HA Item 05 -Update to the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan

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Administrative Plan 7/1/2025 . Page 8-3 NSPIRE Standards Applicable to HQS [HUD Letter 6/14/24] Even if the PHA is still under the HQS inspection standard, the PHA must apply the following requirements under NSPIRE:  The NSPIRE standards for carbon monoxide alarms are currently applicable even if the PHA has not yet transitioned to NSPIRE;  PHAs are required to comply with the NSPIRE Smoke Alarm Standard prior to December 3, 2024; and  The Visual Assessment Standard for Potential Lead-Based Paint Hazard in 24 CFR Part 35 Subparts M and H apply. Tenant Preference Items HUD requires the PHA to enforce minimum HQS but also recognizes that certain judgments about the acceptability of the unit are left to the family. For example, the PHA must ensure that the unit contains the required sanitary facilities, but the family decides whether the cosmetic appearance of the facilities is acceptable. Exhibit 8-2 summarizes those items that are considered tenant preferences. Modifications to Provide Accessibility Under the Fair Housing Act of 1988 an owner must not refuse the request of a family that contains a person with a disability to make necessary and reasonable modifications to the unit. Such modifications are at the family's expense. The owner may require restoration of the unit to its original condition if the modification would interfere with the owner or next occupant's full enjoyment of the premises. The owner may not increase a customarily required security deposit. However, the landlord may negotiate a restoration agreement that requires the family to restore the unit and, if necessary to ensure the likelihood of restoration, may require the tenant to pay a reasonable amount into an interest bearing escrow account over a reasonable period of time. The interest in any such account accrues to the benefit of the tenant. The owner may also require reasonable assurances that the quality of the work will be acceptable and that any required building permits will be obtained. [24 CFR 100.203; Notice 2003-31]. Modifications to units to provide access for a person with a disability must meet all applicable HQS requirements and conform to the design, construction, or alteration of facilities contained in the UFAS and the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) [28 CFR 35.151(c) and Notice 2003-31] See Chapter 2 of this plan for additional information on reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. SAHA Policy Any owner that intends to negotiate a restoration agreement or require an escrow account must submit the agreement(s) to SAHA for review. EXHIBIT 1