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<br />the same locality. In developing the schedule, the PHA must use normal patterns of consumption <br />for the community as a whole, and current utility rates. <br />The utility allowance must include the utilities and services that are necessary in the locality to <br />provide housing that complies with housing quality standards. Costs for telephone, cable/satellite <br />television, and internet services are not included in the utility allowance schedule. <br />In the utility allowance schedule, the PHA must classify utilities and other housing services <br />according to the following general categories: space heating; air conditioning; cooking; water <br />heating; water; sewer; trash collection; other electric; cost of tenant-supplied refrigerator; cost of <br />tenant-supplied range; and other specified housing services. <br />The cost of each utility and housing service must be stated separately by unit size and type. <br />Chapter 18 of the HCV Guidebook provides detailed guidance to the PHA about establishing <br />utility allowance schedules. <br />Air Conditioning <br />An allowance for air-conditioning must be provided when the majority of housing units in the <br />market have central air-conditioning or are wired for tenant-installed air conditioners. <br />SAHA Policy <br /> <br />SAHA will not included an allowance for air-conditioning in its schedule. <br />Reasonable Accommodation <br />HCV program regulations require the PHA to approve a utility allowance amount higher than <br />shown on schedule if a higher allowance is needed as a reasonable accommodation <br />for a family member with a disability. For example, if a family member with a disability requires <br />such an accommodation, the PHA will approve an allowance for air-conditioning, even if the <br />PHA has determined that an allowance for air-conditioning generally is not needed (See Chapter <br />2 for policies regarding the request and approval of reasonable accommodations). <br />Utility Allowance Revisions <br />The PHA must review its schedule of utility allowances each year, and will revise the schedule if <br />there has been a change of 10 percent or more in any utility rate since the last time the allowance <br />for that utility was revised. <br />The PHA will maintain information supporting its annual review of utility allowance and any <br />revisions made in its utility allowance schedule. <br />PART III: INFORMAL REVIEWS AND HEARINGS <br />16-III.A. OVERVIEW <br />Both applicants and participants have the right to disagree with, and appeal, certain decisions of <br />the PHA that may adversely affect them. PHA decisions that may be appealed by applicants and <br />participants are discussed in this section. <br />participants (or applicants denied admission due to citizenship issues), the appeal process is <br />04/01/14 <br />Page 16-6 <br /> <br />