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

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Administrative Plan 7/1/2025 Page 18-25 18-II.E. LEASING [FR Notice 8/13/24] Waiting List The PHA does not have the authority to maintain a waiting list or apply local preferences for HUD–VASH vouchers. Policies in Chapter 4 relating to applicant selection from the waiting list, local preferences, special admissions, cross-listing, and opening and closing the waiting list do not apply to VASH vouchers. Exception Payment Standards [FR Notice 8/13/24] To assist VASH participants in finding affordable housing, especially in competitive markets, HUD allows PHAs to establish a HUD-VASH exception payment standard. PHAs may go up to but no higher than 120 percent of the published metropolitan area-wide fair market rent (FMR) or small area fair market rent (SAFMR) specifically for VASH families. PHAs who want to establish a VASH exception payment standard over 120 percent are allowed but must still request a waiver from HUD through the regular waiver process outlined in Notice PIH 2018-16, or any successor notices. Exception payment standards implemented by the PHA under this section also apply in determining rents under 24 CFR 983.301(b) for PBV projects only when the project is comprised solely of units exclusively made available to VASH families. The PHA may also establish an exception payment standard up to 140 percent of the published FMR or SAFMR only to be applied if required as a reasonable accommodation for a family that includes a person with a disability. Any unit approved under an exception payment standard must still meet reasonable rent requirements. The PHA may use a payment standard that is greater than 140 percent of FMR as a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability, but only with HUD approval. Voucher Issuance [FR Notice 8/13/24] Unlike the standard HCV program which requires an initial voucher term of at least 60 days, VASH vouchers must have a search term of at least 120 days. This applies both to the initial search term and moves. PHA policies on extensions as outlined in Section 5-II.E. will apply. SAHA Policy All VASH vouchers will have an initial term of 120 calendar days. The family must submit a Request for Tenancy Approval and proposed lease within the 120-day period unless SAHA grants an extension. The PHA must track issuance of HCVs for families referred by the VAMC or DSP in HUD systems as required in FR Notice 8/13/24. EXHIBIT 1