection of the dwelling unit conducted before any assistance payment is made for the unit. Inspections of dwelling units under this subparagraph shall be made before the expiration of the 15-day period beginning upon a request by the resident or landlord to the public housing agency or, in the case of any public housing agency that provides assistance under this subsection on behalf of more than 1250 families, before the expiration of a reasonable period beginning upon such request. The performance of the agency in meeting the 15-day inspection deadline shall be taken into consideration in assessing the performance of the agency.
(D)

Biennial inspections.—
(i)

Requirement.—
Each public housing agency providing assistance under this subsection (or other entity, as provided in paragraph (11)) shall, for each assisted dwelling unit, make inspections not less often than biennially during the term of the housing assistance payments contract for the unit to determine whether the unit is maintained in accordance with the requirements under subparagraph (A).
(ii)

Use of alternative inspection method.—
The requirements under clause (i) may be complied with by use of inspections that qualify as an alternative inspection method pursuant to subparagraph (E).
(iii)

Records.—
The public housing agency (or other entity) shall retain the records of the inspection for a reasonable time, as determined by the Secretary, and shall make the records available upon request to the Secretary, the Inspector General for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and any auditor conducting an audit under section 5(h).
(iv)

Mixed-finance properties.—
The Secretary may adjust the frequency of inspections for mixed-finance properties assisted with vouchers under paragraph (13) to facilitate the use of the alternative inspections in subparagraph (E).
(E)

Alternative inspection method.—
An inspection of a property shall qualify as an alternative inspection method for purposes of this subparagraph if—
(i)
the inspection was conducted pursuant to requirements under a Federal, State, or local housing program (including the Home investment partnership program under title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act and the low-income housing tax credit program under section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986); and
(ii)
pursuant to such inspection, the property was determined to meet the standards or requirements regarding housing quality or safety applicable to properties assisted under such program, and, if a non-Federal standard or requirement was used, the public housing agency has certified to the Secretary that such standard or requirement provides the same (or greater) protection to occupants of dwelling units meeting such standard or requirement as would the housing quality standards under subparagraph (B).
(F)

Interim inspections.—
Upon notification to the public housing agency, by a family (on whose behalf tenant-based rental assistance is provided under this subsection) or by a government official, that the dwelling unit for which such assistance is provided does not comply with the housing quality standards under subparagraph (B), the public housing agency shall inspect the dwelling unit—
(i)
in the case of any condition that is life-threatening, within 24 hours after the agency's receipt of such notification, unless waived by the Secretary in extraordinary circumstances; and
(ii)
in the case of any condition that is not life-threatening, within a reasonable time frame, as determined by the Secretary.
(G)

Enforcement of housing quality standards.—
(i)

Determination of noncompliance.—
A dwelling unit that is covered by a housing assistance payments contract under this subsection shall be considered, for purposes of subparagraphs (D) and (F), to be in noncompliance with the housing quality standards under subparagraph (B) if—
(I)
the public housing agency or an inspector authorized by the State or unit of local government determines upon inspection of the unit that the unit fails to comply with such standards;
(II)
the agency or inspector notifies the owner of the unit in writing of such failure to comply; and
(III)
the failure to comply is not corrected—
- (aa)
in the case of any such failure that is a result of life-threatening conditions, within 24 hours after such notice has been provided; and
- (bb)
in the case of any such failure that is a result of non-life-threatening conditions, within 30 days after such notice has been provided or such other reasonable longer period as the public housing agency may establish.
(ii)

Withholding of assistance amounts during correction.—
The public housing agency may withhold assistance amounts under this subsection with respect to a dwelling unit for which a notice pursuant to clause (i)(II), of failure to comply with housing quality standards under subparagraph (B) as determined pursuant to an inspection conducted under subparagraph (D) or (F), has been provided. If the unit is brought into compliance with such housing quality standards during the periods referred to in clause (i)(III), the public housing agency shall recommence assistance payments and may use any amounts withheld during the correction period to make assistance payments relating to the period during which payments were withheld.
(iii)

Abatement of assistance amounts.—
The public housing agency shall abate all of the assistance amounts under this subsection with respect to a dwelling unit that is determined, pursuant to clause (i) of this subparagraph, to be in noncompliance with housing quality standards under subparagraph (B). Upon completion of repairs by the public housing agency or the owner sufficient so that the dwelling unit complies with such housing quality standards, the agency shall recommence payments under the housing assistance payments contract to the owner of the dwelling unit.
(iv)

Notification.—
If a public housing agency providing assistance under this subsection abates rental assistance payments pursuant to clause (iii) with respect to a dwelling unit, the agency shall, upon commencement of such abatement—
(I)
notify the tenant and the owner of the dwelling unit that—
- (aa)
such abatement has commenced; and
- (bb)
if the dwelling unit is not brought into compliance with housing quality standards within 60 days after the effective date of the determination of noncompliance under clause (i) or such reasonable longer period as the agency may establish, the tenant will have to move; and
(II)
issue the tenant the necessary forms to allow the tenant to move to another dwelling unit and transfer the rental assistance to that unit.
(v)

Protection of tenants.—
An owner of a dwelling unit may not terminate the tenancy of any tenant because of the withholding or abatement of assistance pursuant to this subparagraph. During the period that assistance is abated pursuant to this subparagraph, the tenant may terminate the tenancy by notifying the owner.
(vi)

Termination of lease or assistance payments contract.—
If assistance amounts under this section for a dwelling unit are abated pursuant to clause (iii) and the owner does not correct the noncompliance within 60 days after the effective date of the determination of noncompliance under clause (i), or such other reasonable longer period as the public housing agency may establish, the agency shall terminate the housing assistance payments contract for the dwelling unit.
(vii)

Relocation.—
(I)

Lease of new unit.—
The agency shall provide the family residing in such a dwelling unit a period of 90 days or such longer period as the public housing agency determines is reasonably necessary to lease a new unit, beginning upon termination of the contract, to lease a new residence with tenant-based rental assistance under this section.
(II)

Availability of public housing units.—
If the family is unable to lease such a new residence during such period, the public housing agency shall, at the option of the family, provide such family a preference for occupancy in a dwelling unit of public housing that is owned or operated by the agency that first becomes available for occupancy after the expiration of such period.
(III)

Assistance in finding unit.—
The public housing agency may provide assistance to the family in finding a new residence, including use of up to two months of any assistance amounts withheld or abated pursuant to clause (ii) or (iii), respectively, for costs directly associated with relocation of the family to a new residence, which shall include security deposits as necessary and may include reimbursements for reasonable moving expenses incurred by the household, as established by the Secretary. The agency may require that a family receiving assistance for a security deposit shall remit, to the extent of such assistance, the amount of any security deposit refunds made by the owner of the dwelling unit for which the lease was terminated.
(viii)

Tenant-caused damages.—
If a public housing agency determines that any damage to a dwelling unit that results in a failure of the dwelling unit to comply with housing quality standards under subparagraph (B), other than any damage resulting from ordinary use, was caused by the tenant, any member of the tenant’s household, or any guest or other person under the tenant’s control, the agency may waive the applicability of this subparagraph, except that this clause shall not exonerate a tenant from any liability otherwise existing under applicable law for damages to the premises caused by such tenant.
(ix)

Applicability.—
This subparagraph shall apply to any dwelling unit for which a housing assistance payments contract is entered into or renewed after the date of the effectiveness of the regulations implementing this subparagraph.
(H)

Inspection guidelines.—
The Secretary shall establish procedural guidelines and performance standards to facilitate inspections of dwelling units and conform such inspections with practices utilized in the private housing market. Such guidelines and standards shall take into consideration variations in local laws and practices of public housing agencies and shall provide flexibility to authorities appropriate to facilitate efficient provision of assistance under this subsection.
(9)

Vacated units.—
If an assisted family vacates a dwelling unit for which rental assistance is provided under a housing assistance payment contract before the expiration of the term of the lease for the unit, rental assistance pursuant to such contract may not be provided for the unit after the month during which the unit was vacated.
(10)

Rent.—
(A)

Reasonableness.—
The rent for dwelling units for which a housing assistance payment contract is established under this subsection shall be reasonable in comparison with rents charged for comparable dwelling units in the private, unassisted local market.
(B)

Negotiations.—
A public housing agency (or other entity, as provided in paragraph (11)) shall, at the request of a family receiving tenant-based assistance under this subsection, assist that family in negotiating a reasonable rent with a dwelling unit owner. A public housing agency (or such other entity) shall review the rent for a unit under consideration by the family (and all rent increases for units under lease by the family) to determine whether the rent (or rent increase) requested by the owner is reasonable. If a public housing agency (or other such entity) determines that the rent (or rent increase) for a dwelling unit is not reasonable, the public housing agency (or other such entity) shall not make housing assistance payments to the owner under this subsection with respect to that unit.
(C)

Units exempt from local rent control.—
If a dwelling unit for which a housing assistance payment contract is established under this subsection is exempt from local rent control provisions during the term of that contract, the rent for that unit shall be reasonable in comparison with other units in the market area that are exempt from local rent control provisions.
(D)

Timely payments.—
Each public housing agency shall make timely payment of any amounts due to a dwelling unit owner under this subsection. The housing assistance payment contract between the owner and the public housing agency may provide for penalties for the late payment of amounts due under the contract, which shall be imposed on the public housing agency in accordance with generally accepted practices in the local housing market.
(E)

Penalties.—
Unless otherwise authorized by the Secretary, each public housing agency shall pay any penalties from administrative fees collected by the public housing agency, except that no penalty shall be imposed if the late payment is due to factors that the Secretary determines are beyond the control of the public housing agency.
(F)

Tax credit projects.—
In the case of a dwelling unit receiving tax credits pursuant to section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or for which assistance is provided under subtitle A of title II of the Cranston Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 199046, for which a housing assistance contract not subject to paragraph (13) of this subsection is established, rent reasonableness shall be determined as otherwise provided by this paragraph, except that—
^{46}
So in law. Probably intended to refer to the “Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990”.
(i)
comparison with rent for units in the private, unassisted local market shall not be required if the rent is equal to or less than the rent for other comparable units receiving such tax credits or assistance in the project that are not occupied by families assisted with tenant-based assistance under this subsection; and
(ii)
the rent shall not be considered reasonable for purposes of this paragraph if it exceeds the greater of—
(I)
the rents charged for other comparable units receiving such tax credits or assistance in the project that are not occupied by families assisted with tenant-based assistance under this subsection; and
(II)
the payment standard established by the public housing agency for a unit of the size involved.
(11)

Leasing of units owned by pha.—
(A)

Inspections and rent determinations.—
If an eligible family assisted under this subsection leases a dwelling unit (other than a public housing dwelling unit) that is owned by a public housing agency administering assistance under this subsection, the Secretary shall require the unit of general local government or another entity approved by the Secretary, to make inspections required under paragraph (8) and rent determinations required under paragraph (10). The agency shall be responsible for any expenses of such inspections and determinations.
(B)

Units owned by pha.—
For purposes of this subsection, the term “owned by a public housing agency” means, with respect to a dwelling unit, that the dwelling unit is in a project that is owned by such agency, by an entity wholly controlled by such agency, or by a limited liability company or limited partnership in which such agency (or an entity wholly controlled by such agency) holds a controlling interest in the managing member or general partner. A dwelling unit shall not be deemed to be owned by a public housing agency for purposes of this subsection because the agency holds a fee interest as ground lessor in the property on which the unit is situated, holds a security interest under a mortgage or deed of trust on the unit, or holds a non-controlling interest in an entity which owns the unit or in the managing member or general partner of an entity which owns the unit.
(12)
Assistance for rental of manufactured
housing.—
(A)

In general.—
A public housing agency may make assistance payments in accordance with this subsection on behalf of a family that utilizes a manufactured home as a principal place of residence and rents the real property on which the manufactured home owned by any such family is located.
(B)

Rent calculation.—
(i)

Charges included.—
For assistance pursuant to this paragraph, rent shall mean the sum of the monthly payments made by a family assisted under this paragraph to amortize the cost of purchasing the manufactured home, including any required insurance and property taxes, the monthly amount allowed for tenant-paid utilities, and the monthly rent charged for the real property on which the manufactured home is located, including monthly management and maintenance charges.
(ii)

Monthly assistance payment.—
The monthly assistance payment for a family assisted under this paragraph shall be determined in accordance with paragraph (2). If the amount of the monthly assistance payment for a family exceeds the monthly rent charged for the real property on which the manufactured home is located, including monthly management and maintenance charges, a public housing agency may pay the remainder to the family, lender or utility company, or may choose to make a single payment to the family for the entire monthly assistance amount.
(13)

PHA project-based assistance.—
(A)

In general.—
A public housing agency may use amounts provided under an annual contributions contract under this subsection to enter into a housing assistance payment contract with respect to an existing, newly constructed, or rehabilitated project, that is attached to the project, subject to the limitations and requirements of this paragraph.
(B)

Percentage limitation.—
(i)

In general.—
Subject to clause (ii), a public housing agency may use for project-based assistance under this paragraph not more than 20 percent of the authorized units for the agency.
(ii)

Exception.—
A public housing agency may use up to an additional 10 percent of the authorized units for the agency for project-based assistance under this paragraph, to provide units that house individuals and families that meet the definition of homeless under section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302), that house families with veterans, that provide supportive housing to persons with disabilities or elderly persons, that house eligible youths receiving assistance pursuant to subsection (x)(2)(B), or that are located in areas where vouchers under this subsection are difficult to use, as specified in subparagraph (D)(ii)(II). Any units of project-based assistance that are attached to units previously subject to federally required rent restrictions or receiving another type of long-term housing subsidy provided by the Secretary shall not count toward the percentage limitation under clause (i) of this subparagraph. The Secretary may, by regulation, establish additional categories for the exception under this clause.
(C)

Consistency with pha plan and other goals.—
A public housing agency may approve a housing assistance payment contract pursuant to this paragraph only if the contract is consistent with—
(i)
the public housing agency plan for the agency approved under section 5A; and
(ii)
the goal of deconcentrating poverty and expanding housing and economic opportunities.
(D)

Income-mixing requirement.—
(i)

In general.—
Except as provided in clause (ii), not more than the greater of 25 dwelling units or 25 percent of the dwelling units in any project may be assisted under a housing assistance payment contract for project-based assistance pursuant to this paragraph. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term “project” means a single building, multiple contiguous buildings, or multiple buildings on contiguous parcels of land.
(ii)

Exceptions.—
(I)

Certain families.—
The limitation under clause (i) shall not apply to dwelling units assisted under a contract that are exclusively made available to elderly families, to eligible youths receiving assistance pursuant to subsection (x)(2)(B), or to households eligible for supportive services that are made available to the assisted residents of the project, according to standards for such services the Secretary may establish.
(II)

Certain areas.—
With respect to areas in which tenant-based vouchers for assistance under this subsection are difficult to use, as determined by the Secretary, and with respect to census tracts with a poverty rate of 20 percent or less, clause (i) shall be applied by substituting “40 percent” for “25 percent”, and the Secretary may, by regulation, establish additional conditions.
(III)

Certain contracts.—
The limitation under clause (i) shall not apply with respect to contracts or renewal of contracts under which a greater percentage of the dwelling units in a project were assisted under a housing assistance payment contract for project-based assistance pursuant to this paragraph on the date of the enactment of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016.
(IV)

Certain properties.—
Any units of project-based assistance under this paragraph that are attached to units previously subject to federally required rent restrictions or receiving other project-based assistance provided by the Secretary shall not count toward the percentage limitation imposed by this subparagraph (D).
(iii)

Additional monitoring and oversight requirements.—
The Secretary may establish additional requirements for monitoring and oversight of projects in which more than 40 percent of the dwelling units are assisted under a housing assistance payment contract for project-based assistance pursuant to this paragraph.
(E)

Resident choice requirement.—
A housing assistance payment contract pursuant to this paragraph shall provide as follows:
(i)

Mobility.—
Each low-income family occupying a dwelling unit assisted under the contract may move from the housing at any time after the family has occupied the dwelling unit for 12 months.
(ii)

Continued assistance.—
Upon such a move, the public housing agency shall provide the low-income family with tenant-based rental assistance under this section or such other tenant-based rental assistance that is subject to comparable income, assistance, rent contribution, affordability, and other requirements, as the Secretary shall provide by regulation. If such rental assistance is not immediately available to fulfill the requirement under the preceding sentence with respect to a low-income family, such requirement may be met by providing the family priority to receive the next voucher or other tenant-based rental assistance amounts that become available under the program used to fulfill such requirement.
(F)

Contract term.—
(i)

Term.—
A housing assistance payment contract pursuant to this paragraph between a public housing agency and the owner of a project may have a term of up to 20 years, subject to—
(I)
the availability of sufficient appropriated funds for the purpose of renewing expiring contracts for assistance payments, as provided in appropriation Acts and in the agency’s annual contributions contract with the Secretary, provided that in the event of insufficient appropriated funds, payments due under contracts under this paragraph shall take priority if other cost-saving measures that do not require the termination of an existing contract are available to the agency; and
(II)
compliance with the inspection requirements under paragraph (8), except that the agency shall not be required to make biennial inspections of each assisted unit in the development.
(ii)

Addition of eligible units.—
Subject to the limitations of subparagraphs (B) and (D), the agency and the owner may add eligible units within the same project to a housing assistance payments contract at any time during the term thereof without being subject to any additional competitive selection procedures.
(iii)

Housing under construction or recently constructed.—
An agency may enter into a housing assistance payments contract with an owner for any unit that does not qualify as existing housing and is under construction or recently has been constructed whether or not the agency has executed an agreement to enter into a contract with the owner, provided that the owner demonstrates compliance with applicable requirements prior to execution of the housing assistance payments contract. This clause shall not subject a housing assistance payments contract for existing housing under this paragraph to such requirements or otherwise limit the extent to which a unit may be assisted as existing housing.
(iv)

Additional conditions.—
The contract may specify additional conditions, including with respect to continuation, termination, or expiration, and shall specify that upon termination or expiration of the contract without extension, each assisted family may elect to use its assistance under this subsection to remain in the same project if its unit complies with the inspection requirements under paragraph (8), the rent for the unit is reasonable as required by paragraph (10)(A), and the family pays its required share of the rent and the amount, if any, by which the unit rent (including the amount allowed for tenant-based utilities) exceeds the applicable payment standard.
(G)

Extension of contract term.—
A public housing agency may enter into a contract with the owner of a project assisted under a housing assistance payment contract pursuant to this paragraph to extend the term of the underlying housing assistance payment contract for such period as the agency determines to be appropriate to achieve long-term affordability of the housing or to expand housing opportunities. Such contract may, at the election of the public housing agency and the owner of the project, specify that such contract shall be extended for renewal terms of up to 20 years each, if the agency makes the determination required by this subparagraph and the owner is in compliance with the terms of the contract. Such a contract shall provide that the extension of such term shall be contingent upon the future availability of appropriated funds for the purpose of renewing expiring contracts for assistance payments, as provided in appropriations Acts, and may obligate the owner to have such extensions of the underlying housing assistance payment contract accepted by the owner and the successors in interest of the owner. A public housing agency may agree to enter into such a contract at the time it enters into the initial agreement for a housing assistance payment contract or at any time thereafter that is before the expiration of the housing assistance payment contract.
(H)

Rent calculation.—
A housing assistance payment contract pursuant to this paragraph shall establish rents for each unit assisted in an amount that does not exceed 110 percent of the applicable fair market rental (or any exception payment standard approved by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1)(D)), except that if a contract covers a dwelling unit that has been allocated low-income housing tax credits pursuant to section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 42) and is not located in a qualified census tract (as such term is defined in subsection (d) of such section 42), the rent for such unit may be established at any level that does not exceed the rent charged for comparable units in the building that also receive the low-income housing tax credit but do not have additional rental assistance, except that in the case of a contract unit that has been allocated low-income housing tax credits and for which the rent limitation pursuant to such section 42 is less than the amount that would otherwise be permitted under this subparagraph, the rent for such unit may, in the sole discretion of a public housing agency, be established at the higher section 8 rent, subject only to paragraph (10)(A). The rents established by housing assistance payment contracts pursuant to this paragraph may vary from the payment standards established by the public housing agency pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), but shall be subject to paragraph (10)(A).
(I)

Rent adjustments.—
A housing assistance payments contract pursuant to this paragraph entered into after the date of the enactment of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 shall provide for annual rent adjustments upon the request of the owner, except that—
(i)
by agreement of the parties, a contract may allow a public housing agency to adjust the rent for covered units using an operating cost adjustment factor established by the Secretary pursuant to section 524(c) of the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (which shall not result in a negative adjustment), in which case the contract may require an additional adjustment, if requested, up to the reasonable rent periodically during the term of the contract, and shall require such an adjustment, if requested, upon extension pursuant to subparagraph (G);
(ii)
the adjusted rent shall not exceed the maximum rent permitted under subparagraph (H);
(iii)
the contract may provide that the maximum rent permitted for a dwelling unit shall not be less than the initial rent for the dwelling unit under the initial housing assistance payments contract covering the units; and
(iv)
the provisions of subsection (c)(2)(C) shall not apply.
(J)

Tenant selection.—
A public housing agency may select families to receive project-based assistance pursuant to this paragraph from its waiting list for assistance under this subsection or may permit owners to select applicants from site-based waiting lists as specified in this subparagraph. Eligibility for such project-based assistance shall be subject to the provisions of section 16(b) that apply to tenant-based assistance. The agency or owner may establish preferences or criteria for selection for a unit assisted under this paragraph that are consistent with the public housing agency plan for the agency approved under section 5A and that give preference to families who qualify for voluntary services, including disability-specific services, offered in conjunction with assisted units. Any family that rejects an offer of project-based assistance under this paragraph or that is rejected for admission to a project by the owner or manager of a project assisted under this paragraph shall retain its place on the waiting list as if the offer had not been made. A public housing agency may establish and utilize procedures for owner-maintained site-based waiting lists, under which applicants may apply at, or otherwise designate to the public housing agency, the project or projects in which they seek to reside, except that all eligible applicants on the waiting list of an agency for assistance under this subsection shall be permitted to place their names on such separate list, subject to policies and procedures established by the Secretary. All such procedures shall comply with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable civil rights laws. The owner or manager of a project assisted under this paragraph shall not admit any family to a dwelling unit assisted under a contract pursuant to this paragraph other than a family referred by the public housing agency from its waiting list, or a family on a site-based waiting list that complies with the requirements of this subparagraph. A public housing agency shall disclose to each applicant all other options in the selection of a project in which to reside that are provided by the public housing agency and are available to the applicant.
(K)

Vacated units.—
Notwithstanding paragraph (9), a housing assistance payment contract pursuant to this paragraph may provide as follows:
(i)

Payment for vacant units.—
That the public housing agency may, in its discretion, continue to provide assistance under the contract, for a reasonable period not exceeding 60 days, for a dwelling unit that becomes vacant, but only: (I) if the vacancy was not the fault of the owner of the dwelling unit; and (II) the agency and the owner take every reasonable action to minimize the likelihood and extent of any such vacancy. Rental assistance may not be provided for a vacant unit after the expiration of such period.
(ii)

Reduction of contract.—
That, if despite reasonable efforts of the agency and the owner to fill a vacant unit, no eligible family has agreed to rent the unit within 120 days after the owner has notified the agency of the vacancy, the agency may reduce its housing assistance payments contract with the owner by the amount equivalent to the remaining months of subsidy attributable to the vacant unit. Amounts deobligated pursuant to such a contract provision shall be available to the agency to provide assistance under this subsection.
Eligible applicants for assistance under this subsection may enforce provisions authorized by this subparagraph.
(L)

Use in cooperative housing and elevator buildings.—
A public housing agency may enter into a housing assistance payments contract under this paragraph with respect to—
(i)
dwelling units in cooperative housing; and
(ii)
notwithstanding subsection (c), dwelling units in a high-rise elevator project, including such a project that is occupied by families with children, without review and approval of the contract by the Secretary.
(M)

Reviews.—
(i)

Subsidy layering.—
A subsidy layering review in accordance with section 102(d) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989 (42 U.S.C. 3545(d)) shall not be required for assistance under this paragraph in the case of a housing assistance payments contract for an existing project, or if a subsidy layering review has been conducted by the applicable State or local agency.
(ii)

Environmental review.—
A public housing agency shall not be required to undertake any environmental review before entering into a housing assistance payments contract under this paragraph for an existing project, except to the extent such a review is otherwise required by law or regulation relating to funding other than housing assistance payments.
(N)

Structure owned by agency.—
A public housing agency engaged in an initiative to improve, develop, or replace a public housing property or site may attach assistance to an existing, newly constructed, or rehabilitated structure in which the agency has an ownership interest or which the agency has control of without following a competitive process, provided that the agency has notified the public of its intent through its public housing agency plan and subject to the limitations and requirements of this paragraph.
(O)

Special purpose vouchers.—
A public housing agency that administers vouchers authorized under subsection (o)(19) or (x) of this section may provide such assistance in accordance with the limitations and requirements of this paragraph, without additional requirements for approval by the Secretary.
(14)

Inapplicability to tenant-based assistance.—
Subsection (c) shall not apply to tenant-based assistance under this subsection.
(15)

Homeownership option.—
(A)

In general.—
A public housing agency providing assistance under this subsection may, at the option of the agency, provide assistance for homeownership under subsection (y).
(B)

Alternative administration.—
A public housing agency may contract with a nonprofit organization to administer a homeownership program under subsection (y).
(16)

Rental vouchers for relocation of witnesses and victims of crime.—
(A)

Witnesses.—
Of amounts made available for assistance under this subsection in each fiscal year, the Secretary, in consultation with the Inspector General, shall make available such sums as may be necessary for the relocation of witnesses in connection with efforts to combat crime in public and assisted housing pursuant to requests from law enforcement or prosecution agencies.
(B)

Victims of crime.—
(i)

In general.—
Of amounts made available for assistance under this section in each fiscal year, the Secretary shall make available such sums as may be necessary for the relocation of families residing in public housing who are victims of a crime of violence (as that term is defined in section 16 of title 18, United States Code) that has been reported to an appropriate law enforcement agency.
(ii)

Notice.—
A public housing agency that receives amounts under this subparagraph shall establish procedures for providing notice of the availability of that assistance to families that may be eligible for that assistance.
(17)

Deed restrictions.—
Assistance under this subsection may not be used in any manner that abrogates any local deed restriction that applies to any housing consisting of 1 to 4 dwelling units. This paragraph may not be construed to affect the provisions or applicability of the Fair Housing Act.
(18)

Rental assistance for assisted living facilities.—
(A)

In general.—
A public housing agency may make assistance payments on behalf of a family that uses an assisted living facility as a principal place of residence and that uses such supportive services made available in the facility as the agency may require. Such payments may be made only for covering costs of rental of the dwelling unit in the assisted living facility and not for covering any portion of the cost of residing in such facility that is attributable to service relating to assisted living.
(B)

Rent calculation.—
(i)

Charges included.—
For assistance pursuant to this paragraph, the rent of the dwelling unit that is an assisted living facility with respect to which assistance payments are made shall include maintenance and management charges related to the dwelling unit and tenant-paid utilities. Such rent shall not include any charges attributable to services relating to assisted living.
(ii)

Payment standard.—
In determining the monthly assistance that may be paid under this paragraph on behalf of any family residing in an assisted living facility, the public housing agency shall utilize the payment standard established under paragraph (1), for the market area in which the assisted living facility is located, for the applicable size dwelling unit.
(iii)

Monthly assistance payment.—
The monthly assistance payment for a family assisted under this paragraph shall be determined in accordance with paragraph (2) (using the rent and payment standard for the dwelling unit as determined in accordance with this subsection), except that a family may be required at the time the family initially receives such assistance to pay rent in an amount exceeding 40 percent of the monthly adjusted income of the family by such an amount or percentage that is reasonable given the services and amenities provided and as the Secretary deems appropriate..47
^{47}
Two periods so in law. See amendment made by section 302 of Public Law 111–372.
(C)

Definition.—
For the purposes of this paragraph, the term “assisted living facility” has the meaning given that term in section 232(b) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715w(b)), except that such a facility may be contained within a portion of a larger multifamily housing project.
(19)

Rental vouchers for veterans affairs supported housing program.—
(A)

Set aside.—
Subject to subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall set aside, from amounts made available for rental assistance under this subsection, the amounts specified in subparagraph (B) for use only for providing such assistance through a supported housing program administered in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Such program shall provide rental assistance on behalf of homeless veterans who have chronic mental illnesses or chronic substance use disorders, shall require agreement of the veteran to continued treatment for such mental illness or substance use disorder as a condition of receipt of such rental assistance, and shall ensure such treatment and appropriate case management for each veteran receiving such rental assistance.
(B)

Amount.—
The amount specified in this subparagraph is—
(i)
for fiscal year 2007, the amount necessary to provide 500 vouchers for rental assistance under this subsection;
(ii)
for fiscal year 2008, the amount necessary to provide 1,000 vouchers for rental assistance under this subsection;
(iii)
for fiscal year 2009, the amount necessary to provide 1,500 vouchers for rental assistance under this subsection;
(iv)
for fiscal year 2010, the amount necessary to provide 2,000 vouchers for rental assistance under this subsection; and
(v)
for fiscal year 2011, the amount necessary to provide 2,500 vouchers for rental assistance under this subsection.
(C)

Funding through incremental assistance.—
In any fiscal year, to the extent that this paragraph requires the Secretary to set aside rental assistance amounts for use under this paragraph in an amount that exceeds the amount set aside in the preceding fiscal year, such requirement shall be effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are or have been provided in appropriation Acts for such fiscal year for incremental rental assistance under this subsection.
(D)

Veteran defined.—
In this paragraph, the term “veteran” has the meaning given that term in section 2002(b) of title 38, United States Code.
(20)

Collection of utility data.—
(A)

Publication.—
The Secretary shall, to the extent that data can be collected cost effectively, regularly publish such data regarding utility consumption and costs in local areas as the Secretary determines will be useful for the establishment of allowances for tenant-paid utilities for families assisted under this subsection.
(B)

Use of data.—
The Secretary shall provide such data in a manner that—
(i)
avoids unnecessary administrative burdens for public housing agencies and owners; and
(ii)
protects families in various unit sizes and building types, and using various utilities, from high rent and utility cost burdens relative to income.
(21)

Carbon monoxide alarms.—
Each dwelling unit receiving tenant-based assistance or project-based assistance under this subsection shall have carbon monoxide alarms or detectors installed in the dwelling unit in a manner that meets or exceeds—
(A)
the standards described in chapters 9 and 11 of the 2018 publication of the International Fire Code, as published by the International Code Council; or
(B)
any other standards as may be adopted by the Secretary, including any relevant updates to the International Fire Code, through a notice published in the Federal Register.
(22)

Qualifying smoke alarms.—
(A)

In general.—
Each dwelling unit receiving tenant-based assistance or project-based assistance under this subsection shall have a qualifying smoke alarm installed in accordance with applicable codes and standards published by the International Code Council or the National Fire Protection Association and the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 72, or any successor standard, in each level and in or near each sleeping area in such dwelling unit, including in basements but excepting crawl spaces and unfinished attics, and in each common area in a project containing such a dwelling unit.
(B)

Definitions.—
For purposes of this paragraph, the following definitions shall apply:
(i)

Smoke alarm defined.—
The term “smoke alarm” has the meaning given the term “smoke detector” in section 29(d) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2225(d)).
(ii)

Qualifying smoke alarm defined.—
The term “qualifying smoke alarm” means a smoke alarm that—
(I)
in the case of a dwelling unit built before the date of enactment of this paragraph and not substantially rehabilitated after the date of enactment of this paragraph—
- (aa)
(AA)
is hardwired; or
(BB)
uses 10-year non rechargeable, nonreplaceable primary batteries and is sealed, is tamper resistant, and contains silencing means; and
- (bb)
provides notification for persons with hearing loss as required by the National Fire Protection Association Standard 72, or any successor standard; or
(II)
in the case of a dwelling unit built or substantially rehabilitated after the date of enactment of this paragraph, is hardwired.
(p)
In order to assist elderly families (as defined in section 3(b)(3)) who elect to live in a shared housing arrangement in which they benefit as a result of sharing the facilities of a dwelling with others in a manner that effectively and efficiently meets their housing needs and thereby reduces their costs of housing, the Secretary shall permit assistance provided under the existing housing and moderate rehabilitation programs to be used by such families in such arrangements. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall issue minimum habitability standards for the purpose of assuring decent, safe, and sanitary housing for such families while taking into account the special circumstances of shared housing.
(q)

Administrative Fees.—
(1)

Fee for ongoing costs of administration.—
(A)

In general.—
The Secretary shall establish fees for the costs of administering the tenant-based assistance, certificate, voucher, and moderate rehabilitation programs under this section.
(B)

Fiscal year 1999.—
(i)

Calculation.—
For fiscal year 1999, the fee for each month for which a dwelling unit is covered by an assistance contract shall be—
(I)
in the case of a public housing agency that, on an annual basis, is administering a program for not more than 600 dwelling units, 7.65 percent of the base amount; and
(II)
in the case of an agency that, on an annual basis, is administering a program for more than 600 dwelling units (aa) for the first 600 units, 7.65 percent of the base amount, and (bb) for any additional dwelling units under the program, 7.0 percent of the base amount.
(ii)

Base amount.—
For purposes of this subparagraph, the base amount shall be the higher of—
(I)
the fair market rental established under section 8(c) of this Act (as in effect immediately before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199848) for fiscal year 1993 for a 2-bedroom existing rental dwelling unit in the market area of the agency, and
^{48}
The effective date under section 503 of such Act (112 Stat. 2521; 42 U.S.C. 1437 note) was October 1, 1999, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in such Act or to the extent that the Secretary, by notice, implemented any provision of such Act before such date.
(II)
the amount that is the lesser of (aa) such fair market rental for fiscal year 1994, or (bb) 103.5 percent of the amount determined under clause (i),
adjusted based on changes in wage data or other objectively measurable data that reflect the costs of administering the program, as determined by the Secretary. The Secretary may require that the base amount be not less than a minimum amount and not more than a maximum amount.
(C)

Subsequent fiscal years.—
For subsequent fiscal years, the Secretary shall publish a notice in the Federal Register, for each geographic area, establishing the amount of the fee that would apply for public housing agencies administering the program, based on changes in wage data or other objectively measurable data that reflect the costs of administering the program, as determined by the Secretary.
(D)

Increase.—
The Secretary may increase the fee if necessary to reflect the higher costs of administering small programs and programs operating over large geographic areas.
(E)

Decrease.—
The Secretary may decrease the fee for units owned by a public housing agency to reflect reasonable costs of administration.
(2)

Fee for preliminary expenses.—
The Secretary shall also establish reasonable fees (as determined by the Secretary) for—
(A)
the costs of preliminary expenses, in the amount of $500, for a public housing agency, except that such fee shall apply to an agency only in the first year that the agency administers a tenant-based assistance program under this section, and only if, immediately before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199849, the agency was not administering a tenant-based assistance program under the United States Housing Act of 1937 (as in effect immediately before such effective date), in connection with its initial increment of assistance received;
^{49}
The effective date under section 503 of such Act (112 Stat. 2521; 42 U.S.C. 1437 note) was October 1, 1999, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in such Act or to the extent that the Secretary, by notice, implemented any provision of such Act before such date.
(B)
the costs incurred in assisting families who experience difficulty (as determined by the Secretary) in obtaining appropriate housing under the programs; and
(C)
extraordinary costs approved by the Secretary.
(3)

Transfer of fees in cases of concurrent geographical jurisdiction.—
In each fiscal year, if any public housing agency provides tenant-based assistance under this section on behalf of a family who uses such assistance for a dwelling unit that is located within the jurisdiction of such agency but is also within the jurisdiction of another public housing agency, the Secretary shall take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that the public housing agency that provides the services for a family receives all or part of the administrative fee under this section (as appropriate).
(4)

Applicability.—
This subsection shall apply to fiscal year 1999 and fiscal years thereafter.
(5)

Supplements for administering assistance for youth aging out of foster care.—
The Secretary may provide supplemental fees under this subsection to the public housing agency for the cost of administering any assistance for foster youth under subsection (x)(2)(B), in an amount determined by the Secretary, but only if the agency waives for such eligible youth receiving assistance any residency requirement that it has otherwise established pursuant to subsection (r)(1)(B)(i).
(r)

Portability.—
(1)

In general.—
(A)
Any family receiving tenant-based assistance under subsection (o) may receive such assistance to rent an eligible dwelling unit if the dwelling unit to which the family moves is within any area in which a program is being administered under this section.
(B)
(i)
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) and subject to any exceptions established under clause (ii) of this subparagraph, a public housing agency may require that any family not living within the jurisdiction of the public housing agency at the time the family applies for assistance from the agency shall, during the 12-month period beginning on the date of initial receipt of housing assistance made available on behalf of the family from such agency, lease and occupy an eligible dwelling unit located within the jurisdiction served by the agency.
(ii)
The Secretary may establish such exceptions to the authority of public housing agencies established under clause (i).
(2)
The public housing agency having authority with respect to the dwelling unit to which a family moves under this subsection shall have the responsibility of carrying out the provisions of this subsection with respect to the family.
(3)
In providing assistance under subsection (o) for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall give consideration to any reduction in the number of resident families incurred by a public housing agency in the preceding fiscal year as a result of the provisions of this subsection. The Secretary shall establish procedures for the compensation of public housing agencies that issue vouchers to families that move into or out of the jurisdiction of the public housing agency under portability procedures. The Secretary may reserve amounts available for assistance under subsection (o) to compensate those public housing agencies.
(4)
The provisions of this subsection may not be construed to restrict any authority of the Secretary under any other provision of law to provide for the portability of assistance under this section.
(5)

Lease violations.—
A family may not receive a voucher from a public housing agency and move to another jurisdiction under the tenant-based assistance program if the family has moved out of the assisted dwelling unit of the family in violation of a lease, except that a family may receive a voucher from a public housing agency and move to another jurisdiction under the tenant-based assistance program if the family has complied with all other obligations of the section 8 program and has moved out of the assisted dwelling unit in order to protect the health or safety of an individual who is or has been the victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking and who reasonably believed he or she was imminently threatened by harm from further violence if he or she remained in the assisted dwelling unit.
(s)
In selecting families for the provision of assistance under this section (including subsection (o)), a public housing agency may not exclude or penalize a family solely because the family resides in a public housing project.
(t)

Enhanced Vouchers.—
(1)

In general.—
Enhanced voucher assistance under this subsection for a family shall be voucher assistance under subsection (o), except that under such enhanced voucher assistance—
(A)
subject only to subparagraph (D), the assisted family shall pay as rent no less than the amount the family was paying on the date of the eligibility event for the project in which the family was residing on such date;
(B)
the assisted family may elect to remain in the same project in which the family was residing on the date of the eligibility event for the project, and if, during any period the family makes such an election and continues to so reside, the rent for the dwelling unit of the family in such project exceeds the applicable payment standard established pursuant to subsection (o) for the unit, the amount of rental assistance provided on behalf of the family shall be determined using a payment standard that is equal to the rent for the dwelling unit (as such rent may be increased from time-to-time), subject to paragraph (10)(A) of subsection (o) and any other reasonable limit prescribed by the Secretary, except that a limit shall not be considered reasonable for purposes of this subparagraph if it adversely affects such assisted families;
(C)
subparagraph (B) of this paragraph shall not apply and the payment standard for the dwelling unit occupied by the family shall be determined in accordance with subsection (o) if—
(i)
the assisted family moves, at any time, from such project; or
(ii)
the voucher is made available for use by any family other than the original family on behalf of whom the voucher was provided; and
(D)
if the annual adjusted income of the assisted family declines to a significant extent, the percentage of annual adjusted income paid by the family for rent shall not exceed the greater of 30 percent or the percentage of annual adjusted income paid at the time of the eligibility event for the project.
(2)

Eligibility event.—
For purposes of this subsection, the term “eligibility event” means, with respect to a multifamily housing project, the prepayment of the mortgage on such housing project, the voluntary termination of the insurance contract for the mortgage for such housing project (including any such mortgage prepayment during fiscal year 1996 or a fiscal year thereafter or any insurance contract voluntary termination during fiscal year 1996 or a fiscal year thereafter), the termination or expiration of the contract for rental assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 for such housing project (including any such termination or expiration during fiscal years after fiscal year 1994 prior to the effective date of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001), or the transaction under which the project is preserved as affordable housing, that, under paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 515(c), section 524(d) of the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note), section 223(f) of the Low-Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act of 1990 (12 U.S.C. 4113(f)), or section 201(p) of the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 1715z–1a(p)), results in tenants in such housing project being eligible for enhanced voucher assistance under this subsection.
(3)

Treatment of enhanced vouchers provided under other authority.—
(A)

In general.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any enhanced voucher assistance provided under any authority specified in subparagraph (B) shall (regardless of the date that the amounts for providing such assistance were made available) be treated, and subject to the same requirements, as enhanced voucher assistance under this subsection.
(B)

Identification of other authority.—
The authority specified in this subparagraph is the authority under—
(i)
the 10th, 11th, and 12th provisos under the “Preserving Existing Housing Investment” account in title II of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public Law 104–204; 110 Stat. 2884), pursuant to such provisos, the first proviso under the “Housing Certificate Fund” account in title II of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998 (Public Law 105–65; 111 Stat. 1351), or the first proviso under the “Housing Certificate Fund” account in title II of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (Public Law 105–276; 112 Stat. 2469); and
(ii)
paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 515(c) of the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note), as in effect before the enactment of this Act.
(4)

Authorization of appropriations.—
There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 such sums as may be necessary for enhanced voucher assistance under this subsection.
(u)
In the case of low-income families living in rental projects rehabilitated under section 17 of this Act or section 533 of the Housing Act of 1949 before rehabilitation—
(1)
vouchers under this section shall be made for families who are required to move out of their units because of the physical rehabilitation activities or because of overcrowding;
(2)
at the discretion of each public housing agency or other agency administering the allocation of assistance 50 or vouchers under this section may be made for families who would have to pay more than 30 percent of their adjusted income for rent after rehabilitation whether they choose to remain in, or to move from, the project; and
^{50}
So in law. There should probably be a comma.
(3)
the Secretary shall allocate assistance for vouchers under this section to ensure that sufficient resources are available to address the physical or economic displacement, or potential economic displacement, of existing tenants pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2).
(v)
The Secretary may extend expiring contracts entered into under this section for project-based loan management assistance to the extent necessary to prevent displacement of low-income families receiving such assistance as of September 30, 1996.
[(w)
[Repealed.] ]
(x)

Family Unification.—
(1)

Increase in budget authority.—
The budget authority available under section 5(c) for assistance under section 8(b) is authorized to be increased by $100,000,000 on or after October 1, 1992, and by $104,200,000 on or after October 1, 1993.
(2)

Use of funds.—
The amounts made available under this subsection shall be used only in connection with tenant-based assistance under section 8 on behalf of (A) any family (i) who is otherwise eligible for such assistance, and (ii) who the public child welfare agency for the jurisdiction has certified is a family for whom the lack of adequate housing is a primary factor in the imminent placement of the family's child or children in out-of-home care or the delayed discharge of a child or children to the family from out-of-home care and (B)subject to paragraph (5), for a period not to exceed 36 months, otherwise eligible youths who have attained at least 18 years of age and not more than 24 years of age and who have left foster care, or will leave foster care within 90 days, in accordancewith a transition plan described in section 475(5)(H)of the Social Security Act, and is homeless or is at riskof becoming homeless at age 16 or older.The amounts made available under this subsection shall be allocated by the Secretary through a national competition among applicants based on demonstrated need for assistance under this subsection. To be considered for assistance, an applicant shall submit to the Secretary a written proposal containing a report from the public child welfare agency serving the jurisdiction of the applicant that describes how a lack of adequate housing in the jurisdiction is resulting in the initial or prolonged separation of children from their families, and how the applicant will coordinate with the public child welfare agency to identify eligible families and provide the families with assistance under this subsection.
(3)

Allocation.—
(A)

In general.—
The amounts made available under this subsection shall be allocated by the Secretary through a national competition among applicants based on demonstrated need for assistance under this subsection. To be considered for assistance, an applicant shall submit to the Secretary a written proposal containing a report from the public child welfare agency serving the jurisdiction of the applicant that describes how a lack of adequate housing in the jurisdiction is resulting in the initial or prolonged separation of children from their families, and how the applicant will coordinate with the public child welfare agency to identify eligible families and provide the families with assistance under this subsection.
(B)

Assistance for youth aging out of foster care.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall, subject only to the availability of funds, allocate such assistance to any public housing agencies that (i) administer assistance pursuant to paragraph (2)(B), or seek to administer such assistance, consistent with procedures established by the Secretary, (ii) have requested such assistance so that they may provide timely assistance to eligible youth, and (iii) have submitted to the Secretary a statement describing how the agency will connect assisted youths with local community resources and self-sufficiency services, to the extent they are available, and obtain referrals from public child welfare agencies regarding youths in foster care who become eligible for such assistance.
(4)

Coordination between public housing agencies and public child welfare agencies.—
The Secretary shall, not later than the expiration of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 and after consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, issue guidance to improve coordination between public housing agencies and public child welfare agencies in carrying out the program under this subsection, which shall provide guidance on—
(A)
identifying eligible recipients for assistance under this subsection and establishing a point of contact at public housing agencies to ensure that public housing agencies receive appropriate referrals regarding eligible recipients;
(B)
coordinating with other local youth and family providers in the community and participating in the Continuum of Care program established under subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11381 et seq.);
(C)
implementing housing strategies to assist eligible families and youth;
(D)
aligning system goals to improve outcomes for families and youth and reducing lapses in housing for families and youth; and
(E)
identifying resources that are available to eligible families and youth to provide supportive services available through parts B and E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq.; 670 et seq.) or that the head of household of a family or youth may be entitled to receive under section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677).
(5)

Requirements for assistance for youth aging out of foster care.—
Assistance provided under this subsection for an eligible youth pursuant to paragraph (2)(B) shall be subject to the following requirements:
(A)

Requirements to extend assistance.—
(i)

Participation in family self-sufficiency.—
In the case of a public housing agency that is providing such assistance under this subsection on behalf of an eligible youth and that is carrying out a family self-sufficiency program under section 23, the agency shall, subject only to the availability of such assistance, extend the provision of such assistance for up to 24 months beyond the period referred to in paragraph (2)(B), but only during such period that the youth is in compliance with the terms and conditions applicable under section 23 and the regulations implementing such section to a person participating in a family self-sufficiency program.
(ii)

Education, workforce development, or employment.—
In the case of a public housing agency that is providing such assistance under this subsection on behalf of an eligible youth and that is not carrying out a family self-sufficiency program under section 23, or is carrying out such a program in which the youth has been unable to enroll, the agency shall, subject only to the availability of such assistance, extend the provision of such assistance for two successive 12-month periods, after the period referred to in paragraph (2)(B), but only if for not less than 9 months of the 12-month period preceding each such extension the youth was—
(I)
engaged in obtaining a recognized postsecondary credential or a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent;
(II)
enrolled in an institution of higher education, as such term is defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)) and including the institutions described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 102(a)(1) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1002(a)(1)); or
(III)
participating in a career pathway, as such term is defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
Notwithstanding any other provision of this clause, a public housing agency shall consider employment as satisfying the requirements under this subparagraph.
(iii)

Exceptions.—
Notwithstanding clauses (i) and (ii), a public housing agency that is providing such assistance under this subsection on behalf of an eligible youth shall extend the provision of such assistance for up to 24 months beyond the period referred to in paragraph (2)(B), and clauses (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph shall not apply, if the eligible youth certifies that he or she is—
(I)
a parent or other household member responsible for the care of a dependent child under the age of 6 or for the care of an incapacitated person;
(II)
a person who is regularly and actively participating in a drug addiction or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program; or
(III)
a person who is incapable of complying with the requirement under clause (i) or (ii), as applicable, due to a documented medical condition.
(iv)

Verification of compliance.—
The Secretary shall require the public housing agency to verify compliance with the requirements under this subparagraph by each eligible youth on whose behalf the agency provides such assistance under this subsection on an annual basis in conjunction with reviews of income for purposes of determining income eligibility for such assistance.
(B)

Supportive services.—
(i)

Eligibility.—
Each eligible youth on whose behalf such assistance under this subsection is provided shall be eligible for any supportive services (as such term is defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102)) made available, in connection with any housing assistance program of the agency, by or through the public housing agency providing such assistance.
(ii)

Information.—
Upon the initial provision of such assistance under this subsection on behalf of any eligible youth, the public housing agency shall inform such eligible youth of the existence of any programs or services referred to in clause (i) and of their eligibility for such programs and services.
(C)

Applicability to moving to work agencies.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the requirements of this paragraph shall apply to assistance under this subsection pursuant to paragraph (2)(B) made available by each public housing agency participating in the Moving to Work Program under section 204 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1437f note), except that in lieu of compliance with clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, such an agency may comply with the requirements under such clauses by complying with such terms, conditions, and requirements as may be established by the agency for persons on whose behalf such rental assistance under this subsection is provided.
(D)

Termination of vouchers upon turn-over.—
A public housing agency shall not reissue any such assistance made available from appropriated funds when assistance for the youth initially assisted is terminated, unless specifically authorized by the Secretary.
(E)

Reports.—
(i)

In general.—
The Secretary shall require each public housing agency that provides such assistance under this subsection in any fiscal year to submit a report to the Secretary for such fiscal year that—
(I)
specifies the number of persons on whose behalf such assistance under this subsection was provided during such fiscal year;
(II)
specifies the number of persons who applied during such fiscal year for such assistance under this subsection, but were not provided such assistance, and provides a brief identification in each instance of the reason why the public housing agency was unable to award such assistance; and
(III)
describes how the public housing agency communicated or collaborated with public child welfare agencies to collect such data.
(ii)

Information collections.—
The Secretary shall, to the greatest extent possible, utilize existing information collections, including the voucher management system (VMS), the Inventory Management System/PIH Information Center (IMS/PIC), or the successors of those systems, to collect information required under this subparagraph.
(F)

Consultation.—
The Secretary shall consult with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide such information and guidance to the Secretary of Health and Human Services as may be necessary to facilitate such Secretary in informing States and public child welfare agencies on how to correctly and efficiently implement and comply with the requirements of this subsection relating to assistance provided pursuant to paragraph (2)(B).
(6)

Definitions.—
For purposes of this subsection:
(A)

Applicant.—
The term “applicant” means a public housing agency or any other agency responsible for administering assistance under section 8.
(B)

Public child welfare agency.—
The term “public child welfare agency” means the public agency responsible under applicable State law for determining that a child is at imminent risk of placement in out-of-home care or that a child in out-of-home care under the supervision of the public agency may be returned to his or her family.
(y)

Homeownership Option.—
(1)

Use of assistance for homeownership.—
A public housing agency providing tenant-based assistance on behalf of an eligible family under this section may provide assistance for an eligible family that purchases a dwelling unit (including a unit under a lease-purchase agreement) that will be owned by 1 or more members of the family, and will be occupied by the family, if the family—
(A)
is a first-time homeowner, or owns or is acquiring shares in a cooperative;
(B)
demonstrates that the family has income from employment or other sources (other than public assistance, except that the Secretary may provide for the consideration of public assistance in the case of an elderly family or a disabled family), as determined in accordance with requirements of the Secretary, that is not less than twice the payment standard established by the public housing agency (or such other amount as may be established by the Secretary);
(C)
except as provided by the Secretary, demonstrates at the time the family initially receives tenant-based assistance under this subsection that one or more adult members of the family have achieved employment for the period as the Secretary shall require;
(D)
participates in a homeownership and housing counseling program provided by the agency; and
(E)
meets any other initial or continuing requirements established by the public housing agency in accordance with requirements established by the Secretary.
(2)

Determination of amount of assistance.—
(A)

Monthly expenses not exceeding payment standard.—
If the monthly homeownership expenses, as determined in accordance with requirements established by the Secretary, do not exceed the payment standard, the monthly assistance payment shall be the amount by which the homeownership expenses exceed the highest of the following amounts, rounded to the nearest dollar:
(i)
30 percent of the monthly adjusted income of the family.
(ii)
10 percent of the monthly income of the family.
(iii)
If the family is receiving payments for welfare assistance from a public agency, and a portion of those payments, adjusted in accordance with the actual housing costs of the family, is specifically designated by that agency to meet the housing costs of the family, the portion of those payments that is so designated.
(B)

Monthly expenses exceed payment standard.—
If the monthly homeownership expenses, as determined in accordance with requirements established by the Secretary, exceed the payment standard, the monthly assistance payment shall be the amount by which the applicable payment standard exceeds the highest of the amounts under clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subparagraph (A).
(3)

Inspections and contract conditions.—
(A)

In general.—
Each contract for the purchase of a unit to be assisted under this section shall—
(i)
provide for pre-purchase inspection of the unit by an independent professional; and
(ii)
require that any cost of necessary repairs be paid by the seller.
(B)

Annual inspections not required.—
The requirement under subsection (o)(8)(A)(ii) for annual inspections shall not apply to units assisted under this section.
(4)

Other authority of the secretary.—
The Secretary may—
(A)
limit the term of assistance for a family assisted under this subsection; and
(B)
modify the requirements of this subsection as the Secretary determines to be necessary to make appropriate adaptations for lease-purchase agreements.
(5)

Inapplicability of certain provisions.—
Assistance under this subsection shall not be subject to the requirements of the following provisions:
(A)
Subsection (c)(3)(B) of this section.
(B)
Subsection (d)(1)(B)(i) of this section.
(C)
Any other provisions of this section governing maximum amounts payable to owners and amounts payable by assisted families.
(D)
Any other provisions of this section concerning contracts between public housing agencies and owners.
(E)
Any other provisions of this Act that are inconsistent with the provisions of this subsection.
(6)

Reversion to rental status.—
(A)

FHA-insured mortgages.—
If a family receiving assistance under this subsection for occupancy of a dwelling defaults under a mortgage for the dwelling insured by the Secretary under the National Housing Act, the family may not continue to receive rental assistance under this section unless the family (i) transfers to the Secretary marketable title to the dwelling, (ii) moves from the dwelling within the period established or approved by the Secretary, and (iii) agrees that any amounts the family is required to pay to reimburse the escrow account under section 23(d)(3) may be deducted by the public housing agency from the assistance payment otherwise payable on behalf of the family.
(B)

Other mortgages.—
If a family receiving assistance under this subsection defaults under a mortgage not insured under the National Housing Act, the family may not continue to receive rental assistance under this section unless it complies with requirements established by the Secretary.
(C)

All mortgages.—
A family receiving assistance under this subsection that defaults under a mortgage may not receive assistance under this subsection for occupancy of another dwelling owned by one or more members of the family.
(7)

Downpayment assistance.—
(A)

Authority.—
A public housing agency may, in lieu of providing monthly assistance payments under this subsection on behalf of a family eligible for such assistance and at the discretion of the public housing agency, provide assistance for the family in the form of a single grant to be used only as a contribution toward the downpayment required in connection with the purchase of a dwelling for fiscal year 2000 and each fiscal year thereafter to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts.
(B)

Amount.—
The amount of a downpayment grant on behalf of an assisted family may not exceed the amount that is equal to the sum of the assistance payments that would be made during the first year of assistance on behalf of the family, based upon the income of the family at the time the grant is to be made.
(8)

Definition of first-time homeowner.—
For purposes of this subsection, the term “first-time homeowner” means—
(A)
a family, no member of which has had a present ownership interest in a principal residence during the 3 years preceding the date on which the family initially receives assistance for homeownership under this subsection; and
(B)
any other family, as the Secretary may prescribe.
(z)

Termination of Section 8 Contracts and Reuse of Recaptured Budget Authority.—
(1)

General authority.—
The Secretary may reuse any budget authority, in whole or part, that is recaptured on account of expiration or termination of a housing assistance payments contract only for one or more of the following:
(A)

Tenant-based assistance.—
Pursuant to a contract with a public housing agency, to provide tenant-based assistance under this section to families occupying units formerly assisted under the terminated contract.
(B)

Project-based assistance.—
Pursuant to a contract with an owner, to attach assistance to one or more structures under this section, for relocation of families occupying units formerly assisted under the terminated contract.
(2)

Families occupying units formerly assisted under terminated contract.—
Pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall first make available tenant- or project-based assistance to families occupying units formerly assisted under the terminated contract. The Secretary shall provide project-based assistance in instances only where the use of tenant-based assistance is determined to be infeasible by the Secretary.
(aa)51

Refinancing Incentive.—
^{51}
The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1995, Public Law 103–327, 108 Stat. 2316, approved September 28, 1994, amended this section by adding this subsection. Such Act also provides that such amendment “shall be effective only during fiscal year 1995.”.
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary may pay all or a part of the up front costs of refinancing for each project that—
(A)
is constructed, substantially rehabilitated, or moderately rehabilitated under this section;
(B)
is subject to an assistance contract under this section; and
(C)
was subject to a mortgage that has been refinanced under section 223(a)(7) or section 223(f) of the National Housing Act to lower the periodic debt service payments of the owner.
(2)

Share from reduced assistance payments.—
The Secretary may pay the up front cost of refinancing only—
(A)
to the extent that funds accrue to the Secretary from the reduced assistance payments that results from the refinancing; and
(B)
after the application of amounts in accordance with section 1012 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988.
(bb)

Transfer, Reuse, and Rescission of Budget Authority.—
(1)

Transfer of Budget Authority.—
If an assistance contract under this section, other than a contract for tenant-based assistance, is terminated or is not renewed, or if the contract expires, the Secretary shall, in order to provide continued assistance to eligible families, including eligible families receiving the benefit of the project-based assistance at the time of the termination, transfer any budget authority remaining in the contract to another contract. The transfer shall be under such terms as the Secretary may prescribe.
(2)

Reuse and rescission of certain recaptured budget authority.—
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), if a project-based assistance contract for an eligible multifamily housing project subject to actions authorized under title I is terminated or amended as part of restructuring under section 517 of the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997, the Secretary shall recapture the budget authority not required for the terminated or amended contract and use such amounts as are necessary to provide housing assistance for the same number of families covered by such contract for the remaining term of such contract, under a contract providing for project-based or tenant-based assistance. The amount of budget authority saved as a result of the shift to project-based or tenant-based assistance shall be rescinded.
(cc)

Law Enforcement and Security Personnel.—
(1)

In general.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, in the case of assistance attached to a structure, for the purpose of increasing security for the residents of a project, an owner may admit, and assistance under this section may be provided to, police officers and other security personnel who are not otherwise eligible for assistance under the Act.
(2)

Rent requirements.—
With respect to any assistance provided by an owner under this subsection, the Secretary may—
(A)
permit the owner to establish such rent requirements and other terms and conditions of occupancy that the Secretary considers to be appropriate; and
(B)
require the owner to submit an application for those rent requirements, which application shall include such information as the Secretary, in the discretion of the Secretary, determines to be necessary.
(3)

Applicability.—
This subsection shall apply to fiscal year 1999 and fiscal years thereafter.
(dd)

Tenant-Based Contract Renewals.—
Subject to amounts provided in appropriation Acts, starting in fiscal year 1999, the Secretary shall renew all expiring tenant-based annual contribution contracts under this section by applying an inflation factor based on local or regional factors to an allocation baseline. The allocation baseline shall be calculated by including, at a minimum, amounts sufficient to ensure continued assistance for the actual number of families assisted as of October 1, 1997, with appropriate upward adjustments for incremental assistance and additional families authorized subsequent to that date.
[Note: A partial section 8 below reflects a version of such section prior to November 30, 1983 reads as follows:]

lower income housing assistance
Sec. 8a.
(a) * * *
(b)
(1) * * *
(2)
To the extent of annual contributions authorizations under section 5(c) of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to make assistance payments pursuant to contracts with owners or prospective owners who agree to construct or substantially rehabilitate housing in which some or all of the units shall be available for occupancy by lower-income families in accordance with the provisions of this section. To increase housing opportunities for very low-income families, the Secretary shall assure that newly constructed housing to be assisted under this section is modest in design. The Secretary may also enter into annual contributions contracts with public housing agencies pursuant to which such agencies may enter into contracts to make assistance payments to such owners or prospective owners. Each contract to make assistance payments for newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated housing assisted under this section entered into after the date of enactment of the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 1981 shall provide that during the term of the contract the owner shall make available for occupancy by families which are eligible for assistance under this section, at the time of their initial occupancy, the number of units for which assistance is committed under the contract.
* * * * * * *
(e)
(1)
The Secretary shall not contract to make assistance payments with respect to a newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated dwelling unit for a term of less than two hundred and forty months or more than three hundred and sixty months, except that such term may not exceed two hundred and forty months in the case of a project financed with assistance of a loan made by, or insured, guaranteed or intended for purchase by, the Federal Government, other than pursuant to section 244 of the National Housing Act. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, in the case of a project owned by, or financed by a loan or loan guarantee from, a State or local agency or the Farmers' Home Administration, the term may not exceed four hundred and eighty months.
(2)
The contract between the Secretary and the owner with respect to newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated dwelling units shall provide that all ownership, management, and maintenance responsibilities, including the selection of tenants and the termination of tenancy, shall be assumed by the owner (or any entity, including a public housing agency, approved by the Secretary, with which the owner may contract for the performance of such responsibilities), except that the tenant selection criteria shall give preference to families which occupy substandard housing or are involuntarily displaced at the time they are seeking housing assistance under this section. In approving any public housing agency to assume all the management and maintenance responsibilities of any dwelling unit under the preceding sentence, the Secretary may do so without regard to whether such agency administers the housing assistance payment contract for that unit.
(3)
The construction or substantial rehabilitation of dwelling units to be assisted under this section shall be eligible for financing with mortgages insured under the National Housing Act. Assistance with respect to such dwelling units shall not be withheld or made subject to preferences by reason of the availability of mortgage insurance pursuant to section 244 of such Act or by reason of the tax-exempt status of the bonds or other obligations to be used to finance such construction or rehabilitation.
* * * * * * *
(i)
In entering into contracts under this section with respect to substantially rehabilitated dwelling units, the Secretary shall provide that—
(1)
the maximum monthly rent permitted for the assisted units be not greater than the amount permitted under subsection (c) or a lesser amount which the Secretary determines is appropriate taking into consideration the investment of the owner in the assisted units and such other factors as the Secretary determines to be relevant;
(2)
the assisted units be rehabilitated to a level which meets but does not exceed applicable codes and standards for decent, safe, and sanitary housing which are prescribed by the Secretary;
(3)
all the dwelling units in the housing structure in which the assisted units are located meet applicable codes and standards prescribed by the Secretary for decent, safe, and sanitary housing;
(4)
the term of any such contract does not exceed the maximum term permitted under subsection (e)(1) or a shorter term which the Secretary determines is appropriate taking into consideration the amount of investment of the owner in the assisted units and such other factors as the Secretary determines to be relevant; and
(5)
the assisted units meet cost-effective energy efficiency standards prescribed by the Secretary.
* * * * * * *
(l)
After selection of a proposal involving newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated units for assistance under this section, the Secretary shall limit cost and rent increases, except for adjustment in rent pursuant to section 8(c)(2), to those approved by the Secretary. The Secretary may approve those increases only for unforeseen factors beyond the owner's control, design changes required by the Secretary or the local government, or changes in financing approved by the Secretary.
(m)
For the purpose of achieving the lowest cost in providing units in newly constructed projects assisted under this section, the Secretary shall give a preference in entering into contracts under this section for projects which are to be located on specific tracts of land provided by States or units of local government if the Secretary determines that the tract of land is suitable for such housing, and that affording such preference will be cost effective.
SEC. 9.
[42 U.S.C. 1437g]

PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL AND OPERATING FUNDS.
(a)

Merger Into Capital Fund.—
Except as otherwise provided in the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, any assistance made available for public housing under section 14 of this Act before October 1, 1999, shall be merged into the Capital Fund established under subsection (d).
(b)

Merger Into Operating Fund.—
Except as otherwise provided in the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, any assistance made available for public housing under section 9 of this Act before October 1, 1999, shall be merged into the Operating Fund established under subsection (e).
(c)

Allocation Amount.—
(1)

In General.—
For fiscal year 2000 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall allocate amounts in the Capital Fund and Operating Funds for assistance for public housing agencies eligible for such assistance. The Secretary shall determine the amount of the allocation for each eligible agency, which shall be, for any fiscal year beginning after the effective date of the formulas described in subsections (d)(2) and (e)(2)—
(A)
for assistance from the Capital Fund, the amount determined for the agency under the formula under subsection (d)(2); and
(B)
for assistance from the Operating Fund, the amount determined for the agency under the formula under subsection (e)(2).
(2)

Funding.—
There are authorized to be appropriated for assistance for public housing agencies under this section the following amounts:
(A)

Capital fund.—
For allocations of assistance from the Capital Fund, $3,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003.
(B)

Operating fund.—
For allocations of assistance from the Operating Fund, $2,900,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003.
(d)

Capital Fund.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall establish a Capital Fund for the purpose of making assistance available to public housing agencies to carry out capital and management activities, including—
(A)
the development, financing, and modernization of public housing projects, including the redesign, reconstruction, and reconfiguration of public housing sites and buildings (including accessibility improvements) and the development of mixed-finance projects;
(B)
vacancy reduction;
(C)
addressing deferred maintenance needs and the replacement of obsolete utility systems and dwelling equipment;
(D)
planned code compliance;
(E)
management improvements, including the establishment and initial operation of computer centers in and around public housing through a Neighborhood Networks initiative, for the purpose of enhancing the self-sufficiency, employability, and economic self-reliance of public housing residents by providing them with onsite computer access and training resources;
(F)
demolition and replacement;
(G)
resident relocation;
(H)
capital expenditures to facilitate programs to improve the empowerment and economic self-sufficiency of public housing residents and to improve resident participation;
(I)
capital expenditures to improve the security and safety of residents;
(J)
homeownership activities, including programs under section 32;
(K)
improvement of energy and water-use efficiency by installing fixtures and fittings that conform to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers/American National Standards Institute standards A112.19.2–1998 and A112.18.1–2000, or any revision thereto, applicable at the time of installation, and by increasing energy efficiency and water conservation by such other means as the Secretary determines are appropriate; and
(L)
integrated utility management and capital planning to maximize energy conservation and efficiency measures.
(2)

Formula.—
The Secretary shall develop a formula for determining the amount of assistance provided to public housing agencies from the Capital Fund for a fiscal year, which shall include a mechanism to reward performance. The formula may take into account such factors as—
(A)
the number of public housing dwelling units owned, assisted, or operated by the public housing agency, the characteristics and locations of the projects, and the characteristics of the families served and to be served (including the incomes of the families);
(B)
the need of the public housing agency to carry out rehabilitation and modernization activities, replacement housing, and reconstruction, construction, and demolition activities related to public housing dwelling units owned, assisted, or operated by the public housing agency, including backlog and projected future needs of the agency;
(C)
the cost of constructing and rehabilitating property in the area;
(D)
the need of the public housing agency to carry out activities that provide a safe and secure environment in public housing units owned, assisted, or operated by the public housing agency;
(E)
any record by the public housing agency of exemplary performance in the operation of public housing, as indicated by the system of performance indicators established pursuant to section 6(j); and
(F)
any other factors that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(3)

Conditions on use for development and modernization.—
(A)

Development.—
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, any public housing developed using amounts provided under this subsection, or under section 14 as in effect before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199852, shall be operated under the terms and conditions applicable to public housing during the 40-year period that begins on the date on which the project (or stage of the project) becomes available for occupancy.
^{52}
The effective date under section 503 of such Act (112 Stat. 2521; 42 U.S.C. 1437 note) was October 1, 1999, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in such Act or to the extent that the Secretary, by notice, implemented any provision of such Act before such date.
(B)

Modernization.—
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, any public housing or portion thereof that is modernized using amounts provided under this subsection or under section 14 (as in effect before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199852) shall be maintained and operated under the terms and conditions applicable to public housing during the 20-year period that begins on the latest date on which modernization is completed.
(C)

Applicability of latest expiration date.—
Public housing subject to this paragraph or to any other provision of law mandating the operation of the housing as public housing or under the terms and conditions applicable to public housing for a specified length of time, shall be maintained and operated as required until the latest such expiration date.
(e)

Operating Fund.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall establish an Operating Fund for the purpose of making assistance available to public housing agencies for the operation and management of public housing, including 53—
^{53}
The Department of Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2010, enacted as title II of Division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010, Public Law 111–117, 123 Stat. 3080, 42 U.S.C. 1437g note, provides in the heading relating to “Public Housing Operating Fund” that “for fiscal year 2009 and all fiscal years hereafter, the Secretary shall provide assistance under this heading to public housing agencies on a calendar year basis:Provided further, That in fiscal year 2009 and all fiscal years hereafter, no amounts under this heading in any appropriations Act may be used for payments to public housing agencies for the costs of operation and management of public housing for any year prior to the current year of such Act”.
(A)
procedures and systems to maintain and ensure the efficient management and operation of public housing units (including amounts sufficient to pay for the reasonable costs of review by an independent auditor of the documentation or other information maintained pursuant to section 6(j)(6) by a public housing agency or resident management corporation to substantiate the performance of that agency or corporation);
(B)
activities to ensure a program of routine preventative maintenance;
(C)
anticrime and antidrug activities, including the costs of providing adequate security for public housing residents, including above-baseline police service agreements;
(D)
activities related to the provision of services, including service coordinators for elderly persons or persons with disabilities;
(E)
activities to provide for management and participation in the management and policy making of public housing by public housing residents;
(F)
the costs of insurance;
(G)
the energy costs associated with public housing units, with an emphasis on energy conservation;
(H)
the costs of administering a public housing work program under section 12, including the costs of any related insurance needs;
(I)
the costs of repaying, together with rent contributions, debt incurred to finance the rehabilitation and development of public housing units, which shall be subject to such reasonable requirements as the Secretary may establish;
(J)
the costs associated with the operation and management of mixed finance projects, to the extent appropriate; and
(K)
the costs of operating computer centers in public housing through a Neighborhood Networks initiative described in subsection (d)(1)(E), and of activities related to that initiative.
(2)

Formula.—
(A)

In general.—
The Secretary shall establish a formula for determining the amount of assistance provided to public housing agencies from the Operating Fund for a fiscal year. The formula may take into account—
(i)
standards for the costs of operating and reasonable projections of income, taking into account the characteristics and locations of the public housing projects and characteristics of the families served and to be served (including the incomes of the families), or the costs of providing comparable services as determined in accordance with criteria or a formula representing the operations of a prototype well-managed public housing project;
(ii)
the number of public housing dwelling units owned, assisted, or operated by the public housing agency;
(iii)
the number of public housing dwelling units owned, assisted, or operated by the public housing agency that are chronically vacant and the amount of assistance appropriate for those units;
(iv)
to the extent quantifiable, the extent to which the public housing agency provides programs and activities designed to promote the economic self-sufficiency and management skills of public housing residents;
(v)
the need of the public housing agency to carry out anti-crime and anti-drug activities, including providing adequate security for public housing residents;
(vi)
the amount of public housing rental income foregone by the public housing agency as a result of escrow savings accounts under section 23(d)(2) for families participating in a family self-sufficiency program of the agency under such section 23; and
(vii)
any other factors that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(B)

Incentive to increase certain rental income.—
The formula shall provide an incentive to encourage public housing agencies to facilitate increases in earned income by families in occupancy. Any such incentive shall provide that the agency shall benefit from increases in such rental income and that such amounts accruing to the agency pursuant to such benefit may be used only for low-income housing or to benefit the residents of the public housing agency.
(C)

Treatment of savings.—
(i)

In general.—
The treatment of utility and waste management costs under the formula shall provide that a public housing agency shall receive the full financial benefit from any reduction in the cost of utilities or waste management resulting from any contract with a third party to undertake energy conservation improvements in one or more of its public housing projects.
(ii)

Third party contracts.—
Contracts described in clause (i) may include contracts for equipment conversions to less costly utility sources, projects with resident-paid utilities, and adjustments to frozen base year consumption, including systems repaired to meet applicable building and safety codes and adjustments for occupancy rates increased by rehabilitation.
(iii)

Term of contract.—
The total term of a contract described in clause (i) shall not exceed 20 years to allow longer payback periods for retrofits, including windows, heating system replacements, wall insulation, site-based generation, advanced energy savings technologies, including renewable energy generation, and other such retrofits.
(iv)

Existing contracts.—
The term of a contract described in clause (i) that, as of the date of enactment of this clause, is in repayment and has a term of not more than 12 years, may be extended to a term of not more than 20 years to permit additional energy conservation improvements without requiring the reprocurement of energy performance contractors.
(D)

Freeze of consumption levels.—
(i)

In general.—
A small public housing agency, as defined in section 38(a), may elect to be paid for its utility and waste management costs under the formula for a period, at the discretion of the small public housing agency, of not more than 20 years based on the small public housing agency’s average annual consumption during the 3-year period preceding the year in which the election is made (in this subparagraph referred to as the “consumption base level”).
(ii)

Initial adjustment in consumption base level.—
The Secretary shall make an initial one-time adjustment in the consumption base level to account for differences in the heating degree day average over the most recent 20-year period compared to the average in the consumption base level.
(iii)

Adjustments in consumption base level.—
The Secretary shall make adjustments in the consumption base level to account for an increase or reduction in units, a change in fuel source, a change in resident controlled electricity consumption, or for other reasons.
(iv)

Savings.—
All cost savings resulting from an election made by a small public housing agency under this subparagraph—
(I)
shall accrue to the small public housing agency; and
(II)
may be used for any public housing purpose at the discretion of the small public housing agency.
(v)

Third parties.—
A small public housing agency making an election under this subparagraph—
(I)
may use, but shall not be required to use, the services of a third party in its energy conservation program; and
(II)
shall have the sole discretion to determine the source, and terms and conditions, of any financing used for its energy conservation program.
(3)

Condition on use.—
No portion of any public housing project operated using amounts provided under this subsection, or under this section as in effect before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199854, may be disposed of before the expiration of the 10-year period beginning upon the conclusion of the fiscal year for which such amounts were provided, except as otherwise provided in this Act.
^{54}
The effective date under section 503 of such Act (112 Stat. 2521; 42 U.S.C. 1437 note) was October 1, 1999, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in such Act or to the extent that the Secretary, by notice, implemented any provision of such Act before such date.
(f)

Negotiated Rulemaking Procedure.—
The formulas under subsections (d)(2) and (e)(2) shall be developed according to procedures for issuance of regulations under the negotiated rulemaking procedure under subchapter III of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code.
(g)

Limitations on Use of Funds.—
(1)

Flexibility in use of funds.—
(A)

Flexibility for capital fund amounts.—
Of any amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2000 or any fiscal year thereafter that are allocated for fiscal year 2000 or any fiscal year thereafter from the Capital Fund for any public housing agency, the agency may use not more than 20 percent for activities that are eligible under subsection (e) for assistance with amounts from the Operating Fund, but only if the public housing agency plan for the agency provides for such use.
(B)

Flexibility for operating fund amounts.—
Of any amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2016 or any fiscal year thereafter that are allocated for fiscal year 2016 or any fiscal year thereafter from the Operating Fund for any public housing agency, the agency may use not more than 20 percent for activities that are eligible under subsection (d) for assistance with amounts from the Capital Fund, but only if the public housing plan under section 5A for the agency provides for such use.
(2)

Full flexibility for small pha's.—
Of any amounts allocated for any fiscal year for any public housing agency that owns or operates less than 250 public housing dwelling units, is not designated pursuant to section 6(j)(2) as a troubled public housing agency, and (in the determination of the Secretary) is operating and maintaining its public housing in a safe, clean, and healthy condition, the agency may use any such amounts for any eligible activities under subsections (d)(1) and (e)(1), regardless of the fund from which the amounts were allocated and provided. This subsection shall take effect on the date of the enactment of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199855.
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October 21, 1998.
(3)

Limitation on new construction.—
(A)

In general.—
Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), a public housing agency may not use any of the amounts allocated for the agency from the Capital Fund or Operating Fund for the purpose of constructing any public housing unit, if such construction would result in a net increase from the number of public housing units owned, assisted, or operated by the public housing agency on October 1, 1999, including any public housing units demolished as part of any revitalization effort.
(B)

Exception regarding use of assistance.—
A public housing agency may use amounts allocated for the agency from the Capital Fund or Operating Fund for the construction and operation of housing units that are available and affordable to low-income families in excess of the limitations on new construction set forth in subparagraph (A), but the formulas established under subsections (d)(2) and (e)(2) shall not provide additional funding for the specific purpose of allowing construction and operation of housing in excess of those limitations (except to the extent provided in subparagraph (C)).
(C)

Exception regarding formulas.—
Subject to reasonable limitations set by the Secretary, the formulas established under subsections (d)(2) and (e)(2) may provide additional funding for the operation and modernization costs (but not the initial development costs) of housing in excess of amounts otherwise permitted under this paragraph, and such amounts may be so used, if—
(i)
such units are part of a mixed-finance project or otherwise leverage significant additional private or public investment; and
(ii)
the estimated cost of the useful life of the project is less than the estimated cost of providing tenant-based assistance under section 8(o) for the same period of time.
(h)

Technical Assistance.—
To the extent amounts are provided in advance in appropriations Acts, the Secretary may make grants or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements in accordance with this subsection for purposes of providing, either directly or indirectly—
(1)
technical assistance to public housing agencies, resident councils, resident organizations, and resident management corporations, including assistance relating to monitoring and inspections;
(2)
training for public housing agency employees and residents;
(3)
data collection and analysis;
(4)
training, technical assistance, and education to public housing agencies that are—
(A)
at risk of being designated as troubled under section 6(j), to assist such agencies from being so designated; and
(B)
designated as troubled under section 6(j), to assist such agencies in achieving the removal of that designation;
(5)
contract expertise;
(6)
training and technical assistance to assist in the oversight and management of public housing or tenant-based assistance;
(7)
clearinghouse services in furtherance of the goals and activities of this subsection; and
(8)
assistance in connection with the establishment and operation of computer centers in public housing through a Neighborhood Networks initiative described in subsection (d)(1)(E).
As used in this subsection, the terms “training” and “technical assistance” shall include training or technical assistance and the cost of necessary travel for participants in such training or technical assistance, by or to officials and employees of the Department and of public housing agencies, and to residents and to other eligible grantees.
(i)

Eligibility of Units Acquired From Proceeds of Sales Under Demolition or Disposition Plan.—
If a public housing agency uses proceeds from the sale of units under a homeownership program in accordance with section 32 to acquire additional units to be sold to low-income families, the additional units shall be counted as public housing for purposes of determining the amount of the allocation to the agency under this section until sale by the agency, but in no case longer than 5 years.
(j)

Penalty for Slow Expenditure of Capital Funds.—56
^{56}
The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002, Pub. L. 107–703, 115 Stat. 660, 42 U.S.C. 1437g note, provides “[t]hat, hereafter, notwithstanding any other provision of law or any failure of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to issue regulations to carry out section 9(j) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437g(j)), such section is deemed to have taken effect on October 1, 1998, and, except as otherwise provided in this heading, shall apply to all assistance made available under this same heading on or after such date”.
(1)

Obligation of amounts.—
Except as provided in paragraph (4) and subject to paragraph (2), a public housing agency shall obligate any assistance received under this section not later than 24 months after, as applicable—
(A)
the date on which the funds become available to the agency for obligation in the case of modernization; or
(B)
the date on which the agency accumulates adequate funds to undertake modernization, substantial rehabilitation, or new construction of units.
(2)

Extension of time period for obligation.—
The Secretary—
(A)
may, extend the time period under paragraph (1) for a public housing agency, for such period as the Secretary determines to be necessary, if the Secretary determines that the failure of the agency to obligate assistance in a timely manner is attributable to—
(i)
litigation;
(ii)
obtaining approvals of the Federal Government or a State or local government;
(iii)
complying with environmental assessment and abatement requirements;
(iv)
relocating residents;
(v)
an event beyond the control of the public housing agency; or
(vi)
any other reason established by the Secretary by notice published in the Federal Register;
(B)
shall disregard the requirements of paragraph (1) with respect to any unobligated amounts made available to a public housing agency, to the extent that the total of such amounts does not exceed 10 percent of the original amount made available to the public housing agency; and
(C)
may, with the prior approval of the Secretary, extend the time period under paragraph (1), for an additional period not to exceed 12 months, based on—
(i)
the size of the public housing agency;
(ii)
the complexity of capital program of the public housing agency;
(iii)
any limitation on the ability of the public housing agency to obligate the amounts allocated for the agency from the Capital Fund in a timely manner as a result of State or local law; or
(iv)
such other factors as the Secretary determines to be relevant.
(3)

Effect of failure to comply.—
(A)

Prohibition of new assistance.—
A public housing agency shall not be awarded assistance under this section for any month during any fiscal year in which the public housing agency has funds unobligated in violation of paragraph (1) or (2).
(B)

Withholding of assistance.—
During any fiscal year described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall withhold all assistance that would otherwise be provided to the public housing agency. If the public housing agency cures its failure to comply during the year, it shall be provided with the share attributable to the months remaining in the year.
(C)

Redistribution.—
The total amount of any funds not provided public housing agencies by operation of this paragraph shall be allocated for agencies determined under section 6(j) to be high-performing.
(4)

Exception to obligation requirements.—
(A)

In general.—
Subject to subparagraph (B), if the Secretary has consented, before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199857, to an obligation period for any agency longer than provided under paragraph (1), a public housing agency that obligates its funds before the expiration of that period shall not be considered to be in violation of paragraph (1).
^{57}
The effective date under section 503 of such Act (112 Stat. 2521; 42 U.S.C. 1437 note) was October 1, 1999, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in such Act or to the extent that the Secretary, by notice, implemented any provision of such Act before such date.
(B)

Prior fiscal years.—
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), any funds appropriated to a public housing agency for fiscal year 1997 or prior fiscal years shall be fully obligated by the public housing agency not later than September 30, 1999.
(5)

Expenditure of amounts.—
(A)

In general.—
A public housing agency shall spend any assistance received under this section not later than 4 years (plus the period of any extension approved by the Secretary under paragraph (2)) after the date on which funds become available to the agency for obligation.
(B)

Enforcement.—
The Secretary shall enforce the requirement of subparagraph (A) through default remedies up to and including withdrawal of the funding.
(6)

Right of recapture.—
Any obligation entered into by a public housing agency shall be subject to the right of the Secretary to recapture the obligated amounts for violation by the public housing agency of the requirements of this subsection.
(7)

Treatment of replacement reserve.—
The requirements of this subsection shall not apply to funds held in replacement reserves established pursuant to subsection (n).
(k)

Treatment of Nonrental Income.—
A public housing agency that receives income from nonrental sources (as determined by the Secretary) may retain and use such amounts without any decrease in the amounts received under this section from the Capital or Operating Fund. Any such nonrental amounts retained shall be used only for low-income housing or to benefit the residents assisted by the public housing agency.
(l)

Provision of Only Capital or Operating Assistance.—
(1)

Authority.—
In appropriate circumstances, as determined by the Secretary, a public housing agency may commit capital assistance only, or operating assistance only, for public housing units, which assistance shall be subject to all of the requirements applicable to public housing except as otherwise provided in this subsection.
(2)

Exemptions.—
In the case of any public housing unit assisted pursuant to the authority under paragraph (1), the Secretary may, by regulation, reduce the period under subsection (d)(3) or (e)(3), as applicable, during which such units must be operated under requirements applicable to public housing. In cases in which there is commitment of operating assistance but no commitment of capital assistance, the Secretary may make section 8 requirements applicable, as appropriate, by regulation.
(m)

Treatment of Public Housing.—
[(1)
[Repealed.] ]
(2)

Reduction of asthma incidence.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the New York City Housing Authority may, in its sole discretion, from amounts provided from the Operating and Capital Funds, or from amounts provided for public housing before amounts are made available from such Funds, use not more than exceeding $500,000 per year for the purpose of initiating, expanding or continuing a program for the reduction of the incidence of asthma among residents. The Secretary shall consult with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify and consider sources of funding for the reduction of the incidence of asthma among recipients of assistance under this title.
(3)

Services for elderly residents.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the New York City Housing Authority may, in its sole discretion, from amounts provided from the Operating and Capital Funds, or from amounts provided for public housing before the amounts are made available from such Funds, use not more than $600,000 per year for the purpose of developing a comprehensive plan to address the need for services for elderly residents. Such plan may be developed by a partnership created by such Housing Authority and may include the creation of a model project for assisted living at one or more developments. The model project may provide for contracting with private parties for the delivery of services.
(4)

Effective date.—
This subsection shall apply to fiscal year 1999 and each fiscal year thereafter.
(n)

Establishment of Replacement Reserves.—
(1)

In general.—
Public housing agencies shall be permitted to establish a replacement reserve to fund any of the capital activities listed in subsection (d)(1).
(2)

Source and amount of funds for replacement reserve.—
At any time, a public housing agency may deposit funds from such agency’s Capital Fund into a replacement reserve, subject to the following:
(A)
At the discretion of the Secretary, public housing agencies may transfer and hold in a replacement reserve funds originating from additional sources.
(B)
No minimum transfer of funds to a replacement reserve shall be required.
(C)
At any time, a public housing agency may not hold in a replacement reserve more than the amount the public housing authority has determined necessary to satisfy the anticipated capital needs of properties in its portfolio assisted under this section, as outlined in its Capital Fund 5-Year Action Plan, or a comparable plan, as determined by the Secretary.
(D)
The Secretary may establish, by regulation, a maximum replacement reserve level or levels that are below amounts determined under subparagraph (C), which may be based upon the size of the portfolio assisted under this section or other factors.
(3)

Transfer of operating funds.—
In first establishing a replacement reserve, the Secretary may allow public housing agencies to transfer more than 20 percent of its operating funds into its replacement reserve.
(4)

Expenditure.—
Funds in a replacement reserve may be used for purposes authorized by subsection (d)(1) and contained in its Capital Fund 5-Year Action Plan.
(5)

Management and report.—
The Secretary shall establish appropriate accounting and reporting requirements to ensure that public housing agencies are spending funds on eligible projects and that funds in the replacement reserve are connected to capital needs.
(o)

Public Housing Heating Guidelines.—
The Secretary shall publish model guidelines for minimum heating requirements for public housing dwelling units operated by public housing agencies receiving assistance under this section.

general provisions
Sec. 10.
[42 U.S.C. 1437h]
(a)
In the performance of, and with respect to, the functions, powers, and duties vested in him by this Act, the Secretary, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, shall—
(1)
prepare annually and submit a budget program as provided for wholly owned Government corporations by chapter 91 of title 31, United States Code; and
(2)
maintain an integral set of accounts which may be audited by the General Accounting Office 58 as provided by chapter 91 of title 31, United States Code.
^{58}
Section 8(a) of the GAO Human Capital Reform Act, Public Law 108–271, 118 Stat. 814, approved July 7, 2004, 31 U.S.C. 702 note, redesignated the General Accounting Office as the Government Accountability Office. Subsection (b) of such section provides that “[a]ny reference to the General Accounting Office in any law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, or other official paper in force on the date of enactment of this Act shall be considered to refer and apply to the Government Accountability Office.”.
(b)
All receipts and assets of the Secretary under this Act shall be available for the purposes of this Act until expended.
(c)
The Federal Reserve banks are authorized and directed to act as depositories, custodians, and fiscal agents for the Secretary in the general exercise of his powers under this Act, and the Secretary may reimburse any such bank for its services in such manner as may be agreed upon.

financing lower income housing projects
Sec. 11.
[42 U.S.C. 1437i]
(a)
Obligations issued by a public housing agency in connection with low-income housing projects which (1) are secured (A) by a pledge of a loan under any agreement between such public housing agency and the Secretary, or (B) by a pledge of annual contributions under an annual contributions contract between such public housing agency and the Secretary, or (C) by a pledge of both annual contributions under an annual contributions contract and a loan under an agreement between such public housing agency and the Secretary, and (2) bear, or are accompanied by, a certificate of the Secretary that such obligations are so secured, shall be incontestable in the hands of a bearer and the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the payment of all amounts agreed to be paid by the Secretary as security for such obligations.
(b)
Except as provided in section 5(g), obligations, including interest thereon, issued by public housing agencies in connection with low-income housing projects shall be exempt from all taxation now or hereafter imposed by the United States whether paid by such agencies or by the Secretary. The income derived by such agencies from such projects shall be exempt from all taxation now or hereafter imposed by the United States.

labor standards and community service requirement
Sec. 12.
[42 U.S.C. 1437j]
(a)
Any contract for loans, contributions, sale, or lease pursuant to this Act shall contain a provision requiring that not less than the wages prevailing in the locality, as determined or adopted (subsequent to a determination under applicable State or local law) by the Secretary, shall be paid to all architects, technical engineers, draftsmen, and technicians employed in the development, and all maintenance laborers and mechanics employed in the operation, of the low-income housing project involved; and shall also contain a provision that not less than the wages prevailing in the locality, as predetermined by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to the Davis-Bacon Act (49 Stat. 1011), shall be paid to all laborers and mechanics employed in the development of the project involved (including a project with nine or more units assisted under section 8 of this Act, where the public housing agency or the Secretary and the builder or sponsor enter into an agreement for such use before construction or rehabilitation is commenced), and the Secretary shall require certification as to compliance with the provisions of this section prior to making any payment under such contract.
(b)
Subsection (a) and the provisions relating to wages (pursuant to subsection (a)) in any contract for loans, annual contributions, sale, or lease pursuant to this Act, shall not apply to any individual that—
(1)
performs services for which the individual volunteered;
(2)
(A)
does not receive compensation for such services; or
(B)
is paid expenses, reasonable benefits, or a nominal fee for such services; and
(3)
is not otherwise employed at any time in the construction work.
(c)

Community Service Requirement.—
(1)

In General.—
Except as provided in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, each adult resident of a public housing project shall—
(A)
contribute 8 hours per month of community service (not including political activities) within the community in which that adult resides; or
(B)
participate in an economic self-sufficiency program (as that term is defined in subsection (g)) for 8 hours per month.
(2)

Exemptions.—
The Secretary shall provide an exemption from the applicability of paragraph (1) for any individual who—
(A)
is 62 years of age or older;
(B)
is a blind or disabled individual, as defined under section 216(i)(1) or 1614 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 416(i)(1); 1382c), and who is unable to comply with this section, or is a primary caretaker of such individual;
(C)
is engaged in a work activity (as such term is defined in section 407(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 607(d)), as in effect on and after July 1, 1997))59;
^{59}
Parentheses so in law.
(D)
meets the requirements for being exempted from having to engage in a work activity under the State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or under any other welfare program of the State in which the public housing agency is located, including a State-administered welfare-to-work program; or
(E)
is in a family receiving assistance under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) or under any other welfare program of the State in which the public housing agency is located, including a State-administered welfare-to-work program, and has not been found by the State or other administering entity to be in noncompliance with such program.
(3)

Annual determinations.—
(A)

Requirement.—
For each public housing resident subject to the requirement under paragraph (1), the public housing agency shall, 30 days before the expiration of each lease term of the resident under section 6(l)(1), review and determine the compliance of the resident with the requirement under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(B)

Due process.—
Such determinations shall be made in accordance with the principles of due process and on a nondiscriminatory basis.
(C)

Noncompliance.—
If an agency determines that a resident subject to the requirement under paragraph (1) has not complied with the requirement, the agency—
(i)
shall notify the resident—
(I)
of such noncompliance;
(II)
that the determination of noncompliance is subject to the administrative grievance procedure under subsection (k); and
(III)
that, unless the resident enters into an agreement under clause (ii) of this subparagraph, the resident's lease will not be renewed; and
(ii)
may not renew or extend the resident's lease upon expiration of the lease term and shall take such action as is necessary to terminate the tenancy of the household, unless the agency enters into an agreement, before the expiration of the lease term, with the resident providing for the resident to cure any noncompliance with the requirement under paragraph (1), by participating in an economic self-sufficiency program for or contributing to community service as many additional hours as the resident needs to comply in the aggregate with such requirement over the 12-month term of the lease.
(4)

Ineligibility for occupancy for noncompliance.—
A public housing agency may not renew or extend any lease, or provide any new lease, for a dwelling unit in public housing for any household that includes an adult member who was subject to the requirement under paragraph (1) and failed to comply with the requirement.
(5)

Inclusion in plan.—
Each public housing agency shall include in its public housing agency plan a detailed description of the manner in which the agency intends to implement and administer this subsection.
(6)

Geographic location.—
The requirement under paragraph (1) may include community service or participation in an economic self-sufficiency program performed at a location not owned by the public housing agency.
(7)

Prohibition against replacement of employees.—
In carrying out this subsection, a public housing agency may not—
(A)
substitute community service or participation in an economic self-sufficiency program, as described in paragraph (1), for work performed by a public housing employee; or
(B)
supplant a job at any location at which community work requirements are fulfilled.
(8)

Third-party coordinating.—
A public housing agency may administer the community service requirement under this subsection directly, through a resident organization, or through a contractor having experience in administering volunteer-based community service programs within the service area of the public housing agency. The Secretary may establish qualifications for such organizations and contractors.
(d)

Treatment of Income Changes Resulting From Welfare Program Requirements.—
(1)

Covered family.—
For purposes of this subsection, the term “covered family” means a family that (A) receives benefits for welfare or public assistance from a State or other public agency under a program for which the Federal, State, or local law relating to the program requires, as a condition of eligibility for assistance under the program, participation of a member of the family in an economic self-sufficiency program, and (B) resides in a public housing dwelling unit or is provided tenant-based assistance under section 8.
(2)

Decreases in income for failure to comply.—
(A)

In general.—
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 3(a) (relating to family rental contributions) or paragraph (4) or (5) of section 3(b) (relating to definition of income and adjusted income), if the welfare or public assistance benefits of a covered family are reduced under a Federal, State, or local law regarding such an assistance program because of any failure of any member of the family to comply with the conditions under the assistance program requiring participation in an economic self-sufficiency program or imposing a work activities requirement, the amount required to be paid by the family as a monthly contribution toward rent may not be decreased, during the period of the reduction, as a result of any decrease in the income of the family (to the extent that the decrease in income is a result of the benefits reduction).
(B)

No reduction based on time limit for assistance.—
For purposes of this paragraph, a reduction in benefits as a result of the expiration of a lifetime time limit for a family receiving welfare or public assistance benefits shall not be considered to be a failure to comply with the conditions under the assistance program requiring participation in an economic self-sufficiency program or imposing a work activities requirement. This paragraph shall apply beginning upon the date of the enactment of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199860.
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October 21, 1998.
(3)

Effect of fraud.—
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 3(a) (relating to family rental contributions) or paragraph (4) or (5) of section 3(b) (relating to definition of income and adjusted income), if the welfare or public assistance benefits of a covered family are reduced because of an act of fraud by a member of the family under the law or program, the amount required to be paid by the covered family as a monthly contribution toward rent may not be decreased, during the period of the reduction, as a result of any decrease in the income of the family (to the extent that the decrease in income is a result of the benefits reduction). This paragraph shall apply beginning upon the date of the enactment of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199860.
(4)

Notice.—
Paragraphs (2) and (3) shall not apply to any covered family before the public housing agency providing assistance under this Act on behalf of the family obtains written notification from the relevant welfare or public assistance agency specifying that the family's benefits have been reduced because of noncompliance with economic self-sufficiency program or work activities requirements or fraud, and the level of such reduction.
(5)

Occupancy rights.—
This subsection may not be construed to authorize any public housing agency to establish any time limit on tenancy in a public housing dwelling unit or on receipt of tenant-based assistance under section 8.
(6)

Review.—
Any covered family residing in public housing that is affected by the operation of this subsection shall have the right to review the determination under this subsection through the administrative grievance procedure established pursuant to section 6(k) for the public housing agency.
(7)

Cooperation agreements for economic self-sufficiency activities.—
(A)

Requirement.—
A public housing agency providing public housing dwelling units or tenant-based assistance under section 8 for covered families shall make its best efforts to enter into such cooperation agreements, with State, local, and other agencies providing assistance to covered families under welfare or public assistance programs, as may be necessary, to provide for such agencies to transfer information to facilitate administration of subsection (c) and paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of this subsection and other information regarding rents, income, and assistance that may assist a public housing agency or welfare or public assistance agency in carrying out its functions.
(B)

Contents.—
A public housing agency shall seek to include in a cooperation agreement under this paragraph requirements and provisions designed to target assistance under welfare and public assistance programs to families residing in public housing projects and families receiving tenant-based assistance under section 8, which may include providing for economic self-sufficiency services within such housing, providing for services designed to meet the unique employment-related needs of residents of such housing and recipients of such assistance, providing for placement of workfare positions on-site in such housing, and such other elements as may be appropriate.
(C)

Confidentiality.—
This paragraph may not be construed to authorize any release of information prohibited by, or in contravention of, any other provision of Federal, State, or local law.
(e)

Lease Provisions.—
A public housing agency shall incorporate into leases under section 6(l) and into agreements for the provision of tenant-based assistance under section 8, provisions incorporating the conditions under subsection (d).
(f)

Treatment of Income.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, in determining the income of a family who resides in public housing or receives tenant-based assistance under section 8, a public housing agency shall consider any decrease in the income of a family that results from the reduction of any welfare or public assistance benefits received by the family under any Federal, State, or local law regarding a program for such assistance if the family (or a member thereof, as applicable) has complied with the conditions for receiving such assistance and is unable to obtain employment notwithstanding such compliance.
(g)

Definition.—
For purposes of this section, the term “economic self-sufficiency program” means any program designed to encourage, assist, train, or facilitate the economic independence of participants and their families or to provide work for participants, including programs for job training, employment counseling, work placement, basic skills training, education, workfare, financial or household management, apprenticeship, or other activities as the Secretary may provide.
SEC. 13.
[42 U.S.C. 1437k]

CONSORTIA, JOINT VENTURES, AFFILIATES, AND SUBSIDIARIES OF PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCIES.
(a)

Consortia.—
(1)

In general.—
Any 2 or more public housing agencies may participate in a consortium for the purpose of administering any or all of the housing programs of those public housing agencies in accordance with this section.
(2)

Effect.—
With respect to any consortium described in paragraph (1)—
(A)
any assistance made available under this title to each of the public housing agencies participating in the consortium shall be paid to the consortium; and
(B)
all planning and reporting requirements imposed upon each public housing agency participating in the consortium with respect to the programs operated by the consortium shall be consolidated.
(3)

Restrictions.—
(A)

Agreement.—
Each consortium described in paragraph (1) shall be formed and operated in accordance with a consortium agreement, and shall be subject to the requirements of a joint public housing agency plan, which shall be submitted by the consortium in accordance with section 5A.
(B)

Minimum requirements.—
The Secretary shall specify minimum requirements relating to the formation and operation of consortia and the minimum contents of consortium agreements under this paragraph.
(b)

Joint Ventures.—
(1)

In general.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public housing agency, in accordance with the public housing agency plan, may—
(A)
form and operate wholly owned or controlled subsidiaries (which may be nonprofit corporations) and other affiliates, any of which may be directed, managed, or controlled by the same persons who constitute the board of directors or similar governing body of the public housing agency, or who serve as employees or staff of the public housing agency; or
(B)
enter into joint ventures, partnerships, or other business arrangements with, or contract with, any person, organization, entity, or governmental unit—
(i)
with respect to the administration of the programs of the public housing agency, including any program that is subject to this title; or
(ii)
for the purpose of providing or arranging for the provision of supportive or social services.
(2)

Use of and treatment income 61.—
Any income generated under paragraph (1)—
^{61}
So in law.
(A)
shall be used for low-income housing or to benefit the residents assisted by the public housing agency; and
(B)
shall not result in any decrease in any amount provided to the public housing agency under this title, except as otherwise provided under the formulas established under section 9(d)(2) and 9(e)(2).
(3)

Audits.—
The Comptroller General of the United States, the Secretary, or the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development may conduct an audit of any activity undertaken under paragraph (1) at any time.
[Sec. 14
[Repealed.]
.]
[public housing modernization]

payment of nonfederal share
Sec. 15.
[42 U.S.C. 1437m]
Any of the following may be used as the non-Federal share required in connection with activities undertaken under Federal grant-in-aid programs which provide social, educational, employment, and other services to the tenants in a project assisted under this Act, other than under section 8:
(1)
annual contributions under this Act for operation of the project; or
(2)
rental or use-value of buildings or facilities paid for, in whole or in part, from development, modernization, or operation cost financed under this Act.

eligibility for assisted housing
Sec. 16.
[42 U.S.C. 1437n]
(a)

Income Eligibility for Public Housing.—
(1)

Income mix within projects.—
A public housing agency may establish and utilize income-mix criteria for the selection of residents for dwelling units in public housing projects, subject to the requirements of this section.
(2)

PHA income mix.—
(A)63

Targeting.—
Except as provided in paragraph (4), of the public housing dwelling units of a public housing agency made available for occupancy in any fiscal year by eligible families, not less than 40 percent shall be occupied by families whose incomes at the time of commencement of occupancy do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families; except that the Secretary may establish income ceilings higher or lower than 30 percent of the area median income on the basis of the Secretary's findings that such variations are necessary because of unusually high or low family incomes.62
^{62}
Section 238(b)(1) of Division L of Public Law 113-76 provides for an amendment to this subparagraph without specifying any text to amend.
^{63}
So in law. There is no subparagraph (B).
(3)

Prohibition of concentration of low-income families.—
(A)

Prohibition.—
A public housing agency may not, in complying with the requirements under paragraph (2), concentrate very low-income families (or other families with relatively low incomes) in public housing dwelling units in certain public housing projects or certain buildings within projects. The Secretary shall review the income and occupancy characteristics of the public housing projects and the buildings of such projects of such agencies to ensure compliance with the provisions of this paragraph and paragraph (2).
(B)

Deconcentration.—
(i)

In general.—
A public housing agency shall submit with its annual public housing agency plan under section 5A an admissions policy designed to provide for deconcentration of poverty and income-mixing by bringing higher income tenants into lower income projects and lower income tenants into higher income projects. This clause may not be construed to impose or require any specific income or racial quotas for any project or projects.
(ii)

Incentives.—
In implementing the policy under clause (i), a public housing agency may offer incentives for eligible families having higher incomes to occupy dwelling unit in projects predominantly occupied by eligible families having lower incomes, and provide for occupancy of eligible families having lower incomes in projects predominantly occupied by eligible families having higher incomes.
(iii)

Family choice.—
Incentives referred to in clause (ii) may be made available by a public housing agency only in a manner that allows for the eligible family to have the sole discretion in determining whether to accept the incentive and an agency may not take any adverse action toward any eligible family for choosing not to accept an incentive and occupancy of a project described in clause (i)(II)64, Provided, That the skipping of a family on a waiting list to reach another family to implement the policy under clause (i) shall not be considered an adverse action. An agency implementing an admissions policy under this subparagraph shall implement the policy in a manner that does not prevent or interfere with the use of site-based waiting lists authorized under section 6(s)65.
^{64}
So in law. There is no subclause (II) in clause (i).
^{65}
So in law. Probably should refer to section 6(r).
(4)

Fungibility with tenant-based assistance.—
(A)

Authority.—
Except as provided under subparagraph (D), the number of public housing dwelling units that a public housing agency shall otherwise make available in accordance with paragraph (2)(A) to comply with the percentage requirement under such paragraph for a fiscal year shall be reduced by the credit number for the agency under subparagraph (B).
(B)

Credit for exceeding tenant-based assistance targeting requirement.—
Subject to subparagraph (C), the credit number under this subparagraph for a public housing agency for a fiscal year shall be the number by which—
(i)
the aggregate number of qualified families who, in such fiscal year, are initially provided tenant-based assistance under section 8 by the agency; exceeds
(ii)
the number of qualified families that is required for the agency to comply with the percentage requirement under subsection (b)(1) for such fiscal year.
(C)

Limitations on credit number.—
The credit number under subparagraph (B) for a public housing agency for a fiscal year may not in any case exceed the lesser of—
(i)
the number of dwelling units that is equivalent to 10 percent of the aggregate number of families initially provided tenant-based assistance under section 8 by the agency in such fiscal year; or
(ii)
the number of public housing dwelling units of the agency that—
(I)
are in projects that are located in census tracts having a poverty rate of 30 percent or more; and
(II)
are made available for occupancy during such fiscal year and are actually filled only by families whose incomes at the time of commencement of such occupancy exceed 30 percent of the area median income, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families.
(D)

Fungibility floor.—
Notwithstanding any authority under subparagraph (A), of the public housing dwelling units of a public housing agency made available for occupancy in any fiscal year by eligible families, not less than 30 percent shall be occupied by families whose incomes at the time of commencement of occupancy do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families.
(E)

Qualified family.—
For purposes of this paragraph, the term “qualified family” means a family having an income described in subsection (b)(1).
(5)

Limitations on tenancy for over-income families.—
(A)

Limitations.—
Except as provided in subparagraph (D), in the case of any family residing in a dwelling unit of public housing whose income for the most recent two consecutive years, as determined pursuant to income reviews conducted pursuant to section 3(a)(6), has exceeded the applicable income limitation under subparagraph (C), the public housing agency shall—
(i)
notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, charge such family as monthly rent for the unit occupied by such family an amount equal to the greater of—
(I)
the applicable fair market rental established under section 8(c) for a dwelling unit in the same market area of the same size; or
(II)
the amount of the monthly subsidy provided under this Act for the dwelling unit, which shall include any amounts from the Operating Fund and Capital Fund under section 9 used for the unit, as determined by the agency in accordance with regulations that the Secretary shall issue to carry out this subclause; or
(ii)
terminate the tenancy of such family in public housing not later than 6 months after the income determination described in subparagraph (A).
(B)

Notice.—
In the case of any family residing in a dwelling unit of public housing whose income for a year has exceeded the applicable income limitation under subparagraph (C), upon the conclusion of such year the public housing agency shall provide written notice to such family of the requirements under subparagraph (A).
(C)

Income limitation.—
The income limitation under this subparagraph shall be 120 percent of the median income for the area, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families, except that the Secretary may establish income limitations higher or lower than 120 percent of such median income on the basis of the Secretary’s findings that such variations are necessary because of prevailing levels of construction costs, or unusually high or low family incomes, vacancy rates, or rental costs.
(D)

Exception.—
Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a family occupying a dwelling unit in public housing pursuant to paragraph (5) of section 3(a) (42 U.S.C. 1437a(a)(5)).
(E)

Reports on over-income families and waiting lists.—
The Secretary shall require that each public housing agency shall—
(i)
submit a report annually, in a format required by the Secretary, that specifies—
(I)
the number of families residing, as of the end of the year for which the report is submitted, in public housing administered by the agency who had incomes exceeding the applicable income limitation under subparagraph (C); and
(II)
the number of families, as of the end of such year, on the waiting lists for admission to public housing projects of the agency; and
(ii)
make the information reported pursuant to clause (i) publicly available.
(b)

Income Eligibility for Tenant-Based Section 8 Assistance.—
(1)66

In general.—
Of the families initially provided tenant-based assistance under section 8 by a public housing agency in any fiscal year, not less than 75 percent shall be families whose incomes do not exceed 30 percent of the area median income, as determined by the Secretary with adjustments for smaller and larger families; except that the Secretary may establish income ceilings higher or lower than 30 percent of the area median income on the basis of the Secretary's findings that such variations are necessary because of unusually high or low family incomes.
^{66}
Section 238(b)(2) of Division L of Public Law 113-76 provides for an amendment to this paragraph without specifying any text to amend.
(2)

Jurisdictions served by multiple pha's.—
In the case of any 2 or more public housing agencies that administer tenant-based assistance under section 8 with respect solely to identical geographical areas, such agencies shall be treated as a single public housing agency for purposes of paragraph (1).
(c)

Income Eligibility for Project-Based Section 8 Assistance.—
(1)

Pre-1981 act projects.—
Not more than 25 percent of the dwelling units that were available for occupancy under section 8 housing assistance payments contracts under this Act before the effective date of the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 198167, and which will be leased on or after such effective date shall be available for leasing by low-income families other than very low-income families.
^{67}
October 1, 1981.
(2)

Post-1981 act projects.—
Not more than 15 percent of the dwelling units which become available for occupancy under section 8 housing assistance payments contracts under this Act on or after the effective date of the Housing and Community Development Amendments of 198167 shall be available for leasing by low-income families other than very low-income families.
(3)

Targeting.—
For each project assisted under a contract for project-based assistance, of the dwelling units that become available for occupancy in any fiscal year that are assisted under the contract, not less than 40 percent shall be available for leasing only by extremely low-income families.
(4)

Prohibition of skipping.—
In developing admission procedures implementing paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), the Secretary shall prohibit project owners from selecting families for residence in an order different from the order on the waiting list for the purpose of selecting relatively higher income families for residence. Nothing in this paragraph or this subsection may be construed to prevent an owner of housing assisted under a contract for project-based assistance from establishing a preference for occupancy in such housing for families containing a member who is employed.
(5)

Exception.—
The limitations established in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) shall not apply to dwelling units made available under project-based contracts under section 8 for the purpose of preventing displacement, or ameliorating the effects of displacement.
(6)

Definition.—
For purposes of this subsection, the term “project-based assistance” means assistance under any of the following programs:
(A)
The new construction or substantial rehabilitation program under section 8(b)(2) (as in effect before October 1, 1983).
(B)
The property disposition program under section 8(b) (as in effect before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998)68.
^{68}
The effective date under section 503 of such Act (112 Stat. 2521; 42 U.S.C. 1437 note) was October 1, 1999, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in such Act or to the extent that the Secretary, by notice, implemented any provision of such Act before such date.
(C)
The loan management set-aside program under subsections (b) and (v) of section 8.
(D)
The project-based certificate program under section 8(d)(2).
(E)
The moderate rehabilitation program under section 8(e)(2) (as in effect before October 1, 1991).
(F)
The low-income housing preservation program under Low-Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act of 1990 or the provisions of the Emergency Low Income Housing Preservation Act of 1987 (as in effect before November 28, 1990).
(G)
Section 8 (as in effect before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998)68, following conversion from assistance under section 101 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 or section 236(f)(2) of the National Housing Act.
(d)

Establishment of Different Standards.—
Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2) or (b)(1), if approved by the Secretary, a public housing agency may for good cause establish and implement, in accordance with the public housing agency plan, an admission standard other than the standard under such subsection.
(e)

Eligibility for Assistance Based on Assets.—
(1)

Limitation on assets.—
Subject to paragraph (3) and notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, a dwelling unit assisted under this Act may not be rented and assistance under this Act may not be provided, either initially or at each recertification of family income, to any family—
(A)
whose net family assets exceed $100,000, as such amount is adjusted annually by applying an inflationary factor as the Secretary considers appropriate; or
(B)
who has a present ownership interest in, a legal right to reside in, and the effective legal authority to sell, real property that is suitable for occupancy by the family as a residence, except that the prohibition under this subparagraph shall not apply to—
(i)
any property for which the family is receiving assistance under subsection (y) or (o)(12) of section 8 of this Act;
(ii)
any person that is a victim of domestic violence; or
(iii)
any family that is offering such property for sale.
(2)

Net family assets.—
(A)

In general.—
For purposes of this subsection, the term “net family assets” means, for all members of the household, the net cash value of all assets after deducting reasonable costs that would be incurred in disposing of real property, savings, stocks, bonds, and other forms of capital investment. Such term does not include interests in Indian trust land, equity in property for which the family is receiving assistance under subsection (y) or (o)(12) of section 8, equity accounts in homeownership programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or Family Self Sufficiency accounts.
(B)

Exclusions.—
Such term does not include—
(i)
the value of personal property, except for items of personal property of significant value, as the Secretary may establish or the public housing agency may determine;
(ii)
the value of any retirement account;
(iii)
real property for which the family does not have the effective legal authority necessary to sell such property;
(iv)
any amounts recovered in any civil action or settlement based on a claim of malpractice, negligence, or other breach of duty owed to a member of the family and arising out of law, that resulted in a member of the family being disabled;
(v)
the value of any Coverdell education savings account under section 530 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or any qualified tuition program under section 529 of such Code; and
(vi)
such other exclusions as the Secretary may establish.
(C)

Trust funds.—
In cases in which a trust fund has been established and the trust is not revocable by, or under the control of, any member of the family or household, the value of the trust fund shall not be considered an asset of a family if the fund continues to be held in trust. Any income distributed from the trust fund shall be considered income for purposes of section 3(b) and any calculations of annual family income, except in the case of medical expenses for a minor.
(3)

Self-certification.—
(A)

Net family assets.—
A public housing agency or owner may determine the net assets of a family, for purposes of this section, based on a certification by the family that the net assets of such family do not exceed $50,000, as such amount is adjusted annually by applying an inflationary factor as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(B)

No current real property ownership.—
A public housing agency or owner may determine compliance with paragraph (1)(B) based on a certification by the family that such family does not have any current ownership interest in any real property at the time the agency or owner reviews the family’s income.
(C)

Standardized forms.—
The Secretary may develop standardized forms for the certifications referred to in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(4)

Compliance for public housing dwelling units.—
When recertifying family income with respect to families residing in public housing dwelling units, a public housing agency may, in the discretion of the agency and only pursuant to a policy that is set forth in the public housing agency plan under section 5A for the agency, choose not to enforce the limitation under paragraph (1).
(5)

Enforcement.—
When recertifying the income of a family residing in a dwelling unit assisted under this Act, a public housing agency or owner may choose not to enforce the limitation under paragraph (1) or may establish exceptions to such limitation based on eligibility criteria, but only pursuant to a policy that is set forth in the public housing agency plan under section 5A for the agency or under a policy adopted by the owner. Eligibility criteria for establishing exceptions may provide for separate treatment based on family type and may be based on different factors, such as age, disability, income, the ability of the family to find suitable alternative housing, and whether supportive services are being provided.
(6)

Authority to delay evictions.—
In the case of a family residing in a dwelling unit assisted under this Act who does not comply with the limitation under paragraph (1), the public housing agency or project owner may delay eviction or termination of the family based on such noncompliance for a period of not more than 6 months.
(7)

Verifying income.—
(A)
Beginning in fiscal year 2018, the Secretary shall require public housing agencies to require each applicant for, or recipient of, benefits under this Act to provide authorization by the applicant or recipient (or by any other person whose income or resources are material to the determination of the eligibility of the applicant or recipient for such benefits) for the public housing agency to obtain (subject to the cost reimbursement requirements of section 1115(a) of the Right to Financial Privacy Act) from any financial institution (within the meaning of section 1101(1) of such Act) any financial record (within the meaning of section 1101(2) of such Act) held by the institution with respect to the applicant or recipient (or any such other person) whenever the public housing agency determines the record is needed in connection with a determination with respect to such eligibility or the amount of such benefits.
(B)
Notwithstanding section 1104(a)(1) of the Right to Financial Privacy Act, an authorization provided by an applicant or recipient (or any other person whose income or resources are material to the determination of the eligibility of the applicant or recipient) pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall remain effective until the earliest of—
(i)
the rendering of a final adverse decision on the applicant’s application for eligibility for benefits under this Act;
(ii)
the cessation of the recipient’s eligibility for benefits under this Act; or
(iii)
the express revocation by the applicant or recipient (or such other person referred to in subparagraph (A)) of the authorization, in a written notification to the Secretary.
(C)
(i)
An authorization obtained by the public housing agency pursuant to this paragraph shall be considered to meet the requirements of the Right to Financial Privacy Act for purposes of section 1103(a) of such Act, and need not be furnished to the financial institution, notwithstanding section 1104(a) of such Act.
(ii)
The certification requirements of section 1103(b) of the Right to Financial Privacy Act shall not apply to requests by the public housing agency pursuant to an authorization provided under this clause.
(iii)
A request by the public housing agency pursuant to an authorization provided under this clause is deemed to meet the requirements of section 1104(a)(3) of the Right to Financial Privacy Act and the flush language of section 1102 of such Act.
(iv)
The public housing agency shall inform any person who provides authorization pursuant to this paragraph of the duration and scope of the authorization.
(D)
If an applicant for, or recipient of, benefits under this Act (or any such other person referred to in subparagraph (A)) refuses to provide, or revokes, any authorization made by the applicant or recipient for the public housing agency to obtain from any financial institution any financial record, the public housing agency may, on that basis, determine that the applicant or recipient is ineligible for benefits under this title.
(f)

Ineligibility of Individuals Convicted of Manufacturing or Producing Methamphetamine On the Premises.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public housing agency shall establish standards for occupancy in public housing dwelling units and assistance under section 8 that—
(1)
permanently prohibit occupancy in any public housing dwelling unit by, and assistance under section 8 for, any person who has been convicted of manufacturing or otherwise producing methamphetamine on the premises in violation of any Federal or State law; and
(2)
immediately and permanently terminate the tenancy in any public housing unit of, and the assistance under section 8 for, any person who is convicted of manufacturing or otherwise producing methamphetamine on the premises in violation of any Federal or State law.

[rental rehabilitation and development grants]
Sec. 17.69
[Repealed.]
^{69}
Section 289(a) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, Public Law 101–625, set forth, post, in part IV of this compilation, provides that no new grants or loans may be made under this section after October 1, 1991. Subsection (b) of such section repealed this section effective on October 1, 1991.
However, section 152 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987, Public Law 100–242, provides as follows:
``SEC. 152. TERMINATION OF RENTAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.—Effective on October 1, 1989, the rental development grant program under section 17(d) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 shall terminate.
``(b) Savings Provision.—The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to any housing development grant under section 17(d) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 made pursuant to a reservation of funds made by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development before October 1, 1989.''.
SEC. 18.
[42 U.S.C. 1437p]

DEMOLITION AND DISPOSITION OF PUBLIC HOUSING.
(a)

Applications for Demolition and Disposition.—
Except as provided in subsection (b), upon receiving an application by a public housing agency for authorization, with or without financial assistance under this title, to demolish or dispose of a public housing project or a portion of a public housing project (including any transfer to a resident-supported nonprofit entity), the Secretary shall approve the application, if the public housing agency certifies—
(1)
in the case of—
(A)
an application proposing demolition of a public housing project or a portion of a public housing project, that—
(i)
the project or portion of the public housing project is obsolete as to physical condition, location, or other factors, making it unsuitable for housing purposes; and
(ii)
no reasonable program of modifications is cost-effective to return the public housing project or portion of the project to useful life; and
(B)
an application proposing the demolition of only a portion of a public housing project, that the demolition will help to ensure the viability of the remaining portion of the project;
(2)
in the case of an application proposing disposition by sale or other transfer of a public housing project or other real property subject to this title—
(A)
the retention of the property is not in the best interests of the residents or the public housing agency because—
(i)
conditions in the area surrounding the public housing project adversely affect the health or safety of the residents or the feasible operation of the project by the public housing agency; or
(ii)
disposition allows the acquisition, development, or rehabilitation of other properties that will be more efficiently or effectively operated as low-income housing;
(B)
the public housing agency has otherwise determined the disposition to be appropriate for reasons that are—
(i)
in the best interests of the residents and the public housing agency;
(ii)
consistent with the goals of the public housing agency and the public housing agency plan; and
(iii)
otherwise consistent with this title; or
(C)
for property other than dwelling units, the property is excess to the needs of a public housing project or the disposition is incidental to, or does not interfere with, continued operation of a public housing project;
(3)
that the public housing agency has specifically authorized the demolition or disposition in the public housing agency plan, and has certified that the actions contemplated in the public housing agency plan comply with this section;
(4)
that the public housing agency—
(A)
will notify each family residing in a project subject to demolition or disposition 90 days prior to the displacement date, except in cases of imminent threat to health or safety, consistent with any guidelines issued by the Secretary governing such notifications, that—
(i)
the public housing project will be demolished or disposed of;
(ii)
the demolition of the building in which the family resides will not commence until each resident of the building is relocated; and
(iii)
each family displaced by such action will be offered comparable housing—
(I)
that meets housing quality standards;
(II)
that is located in an area that is generally not less desirable than the location of the displaced person's housing; and
(III)
which may include—
- (aa)
tenant-based assistance, except that the requirement under this clause regarding offering of comparable housing shall be fulfilled by use of tenant-based assistance only upon the relocation of such family into such housing;
- (bb)
project-based assistance; or
- (cc)
occupancy in a unit operated or assisted by the public housing agency at a rental rate paid by the family that is comparable to the rental rate applicable to the unit from which the family is vacated;
(B)
will provide for the payment of the actual and reasonable relocation expenses of each resident to be displaced;
(C)
will ensure that each displaced resident is offered comparable housing in accordance with the notice under subparagraph (A); and 70
^{70}
So in law.
(D)
will provide any necessary counseling for residents who are displaced; and
(E)
will not commence demolition or complete disposition until all residents residing in the building are relocated;
(5)
that the net proceeds of any disposition will be used—
(A)
unless waived by the Secretary, for the retirement of outstanding obligations issued to finance the original public housing project or modernization of the project; and
(B)
to the extent that any proceeds remain after the application of proceeds in accordance with subparagraph (A), for—
(i)
the provision of low-income housing or to benefit the residents of the public housing agency; or
(ii)
leveraging amounts for securing commercial enterprises, on-site in public housing projects of the public housing agency, appropriate to serve the needs of the residents; and
(6)
that the public housing agency has complied with subsection (c).
(b)

Disapproval of Applications.—
The Secretary shall disapprove an application submitted under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that—
(1)
any certification made by the public housing agency under that subsection is clearly inconsistent with information and data available to the Secretary or information or data requested by the Secretary; or
(2)
the application was not developed in consultation with—
(A)
residents who will be affected by the proposed demolition or disposition;
(B)
each resident advisory board and resident council, if any, of the project (or portion thereof) that will be affected by the proposed demolition or disposition; and
(C)
appropriate government officials.
(c)

Resident Opportunity To Purchase in Case of Proposed Disposition.—
(1)

In general.—
In the case of a proposed disposition of a public housing project or portion of a project, the public housing agency shall, in appropriate circumstances, as determined by the Secretary, initially offer the property to any eligible resident organization, eligible resident management corporation, or nonprofit organization acting on behalf of the residents, if that entity has expressed an interest, in writing, to the public housing agency in a timely manner, in purchasing the property for continued use as low-income housing.
(2)

Timing.—
(A)

Expression of interest.—
A resident organization, resident management corporation, or other resident-supported nonprofit entity referred to in paragraph (1) may express interest in purchasing property that is the subject of a disposition, as described in paragraph (1), during the 30-day period beginning on the date of notification of a proposed sale of the property.
(B)

Opportunity to arrange purchase.—
If an entity expresses written interest in purchasing a property, as provided in subparagraph (A), no disposition of the property shall occur during the 60-day period beginning on the date of receipt of that written notice (other than to the entity providing the notice), during which time that entity shall be given the opportunity to obtain a firm commitment for financing the purchase of the property.
(d)

Replacement Units.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, replacement public housing units for public housing units demolished in accordance with this section may be built on the original public housing location or in the same neighborhood as the original public housing location if the number of the replacement public housing units is significantly fewer than the number of units demolished.
(e)

Consolidation of Occupancy Within or Among Buildings.—
Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent a public housing agency from consolidating occupancy within or among buildings of a public housing project, or among projects, or with other housing for the purpose of improving living conditions of, or providing more efficient services to, residents.
(f)

De Minimis Exception to Demolition Requirements.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, in any 5-year period a public housing agency may demolish not more than the lesser of 5 dwelling units or 5 percent of the total dwelling units owned by the public housing agency, but only if the space occupied by the demolished unit is used for meeting the service or other needs of public housing residents or the demolished unit was beyond repair.
(g)

Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Act.—
The Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 shall not apply to activities under this section.
(h)

Relocation and Replacement.—
Of the amounts appropriated for tenant-based assistance under section 8 in any fiscal year, the Secretary may use such sums as are necessary for relocation and replacement housing for dwelling units that are demolished and disposed of from the public housing inventory (in addition to other amounts that may be available for such purposes).

financing limitations
Sec. 19.
[42 U.S.C. 1437q]
On and after October 1, 1983, the Secretary—
(1)
may only enter into contracts for annual contributions regarding obligations financing public housing projects authorized by section 5(c) if such obligations are exempt from taxation under section 11(b), or if such obligations are issued under section 4 and such obligations are exempt from taxation; and
(2)
may not enter into contracts for periodic payments to the Federal Financing Bank to offset the costs to the Bank of purchasing obligations (as described in the first sentence of section 16(b) of the Federal Financing Bank Act of 1973) issued by local public housing agencies for purposes of financing public housing projects authorized by section 5(c) of this Act.

public housing resident management
Sec. 20.
[42 U.S.C. 1437r]
(a)

Purpose.—
The purpose of this section is to encourage increased resident management of public housing projects, as a means of improving existing living conditions in public housing projects, by providing increased flexibility for public housing projects that are managed by residents by—
(1)
permitting the retention, and use for certain purposes, of any revenues exceeding operating and project costs; and
(2)
providing funding, from amounts otherwise available, for technical assistance to promote formation and development of resident management entities.
For purposes of this section, the term “public housing project” includes one or more contiguous buildings or an area of contiguous row houses the elected resident councils of which approve the establishment of a resident management corporation and otherwise meet the requirements of this section.
(b)

Program Requirements.—
(1)

Resident council.—
As a condition of entering into a resident management program, the elected resident council of a public housing project shall approve the establishment of a resident management corporation. When such approval is made by the elected resident council of a building or row house area, the resident management program shall not interfere with the rights of other families residing in the project or harm the efficient operation of the project. The resident management corporation and the resident council may be the same organization, if the organization complies with the requirements applicable to both the corporation and council. The corporation shall be a nonprofit corporation organized under the laws of the State in which the project is located, and the tenants of the project shall be the sole voting members of the corporation. If there is no elected resident council, a majority of the households of the public housing project shall approve the establishment of a resident council to determine the feasibility of establishing a resident management corporation to manage the project.
(2)

Public housing management specialist.—
The resident council of a public housing project, in cooperation with the public housing agency, shall select a qualified public housing management specialist to assist in determining the feasibility of, and to help establish, a resident management corporation and to provide training and other duties agreed to in the daily operations of the project.
(3)

Bonding and insurance.—
Before assuming any management responsibility for a public housing project, the resident management corporation shall provide fidelity bonding and insurance, or equivalent protection, in accordance with regulations and requirements of the Secretary and the public housing agency. Such bonding and insurance, or its equivalent, shall be adequate to protect the Secretary and the public housing agency against loss, theft, embezzlement, or fraudulent acts on the part of the resident management corporation or its employees.
(4)

Management responsibilities.—
A resident management corporation that qualifies under this section, and that supplies insurance and bonding or equivalent protection sufficient to the Secretary and the public housing agency, shall enter into a contract with the public housing agency establishing the respective management rights and responsibilities of the corporation and the public housing agency. Such contract shall be consistent with the requirements of this Act applicable to public housing projects and may include specific terms governing management personnel and compensation, access to public housing project records, submission of and adherence to budgets, rent collection procedures, tenant income verification, tenant eligibility determinations, tenant eviction, the acquisition of supplies and materials, rent determination, community service requirements, and such other matters as may be appropriate. The contract shall be treated as a contracting out of services and shall be subject to any provision of a collective bargaining agreement regarding contracting out to which the public housing agency is subject.
(5)

Annual audit.—
The books and records of a resident management corporation operating a public housing project shall be audited annually by a certified public accountant. A written report of each audit shall be forwarded to the public housing agency and the Secretary.
(c)

Assistance Amounts.—
A contract under this section for management of a public housing project by a resident management corporation shall provide for—
(1)
the public housing agency to provide a portion of the assistance to agency from the Capital and Operating Funds to the resident management corporation in accordance with subsection (e) for purposes of operating the public housing project covered by the contract and performing such other eligible activities with respect to the project as may be provided under the contract;
(2)
the amount of income expected to be derived from the project itself (from sources such as rents and charges);
(3)
the amount of income to be provided to the project from the other sources of income of the public housing agency (such as interest income, administrative fees, and rents); and
(4)
any income generated by a resident management corporation of a public housing project that exceeds the income estimated under the contract shall be used for eligible activities under subsections (d)(1) and (e)(1) of section 9.
(d)

Waiver of Federal Requirements.—
(1)

Waiver of regulatory requirements.—
Upon the request of any resident management corporation and public housing agency, and after notice and an opportunity to comment is afforded to the affected tenants, the Secretary may waive (for both the resident management corporation and the public housing agency) any requirement established by the Secretary (and not specified in any statute) that the Secretary determines to unnecessarily increase the costs or restrict the income of a public housing project.
(2)

Waiver to permit employment.—
Upon the request of any resident management corporation, the Secretary may, subject to applicable collective bargaining agreements, permit residents of such project to volunteer a portion of their labor.
(3)

Exceptions.—
The Secretary may not waive under this subsection any requirement with respect to income eligibility for purposes of section 16, rental payments under section 3(a), tenant or applicant protections, employee organizing rights, or rights of employees under collective bargaining agreements.
(e)

Direct Provision of Operating and Capital Assistance.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary shall directly provide assistance from the Operating and Capital Funds to a resident management corporation managing a public housing development pursuant to a contract under this section, but only if—
(A)
the resident management corporation petitions the Secretary for the release of the funds;
(B)
the contract provides for the resident management corporation to assume the primary management responsibilities of the public housing agency; and
(C)
the Secretary determines that the corporation has the capability to effectively discharge such responsibilities.
(2)

Use of assistance.—
Any assistance from the Operating and Capital Funds provided to a resident management corporation pursuant to this subsection shall be used for purposes of operating the public housing developments of the agency and performing such other eligible activities with respect to public housing as may be provided under the contract.
(3)

Responsibility of public housing agency.—
If the Secretary provides direct funding to a resident management corporation under this subsection, the public housing agency shall not be responsible for the actions of the resident management corporation.
(4)

Calculation of operating fund allocation.—
Notwithstanding any provision of section 9 or any regulation under such section, and subject to the exception provided in paragraph (3), the portion of the amount received by a public housing agency under section 9 that is due to an allocation from the Operating Fund and that is allocated to a public housing project managed by a resident management corporation shall not be less than the public housing agency per unit monthly amount provided in the previous year as determined on an individual project basis.
(5)

Calculation of total income.—
(A)
Subject to subparagraph (B), the amount of funds provided by a public housing agency to a public housing project managed by a resident management corporation may not be reduced during the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 or on any later date on which a resident management corporation is first established for the project.
(B)
If the total income of a public housing agency (including any amounts from the Capital or Operating Funds provided to the public housing agency under section 9) is reduced or increased, the income provided by the public housing agency to a public housing project managed by a resident management corporation shall be reduced or increased in proportion to the reduction or increase in the total income of the public housing agency, except that any reduction in amounts from the Operating Fund that occurs as a result of fraud, waste, or mismanagement by the public housing agency shall not affect the funds provided to the resident management corporation.
(6)

Retention of excess revenues.—
(A)
Any income generated by a resident management corporation of a public housing project that exceeds the income estimated for purposes of this subsection shall be excluded in subsequent years in calculating (i) the allocations from the Operating Fund for the public housing agency under section 9; and (ii) the funds provided by the public housing agency to the resident management corporation.
(B)
Any revenues retained by a resident management corporation under subparagraph (A) shall be used for purposes of improving the maintenance and operation of the public housing project, for establishing business enterprises that employ residents of public housing, or for acquiring additional dwelling units for low-income families.
[(f)
[Repealed.] ]
[(g)
[Repealed.] ]
(h)

Applicability.—
Any management contract between a public housing agency and a resident management corporation that is entered into after the date of the enactment of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 198871 shall be subject to this section and the regulations issued to carry out this section.
^{71}
November 7, 1988.

public housing homeownership and management opportunities
Sec. 21.
[42 U.S.C. 1437s]
(a)

Homeownership Opportunities in General.—
Lower income families residing in a public housing project shall be provided with the opportunity to purchase the dwelling units in the project through a qualifying resident management corporation as follows:
(1)

Formation of resident management corporation.—
As a condition for public housing homeownership—
(A)
the adult residents of a public housing project shall have formed a resident management corporation in accordance with regulations and requirements of the Secretary prescribed under this section and section 20;
(B)
the resident management corporation shall have entered into a contract with the public housing agency establishing the respective management rights and responsibilities of the resident management corporation and the public housing agency; and
(C)
the resident management corporation shall have demonstrated its ability to manage public housing effectively and efficiently for a period of not less than 3 years.
(2)

Homeownership assistance.—
(A)
The Secretary may provide assistance from the Capital Fund to a public housing project in which homeownership activities under this section are conducted.
(B)
The Secretary may provide financial assistance to public housing agencies, resident management corporations, or resident councils that obtain, by contract or otherwise, training, technical assistance, and educational assistance as the Secretary determines to be necessary to promote homeownership opportunities under this section.
(C)
This paragraph shall not have effect after February 4, 1991. The Secretary may not provide financial assistance under subparagraph (B), after such date, unless the Secretary determines that such assistance is necessary for the development of a homeownership program that was initiated, as determined by the Secretary, before the date of the enactment of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.72
^{72}
November 28, 1990.
(3)

Conditions of purchase by a resident management corporation.—
(A)
A resident management corporation may purchase from a public housing agency one or more multifamily buildings in a public housing project following a determination by the Secretary that—
(i)
the resident management corporation has met the conditions of paragraph (1);
(ii)
the resident management corporation has applied for and is prepared to undertake the ownership, management, and maintenance of the building or buildings with continued assistance from the Secretary;
(iii)
the public housing agency has held one or more public hearings to obtain the views of citizens regarding the proposed purchase and, in consultation with the Secretary, has certified that the purchase will not interfere with the rights of other families residing in public housing, will not harm the efficient operation of other public housing, and is in the interest of the community;
(iv)
the public housing agency has certified that it has and will implement a plan to replace public housing units sold under this section within 30 months of the sale, which plan shall provide for replacement of 100 percent of the units sold under this section by—
(I)
production, acquisition, or rehabilitation of vacant public housing units by the public housing agency; and
(II)
acquisition by the resident management corporation of nonpublicly owned, decent, and affordable housing units, which the resident management corporation shall operate as rental housing subject to tenant income and rent limitations comparable to the limitations applicable to public housing; and
(v)
the building or buildings meet the housing quality standards applicable under section 6(f), and the physical condition, management, and operation of the building or buildings are sufficient to permit affordable homeownership by the families residing in the project.
(B)
The price of a building purchased under the preceding sentence shall be approved by the Secretary, in consultation with the public housing agency and resident management corporation, taking into account the fair market value of the property, the ability of resident families to afford and maintain the property, and such other factors as the Secretary determines to be consistent with increasing the supply of dwelling units affordable to very low income families.
(C)
This paragraph shall not have effect after February 4, 1991. The authority for a resident management corporation to purchase 1 or more multifamily buildings in a public housing project from a public housing agency shall terminate after such date, unless the Secretary determines that such purchase is necessary for the development of a homeownership program that was initiated, as determined by the Secretary, before the date of the enactment of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.73
^{73}
November 28, 1990.
(4)

Conditions of resale.—
(A)
(i)
A resident management corporation may sell a dwelling unit or ownership rights in a dwelling unit only to a lower income family residing in, or eligible to reside in, public housing and only if the Secretary determines that the purchase will not interfere with the rights of other families residing in the housing project or harm the efficient operation of the project, and the family will be able to purchase and maintain the property.
(ii)
The sale of dwelling units or ownership rights in dwelling units under clause (i) shall be made to families in the following order of priority:
(I)
a lower income family residing in the public housing project in which the dwelling unit is located;
(II)
a lower income family residing in any public housing project within the jurisdiction of the public housing agency having jurisdiction with respect to the project in which the dwelling unit is located;
(III)
a lower income family receiving Federal housing assistance and residing in the jurisdiction of such public housing agency; and
(IV)
a lower income family on the waiting list of such public housing agency for public housing or assistance under section 8, with priority given in the order in which the family appears on the waiting list.
(iii)
Each resident management corporation shall provide each family described in clause (ii) with a notice of the eligibility of the family to purchase a dwelling unit under this paragraph.
(B)
A purchase under subparagraph (A) may be made under any of the following arrangements:
(i)
Limited dividend cooperative ownership.
(ii)
Condominium ownership.
(iii)
Fee simple ownership.
(iv)
Shared appreciation with a public housing agency providing financing under paragraph (6).
(v)
Any other arrangement determined by the Secretary to be appropriate.
(C)
Property purchased under this section shall be resold only to the resident management corporation, a lower income family residing in or eligible to reside in public housing or housing assisted under section 8, or to the public housing agency.
(D)
In no case may the owner receive consideration for his or her interest in the property that exceeds the total of—
(i)
the contribution to equity paid by the owner;
(ii)
the value, as determined by such means as the Secretary shall determine through regulation, of any improvements installed at the expense of the owner during the owner's tenure as owner; and
(iii)
the appreciated value determined by an inflation allowance at a rate which may be based on a cost of living index, an income index, or market index as determined by the Secretary through regulation and agreed to by the purchaser and the resident management corporation or the public housing agency, whichever is appropriate, at the time of initial sale, and applied against the contribution to equity; the resident management corporation or the public housing agency may, at the time of initial sale, enter into an agreement with the owner to set a maximum amount which this appreciation may not exceed.
(E)
Upon sale, the resident management corporation or the public housing agency, whichever is appropriate, shall ensure that subsequent owners are bound by the same limitations on resale and further restrictions on equity appreciation.
(5)

Use of proceeds.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or other law to the contrary, proceeds from the sale of a building or buildings under paragraph (3) and amounts recaptured under paragraph (4) shall be paid to the public housing agency and shall be retained and used by the public housing agency only to increase the number of public housing units available for occupancy. The resident management corporation shall keep and make available to the public housing agency and the Secretary all records necessary to calculate accurately payments due the local housing agency under this section. The Secretary shall not reduce or delay payments under other provisions of law as a result of amounts made available to the local housing agency under this section.
(6)

Financing.—
When financing for the purchase of the property is not otherwise available for purposes of assisting any purchase by a family or resident management corporation under this section, the public housing agency involved may make a loan on the security of the property involved to the family or resident management corporation at a rate of interest that shall not be lower than 70 percent of the market interest rate for conventional mortgages on the date on which the loan is made.
(7)

Capital and operating assistance.—
Notwithstanding the purchase of a building in a public housing project under this section, the Secretary shall continue to provide assistance under section 9 with respect to the project. Such assistance may not exceed the allocation for the project under section 9.
(8)

Operating fund allocation.—
Amounts from the Operating Fund shall not be available with respect to a building after the date of its sale by the public housing agency.
(b)

Protection of Nonpurchasing Families.—
(1)

Eviction prohibition.—
No family residing in a dwelling unit in a public housing project may be evicted by reason of the sale of the project to a resident management corporation under this section.
(2)

Tenants rights.—
Families renting a dwelling unit purchased by a resident management corporation shall have all rights provided to tenants of public housing under this Act.
(3)

Rental assistance.—
If any family resides in a dwelling unit in a building purchased by a resident management corporation, and the family decides not to purchase the dwelling unit, the Secretary shall offer to provide to the family (at the option of the family) tenant-based assistance under section 8(o) for as long as the family continues to reside in the building. The Secretary may adjust the payment standard for such assistance to take into account conditions under which the building was purchased.
(4)

Rental and relocation assistance.—
If any family resides in a dwelling unit in a public housing project in which other dwelling units are purchased under this section, and the family decides not to purchase the dwelling unit, the Secretary shall offer (to be selected by the family, at its option)—
(A)
to assist the family in relocating to a comparable appropriate sized dwelling unit in another public housing project, and to reimburse the family for their cost of relocation; and
(B)
to provide to the family the financial assistance necessary to permit the family to stay in the dwelling unit or to move to another comparable dwelling unit and to pay no more for rent than required under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section 3(a)(1).
(c)

Financial Assistance for Public Housing Agencies.—
The Secretary shall provide to public housing agencies such financial assistance as is necessary to permit such agencies to carry out the provisions of this section.
(d)

Additional Homeownership and Management Opportunities.—
This section shall not apply to the turnkey III, the mutual help, or any other homeownership program established under section 6(c)(4)(D), as in effect before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199874, and in existence before the date of the enactment of the Housing and Community Development Act of 198775.
^{74}
The effective date under section 503 of such Act (112 Stat. 2521; 42 U.S.C. 1437 note) was October 1, 1999, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in such Act or to the extent that the Secretary, by notice, implemented any provision of such Act before such date.
^{75}
February 5, 1988.
(e)

Regulations.—
The Secretary shall issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. Such regulations may establish any additional terms and conditions for homeownership or resident management under this section that are determined by the Secretary to be appropriate.
[(f)
[Repealed.] ]
(g)

Limitation.—
Any authority of the Secretary under this section to provide financial assistance, or to enter into contracts to provide financial assistance, shall be effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are or have been provided in advance in an appropriation Act. [42 U.S.C. 1437s]
SEC. 22.
[42 U.S.C. 1437t]

AUTHORITY TO CONVERT PUBLIC HOUSING TO VOUCHERS.
(a)

Authority.—
A public housing agency may convert any public housing project (or portion thereof) owned by the public housing agency to tenant-based assistance, but only in accordance with the requirements of this section.
(b)

Conversion Assessment.—
(1)

In general.—
To convert public housing under this section, a public housing agency shall conduct an assessment of the public housing that includes—
(A)
a cost analysis that demonstrates whether or not the cost (both on a net present value basis and in terms of new budget authority requirements) of providing tenant-based assistance under section 8 for the same families in substantially similar dwellings over the same period of time is less expensive than continuing public housing assistance in the public housing project for the remaining useful life of the project;
(B)
an analysis of the market value of the public housing project both before and after rehabilitation, and before and after conversion;
(C)
an analysis of the rental market conditions with respect to the likely success of the use of tenant-based assistance under section 8 in that market for the specific residents of the public housing project, including an assessment of the availability of decent and safe dwellings renting at or below the payment standard established for tenant-based assistance under section 8 by the agency;
(D)
the impact of the conversion to tenant-based assistance under this section on the neighborhood in which the public housing project is located; and
(E)
a plan that identifies actions, if any, that the public housing agency would take with regard to converting any public housing project or projects (or portions thereof) of the public housing agency to tenant-based assistance.
(2)

Timing.—
Not later than 2 years after the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199876, each public housing agency shall conduct an assessment under paragraph (1) or (3) of the status of each public housing project owned by such agency and shall submit to the Secretary such assessment. A public housing agency may otherwise undertake an assessment under this subsection at any time and for any public housing project (or portion thereof) owned by the agency. A public housing agency may update a previously conducted assessment for a project (or portion thereof) for purposes of compliance with the one-year limitation under subsection (c).
^{76}
The effective date under section 503 of such Act (112 Stat. 2521; 42 U.S.C. 1437 note) was October 1, 1999, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in such Act or to the extent that the Secretary, by notice, implemented any provision of such Act before such date.
(3)

Streamlined Assessment.—
At the discretion of the Secretary or at the request of a public housing agency, the Secretary may waive any or all of the requirements of paragraph (1) or (3) or otherwise require a streamlined assessment with respect to any public housing project or class of public housing projects.
(c)

Criteria for Implementation of Conversion Plan.—
A public housing agency may convert a public housing project (or portion thereof) owned by the agency to tenant-based assistance only pursuant to a conversion assessment under subsection (b) that one year and that demonstrates that the conversion—
(1)
will not be more expensive than continuing to operate the public housing project (or portion thereof) as public housing;
(2)
will principally benefit the residents of the public housing project (or portion thereof) to be converted, the public housing agency, and the community; and
(3)
will not adversely affect the availability of affordable housing in such community.
(d)

Conversion Plan Requirement.—
A public housing project may be converted under this section to tenant-based assistance only as provided in a conversion plan under this subsection, which has not been disapproved by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (e). Each conversion plan shall—
(1)
be developed by the public housing agency, in consultation with the appropriate public officials, with significant participation by the residents of the project (or portion thereof) to be converted;
(2)
be consistent with and part of the public housing agency plan;
(3)
describe the conversion and future use or disposition of the project (or portion thereof) and include an impact analysis on the affected community;
(4)
provide that the public housing agency shall—
(A)
notify each family residing in a public housing project (or portion) to be converted under the plan 90 days prior to the displacement date except in cases of imminent threat to health or safety, consistent with any guidelines issued by the Secretary governing such notifications, that—
(i)
the public housing project (or portion) will be removed from the inventory of the public housing agency; and
(ii)
each family displaced by such action will be offered comparable housing—
(I)
that meets housing quality standards;
(II)
that is located in an area that is generally not less desirable than the location of the displaced person's housing; and
(III)
which may include—
- (aa)
tenant-based assistance, except that the requirement under this clause regarding offering of comparable housing shall be fulfilled by use of tenant-based assistance only upon the relocation of such family into such housing;
- (bb)
project-based assistance; or
- (cc)
occupancy in a unit operated or assisted by the public housing agency at a rental rate paid by the family that is comparable to the rental rate applicable to the unit from which the family is vacated;
(B)
provide any necessary counseling for families displaced by such action;
(C)
ensure that, if the project (or portion) converted is used as housing after such conversion, each resident may choose to remain in their dwelling unit in the project and use the tenant-based assistance toward rent for that unit; and
(D)
provide any actual and reasonable relocation expenses for families displaced by the conversion; and
(5)
provide that any proceeds to the agency from the conversion will be used subject to the limitations that are applicable under section 18(a)(5) to proceeds resulting from the disposition or demolition of public housing.
(e)

Review and Approval of Conversion Plans.—
The Secretary shall disapprove a conversion plan only if—
(1)
the plan is plainly inconsistent with the conversion assessment for the agency developed under subsection (b);
(2)
there is reliable information and data available to the Secretary that contradicts that conversion assessment; or
(3)
the plan otherwise fails to meet the requirements of this section.
(f)

Tenant-Based Assistance.—
To the extent approved by the Secretary, the funds used by the public housing agency to provide tenant-based assistance under section 8 shall be added to the annual contribution contract administered by the public housing agency.
SEC. 23.
[42 U.S.C. 1437u]

FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM.
(a)

Purpose.—
The purpose of the Family Self-Sufficiency program established under this section is to promote the development of local strategies to coordinate use of assistance under sections 8 and 9 with public and private resources, to enable eligible families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency.
(b)

Continuation of Prior Required Programs.—
(1)

In general.—
Each public housing agency that was required to administer a local Family Self-Sufficiency program on the date of enactment of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act shall operate such local program for, at a minimum, the number of families the agency was required to serve on the date of enactment of such Act, subject only to the availability under appropriations Acts of sufficient amounts for housing assistance and the requirements of paragraph (2).
(2)

Reduction.—
The number of families for which a public housing agency is required to operate such local program under paragraph (1) shall be decreased by 1 for each family from any supported rental housing program administered by such agency that, after October 21, 1998, fulfills its obligations under the contract of participation.
(3)

Exception.—
The Secretary shall not require a public housing agency to carry out a mandatory program for a period of time upon the request of the public housing agency and upon a determination by the Secretary that implementation is not feasible because of local circumstances, which may include—
(A)
lack of supportive services accessible to eligible families, which shall include insufficient availability of resources for programs under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.);
(B)
lack of funding for reasonable administrative costs;
(C)
lack of cooperation by other units of State or local government; or
(D)
any other circumstances that the Secretary may consider appropriate.
(c)

Eligibility.—
(1)

Eligible families.—
A family is eligible to participate in a local Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section if—
(A)
at least 1 household member seeks to become and remain employed in suitable employment or to increase earnings; and
(B)
the household member receives direct assistance under section 8 or resides in a unit assisted under section 8 or 9.
(2)

Eligible entities.—
The following entities are eligible to administer a local Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section:
(A)
A public housing agency administering housing assistance to or on behalf of an eligible family under section 8 or 9.
(B)
The owner or sponsor of a multifamily property receiving project-based rental assistance under section 8, in accordance with the requirements under subsection (l).
(d)

Contract of Participation.—
(1)

In general.—
Each eligible entity carrying out a local program under this section shall enter into a contract with a household member of an eligible family, that elects to participate in the self-sufficiency program under this section. The contract shall set forth the provisions of the local program, shall establish specific interim and final goals by which compliance with and performance of the contract may be measured, and shall specify the resources and supportive services to be made available to the participating family pursuant to paragraph (2) and the responsibilities of the participating family. Housing assistance may not be terminated as a consequence of either successful completion of the contract of participation or failure to complete such contract. A contract of participation shall remain in effect until the participating family exits the Family Self-Sufficiency program upon successful graduation or expiration of the contract of participation, or for other good cause.
(2)

Supportive services.—
An eligible entity shall coordinate appropriate supportive services under this paragraph for each participating family entering into a contract of participation under paragraph (1). The supportive services shall be coordinated for the period the family is receiving assistance pursuant to section 8 or 9 and for the duration of the contract of participation, and may include, but are not limited to —
(A)
child care;
(B)
transportation necessary to receive services;
(C)
remedial education;
(D)
education for completion of high school or attainment of a high school equivalency certificate;
(E)
education in pursuit of a post-secondary degree or certification;
(F)
job training and preparation;
(G)
substance abuse treatment and counseling;
(H)
training in financial literacy, such as training in financial management, financial coaching, and asset building, and money management;
(I)
training in household management;
(J)
homeownership education and assistance; and
(K)
any other services and resources appropriate to assist eligible families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency.
(3)

Term and extension.—
Each family participating in a local program shall be required to fulfill its obligations under the contract of participation not later than 5 years after the first recertification of income after entering into the contract. The eligible entity shall extend the term of the contract for any family that requests an extension, upon a finding of good cause.
(4)

Employment.—
The contract of participation shall require 1 household member of the participating family to seek and maintain suitable employment.
(5)

Nonparticipation.—
Assistance under section 8 or 9 for a family that elects not to participate in a Family Self-Sufficiency program shall not be delayed by reason of such election.
(e)

Incentives for Participation.—
(1)

Maximum rents.—
During the term of the contract of participation, the amount of rent paid by any participating family shall be calculated under the rental provisions of section 3 or section 8(o), as applicable.
(2)

Escrow savings accounts.—
For each participating family, an amount equal to any increase in the amount of rent paid by the family in accordance with the provisions of section 3 or 8(o), as applicable, that is attributable to increases in earned income by the participating family, shall be placed in an interest-bearing escrow account established by the eligible entity on behalf of the participating family. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an eligible entity may use funds it controls under section 8 or 9 for purposes of making the escrow deposit for participating families assisted under, or residing in units assisted under, section 8 or 9, respectively, provided such funds are offset by the increase in the amount of rent paid by the participating family.All Family Self-Sufficiency programs administered under this section shall include an escrow account. The Secretary shall not escrow any amounts for any family whose adjusted income exceeds 80 percent of the area median income. Amounts in the escrow account may be withdrawn by the participating family after the family ceases to receive income assistance under Federal or State welfare programs, upon successful performance of the obligations of the family under the contract of participation entered into by the family under subsection (d), as determined according to the specific goals and terms included in the contract, and under other circumstances in which the Secretary determines an exception for good cause is warranted. An eligible entity establishing such escrow accounts may make certain amounts in the accounts available to the participating families before full performance of the contract obligations based on compliance with, and completion of, specific interim goals included in the contract; except that any such amounts shall be used by the participating families for purposes consistent with the contracts of participation, as determined by such eligible entity.
(3)

Forfeited escrow.—
Any amount placed in an escrow account established by an eligible entity for a participating family as required under paragraph (2), that exists after the end of a contract of participation by a household member of a participating family that does not qualify to receive the escrow, shall be used by the eligible entity for the benefit of participating families in good standing.
(f)

Effect of Increases in Family Income.—
Any increase in the earned income of a family during the participation of the family in a local program established under this section may not be considered as income or a resource for purposes of eligibility of the family for other benefits, or amount of benefits payable to the family, under any program administered by the Secretary.
(g)

Program Coordinating Committee.—
(1)

Functions.—
Each eligible entity carrying out a local program under this section shall, in consultation with the chief executive officer of the unit of general local government, develop an action plan under subsection (h), carry out activities under the local program, and secure commitments of public and private resources through a program coordinating committee established by such eligible entity under this subsection.
(2)

Membership.—
The program coordinating committee may consist of representatives of the eligible entity, the unit of general local government, the local agencies (if any) responsible for carrying out programs under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act , and other organizations, such as other State and local welfare and employment agencies, public and private primary, secondary, and post-secondary education or training institutions, nonprofit service providers, and private businesses. The eligible entity may, in consultation with the chief executive officer of the unit of general local government and tenants served by the program, utilize an existing entity as the program coordinating committee if it meets the requirements of this subsection.
(h)

Action Plan.—
(1)

Required submission.—
The Secretary shall require each eligible entitycarrying out a self-sufficiency program under this section to submit , for approval by the Secretary, an action plan under this subsection in such form and in accordance with such procedures as the Secretary shall require.
(2)

Development of plan.—
In developing the plan, the eligible entity shall consult with the chief executive officer of the applicable unit of general local government, the program coordinating committee established under subsection (g), representatives of the current and prospective participants of the program, any local agencies responsible for programs under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act , other appropriate organizations (such as other State and local welfare and employment or training institutions, child care providers, nonprofit service providers, and private businesses), and any other public and private service providers affected by the operation of the local program.
(3)

Contents of plan.—
The Secretary shall require that the action plan contain at a minimum—
(A)
a description of the size, characteristics, and needs of the population of the families expected to participate in the local self-sufficiency program;
(B)
a description of the number of eligible participating families who can reasonably be expected to receive supportive services under the program, based on available and anticipated Federal, State, local, and private resources;
(C)
a description of the services and activities under subsection (d)(2) to be coordinated on behalf of participating families receiving direct assistance under this section through sections 8 and 9, which shall be provided by both public and private resources;
(D)
a description of the incentives pursuant to subsection (e) offered by the eligible entity to families to encourage participation in the program;
(E)
a description of how the local program will coordinate services and activities according to the needs of the families participating in the program;
(F)
a description of both the public and private resources that are expected to be made available to provide the activities and services under the local program;
(G)
a timetable for implementation of the local program;
(H)
assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that development of the services and activities under the local program has been coordinated with programs under title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and any other relevant employment, child care, transportation, training, and education programs in the applicable area, and that implementation will continue to be coordinated, in order to avoid duplication of services and activities; and
(I)
assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that nonparticipating families will retain their rights to assistance under section 8 or 9 notwithstanding the provisions of this section.
(i)

Family Self-Sufficiency Awards.—
(1)

In general.—
Subject to appropriations, the Secretary shall establish a formula by which annual funds shall be awarded or as otherwise determined by the Secretary for the costs incurred by an eligible entity in administering the Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section.
(2)

Eligibility for awards.—
The award established under paragraph (1) shall provide funding for family self-sufficiency coordinators as follows:
(A)

Base award.—
An eligible entity serving 25 or more participants in the Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section is eligible to receive an award equal to the costs, as determined by the Secretary, of 1 full-time family self-sufficiency coordinator position. The Secretary may, by regulation or notice, determine the policy concerning the award for an eligible entity serving fewer than 25 such participants, including providing prorated awards or allowing such entities to combine their programs under this section for purposes of employing a coordinator.
(B)

Additional award.—
An eligible entity that meets performance standards set by the Secretary is eligible to receive an additional award sufficient to cover the costs of filling an additional family self-sufficiency coordinator position if such entity has 75 or more participating families, and an additional coordinator for each additional 50 participating families, or such other ratio as may be established by the Secretary based on the award allocation evaluation under subparagraph (E).
(C)

State and regional agencies.—
For purposes of calculating the award under this paragraph, each administratively distinct part of a State or regional eligible entity may be treated as a separate agency.
(D)

Determination of number of coordinators.—
In determining whether an eligible entity meets a specific threshold for funding pursuant to this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider the number of participants enrolled by the eligible entity in its Family Self-Sufficiency program as well as other criteria determined by the Secretary.
(E)

Award allocation evaluation.—
The Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating the award allocation under this subsection, and make recommendations based on this evaluation and other related findings to modify such allocation, within 4 years after the date of enactment of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, and not less frequently than every 4 years thereafter. The report requirement under this subparagraph shall terminate after the Secretary has submitted 2 such reports to Congress.
(3)

Renewals and allocation.—
(A)

In general.—
Funds allocated by the Secretary under this subsection shall be allocated in the following order of priority:
(i)

First priority.—
Renewal of the full cost of all coordinators in the previous year at each eligible entity with an existing Family Self-Sufficiency program that meets applicable performance standards set by the Secretary.
(ii)

Second priority.—
New or incremental coordinator funding authorized under this section.
(B)

Guidance.—
If the first priority, as described in subparagraph (A)(i), cannot be fully satisfied, the Secretary may prorate the funding for each eligible entity, as long as—
(i)
each eligible entity that has received funding for at least 1 part-time coordinator in the prior fiscal year is provided sufficient funding for at least 1 part-time coordinator as part of any such proration; and
(ii)
each eligible entity that has received funding for at least 1 full-time coordinator in the prior fiscal year is provided sufficient funding for at least 1 full-time coordinator as part of any such proration.
(4)

Recapture or offset.—
Any awards allocated under this subsection by the Secretary in a fiscal year that have not been spent by the end of the subsequent fiscal year or such other time period as determined by the Secretary may be recaptured by the Secretary and shall be available for providing additional awards pursuant to paragraph (2)(B), or may be offset as determined by the Secretary. Funds appropriated pursuant to this section shall remain available for 3 years in order to facilitate the re-use of any recaptured funds for this purpose.
(5)

Performance reporting.—
Programs under this section shall be required to report the number of families enrolled and graduated, the number of established escrow accounts and positive escrow balances, and any other information that the Secretary may require. Program performance shall be reviewed periodically as determined by the Secretary.
(6)

Incentives for innovation and high performance.—
The Secretary may reserve up to 5 percent of the amounts made available under this subsection to provide support to or reward Family Self-Sufficiency programs based on the rate of successful completion, increased earned income, or other factors as may be established by the Secretary.
(j)

On-Site Facilities.—
Each eligible entity carrying out a local program may, subject to the approval of the Secretary, make available and utilize common areas or unoccupied units for the provision or coordination of supportive services under the local program.
(k)

Flexibility.—
In establishing and carrying out the self-sufficiency program under this section, the Secretary shall allow eligible entities, units of general local government, and other organizations discretion and flexibility, to the extent practicable, in developing and carrying out local programs.
(l)

Programs for Tenants in Privately Owned Properties With Project-Based Assistance.—
(1)

Voluntary availability of fss program.—
The owner of a privately owned property may voluntarily make a Family Self-Sufficiency program available to the tenants of such property in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary. Such procedures shall permit the owner to enter into a cooperative agreement with a local public housing agency that administers a Family Self-Sufficiency program or, at the owner's option, operate a Family Self-Sufficiency program on its own or in partnership with another owner. An owner, who voluntarily makes a Family Self-Sufficiency program available pursuant to this subsection, may access funding from any residual receipt accounts for the property to hire a family self-sufficiency coordinator or coordinators for their program.
(2)

Cooperative agreement.—
Any cooperative agreement entered into pursuant to paragraph (1) shall require the public housing agency to open its Family Self-Sufficiency program waiting list to any eligible family residing in the owner’s property who resides in a unit assisted under project-based rental assistance.
(3)

Treatment of families assisted under this subsection.—
A public housing agency that enters into a cooperative agreement pursuant to paragraph (1) may count any family participating in its Family Self-Sufficiency program as a result of such agreement as part of the calculation of the award under subsection (i).
(4)

Escrow.—
(A)

Cooperative agreement.—
A cooperative agreement entered into pursuant to paragraph (1) shall provide for the calculation and tracking of the escrow for participating residents and for the owner to make available, upon request of the public housing agency, escrow for participating residents, in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (e), residing in units assisted under section 8.
(B)

Calculation and tracking by owner.—
The owner of a privately owned property who voluntarily makes a Family Self-Sufficiency program available pursuant to paragraph (1) shall calculate and track the escrow for participating residents and make escrow for participating residents available in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (e).
(5)

Exception.—
This subsection shall not apply to properties assisted under section 8(o)(13).
(6)

Suspension of enrollment.—
In any year, the Secretary may suspend the enrollment of new families in Family Self-Sufficiency programs under this subsection based on a determination that insufficient funding is available for this purpose.
(m)

Reports.—
(1)

To secretary.—
Each eligible entity that carries out a local self-sufficiency program approved by the Secretary under this section shall submit to the Secretary, not less than annually a report regarding the program. The contents of the report shall include—
(A)
a description of the activities carried out under the program;
(B)
a description of the effectiveness of the program in assisting families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency;
(C)
a description of the effectiveness of the program in coordinating resources of communities to assist families to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency; and
(D)
any recommendations of the eligible entity or the appropriate program coordinating committee for legislative or administrative action that would improve the self-sufficiency program carried out by the Secretary and ensure the effectiveness of the program.
(2)

HUD annual report.—
The Secretary shall submit to the Congress annually, as a part of the report of the Secretary under section 8 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act, a report summarizing the information submitted by public housing agencies under paragraph (1) and describing any additional research needs of the Secretary to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The report under this paragraph shall also include any recommendations of the Secretary for improving the effectiveness of the self-sufficiency program under this section.
(n)

GAO Report.—
The Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Congress reports under this subsection evaluating and describing the Family Self-Sufficiency program carried out by the Secretary under this section.
(o)

Definitions.—
In this section:
(1)

Eligible entity.—
The term “eligible entity” means an entity that meets the requirements under subsection (c)(2) to administer a Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section.
(2)

Eligible family.—
The term “eligible family” means a family that meets the requirements under subsection (c)(1) to participate in the Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section.
(3)

Participating family.—
The term “participating family” means an eligible family that is participating in the Family Self-Sufficiency program under this section.
SEC. 24.
[42 U.S.C. 1437v]

DEMOLITION, SITE REVITALIZATION, REPLACEMENT HOUSING, AND TENANT-BASED ASSISTANCE GRANTS FOR PROJECTS.
(a)

Purposes.—
The purpose of this section is to provide assistance to public housing agencies for the purposes of—
(1)
improving the living environment for public housing residents of severely distressed public housing projects through the demolition, rehabilitation, reconfiguration, or replacement of obsolete public housing projects (or portions thereof);
(2)
revitalizing sites (including remaining public housing dwelling units) on which such public housing projects are located and contributing to the improvement of the surrounding neighborhood;
(3)
providing housing that will avoid or decrease the concentration of very low-income families; and
(4)
building sustainable communities.
It is also the purpose of this section to provide assistance to smaller communities for the purpose of facilitating the development of affordable housing for low-income families that is undertaken in connection with a main street revitalization or redevelopment project in such communities.
(b)

Grant Authority.—
The Secretary may make grants as provided in this section to applicants whose applications for such grants are approved by the Secretary under this section.
(c)

Contribution Requirement.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary may not make any grant under this section to any applicant unless the applicant certifies to the Secretary that the applicant will—
(A)
supplement the aggregate amount of assistance provided under this section with an amount of funds from sources other than this section equal to not less than 5 percent of the amount provided under this section; and
(B)
in addition to supplemental amounts provided in accordance with subparagraph (A), if the applicant uses more than 5 percent of the amount of assistance provided under this section for services under subsection (d)(1)(L), provide supplemental funds from sources other than this section in an amount equal to the amount so used in excess of 5 percent.
(2)

Supplemental funds.—
In calculating the amount of supplemental funds provided by a grantee for purposes of paragraph (1), the grantee may include amounts from other Federal sources, any State or local government sources, any private contributions, the value of any donated material or building, the value of any lease on a building, the value of the time and services contributed by volunteers, and the value of any other in-kind services or administrative costs provided.
(3)

Exemption.—
If assistance provided under this title will be used only for providing tenant-based assistance under section 8 or demolition of public housing (without replacement), the Secretary may exempt the applicant from the requirements under paragraph (1)(A).
(d)

Eligible Activities.—
(1)

In general.—
Grants under this section may be used for activities to carry out revitalization programs for severely distressed public housing, including—
(A)
architectural and engineering work;
(B)
redesign, rehabilitation, or reconfiguration of a severely distressed public housing project, including the site on which the project is located;
(C)
the demolition, sale, or lease of the site, in whole or in part;
(D)
covering the administrative costs of the applicant, which may not exceed such portion of the assistance provided under this section as the Secretary may prescribe;
(E)
payment of reasonable legal fees;
(F)
providing reasonable moving expenses for residents displaced as a result of the revitalization of the project;
(G)
economic development activities that promote the economic self-sufficiency of residents under the revitalization program, including a Neighborhood Networks initiative for the establishment and operation of computer centers in public housing for the purpose of enhancing the self-sufficiency, employability, an economic self-reliance of public housing residents by providing them with onsite computer access and training resources;
(H)
necessary management improvements;
(I)
leveraging other resources, including additional housing resources, retail supportive services, jobs, and other economic development uses on or near the project that will benefit future residents of the site;
(J)
replacement housing (including appropriate homeownership downpayment assistance for displaced residents or other appropriate replacement homeownership activities) and rental assistance under section 8;
(K)
transitional security activities; and
(L)
necessary supportive services, except that not more than 15 percent of the amount of any grant may be used for activities under this paragraph.
(2)

Endowment trust for supportive services.—
In using grant amounts under this section made available in fiscal year 2000 or thereafter for supportive services under paragraph (1)(L), a public housing agency may deposit such amounts in an endowment trust to provide supportive services over such period of time as the agency determines. Such amounts shall be provided to the agency by the Secretary in a lump sum when requested by the agency, shall be invested in a wise and prudent manner, and shall be used (together with any interest thereon earned) only for eligible uses pursuant to paragraph (1)(L). A public housing agency may use amounts in an endowment trust under this paragraph in conjunction with other amounts donated or otherwise made available to the trust for similar purposes.
(e)

Application and Selection.—
(1)

Application.—
An application for a grant under this section shall demonstrate the appropriateness of the proposal in the context of the local housing market relative to other alternatives, and shall include such other information and be submitted at such time and in accordance with such procedures, as the Secretary shall prescribe.
(2)

Selection criteria.—
The Secretary shall establish criteria for the award of grants under this section and shall include among the factors—
(A)
the relationship of the grant to the public housing agency plan for the applicant and how the grant will result in a revitalized site that will enhance the neighborhood in which the project is located and enhance economic opportunities for residents;
(B)
the capability and record of the applicant public housing agency, or any alternative management entity for the agency, for managing redevelopment or modernization projects, meeting construction timetables, and obligating amounts in a timely manner;
(C)
the extent to which the applicant could undertake such activities without a grant under this section;
(D)
the extent of involvement of residents, State and local governments, private service providers, financing entities, and developers, in the development and ongoing implementation of a revitalization program for the project, except that the Secretary may not award a grant under this section unless the applicant has involved affected public housing residents at the beginning and during the planning process for the revitalization program, prior to submission of an application;
(E)
the need for affordable housing in the community;
(F)
the supply of other housing available and affordable to families receiving tenant-based assistance under section 8;
(G)
the amount of funds and other resources to be leveraged by the grant;
(H)
the extent of the need for, and the potential impact of, the revitalization program;
(I)
the extent to which the plan minimizes permanent displacement of current residents of the public housing site who wish to remain in or return to the revitalized community and provides for community and supportive services to residents prior to any relocation;
(J)
the extent to which the plan sustains or creates more project-based housing units available to persons eligible for public housing in markets where the plan shows there is demand for the maintenance or creation of such units;
(K)
the extent to which the plan gives to existing residents priority for occupancy in dwelling units which are public housing dwelling units, or for residents who can afford to live in other units, priority for those units in the revitalized community; and
(L)
such other factors as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(3)

Applicability of selection criteria.—
The Secretary may determine not to apply certain of the selection criteria established pursuant to paragraph (2) when awarding grants for demolition only, tenant-based assistance only, or other specific categories of revitalization activities. This section may not be construed to require any application for a grant under this section to include demolition of public housing or to preclude use of grant amounts for rehabilitation or rebuilding of any housing on an existing site.
(f)

Cost Limits.—
Subject to the provisions of this section, the Secretary—
(1)
shall establish cost limits on eligible activities under this section sufficient to provide for effective revitalization programs; and
(2)
may establish other cost limits on eligible activities under this section.
(g)

Disposition and Replacement.—
Any severely distressed public housing disposed of pursuant to a revitalization plan and any public housing developed in lieu of such severely distressed housing, shall be subject to the provisions of section 18. Severely distressed public housing demolished pursuant to a revitalization plan shall not be subject to the provisions of section 18.
(h)

Administration by Other Entities.—
The Secretary may require a grantee under this section to make arrangements satisfactory to the Secretary for use of an entity other than the public housing agency to carry out activities assisted under the revitalization plan, if the Secretary determines that such action will help to effectuate the purposes of this section.
(i)

Withdrawal of Funding.—
If a grantee under this section does not proceed within a reasonable timeframe, in the determination of the Secretary, the Secretary shall withdraw any grant amounts under this section that have not been obligated by the public housing agency. The Secretary shall redistribute any withdrawn amounts to one or more other applicants eligible for assistance under this section or to one or more other entities capable of proceeding expeditiously in the same locality in carrying out the revitalization plan of the original grantee.
(j)

Definitions.—
For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
(1)

Applicant.—
The term “applicant” means—
(A)
any public housing agency that is not designated as troubled pursuant to section 6(j)(2);
(B)
any public housing agency for which a private housing management agent has been selected, or a receiver has been appointed, pursuant to section 6(j)(3); and
(C)
any public housing agency that is designated as troubled pursuant to section 6(j)(2) and that—
(i)
is so designated principally for reasons that will not affect the capacity of the agency to carry out a revitalization program;
(ii)
is making substantial progress toward eliminating the deficiencies of the agency; or
(iii)
is otherwise determined by the Secretary to be capable of carrying out a revitalization program.
(2)

Severely distressed public housing.—
The term “severely distressed public housing” means a public housing project (or building in a project)—
(A)
that—
(i)
requires major redesign, reconstruction or redevelopment, or partial or total demolition, to correct serious deficiencies in the original design (including inappropriately high population density), deferred maintenance, physical deterioration or obsolescence of major systems and other deficiencies in the physical plant of the project;
(ii)
is a significant contributing factor to the physical decline of and disinvestment by public and private entities in the surrounding neighborhood;
(iii)
(I)
is occupied predominantly by families who are very low-income families with children, are unemployed, and dependent on various forms of public assistance;
(II)
has high rates of vandalism and criminal activity (including drug-related criminal activity) in comparison to other housing in the area; or
(III)
is lacking in sufficient appropriate transportation, supportive services, economic opportunity, schools, civic and religious institutions, and public services, resulting in severe social distress in the project;
(iv)
cannot be revitalized through assistance under other programs, such as the program for capital and operating assistance for public housing under this Act, or the programs under sections 9 and 14 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (as in effect before the effective date under under 77 section 503(a) the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199878), because of cost constraints and inadequacy of available amounts; and
^{77}
So in law.
^{78}
The effective date under section 503 of such Act (112 Stat. 2521; 42 U.S.C. 1437 note) was October 1, 1999, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in such Act or to the extent that the Secretary, by notice, implemented any provision of such Act before such date.
(v)
in the case of individual buildings, is, in the Secretary's determination, sufficiently separable from the remainder of the project of which the building is part to make use of the building feasible for purposes of this section; or
(B)
that was a project described in subparagraph (A) that has been legally vacated or demolished, but for which the Secretary has not yet provided replacement housing assistance (other than tenant-based assistance).
(3)

Supportive services.—
The term “supportive services” includes all activities that will promote upward mobility, self-sufficiency, and improved quality of life for the residents of the public housing project involved, including literacy training, job training, day care, transportation, and economic development activities.
(k)

Grantee Reporting.—
The Secretary shall require grantees of assistance under this section to report the sources and uses of all amounts expended for revitalization plans.
(l)

Annual Report.—
The Secretary shall submit to the Congress an annual report setting forth—
(1)
the number, type, and cost of public housing units revitalized pursuant to this section;
(2)
the status of projects identified as severely distressed public housing;
(3)
the amount and type of financial assistance provided under and in conjunction with this section, including a specification of the amount and type of assistance provided under subsection (n);
(4)
the types of projects funded, and number of affordable housing dwelling units developed with, grants under subsection (n); and
(5)
the recommendations of the Secretary for statutory and regulatory improvements to the program established by this section.
(m)

Funding.—
(1)

Authorization of appropriations.—
There are authorized to be appropriated for grants under this section $574,000,000 for fiscal year 2017.
(2)

Technical assistance and program oversight.—
Of the amount appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) for any fiscal year, the Secretary may use up to 2 percent for technical assistance or contract expertise, including assistance in connection with the establishment and operation of computer centers in public housing through the Neighborhoods Networks initiative described in subsection (d)(1)(G). Such assistance or contract expertise may be provided directly or indirectly by grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, and shall include training, and the cost of necessary travel for participants in such training, by or to officials of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, of public housing agencies, and of residents.
(3)

Set-aside for main street housing grants.—
Of the amount appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall provide up to 5 percent for use only for grants under subsection (n).
(n)

Grants for Assisting Affordable Housing Developed Through Main Street Projects in Smaller Communities.—
(1)

Authority and use of grant amounts.—
The Secretary may make grants under this subsection to smaller communities. Such grant amounts shall be used by smaller communities only to provide assistance to carry out eligible affordable housing activities under paragraph (4) in connection with an eligible project under paragraph (2).
(2)

Eligible project.—
For purposes of this subsection, the term “eligible project” means a project that—
(A)
the Secretary determines, under the criteria established pursuant to paragraph (3), is a main street project;
(B)
is carried out within the jurisdiction of a smaller community receiving the grant; and
(C)
involves the development of affordable housing that is located in the commercial area that is the subject of the project.
(3)

Main street projects.—
The Secretary shall establish requirements for a project to be considered a main street project for purposes of this section, which shall require that the project—
(A)
has as its purpose the revitalization or redevelopment of a historic or traditional commercial area;
(B)
involves investment, or other participation, by the government for, and private entities in, the community in which the project is carried out; and
(C)
complies with such historic preservation guidelines or principles as the Secretary shall identify to preserve significant historic or traditional architectural and design features in the structures or area involved in the project.
(4)

Eligible affordable housing activities.—
For purposes of this subsection, the activities described in subsection (d)(1) shall be considered eligible affordable housing activities, except that—
(A)
such activities shall be conducted with respect to affordable housing rather than with respect to severely distressed public housing projects; and
(B)
eligible affordable housing activities under this subsection shall not include the activities described in subparagraphs (B) through (E), (J), or (K) of subsection (d)(1).
(5)

Maximum grant amount.—
A grant under this subsection for a fiscal year for a single smaller community may not exceed $1,000,000.
(6)

Contribution requirement.—
A smaller community applying for a grant under this subsection shall be considered an applicant for purposes of subsection (c) (relating to contributions by applicants), except that—
(A)
such supplemental amounts shall be used only for carrying out eligible affordable housing activities; and
(B)
paragraphs (1)(B) and (3) shall not apply to grants under this subsection.
(7)

Applications and selection.—
(A)

Application.—
Pursuant to subsection (e)(1), the Secretary shall provide for smaller communities to apply for grants under this subsection, except that the Secretary may establish such separate or additional criteria for applications for such grants as may be appropriate to carry out this subsection.
(B)

Selection criteria.—
The Secretary shall establish selection criteria for the award of grants under this subsection, which shall be based on the selection criteria established pursuant to subsection (e)(2), with such changes as may be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection.
(8)

Cost limits.—
The cost limits established pursuant to subsection (f) shall apply to eligible affordable housing activities assisted with grant amounts under this subsection.
(9)

Inapplicability of other provisions.—
The provisions of subsections (g) (relating to disposition and replacement of severely distressed public housing), and (h) (relating to administration of grants by other entities), shall not apply to grants under this subsection.
(10)

Reporting.—
The Secretary shall require each smaller community receiving a grant under this subsection to submit a report regarding the use of all amounts provided under the grant.
(11)

Definitions.—
For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions shall apply:
(A)

Affordable housing.—
The term “affordable housing” means rental or homeownership dwelling units that—
(i)
are made available for initial occupancy to low-income families, with a subset of units made available to very- and extremely-low income families; and
(ii)
are subject to the same rules regarding occupant contribution toward rent or purchase and terms of rental or purchase as dwelling units in public housing projects assisted with a grant under this section.
(B)

Smaller community.—
The term “smaller community” means a unit of general local government (as such term is defined in section 102 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5302)) that—
(i)
has a population of 50,000 or fewer; and
(ii)
(I)
is not served by a public housing agency; or
(II)
is served by a single public housing agency, which agency administers 100 or fewer public housing dwelling units.
(o)

Sunset.—
No assistance may be provided under this section after September 30, 2017.
SEC. 25.
[42 U.S.C. 1437w]

TRANSFER OF MANAGEMENT OF CERTAIN HOUSING TO INDEPENDENT MANAGER AT REQUEST OF RESIDENTS.
(a)

Authority.—
The Secretary may transfer the responsibility and authority for management of specified housing (as such term is defined in subsection (h)) from a public housing agency to an eligible management entity, in accordance with the requirements of this section, if—
(1)
a request for transfer of management of such housing is made and approved in accordance with subsection (b); and
(2)
the Secretary or the public housing agency, as appropriate pursuant to subsection (b), determines that—
(A)
due to the mismanagement of the agency, such housing has deferred maintenance, physical deterioration, or obsolescence of major systems and other deficiencies in the physical plant of the project;
(B)
such housing is located in an area such that the housing is subject to recurrent vandalism and criminal activity (including drug-related criminal activity); and
(C)
the residents can demonstrate that the elements of distress for such housing specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B) can be remedied by an entity or entities, identified by the residents, that has or have a demonstrated capacity to manage, with reasonable expenses for modernization.
(b)

Request for Transfer.—
The responsibility and authority for managing specified housing may be transferred only pursuant to a request made by a majority vote of the residents for the specified housing that—
(1)
in the case of specified housing that is owned by a public housing agency that is designated as a troubled agency under section 6(j)(2)—
(A)
is made to the public housing agency or the Secretary; and
(B)
is approved by the agency or the Secretary; or
(2)
in the case of specified housing that is owned by a public housing agency that is not designated as a troubled agency under section 6(j)(2)—
(A)
is made to and approved by the public housing agency; or
(B)
if a request is made to the agency pursuant to subparagraph (A) and is not approved, is subsequently made to and approved by the Secretary.
(c)

Capital and Operating Assistance.—
Pursuant to a contract under subsection (d), the Secretary shall require the public housing agency for specified housing to provide to the manager for the housing, from any assistance from the Capital and Operating Funds under section 9 for the agency, fair and reasonable amounts for the housing for eligible capital and operating activities under subsection (d)(1) and (e)(1) of section 9. The amount made available under this subsection to a manager shall be determined by the Secretary based on the share for the specified housing of the aggregate amount of assistance from such Funds for the public housing agency transferring the housing, taking into consideration the operating and capital improvement needs of the specified housing, the operating and capital improvement needs of the remaining public housing units managed by the public housing agency, and the public housing agency plan of such agency.
(d)

Contract Between Secretary and Manager.—
(1)

Requirements.—
Pursuant to the approval of a request under this section for transfer of the management of specified housing, the Secretary shall enter into a contract with the eligible management entity.
(2)

Terms.—
A contract under this subsection shall contain provisions establishing the rights and responsibilities of the manager with respect to the specified housing and the Secretary and shall be consistent with the requirements of this Act applicable to public housing projects.
(e)

Compliance With Public Housing Agency Plan.—
A manager of specified housing under this section shall comply with the approved public housing agency plan applicable to the housing and shall submit such information to the public housing agency from which management was transferred as may be necessary for such agency to prepare and update its public housing agency plan.
(f)

Demolition and Disposition by Manager.—
A manager under this section may demolish or dispose of specified housing only if, and in the manner, provided for in the public housing agency plan for the agency transferring management of the housing.
(g)

Limitation on PHA Liability.—
A public housing agency that is not a manager for specified housing shall not be liable for any act or failure to act by a manager or resident council for the specified housing.
(h)

Definitions.—
For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
(1)

Eligible management entity.—
The term “eligible management entity” means, with respect to any public housing project, any of the following entities:
(A)

Nonprofit organization.—
A public or private nonprofit organization, which may—
(i)
include a resident management corporation; and
(ii)
not include the public housing agency that owns or operates the project.
(B)

For-profit entity.—
A for-profit entity that has demonstrated experience in providing low-income housing.
(C)

State or local government.—
A State or local government, including an agency or instrumentality thereof.
(D)

Public housing agency.—
A public housing agency (other than the public housing agency that owns or operates the project).
The term does not include a resident council.
(2)

Manager.—
The term “manager” means any eligible management entity that has entered into a contract under this section with the Secretary for the management of specified housing.
(3)

Nonprofit.—
The term “nonprofit” means, with respect to an organization, association, corporation, or other entity, that no part of the net earnings of the entity inures to the benefit of any member, founder, contributor, or individual.
(4)

Private nonprofit organization.—
The term “private nonprofit organization” means any private organization (including a State or locally chartered organization) that—
(A)
is incorporated under State or local law;
(B)
is nonprofit in character;
(C)
complies with standards of financial accountability acceptable to the Secretary; and
(D)
has among its purposes significant activities related to the provision of decent housing that is affordable to low-income families.
(5)

Public nonprofit organization.—
The term “public nonprofit organization” means any public entity that is nonprofit in character.
(6)

Specified housing.—
The term “specified housing” means a public housing project or projects, or a portion of a project or projects, for which the transfer of management is requested under this section. The term includes one or more contiguous buildings and an area of contiguous row houses, but in the case of a single building, the building shall be sufficiently separable from the remainder of the project of which it is part to make transfer of the management of the building feasible for purposes of this section.
SEC. 26.
[42 U.S.C. 1437x]

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS.
(a)

In General.—
(1)

Release of funds.—
In order to assure that the policies of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other provisions of law which further the purposes of such Act (as specified in regulations issued by the Secretary) are most effectively implemented in connection with the expenditure of funds under this title, and to assure to the public undiminished protection of the environment, the Secretary may, under such regulations, in lieu of the environmental protection procedures otherwise applicable, provide for the release of funds for projects or activities under this title, as specified by the Secretary upon the request of a public housing agency under this section, if the State or unit of general local government, as designated by the Secretary in accordance with regulations, assumes all of the responsibilities for environmental review, decisionmaking, and action pursuant to such Act, and such other provisions of law as the regulations of the Secretary may specify, which would otherwise apply to the Secretary with respect to the release of funds.
(2)

Implementation.—
The Secretary, after consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality, shall issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section. Such regulations shall specify the programs to be covered.
(b)

Procedure.—
The Secretary shall approve the release of funds subject to the procedures authorized by this section only if, not less than 15 days prior to such approval and prior to any commitment of funds to such projects or activities, the public housing agency has submitted to the Secretary a request for such release accompanied by a certification of the State or unit of general local government which meets the requirements of subsection (c). The Secretary's approval of any such certification shall be deemed to satisfy the Secretary's responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and such other provisions of law as the regulations of the Secretary specify insofar as those responsibilities relate to the release of funds which are covered by such certification.
(c)

Certification.—
A certification under the procedures authorized by this section shall—
(1)
be in a form acceptable to the Secretary;
(2)
be executed by the chief executive officer or other officer of the State or unit of general local government who qualifies under regulations of the Secretary;
(3)
specify that the State or unit of general local government under this section has fully carried out its responsibilities as described under subsection (a); and
(4)
specify that the certifying officer—
(A)
consents to assume the status of a responsible Federal official under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and each provision of law specified in regulations issued by the Secretary insofar as the provisions of such Act or other such provision of law apply pursuant to subsection (a); and
(B)
is authorized and consents on behalf of the State or unit of general local government and himself or herself to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal courts for the purpose of enforcement of his or her responsibilities as such an official.
(d)

Approval by States.—
In cases in which a unit of general local government carries out the responsibilities described in subsection (c), the Secretary may permit the State to perform those actions of the Secretary described in subsection (b) and the performance of such actions by the State, where permitted by the Secretary, shall be deemed to satisfy the Secretary's responsibilities referred to in the second sentence of subsection (b).
SEC. 27.
[42 U.S.C. 1437y]

PROVISION OF INFORMATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER AGENCIES.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall, at least 4 times annually and upon request of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (hereafter in this section referred to as the “Service”), furnish the Service with the name and address of, and other identifying information on, any individual who the Secretary knows is not lawfully present in the United States, and shall ensure that each contract for assistance entered into under section 6 or 8 of this Act with a public housing agency provides that the public housing agency shall furnish such information at such times with respect to any individual who the public housing agency knows is not lawfully present in the United States.
SEC. 28.
[42 U.S.C. 1437z]

EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each public housing agency that enters into a contract for assistance under section 6 or 8 of this Act with the Secretary shall furnish any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer, upon the request of the officer, with the current address, Social Security number, and photograph (if applicable) of any recipient of assistance under this Act, if the officer—
(1)
furnishes the public housing agency with the name of the recipient; and
(2)
notifies the agency that—
(A)
such recipient—
(i)
is fleeing to avoid prosecution, or custody or confinement after conviction, under the laws of the place from which the individual flees, for a crime, or attempt to commit a crime, which is a felony under the laws of the place from which the individual flees, or which, in the case of the State of New Jersey, is a high misdemeanor under the laws of such State; or
(ii)
is violating a condition of probation or parole imposed under Federal or State law; or
(iii)
has information that is necessary for the officer to conduct the officer's official duties;
(B)
the location or apprehension of the recipient is within such officer's official duties; and
(C)
the request is made in the proper exercise of the officer's official duties.
SEC. 29.
[42 U.S.C. 1437z–1]

CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES AGAINST SECTION 8 OWNERS.
(a)

In General.—
(1)

Effect on other remedies.—
The penalties set forth in this section shall be in addition to any other available civil remedy or any available criminal penalty, and may be imposed regardless of whether the Secretary imposes other administrative sanctions.
(2)

Failure of secretary.—
The Secretary may not impose penalties under this section for a violation, if a material cause of the violation is the failure of the Secretary, an agent of the Secretary, or a public housing agency to comply with an existing agreement.
(b)

Violations of Housing Assistance Payment Contracts for Which Penalty May Be Imposed.—
(1)

Liable parties.—
The Secretary may impose a civil money penalty under this section on—
(A)
any owner of a property receiving project-based assistance under section 8;
(B)
any general partner of a partnership owner of that property; and
(C)
any agent employed to manage the property that has an identity of interest with the owner or the general partner of a partnership owner of the property.
(2)

Violations.—
A penalty may be imposed under this section for a knowing and material breach of a housing assistance payments contract, including the following—
(A)
failure to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing pursuant to section 8; or
(B)
knowing or willful submission of false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or requests for housing assistance payments to the Secretary or to any department or agency of the United States.
(3)

Amount of penalty.—
The amount of a penalty imposed for a violation under this subsection, as determined by the Secretary, may not exceed $25,000 per violation.
(c)

Agency Procedures.—
(1)

Establishment.—
The Secretary shall issue regulations establishing standards and procedures governing the imposition of civil money penalties under subsection (b). These standards and procedures—
(A)
shall provide for the Secretary or other department official to make the determination to impose the penalty;
(B)
shall provide for the imposition of a penalty only after the liable party has received notice and the opportunity for a hearing on the record; and
(C)
may provide for review by the Secretary of any determination or order, or interlocutory ruling, arising from a hearing and judicial review, as provided under subsection (d).
(2)

Final orders.—
(A)

In general.—
If a hearing is not requested before the expiration of the 15-day period beginning on the date on which the notice of opportunity for hearing is received, the imposition of a penalty under subsection (b) shall constitute a final and unappealable determination.
(B)

Effect of review.—
If the Secretary reviews the determination or order, the Secretary may affirm, modify, or reverse that determination or order.
(C)

Failure to review.—
If the Secretary does not review that determination or order before the expiration of the 90-day period beginning on the date on which the determination or order is issued, the determination or order shall be final.
(3)

Factors in determining amount of penalty.—
In determining the amount of a penalty under subsection (b), the Secretary shall take into consideration—
(A)
the gravity of the offense;
(B)
any history of prior offenses by the violator (including offenses occurring before the enactment of this section);
(C)
the ability of the violator to pay the penalty;
(D)
any injury to tenants;
(E)
any injury to the public;
(F)
any benefits received by the violator as a result of the violation;
(G)
deterrence of future violations; and
(H)
such other factors as the Secretary may establish by regulation.
(4)

Payment of penalty.—
No payment of a civil money penalty levied under this section shall be payable out of project income.
(d)

Judicial Review of Agency Determination.—
Judicial review of determinations made under this section shall be carried out in accordance with section 537(e) of the National Housing Act.
(e)

Remedies for Noncompliance.—
(1)

Judicial intervention.—
(A)

In general.—
If a person or entity fails to comply with the determination or order of the Secretary imposing a civil money penalty under subsection (b), after the determination or order is no longer subject to review as provided by subsections (c) and (d), the Secretary may request the Attorney General of the United States to bring an action in an appropriate United States district court to obtain a monetary judgment against that person or entity and such other relief as may be available.
(B)

Fees and expenses.—
Any monetary judgment awarded in an action brought under this paragraph may, in the discretion of the court, include the attorney's fees and other expenses incurred by the United States in connection with the action.
(2)

Nonreviewability of determination or order.—
In an action under this subsection, the validity and appropriateness of the determination or order of the Secretary imposing the penalty shall not be subject to review.
(f)

Settlement by Secretary.—
The Secretary may compromise, modify, or remit any civil money penalty which may be, or has been, imposed under this section.
(g)

Deposit of Penalties.—
(1)

In general.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the mortgage covering the property receiving assistance under section 8 is insured or was formerly insured by the Secretary, the Secretary shall apply all civil money penalties collected under this section to the appropriate insurance fund or funds established under this Act, as determined by the Secretary.
(2)

Exception.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the mortgage covering the property receiving assistance under section 8 is neither insured nor formerly insured by the Secretary, the Secretary shall make all civil money penalties collected under this section available for use by the appropriate office within the Department for administrative costs related to enforcement of the requirements of the various programs administered by the Secretary.
(h)

Definitions.—
In this section—
(1)
the term “agent employed to manage the property that has an identity of interest” means an entity—
(A)
that has management responsibility for a project;
(B)
in which the ownership entity, including its general partner or partners (if applicable), has an ownership interest; and
(C)
over which such ownership entity exerts effective control; and
(2)
the term “knowing” means having actual knowledge of or acting with deliberate ignorance of or reckless disregard for the prohibitions under this section.
SEC. 30.
[42 U.S.C. 1437z–2]

PUBLIC HOUSING MORTGAGES AND SECURITY INTERESTS.
(a)

General Authorization.—
The Secretary may, upon such terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe, authorize a public housing agency to mortgage or otherwise grant a security interest in any public housing project or other property of the public housing agency.
(b)

Terms and Conditions.—
In making any authorization under subsection (a), the Secretary may consider—
(1)
the ability of the public housing agency to use the proceeds of the mortgage or security interest for low-income housing uses;
(2)
the ability of the public housing agency to make payments on the mortgage or security interest; and
(3)
such other criteria as the Secretary may specify.
(c)

No Federal Liability.—
No action taken under this section shall result in any liability to the Federal Government.
SEC. 31.
[42 U.S.C. 1437z–3]

PET OWNERSHIP IN PUBLIC HOUSING.
(a)

Ownership Conditions.—
A resident of a dwelling unit in public housing (as such term is defined in subsection (c)) may own 1 or more common household pets or have 1 or more common household pets present in the dwelling unit of such resident, subject to the reasonable requirements of the public housing agency, if the resident maintains each pet responsibly and in accordance with applicable State and local public health, animal control, and animal anti-cruelty laws and regulations and with the policies established in the public housing agency plan for the agency.
(b)

Reasonable Requirements.—
The reasonable requirements referred to in subsection (a) may include—
(1)
requiring payment of a nominal fee, a pet deposit, or both, by residents owning or having pets present, to cover the reasonable operating costs to the project relating to the presence of pets and to establish an escrow account for additional costs not otherwise covered, respectively;
(2)
limitations on the number of animals in a unit, based on unit size;
(3)
prohibitions on—
(A)
types of animals that are classified as dangerous; and
(B)
individual animals, based on certain factors, including the size and weight of the animal; and
(4)
restrictions or prohibitions based on size and type of building or project, or other relevant conditions.
(c)

Pet Ownership In Public Housing Designated For Occupancy By Elderly or Handicapped Families.—
For purposes of this section, the term “public housing” has the meaning given the term in section 3(b), except that such term does not include any public housing that is federally assisted rental housing for the elderly or handicapped, as such term is defined in section 227(d) of the Housing and Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 (12 U.S.C. 1701r–1(d)).
(d)

Regulations.—
This section shall take effect upon the date of the effectiveness of regulations issued by the Secretary to carry out this section. Such regulations shall be issued after notice and opportunity for public comment in accordance with the procedure under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, applicable to substantive rules (notwithstanding subsections (a)(2), (b)(B), and (d)(3) of such section).
SEC. 32.
[42 U.S.C. 1437z–4]

RESIDENT HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAMS.
(a)

In General.—
A public housing agency may carry out a homeownership program in accordance with this section and the public housing agency plan of the agency to make public housing dwelling units, public housing projects, and other housing projects available for purchase by low-income families for use only as principal residences for such families. An agency may transfer a unit pursuant to a homeownership program only if the program is authorized under this section and approved by the Secretary.
(b)

Participating Units.—
A program under this section may cover any existing public housing dwelling units or projects, and may include other dwelling units and housing owned, assisted, or operated, or otherwise acquired for use under such program, by the public housing agency.
(c)

Eligible Purchasers.—
(1)

Low-income requirement.—
Only low-income families assisted by a public housing agency, other low-income families, and entities formed to facilitate such sales by purchasing units for resale to low-income families shall be eligible to purchase housing under a homeownership program under this section.
(2)

Other requirements.—
A public housing agency may establish other requirements or limitations for families to purchase housing under a homeownership program under this section, including requirements or limitations regarding employment or participation in employment counseling or training activities, criminal activity, participation in homeownership counseling programs, evidence of regular income, and other requirements. In the case of purchase by an entity for resale to low-income families, the entity shall sell the units to low-income families within 5 years from the date of its acquisition of the units. The entity shall use any net proceeds from the resale and from managing the units, as determined in accordance with guidelines of the Secretary, for housing purposes, such as funding resident organizations and reserves for capital replacements.
(d)

Right of First Refusal.—
In making any sale under this section, the public housing agency shall initially offer the public housing unit at issue to the resident or residents occupying that unit, if any, or to an organization serving as a conduit for sales to any such resident.
(e)

Protection of Nonpurchasing Residents.—
If a public housing resident does not exercise the right of first refusal under subsection (d) with respect to the public housing unit in which the resident resides, the public housing agency—
(1)
shall notify the resident residing in the unit 90 days prior to the displacement date except in cases of imminent threat to health or safety, consistent with any guidelines issued by the Secretary governing such notifications, that—
(A)
the public housing unit will be sold;
(B)
the transfer of possession of the unit will occur until the resident is relocated; and
(C)
each resident displaced by such action will be offered comparable housing—
(i)
that meets housing quality standards;
(ii)
that is located in an area that is generally not less desirable than the location of the displaced resident's housing; and
(iii)
which may include—
(I)
tenant-based assistance, except that the requirement under this subclause regarding offering of comparable housing shall be fulfilled by use of tenant-based assistance only upon the relocation of such resident into such housing;
(II)
project-based assistance; or
(III)
occupancy in a unit owned, operated, or assisted by the public housing agency at a rental rate paid by the resident that is comparable to the rental rate applicable to the unit from which the resident is vacated;
(2)
shall provide for the payment of the actual and reasonable relocation expenses of the resident to be displaced;
(3)
shall ensure that the displaced resident is offered comparable housing in accordance with the notice under paragraph (1);
(4)
shall provide any necessary counseling for the displaced resident; and
(5)
shall not transfer possession of the unit until the resident is relocated.
(f)

Financing and Assistance.—
A homeownership program under this section may provide financing for acquisition of housing by families purchasing under the program, or for acquisition of housing by the public housing agency for sale under the program, in any manner considered appropriate by the agency (including sale to a resident management corporation).
(g)

Downpayment Requirement.—
(1)

In general.—
Each family purchasing housing under a homeownership program under this section shall be required to provide from its own resources a downpayment in connection with any loan for acquisition of the housing, in an amount determined by the public housing agency. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the agency shall permit the family to use grant amounts, gifts from relatives, contributions from private sources, and similar amounts as downpayment amounts in such purchase.
(2)

Direct family contribution.—
In purchasing housing pursuant to this section, each family shall contribute an amount of the downpayment, from resources of the family other than grants, gifts, contributions, or other similar amounts referred to in paragraph (1), that is not less than 1 percent of the purchase price.
(h)

Ownership Interests.—
A homeownership program under this section may provide for sale to the purchasing family of any ownership interest that the public housing agency considers appropriate under the program, including ownership in fee simple, a condominium interest, an interest in a limited dividend cooperative, a shared appreciation interest with a public housing agency providing financing.
(i)

Resale.—
(1)

Authority and limitation.—
A homeownership program under this section shall permit the resale of a dwelling unit purchased under the program by an eligible family, but shall provide such limitations on resale as the agency considers appropriate (whether the family purchases directly from the agency or from another entity) for the agency to recapture—
(A)
some or all of the economic gain derived from any such resale occurring during the 5-year period beginning upon purchase of the dwelling unit by the eligible family; and
(B)
after the expiration of such 5-year period, only such amounts as are equivalent to the assistance provided under this section by the agency to the purchaser.
(2)

Considerations.—
The limitations referred to in paragraph (1)(A) may provide for consideration of the aggregate amount of assistance provided under the program to the family, the contribution to equity provided by the purchasing eligible family, the period of time elapsed between purchase under the homeownership program and resale, the reason for resale, any improvements to the property made by the eligible family, any appreciation in the value of the property, and any other factors that the agency considers appropriate.
(j)

Net Proceeds.—
The net proceeds of any sales under a homeownership program under this section remaining after payment of all costs of the sale shall be used for purposes relating to low-income housing and in accordance with the public housing agency plan of the agency carrying out the program.
(k)

Homeownership Assistance.—
From amounts distributed to a public housing agency under the Capital Fund under section 9(d), or from other income earned by the public housing agency, the public housing agency may provide assistance to public housing residents to facilitate the ability of those residents to purchase a principal residence, including a residence other than a residence located in a public housing project.
(l)

Inapplicability of Disposition Requirements.—
The provisions of section 18 shall not apply to disposition of public housing dwelling units under a homeownership program under this section.
SEC. 33.79
[42 U.S.C. 1437z–5]

REQUIRED CONVERSION OF DISTRESSED PUBLIC HOUSING TO TENANT-BASED ASSISTANCE.
^{79}
Section 537(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, title V of Public Law 105–276, approved October 21, 1998, amended this section to read as shown.
Subsection (b) of section 537 of such Act repealed section 202 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (Public Law 104–134; 110 Stat. 1321–279), which required public housing agencies to carry out a program for conversion of certain public housing to vouchers.
Subsection (c)(2) of section 537 of such Act provides as follows:
``(2) Savings provision.—Notwithstanding the amendments made by this section, section 202 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996 (42 U.S.C. 14371 note) and any regulations implementing such section, as in effect immediately before the enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply to public housing developments identified by the Secretary or a public housing agency for conversion pursuant to that section or for assessment of whether such conversion is required prior to enactment of this Act.''.
(a)

Identification of Units.—
Each public housing agency shall identify all public housing projects of the public housing agency that meet all of the following requirements:
(1)
The project is on the same or contiguous sites.
(2)
The project is determined by the public housing agency to be distressed, which determination shall be made in accordance with guidelines established by the Secretary, which guidelines shall take into account the criteria established in the Final Report of the National Commission on Severely Distressed Public Housing (August 1992).
(3)
The project—
(A)
is identified as distressed housing under paragraph (2) for which the public housing agency cannot assure the long-term viability as public housing through reasonable modernization expenses, density reduction, achievement of a broader range of family income, or other measures; or
(B)
has an estimated cost, during the remaining useful life of the project, of continued operation and modernization as public housing that exceeds the estimated cost, during the remaining useful life of the project, of providing tenant-based assistance under section 8 for all families in occupancy, based on appropriate indicators of cost (such as the percentage of total development costs required for modernization).
(b)

Consultation.—
Each public housing agency shall consult with the appropriate public housing residents and the appropriate unit of general local government in identifying any public housing projects under subsection (a).
(c)

Plan for Removal of Units From Inventories of PHA's.—
(1)

Development.—
Each public housing agency shall develop and carry out a 5-year plan in conjunction with the Secretary for the removal of public housing units identified under subsection (a) from the inventory of the public housing agency and the annual contributions contract.
(2)

Approval.—
Each plan required under paragraph (1) shall—
(A)
be included as part of the public housing agency plan;
(B)
be certified by the relevant local official to be in accordance with the comprehensive housing affordability strategy under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992; and
(C)
include a description of any disposition and demolition plan for the public housing units.
(3)

Extensions.—
The Secretary may extend the 5-year deadline described in paragraph (1) by not more than an additional 5 years if the Secretary makes a determination that the deadline is impracticable.
(4)

Review by secretary.—
(A)

Failure to identify projects.—
If the Secretary determines, based on a plan submitted under this subsection, that a public housing agency has failed to identify 1 or more public housing projects that the Secretary determines should have been identified under subsection (a), the Secretary may designate the public housing projects to be removed from the inventory of the public housing agency pursuant to this section.
(B)

Erroneous identification of projects.—
If the Secretary determines, based on a plan submitted under this subsection, that a public housing agency has identified 1 or more public housing projects that should not have been identified pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
(i)
require the public housing agency to revise the plan of the public housing agency under this subsection; and
(ii)
prohibit the removal of any such public housing project from the inventory of the public housing agency under this section.
(d)

Conversion to Tenant-Based Assistance.—
(1)

In general.—
To the extent approved in advance in appropriations Acts, the Secretary shall make budget authority available to a public housing agency to provide assistance under this Act to families residing in any public housing project that, pursuant to this section, is removed from the inventory of the agency and the annual contributions contract of the agency.
(2)

Conversion requirements.—
Each agency carrying out a plan under subsection (c) for removal of public housing dwelling units from the inventory of the agency shall—
(A)
notify each family residing in a public housing project to be converted under the plan 90 days prior to the displacement date, except in cases of imminent threat to health or safety, consistent with any guidelines issued by the Secretary governing such notifications, that—
(i)
the public housing project will be removed from the inventory of the public housing agency; and
(ii)
each family displaced by such action will be offered comparable housing—
(I)
that meets housing quality standards; and
(II)
which may include—
- (aa)
tenant-based assistance, except that the requirement under this clause regarding offering of comparable housing shall be fulfilled by use of tenant-based assistance only upon the relocation of such family into such housing;
- (bb)
project-based assistance; or
- (cc)
occupancy in a unit operated or assisted by the public housing agency at a rental rate paid by the family that is comparable to the rental rate applicable to the unit from which the family is vacated.
(B)
provide any necessary counseling for families displaced by such action;
(C)
ensure that, if the project (or portion) converted is used as housing after such conversion, each resident may choose to remain in their dwelling unit in the project and use the tenant-based assistance toward rent for that unit;
(D)
ensure that each displaced resident is offered comparable housing in accordance with the notice under subparagraph (A); and
(E)
provide any actual and reasonable relocation expenses for families displaced by such action.
(e)

Cessation of Unnecessary Spending.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if, in the determination of the Secretary, a project or projects of a public housing agency meet or are likely to meet the criteria set forth in subsection (a), the Secretary may direct the agency to cease additional spending in connection with such project or projects until the Secretary determines or approves an appropriate course of action with respect to such project or projects under this section, except to the extent that failure to expend such amounts would endanger the health or safety of residents in the project or projects.
(f)

Use of Budget Authority.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a project or projects are identified pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary may authorize or direct the transfer, to the tenant-based assistance program of such agency or to appropriate site revitalization or other capital improvements approved by the Secretary, of—
(1)
in the case of an agency receiving assistance under the comprehensive improvement assistance program, any amounts obligated by the Secretary for the modernization of such project or projects pursuant to section 14 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (as in effect immediately before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199880);
^{80}
The effective date under section 503 of such Act (112 Stat. 2521; 42 U.S.C. 1437 note) was October 1, 1999, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in such Act or to the extent that the Secretary, by notice, implemented any provision of such Act before such date.
(2)
in the case of an agency receiving public housing modernization assistance by formula pursuant to such section 14, any amounts provided to the agency which are attributable pursuant to the formula for allocating such assistance to such project or projects;
(3)
in the case of an agency receiving assistance for the major reconstruction of obsolete projects, any amounts obligated by the Secretary for the major reconstruction of such project or projects pursuant to section 5(j)(2) of the United States Housing Act of 1937, as in effect immediately before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199880; and
(4)
in the case of an agency receiving assistance pursuant to the formulas under section 9, any amounts provided to the agency which are attributable pursuant to the formulas for allocating such assistance to such project or projects.
(g)

Removal by Secretary.—
The Secretary shall take appropriate actions to ensure removal of any public housing project identified under subsection (a) from the inventory of a public housing agency, if the public housing agency fails to adequately develop a plan under subsection (c) with respect to that project, or fails to adequately implement such plan in accordance with the terms of the plan.
(h)

Administration.—
(1)

In general.—
The Secretary may require a public housing agency to provide to the Secretary or to public housing residents such information as the Secretary considers to be necessary for the administration of this section.
(2)

Applicability of section 18.—
Section 18 shall not apply to the demolition of public housing projects removed from the inventory of the public housing agency under this section.
SEC. 34.
[42 U.S.C. 1437z–6]

SERVICES FOR PUBLIC AND INDIAN HOUSING RESIDENTS.
(a)

In General.—
To the extent that amounts are provided in advance in appropriations Acts, the Secretary may make grants to public housing agencies on behalf of public housing residents, recipients under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (notwithstanding section 502 of such Act) on behalf of residents of housing assisted under such Act, or directly to resident management corporations, resident councils, or resident organizations (including nonprofit entities supported by residents), for the purposes of providing a program of supportive services and resident empowerment activities to provide supportive services to public housing residents and residents of housing assisted under such Act or assist such residents in becoming economically self-sufficient.
(b)

Eligible Activities.—
Grantees under this section may use such amounts only for activities on or near the property of the public housing agency or public housing project or the property of a recipient under such Act or housing assisted under such Act that are designed to promote the self-sufficiency of public housing residents or residents of housing assisted under such Act or provide supportive services for such residents, including activities relating to—
(1)
physical improvements to a public housing project or residents of housing assisted under such Act in order to provide space for supportive services for residents;
(2)
the provision of service coordinators or a congregate housing services program for elderly individuals, elderly disabled individuals, nonelderly disabled individuals, or temporarily disabled individuals;
(3)
the provision of services related to work readiness, including education, job training and counseling, job search skills, business development training and planning, tutoring, mentoring, adult literacy, computer access, personal and family counseling, health screening, work readiness health services, transportation, and child care;
(4)
economic and job development, including employer linkages and job placement, and the start-up of resident microenterprises, community credit unions, and revolving loan funds, including the licensing, bonding, and insurance needed to operate such enterprises;
(5)
resident management activities and resident participation activities; and
(6)
other activities designed to improve the economic self-sufficiency of residents.
(c)

Funding Distribution.—
(1)

In general.—
Except for amounts provided under subsection (d), the Secretary may distribute amounts made available under this section on the basis of a competition or a formula, as appropriate.
(2)

Factors for distribution.—
Factors for distribution under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
the demonstrated capacity of the applicant to carry out a program of supportive services or resident empowerment activities;
(B)
the ability of the applicant to leverage additional resources for the provision of services; and
(C)
the extent to which the grant will result in a high quality program of supportive services or resident empowerment activities.
(d)

Matching Requirement.—
The Secretary may not make any grant under this section to any applicant unless the applicant supplements amounts made available under this section with funds from sources other than this section in an amount equal to not less than 25 percent of the grant amount. Such supplemental amounts may include—
(1)
funds from other Federal sources;
(2)
funds from any State, local, or tribal government sources;
(3)
funds from private contributions; and
(4)
the value of any in-kind services or administrative costs provided to the applicant.
(e)

Funding for Resident Organizations.—
To the extent that there are a sufficient number of qualified applications for assistance under this section, not less than 25 percent of any amounts appropriated to carry out this section shall be provided directly to resident councils, resident organizations, and resident management corporations. In any case in which a resident council, resident organization, or resident management corporation lacks adequate expertise, the Secretary may require the council, organization, or corporation to utilize other qualified organizations as contract administrators with respect to financial assistance provided under this section.
SEC. 35.
[42 U.S.C. 1437z–7]

MIXED FINANCE PUBLIC HOUSING.
(a)

Authority.—
A public housing agency may own, operate, assist, or otherwise participate in 1 or more mixed-finance projects in accordance with this section.
(b)

Assistance.—
(1)

Forms.—
A public housing agency may provide to a mixed-finance project assistance from the Operating Fund under section 9, assistance from the Capital Fund under such section, or both forms of assistance. A public housing agency may, in accordance with regulations established by the Secretary, provide capital assistance to a mixed-finance project in the form of a grant, loan, guarantee, or other form of investment in the project, which may involve drawdown of funds on a schedule commensurate with construction draws for deposit into an interest-bearing escrow account to serve as collateral or credit enhancement for bonds issued by a public agency, or for other forms of public or private borrowings, for the construction or rehabilitation of the development.
(2)

Use.—
To the extent deemed appropriate by the Secretary, assistance used in connection with the costs associated with the operation and management of mixed-finance projects may be used for funding of an operating reserve to ensure affordability for low-income and very low-income families in lieu of the availability of operating funds for public housing units in a mixed-finance project.
(c)

Compliance With Public Housing Requirements.—
The units assisted with capital or operating assistance in a mixed-finance project shall be developed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the requirements of this Act relating to public housing during the period required by under this Act, unless otherwise specified in this section. For purposes of this Act, any reference to public housing owned or operated by a public housing agency shall include dwelling units in a mixed finance project that are assisted by the agency with capital or operating assistance.
(d)

Mixed-Finance Projects.—
(1)

In general.—
For purposes of this section, the term “mixed-finance project” means a project that meets the requirements of paragraph (2) and is financially assisted by private resources, which may include low-income housing tax credits, in addition to amounts provided under this Act.
(2)

Types of projects.—
The term includes a project that is developed—
(A)
by a public housing agency or by an entity affiliated with a public housing agency;
(B)
by a partnership, a limited liability company, or other entity in which the public housing agency (or an entity affiliated with a public housing agency) is a general partner, managing member, or otherwise participates in the activities of that entity;
(C)
by any entity that grants to the public housing agency the right of first refusal and first option to purchase, after the close of the compliance period, of the qualified low-income building in which the public housing units exist in accordance with section 42(i)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or
(D)
in accordance with such other terms and conditions as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation.
(e)

Structure of Projects.—
Each mixed-finance project shall be developed—
(1)
in a manner that ensures that public housing units are made available in the project, by regulatory and operating agreement, master contract, individual lease, condominium or cooperative agreement, or equity interest;
(2)
in a manner that ensures that the number of public housing units bears approximately the same proportion to the total number of units in the mixed-finance project as the value of the total financial commitment provided by the public housing agency bears to the value of the total financial commitment in the project, or shall not be less than the number of units that could have been developed under the conventional public housing program with the assistance, or as may otherwise be approved by the Secretary; and
(3)
in accordance with such other requirements as the Secretary may prescribe by regulation.
(f)

Taxation.—
(1)

In general.—
A public housing agency may elect to exempt all public housing units in a mixed-finance project—
(A)
from the provisions of section 6(d), and instead subject such units to local real estate taxes; and
(B)
from the finding of need and cooperative agreement provisions under section 5(e)(1)(ii) and 5(e)(2), but only if the development of the units is not inconsistent with the jurisdiction's comprehensive housing affordability strategy.
(2)

Low-income housing tax credit.—
With respect to any unit in a mixed-finance project that is assisted pursuant to the low-income housing tax credit under section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the rents charged to the residents may be set at levels not to exceed the amounts allowable under that section, provided that such levels for public housing residents do not exceed the amounts allowable under section 3.
(g)

Use of Savings.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, to the extent deemed appropriate by the Secretary, to facilitate the establishment of socioeconomically mixed communities, a public housing agency that uses assistance from the Capital Fund for a mixed-finance project, to the extent that income from such a project reduces the amount of assistance used for operating or other costs relating to public housing, may use such resulting savings to rent privately developed dwelling units in the neighborhood of the mixed-finance project. Such units shall be made available for occupancy only by low-income families eligible for residency in public housing.
(h)

Effect of Certain Contract Terms.—
If an entity that owns or operates a mixed-finance project, that includes a significant number of units other than public housing units enters into a contract with a public housing agency, the terms of which obligate the entity to operate and maintain a specified number of units in the project as public housing units in accordance with the requirements of this Act for the period required by law, such contractual terms may provide that, if, as a result of a reduction in appropriations under section 9 or any other change in applicable law, the public housing agency is unable to fulfill its contractual obligations with respect to those public housing units, that entity may deviate, under procedures and requirements developed through regulations by the Secretary, from otherwise applicable restrictions under this Act regarding rents, income eligibility, and other areas of public housing management with respect to a portion or all of those public housing units, to the extent necessary to preserve the viability of those units while maintaining the low-income character of the units to the maximum extent practicable.
SEC. 36.
[42 U.S.C. 1437z–8]

COLLECTION OF INFORMATION ON TENANTS IN TAX CREDIT PROJECTS.
(a)

In General.—
Each State agency administering tax credits under section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 42) shall furnish to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, not less than annually, information concerning the race, ethnicity, family composition, age, income, use of rental assistance under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 or other similar assistance, disability status, and monthly rental payments of households residing in each property receiving such credits through such agency. Such State agencies shall, to the extent feasible, collect such information through existing reporting processes and in a manner that minimizes burdens on property owners. In the case of any household that continues to reside in the same dwelling unit, information provided by the household in a previous year may be used if the information is of a category that is not subject to change or if information for the current year is not readily available to the owner of the property.
(b)

Standards.—
The Secretary shall establish standards and definitions for the information collected under subsection (a), provide States with technical assistance in establishing systems to compile and submit such information, and, in coordination with other Federal agencies administering housing programs, establish procedures to minimize duplicative reporting requirements for properties assisted under multiple housing programs.
(c)

Public Availability.—
The Secretary shall, not less than annually, compile and make publicly available the information submitted to the Secretary pursuant to subsection (a).
(d)

Authorization of Appropriations.—
There is authorized to be appropriated for the cost of activities required under subsections (b) and (c) $2,500,000 for fiscal year 2009 and $900,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2013.
SEC. 37.
[42 U.S.C. 1437z–9]

DATA EXCHANGE STANDARDS FOR IMPROVED INTEROPERABILITY.
(a)

Designation.—
The Secretary shall, in consultation with an interagency work group established by the Office of Management and Budget, and considering State government perspectives, designate data exchange standards to govern, under this Act—
(1)
necessary categories of information that State agencies operating related programs are required under applicable law to electronically exchange with another State agency; and
(2)
Federal reporting and data exchange required under applicable law.
(b)

Requirements.—
The data exchange standards required by subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable—
(1)
incorporate a widely accepted, nonproprietary, searchable, computer-readable format, such as the eXtensible Markup Language;
(2)
contain interoperable standards developed and maintained by intergovernmental partnerships, such as the National Information Exchange Model;
(3)
incorporate interoperable standards developed and maintained by Federal entities with authority over contracting and financial assistance;
(4)
be consistent with and implement applicable accounting principles;
(5)
be implemented in a manner that is cost- effective and improves program efficiency and effectiveness; and
(6)
be capable of being continually upgraded as necessary.
(c)

Rules of Construction.—
Nothing in this section requires a change to existing data exchange standards for Federal reporting found to be effective and efficient.
SEC. 38.
[42 U.S.C. 1437z–10]

SMALL PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCIES.
(a)

Definitions.—
In this section:
(1)

Housing voucher program.—
The term “housing voucher program” means a program for tenant-based assistance under section 8.
(2)

Small public housing agency.—
The term “small public housing agency” means a public housing agency—
(A)
for which the sum of the number of public housing dwelling units administered by the agency and the number of vouchers under section 8(o) administered by the agency is 550 or fewer; and
(B)
that predominantly operates in a rural area, as described in section 1026.35(b)(2)(iv)(A) of title 12, Code of Federal Regulations.
(3)

Troubled small public housing agency.—
The term “troubled small public housing agency” means a small public housing agency designated by the Secretary as a troubled small public housing agency under subsection (c)(3).
(b)

Applicability.—
Except as otherwise provided in this section, a small public housing agency shall be subject to the same requirements as a public housing agency.
(c)

Program Inspections and Evaluations.—
(1)

Public housing projects.—
(A)

Frequency of inspections by secretary.—
The Secretary shall carry out an inspection of the physical condition of a small public housing agency’s public housing projects not more frequently than once every 3 years, unless the agency has been designated by the Secretary as a troubled small public housing agency based on deficiencies in the physical condition of its public housing projects. Nothing contained in this subparagraph relieves the Secretary from conducting lead safety inspections or assessments in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary under section 302 of the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4822).
(B)

Standards.—
The Secretary shall apply to small public housing agencies the same standards for the acceptable condition of public housing projects that apply to projects assisted under section 8.
(2)

Housing voucher program.—
Except as required by section 8(o)(8)(F), a small public housing agency administering assistance under section 8(o) shall make periodic physical inspections of each assisted dwelling unit not less frequently than once every 3 years to determine whether the unit is maintained in accordance with the requirements under section 8(o)(8)(A). Nothing contained in this paragraph relieves a small public housing agency from conducting lead safety inspections or assessments in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary under section 302 of the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. 4822).
(3)

Troubled small public housing agencies.—
(A)

Public housing program.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may designate a small public housing agency as a troubled small public housing agency with respect to the public housing program of the small public housing agency if the Secretary determines that the agency has failed to maintain the public housing units of the small public housing agency in a satisfactory physical condition, based upon an inspection conducted by the Secretary.
(B)

Housing voucher program.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may designate a small public housing agency as a troubled small public housing agency with respect to the housing voucher program of the small public housing agency if the Secretary determines that the agency has failed to comply with the inspection requirements under paragraph (2).
(C)

Appeals.—
(i)

Establishment.—
The Secretary shall establish an appeals process under which a small public housing agency may dispute a designation as a troubled small public housing agency.
(ii)

Official.—
The appeals process established under clause (i) shall provide for a decision by an official who has not been involved, and is not subordinate to a person who has been involved, in the original determination to designate a small public housing agency as a troubled small public housing agency.
(D)

Corrective action agreement.—
(i)

Agreement required.—
Not later than 60 days after the date on which a small public housing agency is designated as a troubled public housing agency under subparagraph (A) or (B), the Secretary and the small public housing agency shall enter into a corrective action agreement under which the small public housing agency shall undertake actions to correct the deficiencies upon which the designation is based.
(ii)

Terms of agreement.—
A corrective action agreement entered into under clause (i) shall—
(I)
have a term of 1 year, and shall be renewable at the option of the Secretary;
(II)
provide, where feasible, for technical assistance to assist the public housing agency in curing its deficiencies;
(III)
provide for—
- (aa)
reconsideration of the designation of the small public housing agency as a troubled small public housing agency not less frequently than annually; and
- (bb)
termination of the agreement when the Secretary determines that the small public housing agency is no longer a troubled small public housing agency; and
(IV)
provide that in the event of substantial noncompliance by the small public housing agency under the agreement, the Secretary may—
- (aa)
contract with another public housing agency or a private entity to manage the public housing of the troubled small public housing agency;
- (bb)
withhold funds otherwise distributable to the troubled small public housing agency;
- (cc)
assume possession of, and direct responsibility for, managing the public housing of the troubled small public housing agency;
- (dd)
petition for the appointment of a receiver, in accordance with section 6(j)(3)(A)(ii); and
- (ee)
exercise any other remedy available to the Secretary in the event of default under the public housing annual contributions contract entered into by the small public housing agency under section 5.
(E)

Emergency actions.—
Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to prohibit the Secretary from taking any emergency action necessary to protect Federal financial resources or the health or safety of residents of public housing projects.
(d)

Reduction of Administrative Burdens.—
(1)

Exemption.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a small public housing agency shall be exempt from any environmental review requirements with respect to a development or modernization project having a total cost of not more than $100,000.
(2)

Streamlined procedures.—
The Secretary shall, by rule, establish streamlined procedures for environmental reviews of small public housing agency development and modernization projects having a total cost of more than $100,000.

[TITLE II—

ASSISTED HOUSING FOR INDIANS AND ALASKA NATIVES
[Note.—Title II of the United States Housing Act of 1937 established low-income housing programs for Indians and Alaska Natives. Title II was repealed by section 501(a) of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–330). For provisions regarding termination of assistance under such programs see sections 502, 503, and 507 of such Act, set forth, post, in Part VII of this compilation.] ]
TITLE III—

HOPE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING HOMEOWNERSHIP
SEC. 301.
[42 U.S.C. 1437aaa]

PROGRAM AUTHORITY.
(a)

In General.—
The Secretary is authorized to make—
(1)
planning grants to help applicants to develop homeownership programs in accordance with this title; and
(2)
implementation grants to carry out homeownership programs in accordance with this title.
(b)

Authority To Reserve Housing Assistance.—
In connection with a grant under this title, the Secretary may reserve authority to provide assistance under section 8 of this Act to the extent necessary to provide replacement housing and rental assistance for a nonpurchasing tenant who resides in the project on the date the Secretary approves the application for an implementation grant, for use by the tenant in another project.
SEC. 302.
[42 U.S.C. 1437aaa–1]

PLANNING GRANTS.
(a)

Grants.—
The Secretary is authorized to make planning grants to applicants for the purpose of developing homeownership programs under this title. The amount of a planning grant under this section may not exceed $200,000, except that the Secretary may for good cause approve a grant in a higher amount.
(b)

Eligible Activities.—
Planning grants may be used for activities to develop homeownership programs (which may include programs for cooperative ownership), including—
(1)
development of resident management corporations and resident councils;
(2)
training and technical assistance for applicants related to development of a specific homeownership program;
(3)
studies of the feasibility of a homeownership program;
(4)
inspection for lead-based paint hazards, as required by section 302(a) of the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act;
(5)
preliminary architectural and engineering work;
(6)
tenant and homebuyer counseling and training;
(7)
planning for economic development, job training, and self-sufficiency activities that promote economic self-sufficiency of homebuyers and homeowners under the homeownership program;
(8)
development of security plans; and
(9)
preparation of an application for an implementation grant under this title.
(c)

Application.—
(1)

Form and procedures.—
An application for a planning grant shall be submitted by an applicant in such form and in accordance with such procedures as the Secretary shall establish.
(2)

Minimum requirements.—
The Secretary shall require that an application contain at a minimum—
(A)
a request for a planning grant, specifying the activities proposed to be carried out, the schedule for completing the activities, the personnel necessary to complete the activities, and the amount of the grant requested;
(B)
a description of the applicant and a statement of its qualifications;
(C)
identification and description of the public housing project or projects involved, and a description of the composition of the tenants, including family size and income;
(D)
a certification by the public official responsible for submitting the comprehensive housing affordability strategy under section 105 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act that the proposed activities are consistent with the approved housing strategy of the State or unit of general local government within which the project is located (or, during the first 12 months after enactment of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act,81 that the application is consistent with such other existing State or local housing plan or strategy that the Secretary shall determine to be appropriate); and
^{81}
The date of enactment was November 28, 1990.
(E)
a certification that the applicant will comply with the requirements of the Fair Housing Act, title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and will affirmatively further fair housing.
(d)

Selection Criteria.—
The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish selection criteria for a national competition for assistance under this section, which shall include—
(1)
the qualifications or potential capabilities of the applicant;
(2)
the extent of tenant interest in the development of a homeownership program for the project;
(3)
the potential of the applicant for developing a successful and affordable homeownership program and the suitability of the project for homeownership;
(4)
national geographic diversity among projects for which applicants are selected to receive assistance; and
(5)
such other factors that the Secretary shall require that (in the determination of the Secretary) are appropriate for purposes of carrying out the program established by this title in an effective and efficient manner.
SEC. 303.
[42 U.S.C. 1437aaa–2]

IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS.
(a)

Grants.—
The Secretary is authorized to make implementation grants to applicants for the purpose of carrying out homeownership programs approved under this title.
(b)

Eligible Activities.—
Implementation grants may be used for activities to carry out homeownership programs (including programs for cooperative ownership) that meet the requirements under this subtitle, including the following activities:
(1)
Architectural and engineering work.
(2)
Implementation of the homeownership program, including acquisition of the public housing project from a public housing agency for the purpose of transferring ownership to eligible families in accordance with a homeownership program that meets the requirements under this title.
(3)
Rehabilitation of any public housing project covered by the homeownership program, in accordance with standards established by the Secretary.
(4)
Abatement of lead-based paint hazards, as required by section 302(a) of the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act.
(5)
Administrative costs of the applicant, which may not exceed 15 percent of the amount of assistance provided under this section.
(6)
Development of resident management corporations and resident management councils, but only if the applicant has not received assistance under section 302 for such activities.
(7)
Counseling and training of homebuyers and homeowners under the homeownership program.
(8)
Relocation of tenants who elect to move.
(9)
Any necessary temporary relocation of tenants during rehabilitation.
(10)
Funding of operating expenses and replacement reserves of the project covered by the homeownership program, except that the amount of assistance for operating expenses shall not exceed the amount the project would have received if it had continued to receive such assistance from the Operating Fund, with adjustments comparable to those that would have been made under section 9.82
^{82}
Section 181(g)(1)(B) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, Public Law 102–550, provides as follows:
``(B) Operating subsidies.—Section 303(b)(9) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 1437aaa–2(b)(9)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: “, and except that implementation grants may not be used under this paragraph to fund operating expenses for scattered site public housing acquired under a homeownership program”.''.
The amendment could not be executed and was probably intended to be made to this paragraph of the United States Housing Act of 1937.
(11)
Implementation of a replacement housing plan.
(12)
Legal fees.
(13)
Defraying costs for the ongoing training needs of the recipient that are related to developing and carrying out the homeownership program.
(14)
Economic development activities that promote economic self-sufficiency of homebuyers, residents, and homeowners under the homeownership program.
(c)

Matching Funding.—
(1)

In general.—
Each recipient shall assure that contributions equal to not less than 25 percent of the grant amount made available under this section, excluding any amounts provided for post-sale operating expenses and replacement housing, shall be provided from non-Federal sources to carry out the homeownership program.
(2)

Form.—
Such contributions may be in the form of—
(A)
cash contributions from non-Federal resources, which may not include Federal tax expenditures or funds from a grant made under section 106(b) or section 106(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974;
(B)
payment of administrative expenses, as defined by the Secretary, from non-Federal resources, including funds from a grant made under section 106(b) or section 106(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974;
(C)
the value of taxes, fees, or other charges that are normally and customarily imposed but are waived, foregone, or deferred in a manner that facilitates the implementation of a homeownership program assisted under this subtitle;
(D)
the value of land or other real property as appraised according to procedures acceptable to the Secretary;
(E)
the value of investment in on-site and off-site infrastructure required for a homeownership program assisted under this subtitle; or
(F)
such other in-kind contributions as the Secretary may approve.
Contributions for administrative expenses shall be recognized only up to an amount equal to 7 percent of the total amount of grants made available under this section.
(3)

Reduction of requirement.—
The Secretary shall reduce the matching requirement for homeownership programs carried out under this section in accordance with the formula established under section 220(d) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.
(d)

Application.—
(1)

Form and procedure.—
An application for an implementation grant shall be submitted by an applicant in such form and in accordance with such procedures as the Secretary shall establish.
(2)

Minimum requirements.—
The Secretary shall require that an application contain at a minimum—
(A)
a request for an implementation grant, specifying the amount of the grant requested and its proposed uses;
(B)
if applicable, an application for assistance under section 8 of this Act, which shall specify the proposed uses of such assistance and the period during which the assistance will be needed;
(C)
a description of the qualifications and experience of the applicant in providing housing for low-income families;
(D)
a description of the proposed homeownership program, consistent with section 304 and the other requirements of this title, which shall specify the activities proposed to be carried out and their estimated costs, identifying reasonable schedules for carrying it out, and demonstrating that the program will comply with the affordability requirements under section 304(b);
(E)
identification and description of the public housing project or projects involved, and a description of the composition of the tenants, including family size and income;
(F)
a description of and commitment for the resources that are expected to be made available to provide the matching funding required under subsection (c) and of other resources that are expected to be made available in support of the homeownership program;
(G)
identification and description of the financing proposed for any (i) rehabilitation and (ii) acquisition (I) of the property, where applicable, by a resident council or other entity for transfer to eligible families, and (II) by eligible families of ownership interests in, or shares representing, units in the project;
(H)
if the applicant is not a public housing agency, the proposed sales price, if any, the basis for such price determination, and terms to the applicant;
(I)
the estimated sales prices, if any, and terms to eligible families;
(J)
any proposed restrictions on the resale of units under a homeownership program;
(K)
identification and description of the entity that will operate and manage the property;
(L)
a certification by the public official responsible for submitting the comprehensive housing affordability strategy under section 105 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act that the proposed activities are consistent with the approved housing strategy of the State or unit of general local government within which the project is located (or, during the first 12 months after enactment of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act,83 that the application is consistent with such other existing State or local housing plan or strategy that the Secretary shall determine to be appropriate); and
^{83}
The date of enactment was November 28, 1990.
(M)
a certification that the applicant will comply with the requirements of the Fair Housing Act, title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and will affirmatively further fair housing.
(e)

Selection Criteria.—
The Secretary shall establish selection criteria for a national competition for assistance under this section, which shall include—
(1)
the ability of the applicant to develop and carry out the proposed homeownership program, taking into account the quality of any related ongoing program of the applicant, and the extent of tenant interest in the development of a homeownership program and community support;
(2)
the feasibility of the homeownership program;
(3)
the extent to which current tenants and other eligible families will be able to afford the purchase;
(4)
the quality and viability of the proposed homeownership program, including the viability of the economic self-sufficiency plan;
(5)
the extent to which funds for activities that do not qualify as eligible activities will be provided in support of the homeownership program;
(6)
whether the approved comprehensive housing affordability strategy for the jurisdiction within which the public housing project is located includes the proposed homeownership program as one of the general priorities identified pursuant to section 105(b)(7) of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act;
(7)
national geographic diversity among housing for which applicants are selected to receive assistance; and
(8)
the extent to which a sufficient supply of affordable rental housing exists in the locality, so that the implementation of the homeownership program will not reduce the number of such rental units available to residents currently residing in such units or eligible for residency in such units.
(f)

Location Within Participating Jurisdictions.—
The Secretary may approve applications for grants under this title only for public housing projects located within the boundaries of jurisdictions—
(1)
which are participating jurisdictions under title III of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act; or
(2)
on behalf of which the agency responsible for affordable housing has submitted a housing strategy or plan.
(g)

Approval.—
The Secretary shall notify each applicant, not later than 6 months after the date of the submission of the application, whether the application is approved or not approved. The Secretary may approve the application for an implementation grant with a statement that the application for the section 8 assistance for replacement housing and for residents of the project not purchasing units is conditionally approved, subject to the availability of appropriations in subsequent fiscal years.
SEC. 304.
[42 U.S.C. 1437aaa–3]

HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
(a)

In General.—
A homeownership program under this title shall provide for acquisition by eligible families of ownership interests in, or shares representing, at least one-half of the units in a public housing project under any arrangement determined by the Secretary to be appropriate, such as cooperative ownership (including limited equity cooperative ownership) and fee simple ownership (including condominium ownership), for occupancy by the eligible families.
(b)

Affordability.—
A homeownership program under this title shall provide for the establishment of sales prices (including principal, insurance, taxes, and interest and closing costs) for initial acquisition of the property from the public housing agency if the applicant is not a public housing agency, and for sales to eligible families, such that an eligible family shall not be required to expend more than 30 percent of the adjusted income of the family per month to complete a sale under the homeownership program.
(c)

Plan.—
A homeownership program under this title shall provide, and include a plan, for—
(1)
identifying and selecting eligible families to participate in the homeownership program;
(2)
providing relocation assistance to families who elect to move;
(3)
ensuring continued affordability by tenants, homebuyers, and homeowners in the project;
(4)
providing ongoing training and counseling for homebuyers and homeowners; and
(5)
replacing units in eligible projects covered by a homeownership program.
(d)

Acquisition and Rehabilitation Limitations.—
Acquisition or rehabilitation of public housing projects under a homeownership program under this title may not consist of acquisition or rehabilitation of less than the whole public housing project in a project consisting of more than 1 building. The provisions of this subsection may be waived upon a finding by the Secretary that the sale of less than all the buildings in a project is feasible and will not result in a hardship to any tenants of the project who are not included in the homeownership program.
(e)

Financing.—
(1)

In general.—
The application shall identify and describe the proposed financing for (A) any rehabilitation, and (B) acquisition (i) of the project, where applicable, by an entity other than the public housing agency for transfer to eligible families, and (ii) by eligible families of ownership interests in, or shares representing, units in the project. Financing may include use of the implementation grant, sale for cash, or other sources of financing (subject to applicable requirements), including conventional mortgage loans and mortgage loans insured under title II of the National Housing Act.
(2)

Prohibition against pledges.—
Property transferred under this title shall not be pledged as collateral for debt or otherwise encumbered except when the Secretary determines that—
(A)
such encumbrance will not threaten the long-term availability of the property for occupancy by low-income families;
(B)
neither the Federal Government nor the public housing agency will be exposed to undue risks related to action that may have to be taken pursuant to paragraph (3);
(C)
any debt obligation can be serviced from project income, including operating assistance; and
(D)
the proceeds of such encumbrance will be used only to meet housing standards in accordance with subsection (f) or to make such additional capital improvements as the Secretary determines to be consistent with the purposes of this title.
(3)

Opportunity to cure.—
Any lender that provides financing in connection with a homeownership program under this subtitle shall give the public housing agency, resident management corporation, individual owner, or other appropriate entity a reasonable opportunity to cure a financial default before foreclosing on the property, or taking other action as a result of the default.
(f)

Housing Quality Standards.—
The application shall include a plan ensuring that the unit—
(1)
will be free from any defects that pose a danger to health or safety before transfer of an ownership interest in, or shares representing, a unit to an eligible family; and
(2)
will, not later than 2 years after the transfer to an eligible family, meet minimum housing standards established by the Secretary for the purposes of this title.
[(g)
[Repealed.] ]
(h)

Protection of Non-Purchasing Families.—
(1)

In general.—
No tenant residing in a dwelling unit in a public housing project on the date the Secretary approves an application for an implementation grant may be evicted by reason of a homeownership program approved under this title.
(2)

Replacement assistance.—
If the tenant decides not to purchase a unit, or is not qualified to do so, the recipient shall, during the term of any operating assistance under the implementation grant, permit each otherwise qualified tenant to continue to reside in the project at rents that do not exceed levels consistent with section 3(a) of this Act or, if an otherwise qualified tenant chooses to move (at any time during the term of such operating assistance contract), the public housing agency shall, to the extent approved in appropriations Acts, offer such tenant (A) a unit in another public housing project, or (B) section 8 assistance for use in other housing.
(3)

Relocation assistance.—
The recipient shall also inform each such tenant that if the tenant chooses to move, the recipient will pay relocation assistance in accordance with the approved homeownership program.
(4)

Other rights.—
Tenants renting a unit in a project transferred under this title shall have all rights provided to tenants of public housing under this Act.
SEC. 305.
[42 U.S.C. 1437aaa–4]

OTHER PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
(a)

Sale by Public Housing Agency To Applicant or Other Entity Required.—
Where the Secretary approves an application providing for the transfer of the eligible project from the public housing agency to another applicant, the public housing agency shall transfer the project to such other applicant, in accordance with the approved homeownership program.
(b)

Preferences.—
In selecting eligible families for homeownership, the recipient shall give a first preference to otherwise qualified current tenants and a second preference to otherwise qualified eligible families who have completed participation in an economic self-sufficiency program specified by the Secretary.
(c)

Cost Limitations.—
The Secretary may establish cost limitations on eligible activities under this title, subject to the provisions of this title.
(d)

Annual Contributions.—
Notwithstanding the purchase of a public housing project under this section, or the purchase of a unit in a public housing project by an eligible family, the Secretary shall continue to pay annual contributions with respect to the project. Such contributions may not exceed the maximum contributions authorized in section 5(a).
(e)

Operating Subsidies.—
Amounts from an allocation from the Operating Fund under section 9 of this Act shall not be available with respect to a public housing project after the date of its sale by the public housing agency.
(f)

Use of Proceeds From Sales to Eligible Families.—
The entity that transfers ownership interests in, or shares representing, units to eligible families, or another entity specified in the approved application, shall use the proceeds, if any, from the initial sale for costs of the homeownership program, including operating expenses, improvements to the project, business opportunities for low-income families, supportive services related to the homeownership program, additional homeownership opportunities, and other activities approved by the Secretary.
(g)

Restrictions on Resale by Homeowners.—
(1)

In general.—
(A)

Transfer permitted.—
A homeowner under a homeownership program may transfer the homeowner's ownership interest in, or shares representing, the unit, except that a homeownership program may establish restrictions on the resale of units under the program.
(B)

Right to purchase.—
Where a resident management corporation, resident council, or cooperative has jurisdiction over the unit, the corporation, council, or cooperative shall have the right to purchase the ownership interest in, or shares representing, the unit from the homeowner for the amount specified in a firm contract between the homeowner and a prospective buyer. If such an entity does not have jurisdiction over the unit or elects not to purchase and if the prospective buyer is not a low-income family, the public housing agency or the implementation grant recipient shall have the right to purchase the ownership interest in, or shares representing, the unit for the same amount.
(C)

Promissory note required.—
The homeowner shall execute a promissory note equal to the difference between the market value and the purchase price, payable to the public housing agency or other entity designated in the homeownership plan, together with a mortgage securing the obligation of the note.
(2)

6 years or less.—
In the case of a transfer within 6 years of the acquisition under the program, the homeownership program shall provide for appropriate restrictions to assure that an eligible family may not receive any undue profit. The plan shall provide for limiting the family's consideration for its interest in the property to the total of—
(A)
the contribution to equity paid by the family;
(B)
the value, as determined by such means as the Secretary shall determine through regulation, of any improvements installed at the expense of the family during the family's tenure as owner; and
(C)
the appreciated value determined by an inflation allowance at a rate which may be based on a cost-of-living index, an income index, or market index as determined by the Secretary through regulation and agreed to by the purchaser and the entity that transfers ownership interests in, or shares representing, units to eligible families (or another entity specified in the approved application), at the time of initial sale, and applied against the contribution to equity.
Such an entity may, at the time of initial sale, enter into an agreement with the family to set a maximum amount which this appreciation may not exceed.
(3)

6–20 years.—
In the case of a transfer during the period beginning 6 years after the acquisition and ending 20 years after the acquisition, the homeownership program shall provide for the recapture by the Secretary or the program of an amount equal to the amount of the declining balance on the note described in paragraph (1)(C).
(4)

Use of recaptured funds.—
Fifty percent of any portion of the net sales proceeds that may not be retained by the homeowner under the plan approved pursuant to this subsection shall be paid to the entity that transferred ownership interests in, or shares representing, units to eligible families, or another entity specified in the approved application, for use for improvements to the project, business opportunities for low-income families, supportive services related to the homeownership program, additional homeownership opportunities, and other activities approved by the Secretary. The remaining 50 percent shall be returned to the Secretary for use under this subtitle, subject to limitations contained in appropriations Acts. Such entity shall keep and make available to the Secretary all records necessary to calculate accurately payments due the Secretary under this subsection.
(h)

Third Party Rights.—
The requirements under this title regarding quality standards, resale, or transfer of the ownership interest of a homeowner shall be judicially enforceable against the grant recipient with respect to actions involving rehabilitation, and against purchasers of property under this subsection or their successors in interest with respect to other actions by affected low-income families, resident management corporations, resident councils, public housing agencies, and any agency, corporation, or authority of the United States Government. The parties specified in the preceding sentence shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees upon prevailing in any such judicial action.
(i)

Dollar Limitation on Economic Development Activities.—
Not more than an aggregate of $250,000 from amounts made available under sections 302 and 303 may be used for economic development activities under sections 302(b)(6)84 and 303.(b)(9) for any project.
^{84}
So in law. Probably intended to refer to section 302(b)(7).
(j)

Timely Homeownership.—
Recipients shall transfer ownership of the property to tenants within a specified period of time that the Secretary determines to be reasonable. During the interim period when the property continues to be operated and managed as rental housing, the recipient shall utilize written tenant selection policies and criteria that are consistent with the public housing program and that are approved by the Secretary as consistent with the purpose of improving housing opportunities for low-income families. The recipient shall promptly notify in writing any rejected applicant of the grounds for any rejection.
(k)

Capability of Resident Management Corporations and Resident Councils.—
To be eligible to receive a grant under section 303, a resident management corporation or resident council shall demonstrate to the Secretary its ability to manage public housing by having done so effectively and efficiently for a period of not less than 3 years or by arranging for management by a qualified management entity.
(l)

Records and Audit of Recipients of Assistance.—
(1)

In general.—
Each recipient shall keep such records as may be reasonably necessary to fully disclose the amount and the disposition by such recipient of the proceeds of assistance received under this title (and any proceeds from financing obtained in accordance with subsection (b) or sales under subsections (f) and (g)(4)), the total cost of the homeownership program in connection with which such assistance is given or used, and the amount and nature of that portion of the program supplied by other sources, and such other sources as will facilitate an effective audit.
(2)

Access by the secretary.—
The Secretary shall have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, papers, and records of the recipient that are pertinent to assistance received under this title.
(3)

Access by the comptroller general.—
The Comptroller General of the United States, or any of the duly authorized representatives of the Comptroller General, shall also have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, papers, and records of the recipient that are pertinent to assistance received under this title.
SEC. 306.
[42 U.S.C. 1437aaa–5]

DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this title:
(1)
The term “applicant” means the following entities that may represent the tenants of the project:
(A)
A public housing agency.
(B)
A resident management corporation, established in accordance with requirements of the Secretary under section 20.
(C)
A resident council.
(D)
A cooperative association.
(E)
A public or private nonprofit organization.
(F)
A public body, including an agency or instrumentality thereof.
(2)
The term “eligible family” means—
(A)
a family or individual who is a tenant in the public housing project on the date the Secretary approves an implementation grant;
(B)
a low-income family; or
(C)
a family or individual who is assisted under a housing program administered by the Secretary or the Secretary of Agriculture (not including any non-low income families assisted under any mortgage insurance program administered by either Secretary).
(3)
The term “homeownership program” means a program for homeownership meeting the requirements under this title.
(4)
The term “recipient” means an applicant approved to receive a grant under this title or such other entity specified in the approved application that will assume the obligations of the recipient under this title.
(5)
The term “resident council” means any incorporated nonprofit organization or association that—
(A)
is representative of the tenants of the housing;
(B)
adopts written procedures providing for the election of officers on a regular basis; and
(C)
has a democratically elected governing board, elected by the tenants of the housing.
SEC. 307.
[42 U.S.C. 1437aaa–6]

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.
The program authorized under this title shall be in addition to any other public housing homeownership and management opportunities, including opportunities under section 5(h)85 of this Act.
^{85}
Section 518(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, title V of Public Law 105–276, approved Ocotber 21, 1998, struck section 5(h) of the United States Housing Act of 1937. Subsection (a)(2)(C) of such section 518 amended this section by striking “section 5(h) and”. The amendment could not be executed as written.
SEC. 308.
[42 U.S.C. 1437aaa–7]

LIMITATION ON SELECTION CRITERIA.
In establishing criteria for selecting applicants to receive assistance under this title, the Secretary may not establish any selection criterion or criteria that grant or deny such assistance to an applicant (or have the effect of granting or denying assistance) based on the implementation, continuation, or discontinuation of any public policy, regulation, or law of any jurisdiction in which the applicant or project is located.
SEC. 309.
[42 U.S.C. 1437aaa–8]

ANNUAL REPORT.
The Secretary shall annually submit to the Congress a report setting forth—
(1)
the number, type, and cost of public housing units sold pursuant to this title;
(2)
the income, race, gender, children, and other characteristics of families participating (or not participating) in homeownership programs funded under this title;
(3)
the amount and type of financial assistance provided under and in conjunction with this title;
(4)
the amount of financial assistance provided under this title that was needed to ensure continued affordability and meet future maintenance and repair costs; and
(5)
the recommendations of the Secretary for statutory and regulatory improvements to the program.
TITLE IV—

HOME RULE FLEXIBLE GRANT DEMONSTRATION
SEC. 401.
[42 U.S.C. 1437bbb]

PURPOSE.
The purpose of this title is to demonstrate the effectiveness of authorizing local governments and municipalities, in coordination with the public housing agencies for such jurisdictions—
(1)
to receive and combine program allocations of covered housing assistance; and
(2)
to design creative approaches for providing and administering Federal housing assistance based on the particular needs of the jurisdictions that—
(A)
provide incentives to low-income families with children whose head of the household is employed, seeking employment, or preparing for employment by participating in a job training or educational program, or any program that otherwise assists individuals in obtaining employment and attaining economic self-sufficiency;
(B)
reduce costs of Federal housing assistance and achieve greater cost-effectiveness in Federal housing assistance expenditures;
(C)
increase the stock of affordable housing and housing choices for low-income families;
(D)
increase homeownership among low-income families;
(E)
reduce geographic concentration of assisted families;
(F)
reduce homelessness through providing permanent housing solutions;
(G)
improve program management; and
(H)
achieve such other purposes with respect to low-income families, as determined by the participating local governments and municipalities in coordination with the public housing agencies;86
^{86}
So in law.
SEC. 402.
[42 U.S.C. 1437bbb–1]

FLEXIBLE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a)

Authority and Use.—
The Secretary shall carry out a demonstration program in accordance with the purposes under section 401 and the provisions of this title. A jurisdiction approved by the Secretary for participation in the program may receive and combine and enter into performance-based contracts for the use of amounts of covered housing assistance, in the manner determined appropriate by the participating jurisdiction, during the period of the jurisdiction's participation—
(1)
to provide housing assistance and services for low-income families in a manner that facilitates the transition of such families to work;
(2)
to reduce homelessness through providing permanent housing solutions;
(3)
to increase homeownership among low-income families; or
(4)
for other housing purposes for low-income families determined by the participating jurisdiction.
(b)

Period of Participation.—
A jurisdiction may participate in the demonstration program under this title for a period consisting of not less than 1 nor more than 5 fiscal years.
(c)

Participating Jurisdictions.—
(1)87

In general.—
Subject to paragraph (2), during the 4-year period consisting of fiscal years 1999 through 2002, the Secretary may approve for participation in the program under this title not more than an aggregate of 100 jurisdictions over the entire term of the demonstration program. A jurisdiction that was approved for participation in the demonstration program under this title in a fiscal year and that is continuing such participation in any subsequent fiscal year shall count as a single jurisdiction for purposes of the numerical limitation under this paragraph.
^{87}
Indented so in law.
(2)

Exclusion of high performing agencies.—
Notwithstanding any other provision of this title other than paragraph (4) of this subsection, the Secretary may approve for participation in the demonstration program under this title only jurisdictions served by public housing agencies that—
(A)
are not designated as high-performing agencies, pursuant to their most recent scores under the public housing management assessment program under section 6(j)(2) (or any successor assessment program for public housing agencies), as of the time of approval; and
(B)
have a most recent score under the public housing management assessment program under section 6(j)(2) (or any successor assessment program for public housing agencies), as of the time of approval, that is among the lowest 40 percent of the scores of all agencies.
(3)

Limitation on troubled and non-troubled phas.—
Of the jurisdictions approved by the Secretary for participation in the demonstration program under this title—
(A)
not more than 55 may be jurisdictions served by a public housing agency that, at the time of approval, is designated as a troubled agency under the public housing management assessment program under section 6(j)(2) (or any successor assessment program for public housing agencies); and
(B)
not more than 45 may be jurisdictions served by a public housing agency that, at the time of approval, is not designated as a troubled agency under the public housing management assessment program under section 6(j)(2) (or any successor assessment program for public housing agencies).
(4)

Exception.—
If the City of Indianapolis, Indiana submits an application for participation in the program under this title and, upon review of the application under section 406(b), the Secretary determines that such application is approvable under this title, the Secretary shall approve such application, notwithstanding the second sentence of section 406(b)(2). Such City shall count for purposes of the numerical limitations on jurisdictions under paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 402(c), but the provisions of section 402(c)(2) (relating to exclusion of high-performing agencies) shall not apply to such City.
SEC. 403.
[42 U.S.C. 1437bbb–2]

PROGRAM ALLOCATION AND COVERED HOUSING ASSISTANCE.
(a)

Program Allocation.—
In each fiscal year, the amount made available to each participating jurisdiction under the demonstration program under this title shall be equal to the sum of the amounts of covered housing assistance that would otherwise be made available under the provisions of this Act to the public housing agency for the jurisdiction.
(b)

Covered Housing Assistance.—
For purposes of this title, the term “covered housing assistance” means—
(1)
operating assistance under section 9 (as in effect before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199888);
^{88}
The effective date under section 503 of such Act (112 Stat. 2521; 42 U.S.C. 1437 note) was October 1, 1999, except to the extent otherwise specifically provided in such Act or to the extent that the Secretary, by notice, implemented any provision of such Act before such date.
(2)
modernization assistance under section 14 (as in effect before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199888);
(3)
assistance for the certificate and voucher programs under section 8 (as in effect before the effective date under section 503(a) of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 199888);
(4)
assistance from the Operating Fund under section 9(e);
(5)
assistance from the Capital Fund under section 9(d); and
(6)
tenant-based assistance under section 8 (as amended by the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998).
SEC. 404.
[42 U.S.C. 1437bbb–3]

APPLICABILITY OF REQUIREMENTS UNDER PROGRAMS FOR COVERED HOUSING ASSISTANCE.
(a)

In General.—
In each fiscal year of the demonstration program under this title, amounts made available to a participating jurisdiction under the demonstration program shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as such amounts would be subject to if made available under the provisions of this Act pursuant to which covered housing assistance is otherwise made available under this Act to the public housing agency for the jurisdiction, except that—
(1)
the Secretary may waive any such term or condition identified by the jurisdiction to the extent that the Secretary determines such action to be appropriate to carry out the purposes of the demonstration program under this title; and
(2)
the participating jurisdiction may combine the amounts made available and use the amounts for any activity eligible under the programs under sections 8 and 9.
(b)

Number of Families Assisted.—
In carrying out the demonstration program under this title, each participating jurisdiction shall assist substantially the same total number of eligible low-income families as would have otherwise been served by the public housing agency for the jurisdiction had the jurisdiction not participated in the demonstration program under this title.
(c)

Protection of Recipients.—
This title may not be construed to authorize the termination of assistance to any recipient receiving assistance under this Act before the date of the enactment of this title 89 as a result of the implementation of the demonstration program under this title.
^{89}
October 21, 1998.
(d)

Effect on Ability To Compete for Other Programs.—
This title may not be construed to affect the ability of any applying or participating jurisdiction (or a public housing agency for any such jurisdiction) to compete or otherwise apply for or receive assistance under any other housing assistance program administered by the Secretary.
SEC. 405.
[42 U.S.C. 1437bbb–4]

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.
(a)

Applicability of Certain Provisions.—
Notwithstanding section 404(a)(1), the Secretary may not waive, with respect to any participating jurisdiction, any of the following provisions:
(1)
The first sentence of paragraph (1) of section 3(a) (relating to eligibility of low-income families).
(2)
Section 16 (relating to income eligibility and targeting of assistance).
(3)
Paragraph (2) of section 3(a) (relating to rental payments for public housing families).
(4)
Paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 8(o) (to the extent such paragraphs limit the amount of rent paid by families assisted with tenant-based assistance).
(5)
Section 18 (relating to demolition or disposition of public housing).
(b)

Compliance With Assistance Plan.—
A participating jurisdiction shall provide assistance using amounts received pursuant to this title in the manner set forth in the plan of the jurisdiction approved by the Secretary under section 406(a)(2).
SEC. 406.
[42 U.S.C. 1437bbb–5]

APPLICATION.
(a)

In General.—
The Secretary shall provide for jurisdictions to submit applications for approval to participate in the demonstration program under this title. An application—
(1)
shall be submitted only after the jurisdiction provides for citizen participation through a public hearing and, if appropriate, other means;
(2)
shall include a plan for the provision of housing assistance with amounts received pursuant to this title that—
(A)
is developed by the jurisdiction;
(B)
takes into consideration comments from the public hearing, any other public comments on the proposed program, and comments from current and prospective residents who would be affected; and
(C)
identifies each term or condition for which the jurisdiction is requesting waiver under section 404 (a)(1);
(3)
shall describe how the plan for use of amounts will assist in meeting the purposes of, and be used in accordance with, sections 401 and 402(a), respectively;
(4)
shall propose standards for measuring performance in using assistance provided pursuant to this title based on the performance standards under subsection (b)(4);
(5)
shall propose the length of the period for participation of the jurisdiction is 90 in the demonstration program under this title;
^{90}
So in law.
(6)
shall—
(A)
in the case of the application of any jurisdiction within whose boundaries are areas subject to any other unit of general local government, include the signed consent of the appropriate executive official of such unit to the application; and
(B)
in the case of the application of a consortia of units of general local government (as provided under section 409(1)(B)), include the signed consent of the appropriate executive officials of each unit included in the consortia;
(7)
shall include information sufficient, in the determination of the Secretary—
(A)
to demonstrate that the jurisdiction has or will have management and administrative capacity sufficient to carry out the plan under paragraph (2), including a demonstration that the applicant has a history of effectively administering amounts provided under other programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, such as the community development block grant program, the HOME investment partnerships program, and the programs for assistance for the homeless under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act 91;
^{91}
Public Law 106-400, enacted on October 30, 2000, renamed the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Section 2 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 11301 note) provides that ``[a]ny reference in any law, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the `McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act'''.
(B)
to demonstrate that carrying out the plan will not result in excessive duplication of administrative efforts and costs, particularly with respect to activities performed by public housing agencies operating within the boundaries of the jurisdiction;
(C)
to describe the function and activities to be carried out by such public housing agencies affected by the plan; and
(D)
to demonstrate that the amounts received by the jurisdiction will be maintained separate from other funds available to the jurisdiction and will be used only to carry out the plan;
(8)
shall include information describing how the jurisdiction will make decisions regarding asset management of housing for low-income families under programs for covered housing assistance or assisted with grant amounts under this title;
(9)
shall—
(A)
clearly identify any State or local laws that will affect implementation of the plan under paragraph (2) and any contractual rights and property interests that may be affected by the plan;
(B)
describe how the plan will be carried out with respect to such laws, rights, and interests; and
(C)
contain a legal memorandum sufficient to describe how the plan will comply with such laws and how the plan will be carried out without violating or impairing such rights and interests; and
(10)
shall identify procedures for how the jurisdiction shall return to providing covered assistance for the jurisdiction under the provisions of title I, in the case of determination under subsection (b)(4)(B).
A plan required under paragraph (2) to be included in the application may be contained in a memorandum of agreement or other document executed by a jurisdiction and public housing agency, if such document is submitted together with the application.
(b)

Review, Approval, and Performance Standards.—
(1)

Review.—
The Secretary shall review each application for participation in the demonstration program under this title and shall determine and notify the jurisdiction submitting the application, not later than 90 days after its submission, of whether the application is approvable under this title. If the Secretary determines that the application of a jurisdiction is approvable under this title, the Secretary shall provide affected public housing agencies an opportunity to review and to provide written comments on the application for a period of not less than 30 days after notification under the preceding sentence. If the Secretary determines that an application is not approvable under this title, the Secretary shall notify the jurisdiction submitting the application of the reasons for such determination. Upon making a determination of whether an application is approvable or nonapprovable under this title, the Secretary shall make such determination publicly available in writing together with a written statement of the reasons for such determination.
(2)

Approval.—
The Secretary may approve jurisdictions for participation in the demonstration program under this title, but only from among applications that the Secretary has determined under paragraph are approvable under this title and only in accordance with section 402(c). The Secretary shall base the selection of jurisdictions to approve on the potential success, as evidenced by the application, in—
(A)
achieving the goals set forth in the performance standards under paragraph (4)(A); and
(B)
increasing housing choices for low-income families.
(3)

Agreement.—
The Secretary shall offer to enter into an agreement with each jurisdiction approved for participation in the program under this title providing for assistance pursuant to this title for a period in accordance with section 402(b) and incorporating a requirement that the jurisdiction achieve a particular level of performance in each of the areas for which performance standards are established under paragraph (4)(A) of this subsection. If the Secretary and the jurisdiction enter into an agreement, the Secretary shall provide any covered housing assistance for the jurisdiction in the manner authorized under this title. The Secretary may not provide covered housing assistance for a jurisdiction in the manner authorized under this title unless the Secretary and jurisdiction enter into an agreement under this paragraph.
(4)

Performance standards.—
(A)

Establishment.—
The Secretary and each participating jurisdiction may collectively establish standards for evaluating the performance of the participating jurisdiction in meeting the purposes under section 401 of this title, which may include standards for—
(i)
moving dependent low-income families to economic self-sufficiency;
(ii)
reducing the per-family cost of providing housing assistance;
(iii)
expanding the stock of affordable housing and housing choices for low-income families;
(iv)
improving program management;
(v)
increasing the number of homeownership opportunities for low-income families;
(vi)
reducing homelessness through providing permanent housing resources;
(vii)
reducing geographic concentration of assisted families; and
(viii)
any other performance goals that the Secretary and the participating jurisdiction may establish.
(B)

Failure to comply.—
If, at any time during the participation of a jurisdiction in the program under this title, the Secretary determines that the jurisdiction is not sufficiently meeting, or making progress toward meeting, the levels of performance incorporated into the agreement of the jurisdiction pursuant to subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall terminate the participation of the jurisdiction in the program under this title and require the implementation of the procedures included in the application of the jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (a)(10).
(5)

Troubled agencies.—
The Secretary may establish requirements for the approval of applications under this section submitted by public housing agencies designated under section 6(j)(2) as troubled, which may include additional or different criteria determined by the Secretary to be more appropriate for such agencies.
(c)

Status of PHAs.—
This title may not be construed to require any change in the legal status of any public housing agency or in any legal relationship between a jurisdiction and a public housing agency as a condition of participation in the program under this title.
(d)

PHA Plans.—
In carrying out this title, the Secretary may provide for a streamlined public housing agency plan and planning process under section 5A for participating jurisdictions.
SEC. 407.
[42 U.S.C. 1437bbb–6]

TRAINING.
The Secretary, in consultation with representatives of public and assisted housing interests, may provide training and technical assistance relating to providing assistance under this title and may conduct detailed evaluations of up to 30 jurisdictions for the purpose of identifying replicable program models that are successful at carrying out the purposes of this title.
SEC. 408.
[42 U.S.C. 1437bbb–7]

ACCOUNTABILITY.
(a)

Maintenance of Records.—
Each participating jurisdiction shall maintain such records as the Secretary may require to—
(1)
document the amounts received by the jurisdiction under this Act and the disposition of such amounts under the demonstration program under this title;
(2)
ensure compliance by the jurisdiction with this title; and
(3)
evaluate the performance of the jurisdiction under the demonstration program under this title.
(b)

Reports.—
Each participating jurisdiction shall annually submit to the Secretary a report in a form and at a time specified by the Secretary, which shall include—
(1)
documentation of the use of amounts made available to the jurisdiction under this title;
(2)
any information as the Secretary may request to assist the Secretary in evaluating the demonstration program under this title; and
(3)
a description and analysis of the effect of assisted activities in addressing the objectives of the demonstration program under this title.
(c)

Access To Documents By Secretary and Comptroller General.—
The Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any duly authorized representative of the Secretary or the Comptroller General, shall have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any books, documents, papers, and records maintained by a participating jurisdiction that relate to the demonstration program under this title.
(d)

Performance Review and Evaluation.—
(1)

Performance review.—
Based on the performance standards established under section 406(b)(4), the Secretary shall monitor the performance of participating jurisdictions in providing assistance under this title.
(2)

Status report.—
Not later than 60 days after the conclusion of the second year of the demonstration program under this title, the Secretary shall submit to Congress an interim report on the status of the demonstration program and the progress each participating jurisdiction in achieving the purposes of the demonstration program under section 401.
SEC. 409.
[42 U.S.C. 1437bbb–8]

DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this title, the following definitions shall apply:
(1)

Jurisdiction.—
The term “jurisdiction” means—
(A)
a unit of general local government (as such term is defined in section 104 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act) that has boundaries, for purposes of carrying out this title, that—
(i)
wholly contain the area within which a public housing agency is authorized to operate; and
(ii)
do not contain any areas contained within the boundaries of any other participating jurisdiction; and
(B)
a consortia of such units of general local government, organized for purposes of this title.
(2)

Participating jurisdiction.—
The term “participating jurisdiction” means, with respect to a period for which such an agreement is made, a jurisdiction that has entered into an agreement under section 406(b)(3) to receive assistance pursuant to this title for such fiscal year.
SEC. 410.
[42 U.S.C. 1437bbb–9]

TERMINATION AND EVALUATION.
(a)

Termination.—
The demonstration program under this title shall terminate not less than 2 and not more than 5 years after the date on which the demonstration program is commenced.
(b)

Evaluation.—
Not later than 6 months after the termination of the demonstration program under this title, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a final report, which shall include—
(1)
an evaluation 92 the effectiveness of the activities carried out under the demonstration program; and
^{92}
So in law. Should probably insert the word “of” after evaluation.
(2)
any findings and recommendations of the Secretary for any appropriate legislative action.
SEC. 411.
[42 U.S.C. 1437bbb note]

APPLICABILITY.
This title shall take effect on the date of the enactment of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998.93
^{93}
October 21, 1998.