04 040113 HA ADMINPLAN EX 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• SARA had a policy of allowing voucher holders who made sustained efforts to locate units at least 90 days to search for a unit. Although HUD approves the success rate payment standard for all unit sizes in the FMR area, SARA may choose to adjust the payment standard for only some unit sizes in all, or a designated part, of SAHA's jurisdiction within the FMR area. Decreases in the Payment Standard Below the Basic Range [24 CFR 982.503(4)] SARA must request HUD approval to establish a payment standard amount that is lower than the basic range. At HUD's sole discretion, HUD may approve establishment of a payment standard lower than the basic range. HUD will not approve a lower payment standard if the family share for more than 40 percent of program participants exceeds 30 percent of adjusted monthly income. 16-II.C. UTILITY ALLOWANCES [24 CFR 982.517] SARA-established utility allowance schedule is used in determining family share and SARA subsidy. SARA must maintain a utility allowance schedule for (1) all tenant-paid utilities, (2) the cost oftenant-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, SARA 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, SARA 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 oftenant-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 SARA about establishing utility allowance schedules. Air Conditioning An allowance for air-conditioning must be provided when the maj ority of housing units in the market have central air-conditioning or are wired for tenant-installed air conditioners. SARA has included an allowance for air-conditioning in its schedule. Central air- conditioning or a portable air conditioner must be present in a unit before SARA will apply this allowance to a family's rent and subsidy calculations. Reasonable Accommodation HCV program regulations require SARA 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 o~ro2~12 Page 16-5