{"id":45486,"date":"2025-01-08T19:27:35","date_gmt":"2025-01-09T00:27:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nahro.org\/?post_type=news&p=45486"},"modified":"2025-01-08T19:28:32","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T00:28:32","slug":"hud-publishes-new-public-housing-demolition-and-disposition-guidance","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.nahro.org\/news\/hud-publishes-new-public-housing-demolition-and-disposition-guidance\/","title":{"rendered":"HUD Publishes New Public Housing Demolition and Disposition Guidance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
By: Tushar Gurjal, Senior Policy Manager<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In December, HUD published a notice titled \u201cDemolition and\/or disposition of public housing property, eligibility for tenant-protection vouchers, and associated requirements\u201d [PIH 2024-40 (HA)<\/a>]. The notice discusses the application requirements to demolish or dispose of public housing and the extent of eligibility for tenant protection vouchers as a result of the demolition or disposition. The notice provides more generous RAD blends and clarifies certain resident relocation requirements in relation to its predecessor notice PIH 2021-07 (HA)<\/a> (now superseded).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Special Applications Center Application Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Special Applications Center (SAC) has certain requirements for its demolition and disposition applications. The PHA must certify that the demolition or disposition is included in a PHA annal plan, significant amendment, or Moving to Work (MTW) annual plan. The PHA must also consult with residents as a part of the application process and provide a narrative of the consultation process and evidence of consultation. The SAC will disapprove an application if either 1) its certification is inconsistent with the PHA plan or inconsistent with information available to HUD; or 2) if the application was made without consulting residents, resident groups, and local government officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The PHA must also meet certain other requirements. The proposed demolition or disposition must comply with an environmental review and environmental clearance. In certain disposition scenarios, the PHA must provide resident entities with the opportunity to purchase the project, subject to certain exceptions. The PHA must have a signed and dated resolution from its board authorizing the SAC application. Additionally, the PHA may submit an application with a phased method for relocations to facilitate phased redevelopment. With certain exceptions, disposal of public housing must receive fair market value renumeration. Dispositions below fair market value require a finding of \u201ccommensurate public benefit,\u201d which is determined case-by-case by HUD. A PHA may use a ground lease to facilitate the development of affordable housing on former public housing property subject to certain conditions. Housing agencies must comply with all terms of the SAC approval and any material changes require a new SAC application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Disposition Justification<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Department will approve a disposition when it is in the best interests of the residents or of the agency. This can be shown in the following ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Demolition Justification<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In most instances, HUD approval is required for a demolition of a public housing property. If a demolition is to occur after a disposition (e.g., in a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit transaction), the HUD approval is not required, though disposition requirements must still be met. The Department may approve demolition in the following circumstances:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eligibility for Tenant-Protection Vouchers (TPVs)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A housing agency may be eligible for TPVs from HUD after the approval of a SAC application. The issuance of TPVs does not occur automatically with SAC approval of an application. The SAC approval letter will detail the application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Department will determine a PHA\u2019s TPV award based on appropriations and other HUD-issued guidance. The SAC approval indicates the maximum level of relocation and replacement TPVs that a PHA may receive. The Department is limiting the maximum TPV awards to 25% of the units occupied in the last 24 months at the development under the improved efficiency or effectiveness rationales for disposition. Even if a PHA is not eligible to receive TPVs in a SAC-approved removal, the PHA must still comply with relocation requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other Requirements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The notice discusses certain other requirements on topics including existing financial transactions, operating fund accuracy and updating days to relocation, re-occupying units proposed for demolition or disposition, reporting requirements, false certifications and HUD enforcement, and certain civil rights requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Relocation of Residents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The notice clarifies certain relocation requirements. It states that displaced residents must be offered comparable housing that meets housing quality standards and is located in an area that is \u201cgenerally not less desirable the location of the displaced persons.\u201d If the residents are given Housing Choice Voucher assistance and the owner does not meet housing quality standards for the unit, then the PHA must take enforcement action. The Department also recommends that PHAs give the residents who are relocated the first right to occupy the new replacement units. Finally, the PHA must provide any necessary counseling for residents that are displaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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