Leasing

Public housing leases are the basis of the legal relationship between the PHA and the tenant. All units must be occupied pursuant to a dwelling lease agreement that complies with HUD's regulations. HUD rules also require the PHA to inspect each dwelling unit prior to move-in, at move-out, and annually during occupancy. In addition, the PHA may require additional inspections in accordance with PHA policy.

An eligible family may occupy a public housing dwelling unit under the terms of a lease. The lease must meet all regulatory requirements and must also comply with applicable state and local laws and codes. The term of the lease must be for a period of 12 months. The lease must be renewed automatically for another 12-month term, except that the PHA may not renew the lease if the family has violated the community service requirement.

After unit acceptance but prior to occupancy, a PHA representative will provide a lease orientation to the family. The head of household or spouse is required to attend.

When families attend the lease orientation, they will be provided with:

• A copy of the lease
• A copy of the PHA's grievance procedure
• A copy of the house rules
• A copy of the PHA's schedule of maintenance charges
• A copy of the pamphlet Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home
• A copy of "Is Fraud Worth It?" (form HUD-1141-OIG), which explains the types of actions a family must avoid and the penalties for program abuse
• A copy of "What You Should Know about EIV," a guide to the Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system published by HUD as an attachment to Notice PIH 2010-19 Information about the protections afforded by the Violence against Women Act of 2005 (VAWA) to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking (see section 16-VII.C)

Topics to be discussed will include:

• Applicable deposits and other charges
• Review and explanation of lease provisions
• Unit maintenance and work orders
• The PHA's reporting requirements
• Explanation of occupancy forms
• Community service requirements
• Family choice of rent
• VAWA protections

For full overview of the Leasing Policy, please visit our office at 450 Walker Street, Cleveland TN 37311.