Item HA 03 - Update to the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan

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Administrative Plan 7/1/2025 Page 16-9 16-II.C. UTILITY ALLOWANCES [24 CFR 982.517] A PHA-established utility allowance schedule is used in determining family share and PHA subsidy. The PHA 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 PHA must maintain an area-wide utility allowance schedule. 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, the PHA 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, the PHA 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; applicable surcharges; 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 the PHA about establishing utility allowance schedules. The PHA must state its policy for utility allowance payments in the administrative plan and apply it consistently to all households. The PHA must provide a copy of the utility allowance schedule to HUD. Energy Efficient Utility Allowance [24 CFR 982.517(b)(2)(ii)] In addition to the area-wide utility allowance standard, the PHA may maintain an area-wide, energy efficient utility allowance schedule to be used for units that are in a building that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or Energy Star standards. SAHA Policy SAHA may maintain an energy efficient utility allowance schedule. Air Conditioning [24 CFR 982.517(b)(1)(iii)] The PHA must provide a utility allowance for air-conditioning when the majority of housing units in the market provide central air-conditioning or are wired for tenant-installed air conditioners. SAHA Policy SAHA 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 SAHA will apply this allowance to a family’s rent and subsidy calculations. EXHIBIT 1