Good Afternoon,



Thank you for your continuing to provide affordable housing for families in need. VAWA, or the Violence Against Women Act, provides housing protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking. VAWA protections must be in leases and other program documents, as applicable. VAWA protects individuals and families regardless of a victim’s age or actual perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, sex or marital status. Residents cannot be asked or required to claim, document, or prove victim status.

As an additional reminder, as of January 1, 2025 a unit must include at least one ten year tamper resistant battery-operated or hard-wired smoke detector, in proper working condition, in the following locations: - On each level of the unit; - Inside each bedroom; - Within 21 feet of any door to a bedroom measured along a path of travel. Units not abiding by these requirements will fail an inspection requiring a 24-hour correction. Carbon monoxide detectors are required for units with attached garages and those with any fuel burning appliances.

Spring is days away so now is a good time to remind tenants of yard and litter guidelines you have established as well as the city or township codes on lawn care and storage of exterior items. Warmer weather requires yard maintenance. Please make sure that yards are mowed and free of trash and debris, tree limbs are not touching the unit and A/C units should be in working condition. While HUD does not require air conditioning, if an A/C unit is present it needs to be installed properly and fully opertional. It is also key to ensure adequate sized trash receptacles are present for tenant use. CMHA offers sample yard/litter policies and encourages owners to implement guidelines into their lease agreements. Please go to our website under landlord/documents to view. Please note the document is only a recommendation and that before implementing any lease changes or new policies you should consult with your legal counsel.

Weather extension repairs are due May 15, 2025. Inspectors will not make appointments to check on the repairs. Incomplete repairs will result in a failed inspection and placement of an abatement on housing assistance payments to begin June 1, 2025. No additional extensions are granted weather extensions.