4 - UPDATE_TO_HCV_ADMIN_PLAN_202012-01

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for more than 40 percent of program participants exceeds 30 percent of adjusted monthly income. 16-ILC. UTILITY ALLOWANCES [24 CFR 982.5171 A PHA -established utility allowance schedule is used in determining family share and SAHA subsidy. SAHA must maintain a utility allowance schedule for (1) all tenant -paid utilities, (2) the cost of tenant -supplied refrigerators and ranges, and (3) other tenant -paid housing services such as trash collection. The utility allowance schedule must be determined based on the typical cost of utilities and services paid by energy -conservative households that occupy housing of similar size and type in the same locality. In developing the schedule, SAHA must use normal patterns of consumption for the community as a whole, and current utility rates. The utility allowance must include the utilities and services that are necessary in the locality to provide housing that complies with housing quality standards. Costs for telephone, cable/satellite television, and internet services are not included in the utility allowance schedule. In the utility allowance schedule, SAHA must classify utilities and other housing services according to the following general categories: space heating; air conditioning; cooking; water heating; water; sewer; trash collection; other electric; cost of tenant -supplied refrigerator; cost of tenant -supplied range; and other specified housing services. The cost of each utility and housing service must be stated separately by unit size and type. Chapter 18 of the HCV Guidebook provides detailed guidance to SAHA about establishing utility allowance schedules. Air Conditioning An allowance for air-conditioning must be provided when the majority of housing units in the market have central air-conditioning or are wired for tenant -installed air conditioners. SAHA Policv SAHA will not include an allowance for air-conditioning in its schedule. Reasonable Accommodation HCV program regulations require a SAHA to approve a utility allowance amount higher than shown on SAHA's schedule if a higher allowance is needed as a reasonable accommodation for a family member with a disability. For example, if a family member with a disability requires such an accommodation, SAHA will approve an allowance for air-conditioning, even if SAHA has determined that an allowance for air-conditioning generally is not needed (See Chapter 2 for policies regarding the request and approval of reasonable accommodations). Utility Allowance Revisions SAHA must review its schedule of utility allowances each year, and must revise the schedule if there has been a change of 10 percent or more in any utility rate since the last time the allowance for that utility was revised. SAHA must maintain information supporting its annual review of utility allowance and any revisions made in its utility allowance schedule. i • •