3 - PUBLIC HEARING ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

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. Administrative Plan 4/1/16 Page 5-11 5-II.E. VOUCHER TERM AND EXTENSIONS Voucher Term [24 CFR 982.303] The initial term of a voucher must be at least 60 calendar days. The initial term must be stated on the voucher [24 CFR 982.303(a)]. SAHA Policy The initial term of the voucher will be 60 calendar days. SAHA may determine to issue the voucher for a longer period (up to 120 days) for families exercising portability or if the market has a low vacancy rate. The family must submit a Request for Tenancy Approval and proposed lease within the 60-day period unless SAHA grants an extension. Extensions of Voucher Term [24 CFR 982.303(b)] SAHA has the authority to grant extensions of search time, to specify the length of an extension, and to determine the circumstances under which extensions will be granted. There is no limit on the number of extensions that SAHA can approve. Discretionary policies related to extension and expiration of search time must be described in SAHA’s administrative plan [24 CFR 982.54]. PHAs must approve additional search time if needed as a reasonable accommodation to make the program accessible to and usable by a person with disabilities. The extension period must be reasonable for the purpose. The family must be notified in writing of SAHA’s decision to approve or deny an extension. SAHA’s decision to deny a request for an extension of the voucher term is not subject to informal review [24 CFR 982.554(c)(4)]. SAHA Policy SAHA will approve additional extensions only in the following circumstances: It is necessary as a reasonable accommodation for a person with disabilities. It is necessary due to reasons beyond the family’s control, as determined by SAHA. Following is a list of extenuating circumstances that SAHA may consider in making its decision. The presence of these circumstances does not guarantee that an extension will be granted: Serious illness or death in the family Other family emergency Obstacles due to employment Family has already submitted requests for tenancy approval that were not approved by SAHA Family size or other special requirements make finding a unit difficult Any request for an additional extension must include the reason(s) an additional extension is necessary and a completed search log form. All requests for extensions to the voucher term must be made in writing and submitted to SAHA prior to the expiration date of the voucher (or extended term of the voucher). SAHA will not accept or review any voucher extension requests received after the voucher expiration date. If the voucher 3-127