A waiting list is a significant asset in the audit-prep toolbox of a public housing authority. So efficient management of housing wait lists prevails as a core competency of PHAs, in spite of geographic location. Managing compliance in this space enables you to assure clean audits and decrease the possibility of an adverse fair housing claim. That is why you must follow HUD-established practices for handling wait list openings, selecting applicants, guaranteeing fair access, and documenting the steps.
To be a top performer in the waiting game, you need to make your open list available to eligible families, regularly clear a stagnant list, and create your wait list in such a way so that you have a fair and clearly-established guidelines.
Here are some guidelines on how to handle the Housing Waiting List:
Be Accessible
A great way to start or revamp the policy is to internally develop a wait list opening. If you have not opened the wait list earlier, you could see a wave in claimants upon reopening it. To establish fair housing and fair notice, you should inform the opening vigilantly. Through this, you can expand your reach to a lot of eligible families, including those who are not likely to apply on their own. You should start by examining the specific requirements of your housing market region. By undergoing this process, you will be able to aim your outreach efforts more efficiently. To obtain the best results, develop individual strategies for every population group. Some populations that will need special outreach are the elderly, the working poor, persons with disabilities, minorities, and non-English speaking persons.
Purge the Wait List
A stagnant wait list can cause hire out problems in both the HCV sphere and public housing. By purging the wait list on a regular basis, you will resist this drift. If you serve in a smaller housing executive, you may not require to go through the purging method as your wait lists are rather short, or leasing happens within twelve months. However, it is good to complete this procedure despite your authority’s size. Executing this will assist you to track whether or not claimants have experienced important life modifications, which can involve changes in family composition, welfare benefits, or income.
Establish Clear Guidelines
To effectively handle the housing waitlist, you need to keep the guidebook up to date and authenticate that you are following both local guidelines and HUD for selection. Organize the list in such a way that it will be simple to decide who should be next selected for a particular program. At least, the list should incorporate technicalities on the name of the applicant, date and time of application, household size, local preferences, and ethnic or racial designation.
Final Words
A few housing authorities adopt special selection preferences for disabled people, seniors, victims of domestic violence, working families, or homeless persons. But it is not a requirement.
To know more on how to handle the Housing waiting List, attend the Compliance Prime webinar.
