utility allowance policy update for tax credit and chfa multifamily loan developments and hud release of vawa forms update

Topics

• CHFA Multifamily Program Compliance Utility Allowance Policy Update
• Newly Published HUD VAWA Forms
• Upcoming Program Compliance Training Through chfareach

CHFA Multifamily Program Compliance Utility Allowance Policy Update

In continuance with CHFA’s ongoing sustainability efforts across the state, properties with either a Community Solar Garden Subscription (CSG) or on-site solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are now encouraged to incorporate solar offsets into their Utility Allowances. This initiative underscores CHFA’s dedication to expanding the use of clean, renewable energy and ensuring its benefits directly support our communities.

For properties with either a CSG or onsite PV installation, the projected annual CSG credit or onsite solar credit may be incorporated into the Utility Allowance by using the Energy Consumption Model (ECM, Option #4) in the first year. Once a full year of actual energy consumption and CSG/solar production data is available, the utility allowance calculations can be refined to reflect real-world performance and cost reductions more accurately. CHFA recommends the property then move to Actual Usage and Rate Estimate (Option #2) after the first year. It is important to note that the cost of the CSG subscription cannot be passed on to the tenant. Please refer to CHFA’s Utility Allowance Policy for details on specific documentation requirements for each of these models, and use the updated Owner Certification of Utility Allowance Estimates form.

As always, please contact your Program Compliance Officer (PCO) with any compliance-related questions for the Housing Tax Credit (HTC) and CHFA Loan programs. To find your PCO, search on CHFA’s website by city and property name.

Newly Published HUD VAWA Forms

HUD has newly published the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA forms).

The newly published forms have replaced the previously expired versions. HUD requires covered housing providers to use HUD-approved VAWA forms, after customizing each form for their program-specific information, where applicable.

These forms are intended for the use of transfers, certification of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. Additionally, these forms include notice of rights and responsibilities to residents and housing providers. These forms now expire on January 31, 2028. The forms are available on HUDCLIPS,

The forms that have been updated include:

• HUD-5380 Notice of Occupancy Rights Under the Violence Against Women Act
• HUD-5381 Model Emergency Transfer Plan for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
• HUD-5382 Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking, and Alternate Documentation
• HUD-5383 Emergency Transfer Request for Certain Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
• HUD 5384 – VAWA Emergency Transfer Data Collection Form

Please ensure that you are using the latest version of these documents. If you have a question about the new VAWA forms, please contact HUD’s Office on Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) at ogbv@hud.gov and your local HUD Field Office contact. Any covered housing provider may also reach out directly to OGBV to request VAWA technical assistance.

Upcoming Program Compliance Training Through chfareach

CHFA Multifamily Program Compliance Office Hours, Online Meeting October 2, 2025

Join us for office hours with CHFA’s Multifamily Program Compliance Officers and Physical Inspection Officers, who monitor the Housing Tax Credit and CHFA Multifamily Loan programs.

This is not a presentation, but rather an interactive opportunity for participants to bring questions about recent changes to CHFA’s program compliance manual and forms, including those related to HOTMA and NSPIRE.

Click here for more information and to register for “CHFA Multifamily Program Compliance Office Hours”

Beginner HUD Compliance Training: Foundations for Onsite Teams in a Post-HOTMA World, Online Meeting October 21, 2025

This introductory session is designed for on-site affordable housing professionals who process tenant applications and want to build a strong foundation in Section 8 compliance following HOTMA implementation. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to correctly determine household eligibility, with a focus on:

• calculating and verifying income from various sources;
• identifying and documenting assets;
• determining deductions; and
• applying the HUD student rule and handling student income correctly.

Through real-world examples and interactive exercises, this course will provide practical skills that can be applied immediately, helping you process applications accurately, reduce errors, and stay in compliance. Perfect for new staff or anyone seeking a refresher on HUD’s core eligibility rules.

Click here for more information and to register for “Beginner HUD Compliance Training: Foundations for Onsite Teams in a Post-HOTMA World”

Advanced HUD Compliance Training: HOTMA, Tenant Selection Plan Options, and HUD-required Documentation, Online Webinar October 23, 2025

This advanced session is tailored for experienced on-site staff and compliance professionals ready to navigate the latest HUD regulations and complex tenant file situations. The training will dive deep into:

• tenant Selection Plan updates and HOTMA implementation options;
• best practices for processing Interim Certifications;
• what to look for on Enterprise Income Verifications (EIV);
• what documentation is needed to show eligible citizen or non-citizen status;
• understanding and applying phased-in hardship provisions;
• navigating HUD’s asset limitation and related exceptions.

Participants will explore real case studies and problem-solve scenarios that challenge even seasoned housing professionals. By the end of this session, you’ll have the tools to make sound compliance decisions, adapt to HOTMA changes, and confidently manage nuanced file situations.

Click here for more information and to register for “Advanced HUD Compliance Training; HOTMA, Selection Plan Options, and HUD-required Documentation”

Questions?

Please reach out to your Program Compliance Officer for more information.