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

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Administrative Plan 7/1/2025 Page 16-53 SAHA may, in its discretion, extend the deadline for 14 business days. In determining whether to extend the deadline, SAHA will consider factors that may contribute to the victim’s inability to provide documentation in a timely manner, including cognitive limitations, disabilities, limited English proficiency, absence from the unit, administrative delays, the danger of further violence, and the victim’s need to address health or safety issues. Any extension granted by SAHA will be in writing. Once the victim provides documentation, SAHA will acknowledge receipt of the documentation within 14 calendar days. Conflicting Documentation [24 CFR 5.2007(e)] In cases where the PHA receives conflicting certification documents from two or more members of a household, each claiming to be a victim and naming one or more of the other petitioning household members as the perpetrator, the PHA may determine which is the true victim by requiring each to provide acceptable third-party documentation, as described above (forms 2 and 3). The PHA may also request third-party documentation when submitted documentation contains information that conflicts with existing information already available to the PHA. Individuals have 30 calendar days to return third-party verification to the PHA. If the PHA does not receive third-party documentation, and the PHA will deny or terminate assistance as a result, the PHA must hold separate hearings for the tenants [Notice PIH 2017-08]. The PHA must honor any court orders issued to protect the victim or to address the distribution of property. SAHA Policy If presented with conflicting certification documents from members of the same household, SAHA will attempt to determine which is the true victim by requiring each of them to provide third-party documentation in accordance with 24 CFR 5.2007(e) and by following any HUD guidance on how such determinations should be made. When requesting third-party documents, SAHA will provide contact information for local domestic violence and legal aid offices. In such cases, applicants or tenants will be given 30 calendar days from the date of the request to provide such documentation. If SAHA does not receive third-party documentation within the required timeframe (and any extensions) SAHA will deny VAWA protections and will notify the applicant or tenant in writing of the denial. If, as a result, the applicant or tenant is denied or terminated from the program, SAHA will hold separate hearings for the applicants or tenants. Discretion to Require No Formal Documentation [24 CFR 5.2007(d)] The PHA has the discretion to provide benefits to an individual based solely on the individual’s statement or other corroborating evidence—i.e., without requiring formal documentation of abuse in accordance with 24 CFR 5.2007(b). HUD recommends documentation in a confidential manner when a verbal statement or other evidence is accepted. SAHA Policy If SAHA accepts an individual’s statement or other corroborating evidence (as determined by the victim) of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, EXHIBIT 1