Rent Questions

Q1:    FEMA previously paid rent to my tenant, who paid me.  Can this practice continue?

A1:     No.  Payments under DHAP will be paid directly to the landlord only.

Q2:    What do I need to do if a tenant and I agree to continue our current lease arrangement?

Q2:    You will be provided with a leasing packet with all of the documents needed to be completed.  They include a Disaster Rent Subsidy Contract, W-9, Direct Deposit form and…The unit will be inspected to ensure it meets the minimum property standards.

Q7:    When does the EHAC begin making rental assistance payments?

A7:     November 1, 2007.

Q3:    My tenant wants to remain in-place and is now paying $45 of their rent.  Will this continue?

A3:     Yes.  If your tenant remains in-place, they will continue to pay the tenant portion of their rent. 

Q4:    How is the DHAP payment affected if I do not pay for utilities?   

A4:     The DHAP rent subsidy is not affected by whether the owner or tenant pays utilities.

Q5:    When does the tenant begin contributing to rent payments?

A5:     If FEMA is currently paying the tenant’s full rent, the DHAP program will continue to pay their full rent through February 28, 2008.  On March 1, 2008 tenant’s will be responsible to pay $50 for rent.  The balance of the rent will be paid by the DHAP program.  On April 1, 2008 tenant’s will be responsible to pay $100 for rent, and continue to increase by $50 each month until the DHAP program ends on February 28, 2009. 

Q6:    If my tenant cannot afford to pay their portion of the rent, what happens?  

A6:     Tenants are encouraged to talk to their case manager or DHAP staff if they have concerns about making the tenant portion of the rent payment.  They should make contact as soon as possible.  The EHAC staff will advise tenants if their circumstances warrant consideration for a  financial hardship exception.  If so, they will be provided with guidance to apply for an exception.

Q8:    When does the DHAP program end and when will housing assistance end? 

A8:     The last rental assistance payments will be made for the month of February 2009 or until the rent subsidy equals $0, whichever comes first.

Q9:    Can my rent subsidy be terminated?

A9:     Yes, if you do not comply with the program’s “Family Obligations” or if the lease is terminated.

Q10:  Can my rent change during DHAP?

A10:   Yes, the owner is required to notify EHAC of any changes in rent 30 days prior to their effective date.  The EHAC will determine whether the increased rent is reasonable for a unit under a Disaster Rent Subsidy Contract.

Lease Questions

Q11:  If I am currently under a lease, do I have to sign a new lease agreement with my landlord if I choose to stay in-place?

A11:   No.  However, you will need to sign a lease addendum.  You may choose to enter into a lease agreement with the same effective date as the Disaster Rent Subsidy Contract.

Q12:  Who are the parties to the Disaster Rent Subsidy Contract?

A12:   The EHAC and the property owner.

Q13:  Does the EHAC sign my lease?

A13:   No. The lease is signed by the tenant and the landlord.

Q14:  Can I move during the time I am receiving DHAP assistance?

A14:   Yes.  You may move within our jurisdiction.  You may also make one move to another jurisdiction. 

Q15:  Can my housing assistance be terminated?

A15:   Yes.  Your housing assistance may be terminated for non-compliance with family obligations or if the lease is terminated by the landlord.

Eligibility Questions

Q16:  I have not previously received any FEMA housing assistance.  How can I tell if I am eligible for DHAP assistance?

A16:   All determinations of eligibility will be made by FEMA.  You can call FEMA directly at 1-800-362-FEMA.

Q17:  I recently transitioned from FEMA to HUD Section 8 Assistance.  Am I eligible for DHAP?

A17:   FEMA determines eligibility.  Contact FEMA at 1-800-362-FEMA.  You may also discuss this matter with EHAC staff to assist you with your housing options.

Q18:  I am employed and stable and do not need case management services.  Can I opt out of case management services?

A18:   No.  To remain eligible for DHAP assistance, case management services is required.

Other Questions

Q       When does the DHAP program start?

A        The EHAC is responsible to begin making housing assistance payments effective November 1, 2007.  FEMA, through their pay agent CLC will continue to pay rent through October 31, 2007.  Case management is expected to begin as soon as possible.

Q       How does the DHAP program work?

A       

§  EHAH will contact the tenant and landlord and will confirm tenant eligibility

§  EHAC will provide an orientation briefing to both the tenant and landlord. 

§  The tenant must identify if they intend to continue to remain in their existing rental unit

§  The landlord must identify if they will continue to rent to the tenant

§  If both parties agree, the EHAC will provide both tenant and landlord with documents about the program, documents to sign, and create a case file.

§  EHAC will make necessary arrangements to process the full rent to the landlord on behalf of the tenant for the months of November and December 2007 and January and February 2008.

§  EHAC will notify the tenant and landlord that the tenant share of rent will be $50 effective March 1, 2008. EHAC will pay its share of rent ($50 less than the prior month) directly to the landlord.

§  The tenant will pay $100 rent to the landlord effective April 1, 2008.  EHAC will pay its share of rent ($50 less than the prior month) directly to the landlord.

§  The tenant share of rent will continue to increase by $50 per month for each consecutive month through February 28, 2009.  The EHAC will pay its share of rent ($50 less than the prior month) directly to the landlord through February 28, 2009.

§  Starting as soon as possible after September 10, 2007, tenant families are expected to actively participate in case management, cooperate with the case manager, establish personal achievement goals, and move toward attaining self sufficiency.