Good Afternoon,



The Board of Commissioners approved the proposed changes for the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us to learn about the changes. As CMHA’s HCV Program continues to move forward with the approved changes and anticipated shortfall in funding, the agency will implement additional cost saving measurements. Over the next 90-120 days, these are some of the changes that you will see rolled out:

1. A time-frame change for submitting documentation of proof for deficiency corrections. CMHA will cancel an abatement placed on a unit if the reinspection is delayed due to scheduling as long as the unit passes on the date of the next scheduled reinspection and the owner can successfully provide date stamped documentation to show that the repairs were made timely. This documentation must be provided to CMHA within 7 (seven) days of the date of the “passed” reinspection. The unit must pass the reinspection or no retro payments will be made to the owner regardless of the documentation submitted by the owner. The abatement will end as of the day prior to the “passed” reinspection. CMHA has the right to verify documentation submitted by the owner/agent. CMHA will follow its policy as stated. This does not count for no entry inspections or delays due to any other reason except scheduling by CMHA.
2. Smoke detector and carbon monoxide requirements change. Beginning January 1, 2025 all smoke detectors must be tamper proof, meaning hardwired or having the 10 year sealed battery. A smoke detector must be placed in every bedroom and one in the common area of the bedroom. If ceiling mounted, they should be more than 4” from the wall. If they are wall mounted, they should be between 4” and 12” from the ceiling. Basement detectors should be installed on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next level of the home. A carbon monoxide detector is required if there is an attached garage or fuel burning appliance in the unit. If a fuel- burning appliance fuels the bedroom, one must be in that bedroom.
3. 2025 Payment/subsidy standard change. Effective January 1, 2025, CMHA’s payment/subsidy standards will be based on 100% of HUD’s published Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs). SAFMRs will be used to calculate subsidy for any new contracts or when a voucher size changes due to a report in household composition modification. SAFMRs are based on the zip code in which the unit is located. You can find a listing of subsidy standards by zip code, by clicking here. 
4. Rent adjustment request change. Beginning January 1, 2025, CMHA will cap rent increase requests from owners at 7% above the 2024 Contract Rent amount, as long as it is reasonable and affordable to the family. Owners may still only request a rent adjustment once in a 12-month period following the initial term of the lease agreement. If your lease is for more than a 12-month period, your request for an adjustment will only be processed after the initial lease term.
5. Payment/check run change. Beginning February 1, 2025, CMHA will have one check run per month for Housing Assistance Payments (HAP). It will take place between the 1st and 5th of the month depending on funding deposits.

Moving forward… what do the rules and processes mean for you as a property owner? Our team will answer that question and have the latest details on the shortfall during four sessions in January. There will be virtual and in-person sessions, look for “HCV Policy Changes & Shortfall Updates” on the CMHA website calendar. The first meeting will be held January 7, 2025 from 5 to 6:30pm in-person and virtually. Following sessions will be held:

• January 10, 2025 11am-1pm Lunch & Learn
• Reservations required for lunch & learn
• January 14, 2025 9-11am virtual session
• January 25, 2025 10am-Noon in-person