The screening process includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Past performance in meeting financial obligations, especially rent;
• Record of disturbances; record of destruction of property;
• A history of criminal activity, including crimes of physical violence to persons or property and other criminal acts which could adversely affect the safety or health of the residents.

 Rent

Families may choose to pay a flat rent or have their rent based on 30 percent of adjusted gross family income minus allowable deductions. Deductions are allowed for:

1. Elderly families (families where the head, spouse or sole member is 62 years of age);
2. Dependents (members of the family who have not reached their 18th birthday or who are disabled. It also applies to family members 18 years or older who are full-time students, and have verification from the institution that he/she is attending );
3. Childcare expenses (This deduction is available only to enable a family member to gain employment or further his or her education );
4. Medical expenses; and
5. Disability assistance.

Utilities

Utilities are provided at all developments except. PRHA furnishes the following utilities as reasonably necessary: hot and cold water, gas for cooking, heat, and electricity. Utilities are provided to residents at no charge based on reasonable consumption rates established for each apartment size. Tenants are required to pay for all excess consumption of utilities above the monthly amount allocated for their apartment.

Housekeeping

Tenants are responsible for keeping their home clean and safe at all times. The property must be free from trash, ashes, garbage, rubbish and other debris.

The Authority is responsible for the management and operations of its local public housing program. The Authority also operates other types of housing programs.

1. On-going functions: (a) Assure compliance with leases. The lease must be signed by both parties; (b) Set other charges (e.g., security deposit, damages to unit); (c) Perform periodic reexaminations of the family’s income at least once every 12 months; (d) Transfer families from one unit to another, in order to correct over/under crowding, repair or renovate a dwelling, or because of a resident’s request to be transferred; (e) Terminate leases when necessary; and (f) maintain the development in a decent, safe and sanitary condition.

2. The Authority also provides other services such as: home ownership opportunities for qualified families; employment training opportunities, and other special training and employment programs for residents; and support programs for the elderly.

Will I Need to Produce Any Documentation?

Yes, the Authority representative will request whatever documentation is needed (e.g. birth certificates, tax returns, etc.) to verify information given on your application.  PRHA will also rely on direct verification from your employer, etc. You will be asked to sign a form to authorize release of pertinent information to the Authority.  Failure to submit required documentation will result in removal from the wait list, and you must reapply.

When Will I Be Notified?

The Authority has to provide written notification. If PRHA determines that you are eligible, your name will be put on a waiting list, unless the Authority is able to assist you immediately. Once your name is reached on the waiting list, the Authority will contact you. If it is determined that you are ineligible, PRHA will send you a letter statine why your were denied.  Denied applicants are entitled to an informal review upon request.

Will I Have to Sign a Lease?

Yes. If you are offered an apartment and accept it, you will have to sign a lease with the Authority. You will have to give the Authority a security deposit of $200 via check or money order. You and the Authority representative will go over the lease together. This will give you a better understanding of your responsibilities as a tenant and the Authority’s responsibilities as a landlord.

Are There Any Selection Preferences?

Giving preference to specific groups of families enables the Authority to direct limited housing resources to the families with the greatest housing needs.

The Authority has the discretion to establish preferences to reflect needs in its own community. These preferences are included in the Authority written policy manual.

How Is Rent Determined?

Your rent, which is referred to as the Total Tenant Payment (TTP) in this program, would be based on your family’s anticipated gross annual income less deductions, if any. HUD regulations allow the Authority to exclude from annual income the following allowances: $480 for each dependent; $400 for any elderly family, or a person with a disability; and some medical deductions for families headed by an elderly person or a person with disabilities. Based on your application the Authority representative will determine if any of the allowable deductions should be subtracted from your annual income. Annual income is the anticipated total income from all sources received from the family head and spouse, and each additional member of the family 18 years of age or older.

The formula used in determining the TTP is the highest of the following, rounded to the nearest dollar:

• 30% of the monthly adjusted income. (Monthly adjusted income is annual income less deductions allowed by the regulations).
• 10% of monthly income.
• A $50 minimum rent or higher amount set by the Authority.

When applying for housing assistance, please remember to bring the documents listed below:

1. Birth Certificate for all family members listed on the housing assistance application
2. Picture I. D. for anyone 18 and older
3. Social Security Cards for all household members listed on the housing application
4. Marriage License if applicable
5. Income Verification for all sources of household income
6. Current Lease or Rent Receipt
7. Current Utility Bills
8. Current Bank Statements
9. Current Mailing Addresses for Employer, Landlord, and/or Childcare Provider
10. Child Support Verification
11. Child Care Expenses
12. Verification of SNAP benefits
13. Medical Expenses