In order to qualify, an applicant needs to meet certain income requirements. The success of the program depends greatly on compliance with the rules and responsibilities of tenancy. Once a relationship has been established between the Housing Authority and a resident, it is crucial that all parties carry out their responsibilities earnestly and expeditiously.
All responsibilities are detailed in the tenant lease agreement. The rules and responsibilities are as follows:
Your Lease represents a legal agreement between you and the Housing Authority. The Lease will describe the following.
- A description of the family members on the lease and number of bedrooms.
- The amount and due date of rental payments.
- The security deposit amount and the bank information where the escrowed security is kept on your behalf.
- How additional charges are assessed and payment options are made available to residents.
- Utilities included or excluded in the rent.
- How and when a redetermination of rent, dwelling size and eligibility take place.
- What occupancy of the dwelling unit means.
- The responsibilities of the Housing Authority.
- The responsibilities of the tenant.
- Discussion of defects hazardous to life, health or safety.
- Discussion of pre-occupancy and pre-termination inspections.
- When and under what circumstances Housing may enter the premises during your tenancy
- Legal notice requirements.
- The conditions which can result in termination of lease.
- A copy of the grievance procedure.
Always keep your Lease in a safe place which is readily accessible to you. Refer to your Lease if you should have any questions or concerns about your tenancy. It is a good practice to know your Lease and become familiar with its contents so that you may enjoy a successful and compliant tenancy.
Your Lease also contains a section on rules and regulations. The rules and regulations can be found on the last page of your Lease. A model Lease can be found here.
Here are some important points contained in the PHA Lease Agreement:
- All rents are due in advance on the first of each month; rents received after the 5th of the month are subject to a $25 late fee. Rents received after the 19th of the month are subject to a court appearance that will be arranged by the Finance department and our legal advisor. In addition, a $74 charge will be applied to cover court and lawyer fees. (Section 5B of Lease Agreement)
- You are responsible for the actions and conduct of your children and guests. (Section 10Y.10 & Section 10K of Lease Agreement)
- Stereos, radios and televisions are to be played in such a way that noise will not disturb the neighbors. (Section 10Y.4 of Lease Agreement)
- Only the persons named on the Lease may reside in your apartment. (Section 7 of Lease Agreement)
- Illegal activity of any kind (including drug related criminal activity) will not be tolerated and could result in termination of tenancy. (Section 18 of Lease Agreement)
- You are responsible for keeping a clean and orderly apartment. (Section 10Y.2 of Lease Agreement)