Guidance on SLRs for PBVs

On June 29, HUD published a notice titled “Process for Requesting Subsidy Layering Reviews for Project-Based Vouchers” (PIH Notice 2023-15). When PHAs project-base vouchers in combination with other governmental assistance (i.e., other federal, state, or local funds), the project is required to undergo a subsidy layering review (SLR). This review ensures that projects do not receive excessive compensation. If a project-based voucher (PBV) property is not using other governmental assistance, then no SLR is required.

Depending on the specifics of the project, a PHA may request that HUD or its state Housing Credit Agency (HCA) perform the SLR. The notice details the procedures for a PHA to request which entity perform the SLR in certain instances. The HCA’s participation is voluntary and it may charge a reasonable fee. The PHA has discretion on whether to use its administrative fees for this HCA fee.

• PHA requests that HUD perform the SLR – a PHA may request that HUD perform the SLR whether a project does or does not contain a low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC). The PHA must communicate, in writing, to the HUD field office that they would like HUD to perform the SLR. The request can be stated as “AB123 would like HUD HQ to perform the SLR.“
• PHA requests that the participating HCA perform the SLR – 1) for projects without a LIHTC, the PHA will follow steps detailed in section 4 of the notice, but the memo to the field office will confirm that the PHA requests that the HCA perform the SLR, if the HCA is available for review; 2) for projects with a LIHTC, the PHA sends the request directly to the HCA, but the PHA must notify the field office that it has made the request.

In instances where there is no HCA, the PHA has requested that HUD perform the SLR, or in instances where the HCA will not perform the SLR, the field office public housing representative will submit the appropriate documentation to HUD headquarters for the SLR.

Section 4 of this notice contains a list of steps required for a PHA to request that HUD perform the SLR, including a list of the appropriate documentation.

A list of participating HCAs can be found here.

The full notice can be found here.