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24 C.F.R. §§ 92.205–92.209

5 sections in range

§92.205. Eligible activities: General.

24 C.F.R. § 92.205

(a)
Eligible activities.
(1)
HOME funds may be used by a participating jurisdiction to provide incentives to develop and support affordable rental housing and homeownership affordability through the acquisition (including assistance to homebuyers), new construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of nonluxury housing with suitable amenities, including real property acquisition, site improvements, conversion, demolition, and other expenses, including financing costs, relocation expenses of any displaced persons, families, businesses, or organizations; to provide tenant-based rental assistance, including security deposits; to provide payment of reasonable administrative and planning costs; and to provide for the payment of operating expenses of community housing development organizations. The housing must be permanent or transitional housing. The specific eligible costs for these activities are set forth in §§ 92.206 through 92.209. The activities and costs are eligible only if the housing meets the property standards in § 92.251 upon project completion.
(2)
Acquisition of vacant land or demolition may only be undertaken for a project that will provide affordable housing and meets the requirements for a specific local project in paragraph (2)(i) of the definition of “commitment” in § 92.2.
(3)
Conversion of an existing structure to affordable housing is rehabilitation, unless the conversion entails adding one or more units beyond the existing walls, in which case, the project is new construction for purposes of this part.
(4)
Manufactured housing. HOME funds may be used to purchase and/or rehabilitate a manufactured housing unit, or purchase the land upon which a manufactured housing unit is located. Except for existing, owner-occupied manufactured housing that is rehabilitated with HOME funds, the manufactured housing unit must, at the time of project completion, be connected to permanent utility hook-ups and be located on land that is owned by the manufactured housing unit owner or land for which the manufactured housing owner has a lease for a period at least equal to the applicable period of affordability.
(b)
Forms of assistance.
(1)
A participating jurisdiction may invest HOME funds as equity investments, interest-bearing loans or advances, non-interest-bearing loans or advances, interest subsidies consistent with the purposes of this part, deferred payment loans, grants, or other forms of assistance that HUD determines to be consistent with the purposes of this part and specifically approves in writing.
(2)
A participating jurisdiction may invest HOME funds to guarantee loans made by lenders and, if required, the participating jurisdiction may establish a loan guarantee account with HOME funds. The HOME funds may be used to guarantee the timely payment of principal and interest or payment of the outstanding principal and interest upon foreclosure of the loan. The amount of the loan guarantee account must be based on a reasonable estimate of the default rate on the guaranteed loans, but under no circumstances may the amount on deposit exceed 20 percent of the total outstanding principal amount guaranteed; except that the account may include a reasonable minimum balance. While loan funds guaranteed with HOME funds are subject to all HOME requirements, funds which are used to repay the guaranteed loans are not.
(3)
The participating jurisdiction must establish the terms of assistance, subject to the requirements of this part.
(c)
Minimum amount of assistance. The minimum amount of HOME funds that must be invested in a project involving rental housing or homeownership is $1,000 times the number of HOME-assisted units in the project.
(d)
Multi-unit projects. HOME funds may be used to assist one or more housing units in a multi-unit project.
(1)
Only the actual HOME eligible development costs of the assisted units may be charged to the HOME program. If the assisted and nonassisted units are not comparable, the actual costs may be determined based on a method of cost allocation. If the assisted and non- assisted units are comparable in terms of size, features, and number of bedrooms, the actual cost of the HOME- assisted units can be determined by prorating the total HOME eligible development costs of the project so that the proportion of the total development costs charged to the HOME program does not exceed the proportion of the HOME-assisted units in the project.
(2)
After project completion, the number of units designated as HOME- assisted may be reduced only in accordance with § 92.210, except that in a project consisting of all HOME- assisted units, one unit may be subsequently converted to an on-site manager's unit if the participating jurisdiction determines that the conversion will contribute to the stability or effectiveness of the housing and that, notwithstanding the loss of one HOME-assisted unit, the costs charged to the HOME program do not exceed the actual costs of the HOME- assisted units and do not exceed the subsidy limit in § 92.250(b).
(e)
Terminated projects. A HOME assisted project that is terminated before completion, either voluntarily or involuntarily, constitutes an ineligible activity, and the participating jurisdiction must repay any HOME funds invested in the project to the participating jurisdiction's HOME Investment Trust Fund in accordance with § 92.503(b) (except for project- specific assistance to community housing development organizations as provided in § 92.301(a)(3) and (b)(3)).
(1)
A project that does not meet the requirements for affordable housing must be terminated and the participating jurisdiction must repay all HOME funds invested in the project to the participating jurisdiction's HOME Investment Trust Fund in accordance with § 92.503(b).
(2)
If project completion, as defined in § 92.2, does not occur within 4 years of the date of commitment of funds for a specific local project, the project is considered to be terminated, and the participating jurisdiction must repay all funds invested in the project to the participating jurisdiction's HOME Investment Trust Fund in accordance with § 92.503(b). The participating jurisdiction may request a one-year extension of this deadline in writing, by submitting information about the status of the project, steps being taken to overcome any obstacles to completion, proof of adequate funding to complete the project, and a schedule with milestones for completion of the project for HUD's review and approval.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 28928, May 28, 1997; 78 FR 44667, July 24, 2013; 90 FR 867, Jan. 6, 2025]

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d) and 12701—12839, 12 U.S.C. 1701x.

Source

Source: 61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 28928, May 28, 1997; 78 FR 44667, July 24, 2013; 90 FR 867, Jan. 6, 2025]

§92.206. Eligible project costs.

24 C.F.R. § 92.206

HOME funds may be used to pay the following eligible costs:
(a)
Development hard costs. The actual cost of constructing or rehabilitating housing. These costs include the following:
(1)
For new construction projects, costs to meet the new construction standards in § 92.251(a);
(2)
For rehabilitation, costs to meet the property standards for rehabilitation projects in § 92.251(b);
(3)
For both new construction and rehabilitation projects, costs—
(i)
To demolish existing structures;
(ii)
To make utility connections including off-site connections from the property line to the adjacent street; and
(iii)
To make improvements to the project site that are in keeping with improvements of surrounding, standard projects. Site improvements may include on-site roads and sewer and water lines necessary to the development of the project. The project site is the property, owned by the project owner, upon which the project is located.
(4)
For both new construction and rehabilitation of multifamily rental housing projects, costs to construct or rehabilitate laundry and community facilities that are located within the same building as the housing and which are for the use of the project residents and their guests.
(5)
Costs to make utility connections or to make improvements to the project site, in accordance with the provisions of § 92.206(a)(3) (ii) and (iii) are also eligible in connection with acquisition of standard housing.
(b)
Refinancing costs. The cost to refinance existing debt secured by a housing project that is being rehabilitated with HOME funds. These costs include the following:
(1)
For single family (one- to four- family) owner-occupied housing, when loaning HOME funds to rehabilitate the housing, if the refinancing is necessary to reduce the overall housing costs to the borrower and make the housing more affordable and if the rehabilitation cost is greater than the amount of debt that is refinanced.
(2)
For single family or multifamily projects, when loaning HOME funds to rehabilitate the units if refinancing is necessary to permit or continue affordability under § 92.252. The participating jurisdiction must establish refinancing guidelines and state them in its consolidated plan described in 24 CFR part 91. Regardless of the amount of HOME funds invested, the minimum period of affordability shall be 15 years. The guidelines shall describe the conditions under which the participating jurisdictions will refinance existing debt. At minimum, the guidelines must:
(i)
Demonstrate that rehabilitation is the primary eligible activity and ensure that this requirement is met by establishing a minimum level of rehabilitation per unit or a required ratio between rehabilitation and refinancing;
(ii)
Require a review of management practices to demonstrate that disinvestment in the property has not occurred, that the long-term needs of the project can be met, and that the feasibility of serving the targeted population over the minimum period of affordability of 15 years can be demonstrated;
(iii)
State whether the new investment is being made to maintain current affordable units, create additional affordable units, or both;
(iv)
Specify the required period of affordability, whether it is the minimum 15 years or longer;
(v)
Specify whether the investment of HOME funds may be jurisdiction-wide or limited to a specific geographic area, such as a neighborhood identified in a neighborhood revitalization strategy under 24 CFR 91.215(e)(2) or a Federally designated Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community; and
(vi)
State that HOME funds cannot be used to refinance single family or multifamily housing loans made or insured by any Federal program, including CDBG.
(c)
Acquisition costs. Costs of acquiring improved or unimproved real property and costs for a long-term ground lease, including costs of acquisition by homebuyers.
(d)
Related soft costs. Other reasonable and necessary costs incurred by the owner or participating jurisdiction and associated with the financing, or development (or both) of new construction, rehabilitation or acquisition of housing assisted with HOME funds. These costs include, but are not limited to:
(1)
Architectural, engineering, or related professional services required to prepare plans, drawings, specifications, work write-ups; for HUD environmental reviews or other environmental studies, assessments, or fees; and for certain costs to process and settle the financing for a project, such as private lender origination fees, credit reports, fees for title evidence, legal fees, accounting fees, filing fees for zoning or planning review and approval, private appraisal fees, fees for independent cost estimates, and other lender required third-party reporting fees. The costs may be paid if they were incurred not more than 24 months before the date that HOME funds are committed to the project and the participating jurisdiction expressly permits HOME funds to be used to pay the costs in the written agreement committing the funds.
(2)
Fees for recordation and filing of legal documents, building permits, and builders or developers fees.
(3)
Costs of a project audit, including certification of costs performed by a certified public accountant, that the participating jurisdiction may require with respect to the development of the project.
(4)
Costs to provide information services such as affirmative marketing and fair housing information to prospective homeowners and tenants as required by § 92.351.
(5)
For new construction or rehabilitation, the cost of funding an initial operating deficit reserve, which is a reserve to meet any shortfall in project income during the period of project rent-up (not to exceed 18 months) and which may only be used to pay project operating expenses, scheduled payments to a replacement reserve, and debt service. Any HOME funds placed in an operating deficit reserve that remain unexpended after the period of project rent-up may be retained for project reserves if permitted by the participating jurisdiction.
(6)
Staff and overhead costs of the participating jurisdiction directly related to carrying out the project, such as work specifications preparation, loan processing inspections, and other services related to assisting potential owners, tenants, and homebuyers, e.g., housing counseling, may be charged to project costs only if the project is funded and the individual becomes the owner or tenant of the HOME-assisted project. For multi-unit projects, such costs must be allocated among HOME- assisted units in a reasonable manner and documented. Although these costs may be charged as project costs, these costs (except housing counseling) cannot be charged to or paid by low-income families.
(7)
For both new construction and rehabilitation, costs for the payment of impact fees that are charged for all projects within a jurisdiction.
(8)
Cost of property insurance during development.
(e)
Community housing development organization costs. Eligible costs of project-specific assistance are set forth in § 92.301.
(f)
Relocation costs. The cost of relocation payments and other relocation assistance to persons displaced by the project are eligible costs.
(1)
Relocation payments include replacement housing payments, payments for moving expenses, and payments for reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred in the temporary relocation of persons.
(2)
Other relocation assistance means staff and overhead costs directly related to providing advisory and other relocation services to persons displaced by the project, including timely written notices to occupants, referrals to comparable and suitable replacement property, property inspections, counseling, and other assistance necessary to minimize hardship.
(g)
Costs relating to payment of loans. If the HOME funds are not used to directly pay a cost specified in this section, but are used to pay off a construction loan, bridge financing loan, or guaranteed loan, the payment of principal and interest for such loan is an eligible cost only if:
(1)
The loan was used for eligible costs specified in this section, and
(2)
The HOME assistance is part of the original financing for the project and the project meets the requirements of this part.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 28928, May 28, 1997; 64 FR 50224, Sept. 15, 1999; 78 FR 44667, July 24, 2013; 90 FR 867, Jan. 6, 2025]

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d) and 12701—12839, 12 U.S.C. 1701x.

Source

Source: 61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 28928, May 28, 1997; 64 FR 50224, Sept. 15, 1999; 78 FR 44667, July 24, 2013; 90 FR 867, Jan. 6, 2025]

§92.207. Eligible administrative and planning costs.

24 C.F.R. § 92.207

A participating jurisdiction may expend, for payment of reasonable administrative and planning costs of the HOME program and ADDI, an amount of HOME funds that is not more than ten percent of the sum of the Fiscal Year HOME basic formula allocation plus any funds received in accordance with § 92.102(b) to meet or exceed participation threshold requirements that Fiscal Year. A state that transfers any HOME funds in accordance with § 92.102(b) must exclude these funds in calculating the amount it may expend for administrative and planning costs. A participating jurisdiction may also expend, for payment of reasonable administrative and planning costs of the HOME program and the ADDI described in subpart M of this part, a sum up to ten percent of the program income deposited into its local account or received and reported by its state recipients or subrecipients during the program year. A participating jurisdiction may expend such funds directly or may authorize its state recipients or subrecipients, if any, to expend all or a portion of such funds, provided total expenditures for planning and administrative costs do not exceed the maximum allowable amount. Reasonable administrative and planning costs include:
(a)
General management, oversight and coordination. Reasonable costs of overall program management, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation. Such costs include, but are not limited to, necessary expenditures for the following:
(1)
Salaries, wages, and related costs of the participating jurisdiction's staff. In charging costs to this category the participating jurisdiction may either include the entire salary, wages, and related costs allocable to the program of each person whose primary responsibilities with regard to the program involves program administration assignments, or the prorated share of the salary, wages, and related costs of each person whose job includes any program administration assignments. The participating jurisdiction may use only one of these methods. Program administration includes the following types of assignments:
(i)
Developing systems and schedules for ensuring compliance with program requirements;
(ii)
Developing interagency agreements and agreements with entities receiving HOME funds;
(iii)
Monitoring HOME-assisted housing for progress and compliance with program requirements;
(iv)
Developing agreements and monitoring housing not assisted with HOME funds that the participating jurisdiction designates as a matching contribution in accordance with § 92.219(b) for compliance with applicable program requirements;
(v)
Preparing reports and other documents related to the program for submission to HUD;
(vi)
Coordinating the resolution of audit and monitoring findings;
(vii)
Evaluating program results against stated objectives; and
(viii)
Managing or supervising persons whose primary responsibilities with regard to the program include such assignments as those described in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (vii) of this section;
(2)
Travel costs incurred for official business in carrying out the program;
(3)
Administrative services performed under third party contracts or agreements, including such services as general legal services, accounting services, and audit services;
(4)
Other costs for goods and services required for administration of the program, including such goods and services as rental or purchase of equipment, insurance, utilities, office supplies, and rental and maintenance (but not purchase) of office space; and
(5)
Costs of administering tenant-based rental assistance programs.
(b)
Staff and overhead. Staff and overhead costs of the participating jurisdiction directly related to carrying out the project, such as work specifications preparation, loan processing, inspections, lead-based paint evaluations (visual assessments, inspections, and risk assessments) and other services related to assisting potential owners, tenants, and homebuyers (e.g., housing counseling); and staff and overhead costs directly related to providing advisory and other relocation services to persons displaced by the project, including timely written notices to occupants, referrals to comparable and suitable replacement property, property inspections, counseling, and other assistance necessary to minimize hardship. These costs may be charged as administrative costs or as project costs under § 92.206(d)(6) and (f)(2), at the discretion of the participating jurisdiction; however, these costs (except housing counseling) cannot be charged to or paid by the low-income families.
(c)
Public information. The provision of information and other resources to residents and citizen organizations participating in the planning, implementation, or assessment of projects being assisted with HOME funds.
(d)
Fair housing. Activities to affirmatively further fair housing in accordance with the participating jurisdiction's certification under 24 CFR part 91.
(e)
Indirect Costs. Indirect costs may be charged to the HOME program in accordance with 2 CFR part 200, subpart E.
(f)
Preparation of the consolidated plan. Preparation of the consolidated plan required under 24 CFR part 91. Preparation includes the costs of public hearings, consultations, and publication.
(g)
Other Federal requirements. Costs of complying with the Federal requirements in subpart H of this part. Project-specific environmental review costs may be charged as administrative costs or as project costs in accordance with § 92.206(d)(8), at the discretion of the participating jurisdiction.
(h)
Preserving affordable housing already assisted with HOME funds. Costs specified under § 92.254(a)(9) may be charged as an administrative cost or may be charged to the project as provided in § 92.254(a)(9). In addition, the foreclosure cost of a HOME-assisted rental housing project with a HOME loan in default is an eligible administrative cost.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, as amended at 67 FR 61756, Oct. 1, 2002; 69 FR 16766, Mar. 30, 2004; 72 FR 16685, Apr. 4, 2007; 78 FR 44668, July 24, 2013; 80 FR 75935, Dec. 7, 2015; 90 FR 868, Jan. 6, 2025]

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d) and 12701—12839, 12 U.S.C. 1701x.

Source

Source: 61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, as amended at 67 FR 61756, Oct. 1, 2002; 69 FR 16766, Mar. 30, 2004; 72 FR 16685, Apr. 4, 2007; 78 FR 44668, July 24, 2013; 80 FR 75935, Dec. 7, 2015; 90 FR 868, Jan. 6, 2025]

§92.208. Eligible community housing development organization (CHDO) operating expense and capacity building costs.

24 C.F.R. § 92.208

(a)
Up to 5 percent of a participating jurisdiction's fiscal year HOME allocation may be used for the operating expenses of community housing development organizations (CHDOs). This amount is in addition to amounts set aside for housing projects that are owned, developed, or sponsored by CHDOs as described in § 92.300(a). These funds may not be used to pay operating expenses incurred by a CHDO acting as a subrecipient or contractor under the HOME Program. Operating expenses means reasonable and necessary costs for the operation of the community housing development organization. Such costs include salaries, wages, and other employee compensation and benefits; employee education, training, and travel; rent; utilities; communication costs; taxes; insurance; equipment; materials; and supplies. The requirements and limitations on the receipt of these funds by CHDOs are set forth in § 92.300(e) and (f).
(b)
HOME funds may be used for capacity building costs under § 92.300(b).
(c)
An organization that meets the definition of “community housing development organization” in § 92.2, except for the requirements in paragraph (9) of the definition, may receive HOME funds for operating expenses in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section in order to develop demonstrated capacity and qualify as a community housing development organization.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, as amended at 78 FR 44668, July 24, 2013; 90 FR 868, Jan. 6, 2025]

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d) and 12701—12839, 12 U.S.C. 1701x.

Source

Source: 61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, as amended at 78 FR 44668, July 24, 2013; 90 FR 868, Jan. 6, 2025]

§92.209. Tenant-based rental assistance: Eligible costs and requirements.

24 C.F.R. § 92.209

(a)
Eligible costs. Eligible costs are the rental assistance and security deposit payments made to provide tenant-based rental assistance for a family pursuant to this section. Eligible costs also include utility deposit assistance, but only if this assistance is provided with tenant-based rental assistance or security deposit payment. Administration of tenant-based rental assistance is eligible only under general management oversight and coordination at § 92.207(a), except that the costs of inspecting the housing and determining the income eligibility of the family are eligible as costs of the tenant-based rental assistance.
(b)
General requirement. A participating jurisdiction may use HOME funds for tenant-based rental assistance only if the participating jurisdiction makes the certification about inclusion of this type of assistance in its consolidated plan in accordance with 24 CFR 91.225(d)(1), 91.325(d)(1), or 91.425(a)(2)(i), and specifies local market conditions that lead to the choice of this option.
(c)
Tenant selection. The participating jurisdiction must select low-income families in accordance with written tenant selection policies and criteria that are based on local housing needs and priorities established in the participating jurisdiction's consolidated plan.
(1)
Low-income families. Tenant-based rental assistance may only be provided to very low- and low-income families. The participating jurisdiction must determine that the family is very low- or low-income before the assistance is provided.
(2)
Targeted assistance.
(i)
The participating jurisdiction may establish a preference for individuals with special needs (e.g., homeless persons or elderly persons) or persons with disabilities. The participating jurisdiction may offer, in conjunction with a tenant-based rental assistance program, particular types of nonmandatory services that may be most appropriate for persons with a special need or a particular disability. Generally, tenant-based rental assistance and the related services should be made available to all persons with special needs or disabilities who can benefit from such services. Participation may be limited to persons with a specific disability if necessary to provide as effective housing, aid, benefit, or services as those provided to others in accordance with 24 CFR 8.4(b)(1)(iv).
(ii)
The participating jurisdiction may also provide a preference for a specific category of individuals with disabilities (e.g., persons with HIV/AIDS or chronic mental illness) if the specific category is identified in the participating jurisdiction's consolidated plan as having unmet need and the preference is needed to narrow the gap in benefits and services received by such persons.
(iii)
Self-sufficiency program. The participating jurisdiction may require the family to participate in a self- sufficiency program as a condition of selection for assistance. The family's failure to continue participation in the self-sufficiency program is not a basis for terminating the assistance; however, renewal of the assistance may be conditioned on participation in the program. Tenants living in a HOME- assisted rental project who receive tenant-based rental assistance as relocation assistance must not be required to participate in a self- sufficiency program as a condition of receiving assistance.
(iv)
Homebuyer program. HOME tenant-based rental assistance may assist a tenant who has been identified as a potential low-income homebuyer through a lease-purchase agreement, with monthly rental assistance payments for a period up to 36 months (i.e., 24 months, with a 12-month renewal in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section). The HOME tenant-based rental assistance payment may not be used to accumulate a downpayment or closing costs for the purchase; however, all or a portion of the homebuyer-tenant's monthly contribution toward rent may be set aside for this purpose, in accordance with the lease-purchase agreement. If a participating jurisdiction determines that the tenant has met the lease-purchase criteria and is ready to assume ownership, HOME funds may be provided for homeownership assistance in accordance with the requirements of this part.
(v)
Preferences cannot be administered in a manner that limits the opportunities of persons on any basis prohibited by the laws listed under 24 CFR 5.105(a). For example, a participating jurisdiction may not determine that persons given a preference under the program are therefore prohibited from applying for or participating in other programs or forms of assistance. Persons who are eligible for a preference must have the opportunity to participate in all programs of the participating jurisdiction, including programs that are not separate or different.
(3)
Existing tenants in projects that will receive HOME assistance. A participating jurisdiction may select low-income families currently residing in housing units that will be rehabilitated or acquired with HOME funds under the participating jurisdiction's HOME program. Participating jurisdictions using HOME funds for tenant-based rental assistance programs may establish local preferences for the provision of this assistance. Families so selected may use the tenant-based rental assistance in the rehabilitated or acquired housing unit or in other qualified housing.
(d)
Portability of assistance. A participating jurisdiction may require the family to use the tenant-based assistance within the participating jurisdiction's boundaries or may permit the family to use the assistance outside its boundaries.
(e)
Rental assistance contract—
(1)
Parties to the rental assistance contract. A participating jurisdiction must enter into a rental assistance contract with the owner and the family. A participating jurisdiction may have one agreement with the owner and a separate agreement with the family, or one tri-party agreement with the participating jurisdiction, the owner, and the family.
(2)
Term of the rental assistance contract. The term of the rental assistance contract providing assistance with HOME funds may not exceed 24 months, but the rental assistance contract may be amended or renewed, subject to the availability of HOME funds. The term of the rental assistance contract must begin on the first day of the term of the lease or the beginning of the first month in which tenant-based rental assistance is provided.
(3)
Amending or renewing a rental assistance contract.
(i)
A rental assistance contract within its term may only be amended through the consent of all parties. A rental assistance contract may be amended:
(A)
Because the lease between the family and owner has been amended or renewed, if the lease term or amount charged under the lease are the only terms of the contract being changed.
(B)
To extend its term up to 24 months from the original date of execution.
(C)
When a tenant changes units within the same building or development if the parties to the lease, the family size, and the number of bedrooms in the housing remain the same.
(ii)
Subject to the availability of HOME funds, a rental assistance contract may be renewed after the expiration of its initial term.
(iii)
In all other instances, the participating jurisdiction must enter into a new rental assistance contract with the family and the owner in accordance with this paragraph (e).
(4)
Initial and subsequent income determinations.
(i)
Before the participating jurisdiction enters into an initial or new rental assistance contract with the family, the participating jurisdiction must determine that the family is income eligible in accordance with § 92.203.
(ii)
When a rental assistance contract is amended, the participating jurisdiction will not be required to perform a new income examination in accordance with § 92.203.
(iii)
Before a rental assistance contract is renewed, the participating jurisdiction must determine that the family is income eligible in accordance with § 92.203.
(iv)
If a family is participating in a HOME lease-purchase program and receiving tenant-based rental assistance, then the participating jurisdiction is only required to determine the family's income at the time that the family enters into the lease-purchase agreement and does not need to engage in further income examination during the term of the lease-purchase agreement.
(f)
Rent reasonableness. The participating jurisdiction must disapprove a lease if the rent is not reasonable, based on rents that are charged for comparable unassisted rental units.
(g)
Tenant protections. The tenant must have a lease that complies with the requirements in § 92.253. Upon termination of the rental assistance contract, the HOME tenant-based rental assistance tenancy addendum shall automatically terminate.
(h)
Maximum subsidy.
(1)
The amount of the monthly assistance that a participating jurisdiction may pay to, or on behalf of, a family may not exceed the difference between a rent standard for the unit size established by the participating jurisdiction and 30 percent of the family's monthly adjusted income.
(2)
The participating jurisdiction must establish a minimum tenant contribution to rent, except that the participating jurisdiction may establish conditions in its written policies under which a tenant would be relieved of all or a portion of the minimum contribution due to financial hardship.
(3)
The participating jurisdiction's rent standard for a unit size must be based on:
(i)
Local market conditions; or
(ii)
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program payment standard as determined in accordance with 24 CFR 982.503(a) through (c).
(i)
Housing standards. The participating jurisdiction must require the housing occupied by a family receiving tenant-based rental assistance under this section to meet the participating jurisdiction's property standards under § 92.251. Initially and annually thereafter, the participating jurisdiction must determine the housing complies with its property standards and is decent, safe, sanitary, and in good repair in accordance with § 92.251(f).
(j)
Security deposits.
(1)
A participating jurisdiction may use HOME funds provided for tenant-based rental assistance to provide loans or grants to very low- and low-income families for security deposits for rental of housing units whether or not the participating jurisdiction provides any other tenant-based rental assistance under this section.
(2)
The relevant State or local definition of “security deposit” in the jurisdiction where the unit is located is applicable for the purposes of this part, except that the amount of HOME funds that may be provided for a security deposit may not exceed the equivalent of two month's rent for the unit.
(3)
Only the prospective tenant may apply for HOME security deposit assistance, although the participating jurisdiction may pay the funds directly to the tenant or to the landlord.
(4)
HOME funds for security deposits may be provided as a grant or as a loan. If they are provided as a loan, the loan repayments are program income to be used in accordance with § 92.503.
(5)
Paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (f), (g), and (i) of this section are applicable when HOME funds are provided for security deposit assistance, except that income determinations pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section and inspections pursuant to paragraph (i) of this section are required only at the time the security deposit assistance is provided.
(6)
Surety bonds, security deposit insurance, or instruments similar to surety bonds or security deposit insurance may not be used in lieu of or in addition to a security deposit in units occupied by tenants receiving tenant-based rental assistance.
(k)
Program operation. A tenant-based rental assistance program must be operated consistent with the requirements of this section. The participating jurisdiction may operate the program itself or may contract with a PHA or other entity with the capacity to operate a rental assistance program. The tenant-based rental assistance may be provided through a rental assistance contract in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section. The participating jurisdiction (or entity operating the program) must approve the lease.
Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 28928, May 28, 1997; 67 FR 61756, Oct. 1, 2002; 78 FR 44668, July 24, 2013; 88 FR 30496, May 11, 2023; 90 FR 868, Jan. 6, 2025]

Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3535(d) and 12701—12839, 12 U.S.C. 1701x.

Source

Source: 61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[61 FR 48750, Sept. 16, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 28928, May 28, 1997; 67 FR 61756, Oct. 1, 2002; 78 FR 44668, July 24, 2013; 88 FR 30496, May 11, 2023; 90 FR 868, Jan. 6, 2025]