Weatherization FAQs for COVID-19 

Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) continues to update FAQs for Weatherization subgrantees in response to COVID-19. Please visit the Housing Contract Administration (HCA) Help Desk for more information.

Weatherization Public Hearing  

A virtual public hearing will be held by KHC at 2 p.m. ET Tuesday, April 14, 2020, for the U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program state plan. A draft of the state plan will be posted no later than 5 p.m. ET Friday, April 3, 2020, on the Weatherization Assistance Program page of KHC's website, along with directions for registration to the virtual meeting.

Questions and Answers About Gov. Beshear's Suspension of Evictions in Kentucky  

The Kentucky Equal Justice Center has provided guidance on Governor Beshear's Suspension of Evictions issued on March 25, 2020 (see page 5 of Executive Order 2020-257). It is important to note that this order does not suspend payment of rent or mortgage. It states, "No provision contained within this Order shall be construed as relieving any individual of the obligation to pay rent, to make mortgage payments, or to comply with any other obligation that an individual may have under tenancy or mortgage." For example, if the Governor lifts the Executive Order in two months and a tenant hasn't paid rent for two months, a landlord can file a court action for eviction and also can file a lawsuit against the tenant for the rent not paid (plus late fees and other costs) and potentially the balance of the rent payments owed under the lease. Everyone should continue to pay rent and mortgages if feasible, even if they can only make partial payments.

USDA Releases Announcement on Temporary Exceptions Due to COVID-19 

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has issued an announcement to inform lenders of temporary exceptions pertaining to appraisals, repair inspections, and income verification for the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective immediately, the following exceptions to Agency guidance found at HB-1-3555 are in effect for a period of 60-days.

• Residential Appraisal Reports - Existing Dwelling
• Repair Inspections - Existing Dwelling
• Verbal Verification of Employment 
• Expiration of Temporary Exceptions

For more information, please read the full announcement.

Public Comment Reminder 

The 2020 Consolidated Plan for Kentucky's Block Grant Housing Programs is available for public comment through Friday, April 17, 2020

The Consolidated Plan is the Commonwealth's application and distribution plan for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) Programs (CDBG, ESG, HTF, HOME, and HOPWA). KHC and the Department for Local Government (DLG) are the agencies responsible for submission of the plan to HUD.

KHC has drafted the Consolidated Plan and is receiving written comments to obtain public input. Written comments will be accepted, and where applicable, will be incorporated into the document. The plan covers the time period of July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2024.
 
KHC and DLG have also prepared a Draft Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI). Both KHC and DLG must certify that the agencies will affirmatively further fair housing in the implementation of their HUD programs; the manner in which the agencies fulfill this obligation is through the development of the AI. The AI document is a comprehensive analysis of public and private sector policies that impact fair housing choice for members of the protected classes in Kentucky. The Draft AI includes a demographic and housing profile, an analysis of public and private sector policies and their impact on housing choice for members of the protected classes, an assessment of Kentucky's progress achieved since the 2015 AI, a list of impediments to fair housing choice, and a fair housing action plan.

The Consolidated Plan and AI are available for review on KHC's website. Please send written comments to Corporate Planning and Accountability, KHC, 1231 Louisville Road, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 or by email to [email protected].