The Housing Authority 
Of the 
City & County of Sacramento 
2008Admissions And 
Continued Occupancy Policy 
(ACOP) 
Effective 1/1/2008 
“DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT” 
(Page Formatting TBD) 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 
HOUSING AUTHORITY ADMISSIONS AND CONTINUED OCCUPANCY POLICY 
Chapter 1-STATEMENT OF POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES 
A. Public Housing Agency Mission Statement..................................................................................1-1 
B. Local Objectives...........................................................................................................................1-1 
C. Purpose of the Policy....................................................................................................................1-2 
D. Fair Housing Policy.......................................................................................................................1-3 
E. Reasonable Accommodation Policy.............................................................................................1-3 
F. Translation of Documents and Plan for Language Assistance for Limited English Proficiency 
(LEP) Persons........................................................................................................................ 1-5 
G. Family Outreach...........................................................................................................................1-6 
H. Privacy Rights..............................................................................................................................1-7 
I. Posting of Required Information ..................................................................................................1-7 
J. Public Housing Management Assessment System (PHAS) Objectives.......................................1-8 
Chapter 2-ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION 
A. Factors Affecting Admission.........................................................................................................2-1 
B. Family Composition......................................................................................................................2-3 
C. Income Limitations.......................................................................................................................2-6 
D. Social Security Numbers...............................................................................................................2-6 
E. Citizenship/Eligible Immigration Status.........................................................................................2-6 
F. Other Criteria for Admission..........................................................................................................2-7 
G. Denial of Admission for Drug-Related and/or Other Criminal Activity........................................2-13 
Chapter 3-APPLYING FOR ADMISSION 
A. Overview of the Pre-Application Process......................................................................................3-1 
B. Completion of a Full Application...................................................................................................3-3 
C. Final Determination and Notification of Eligibility..........................................................................3-5 
Chapter 4-RESIDENT SELECTION AND ASSIGNMENT PLAN 
A. Management of the Waiting List...................................................................................................4-1 
B. Site Based Waiting Lists...............................................................................................................4-2 
C. Assignment of Units Designated for the Elderly, Disabled, or Mixed Use....................................4-3 
D. General Occupancy Units.............................................................................................................4-4 
E. Accessible Units...........................................................................................................................4-4 
F. Offer of Placement on the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) ........................................................4-4 
G. Removal From Waiting List and Purging......................................................................................4-5 
H. Waiting List Preferences...............................................................................................................4-5 
I. Preference Denial.........................................................................................................................4-6 
J. Special Admissions......................................................................................................................4-6 

K. Matching Unit and Family Characteristics.....................................................................................4-7 
L. Income Targeting.........................................................................................................................4-7 
M. Deconcentration of Poverty and Income-Mixing...........................................................................4-8 
N. Plan for Unit Offers........................................................................................................................4-9 
O. Changes Prior to Unit Offer.........................................................................................................4-10 
P. Applicant Status After Final Unit Offer........................................................................................4-10 
Q. Time-Limit For Acceptance of Unit..............................................................................................4-10 
R. Refusal of Offer..........................................................................................................................4-11 
Chapter 5-OCCUPANCY GUIDELINES 
A. Determining Unit Size...................................................................................................................5-1 
B. Exceptions to Occupancy Standards............................................................................................5-2 
C. Accessible Units...........................................................................................................................5-4 
Chapter 6-DETERMINATION OF TOTAL TENANT PAYMENT 
A. Minimum Rent..............................................................................................................................6-1 
B. Income and Allowances................................................................................................................6-4 
C. Disallowance of Earned Income from Rent Determinations-(EID)...............................................6-5 
D. Individual Savings Accounts.........................................................................................................6-8 
E. Training Programs Funded By HUD.............................................................................................6-8 
F. Wages From Employment with the PHA or Resident Organization.............................................6-8 
G. Averaging and Annualizing Income..............................................................................................6-8 
H. Minimum Income..........................................................................................................................6-8 
I. Income of Person Permanently Confined to Nursing Home.........................................................6-9 
J. Regular Contributions and Gifts....................................................................................................6-9 
K. Alimony and Child Support...........................................................................................................6-9 
L. Lump Sum Receipts....................................................................................................................6-10 
M. Assets and Asset Income............................................................................................................6-11 
N. Contributions to Retirement Funds.............................................................................................6-11 
O. Assets Disposed of For Less Than Market Value.......................................................................6-12 
P. Childcare Expenses....................................................................................................................6-12 
Q Disability Assistance Expense....................................................................................................6-13 
R. Medical Expenses.......................................................................................................................6-13 
S. Proration of Assistance For “Mixed” Families ............................................................................6-14 
T. Income Changes Resulting From Welfare Program Requirements...........................................6-14 
U. Utility Allowance and Utility Reimbursement Payments ............................................................6-14 
V. Family Choice Rents ..................................................................................................................6-15 
W. PHA’s Flat Rent Methodology.....................................................................................................6-16 
Chapter 7-VERIFICATION PROCEDURES 
A. Methods of Verification and Time Allowed....................................................................................7-1 
B. Release of Information..................................................................................................................7-6 
C. Items to be Verified.......................................................................................................................7-7 
D. Verification of Income....................................................................................................................7-8 
E. Income from Assets....................................................................................................................7-11 
F. Verification of Assets...................................................................................................................7-12 
G. Verification of Allowable Deductions From Income....................................................................7-13 

H. Verifying Non-Financial Factors..................................................................................................7-15 
I. Verification of Waiting List Preferences......................................................................................7-20 
J. Verification of Suitability for Admission.......................................................................................7-20 
Chapter 8-TRANSFER POLICY 
A. Involuntary (Mandatory) Transfers................................................................................................8-1 
B. Voluntary Transfers......................................................................................................................8-2 
C. Transfer Waiting List.....................................................................................................................8-3 
Chapter 9-LEASING 
A. Lease Terms and Conditions........................................................................................................9-1 
B. Lease Orientation.........................................................................................................................9-5 
C. Execution of Lease........................................................................................................................9-5 
D. Additions to the Lease...................................................................................................................9-8 
E. Leasing Units with Accessible or Adaptable Features..................................................................9-9 
F. Utility Services............................................................................................................................9-11 
G. Security Deposits.......................................................................................................................9-11 
H. Rent Payments...........................................................................................................................9-12 
I. Fees and Nonpayment Penalties................................................................................................9-12 
J. Schedule of Fees and Charges..................................................................................................9-12 
K. Modifications to the Lease..........................................................................................................9-12 
L. Cancellation of the Lease...........................................................................................................9-13 
M. Inspections of Public Housing Units............................................................................................9-13 
N. Pest Control...............................................................................................................................9-16 
O. Trash Disposal and Recycle Program........................................................................................9-16 
P. Appliances..................................................................................................................................9-16 
Q. Screen Doors.............................................................................................................................9-17 
R. Window Coverings......................................................................................................................9-17 
S. Gardening..................................................................................................................................9-17 
T. Parking.......................................................................................................................................9-17 
U. Inoperative and Abandoned Vehicles.........................................................................................9-18 
V. Miscellaneous Policies.................................................................................................................9-18 
W. Key Control.................................................................................................................................9-18 
X. Wading Pools………………………………………………………………………….9-19 
Chapter 10-PET POLICY 
A. Registration of Pets.....................................................................................................................10-1 
B Non-Applicability of Pet Policy to Animals that Assist Persons with Disabilities.........................10-1 
C. Advance Permission, Registration, and Pet Deposits......................................10-2 
D. Prohibited Animals......................................................................................................................10-3 
E. Additional Prohibitions and Requirements..................................................................................10-4 
F. Inspections and Other Rights of the Authority............................................................................10-5 
G. Pet Removal...............................................................................................................................10-5 
H. Termination of Tenancy..............................................................................................................10-5 
I. Disposition of Pet Deposit(s).......................................................................................................10-6 
J. Liability.......................................................................................................................................10-6 
K. Refusal to Register Pets.............................................................................................................10-6 

L. Pets Temporarily on the Premises..............................................................................................10-6 
Chapter 11-RECERTIFICATIONS 
A. Eligibility for Continued Occupancy............................................................................................11-1 
B. Annual Recertifications...............................................................................................................11-1 
C. Reporting Interim Changes.........................................................................................................11-5 
D. Income Changes Resulting From Welfare Program Requirements...........................................11-9 
E. Timely Reporting of Changes in Income (and Assets).............................................................11-10 
F. Remaining Member of Resident Family – Retention of Unit ....................................................11-11 
G. Changes in Unit Size ................................................................................................................11-11 
H. Continuance of Assistance for “Mixed” Families ......................................................................11-12 
Chapter 12-LEASE TERMINATIONS 
A. Termination by Resident.............................................................................................................12-1 
B. Termination by PHA....................................................................................................................12-1 
C. Notification Requirements...........................................................................................................12-2 
D. Record Keeping.........................................................................................................................12-4 
E. Terminations Due to Ineligible Immigration Status.....................................................................12-4 
Chapter 13-COMPLAINTS, GRIEVANCES AND APPEALS 
A. Complaints.................................................................................................................................13-1 
B. Informal Review Procedures for Applicants................................................................................13-2 
C. Informal Hearing Procedures for Residents................................................................................13-3 
D. Formal Hearing Procedures........................................................................................................13-4 
E. Hearing And Appeal Provisions for “Restrictions On Assistance To Non-Citizens 13-9 
Chapter 14-FAMILY DEBTS TO THE PHA 
A. Payment Agreement for Families................................................................................................14-1 
B. Debts Due to Misrepresentation of Information..........................................................................14-2 
C. Writing Off Debts.........................................................................................................................14-3 
Chapter 15-COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY 
A. Program Requirements.................................................................................................................15-1 
B. PHA Responsibilities...................................................................................................................15-2 
C. Exempt Adults.............................................................................................................................15-3 
D. Noncompliance of Family Members.............................................................................................15-3 
Chapter 16-GLOSSARY 
I. Terms Used in Determining Rent................................................................................................16-1 
II. Glossary of Housing Terms........................................................................................................16-7 
III. Glossary of Terms Used in the Non-citizens Rule....................................................................16-19 

Chapter 17-PROGRAM INTEGRITY ADDENDUM 
A. Criteria for Investigation of Suspected Abuse and Fraud...........................................................17-1 
B. Steps the PHA will Take to Prevent Program Abuse and Fraud................................................17-2 
C. Steps the PHA will Take to Detect Program Abuse and Fraud..................................................17-2 
D. The PHA’s Handling of Allegations of Possible Abuse and Fraud.............................................17-3 
E. How the PHA will Investigate Allegations of Abuse and Fraud...................................................17-4 
F. Placement of Documents, Evidence, and Statements Obtained by the PHA.............................17-5 
G. Conclusion of the PHA’s Investigative Review...........................................................................17-5 
H. Evaluation of the Findings...........................................................................................................17-5 
I. Action Procedures for Violations Which Have Been Documented.............................................17-5 

CHAPTER 1 
STATEMENT OF POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES 
INTRODUCTION 
The U.S. Housing Act of 1937 created the low rent Public Housing program. 
Administration of the Public Housing program and the functions and responsibilities of 
the Public Housing Agency (PHA) of the City and County of Sacramento staff shall be in 
compliance with the PHA’s Personnel Policy, any union agreements of the PHA, and 
this Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP). The administration of this 
PHA’s housing program will also meet the requirements of the Department of Housing 
and Urban Development (HUD). Such requirements include any Public Housing 
regulations, handbooks, and applicable notices. All applicable federal, state and local 
laws, including Fair Housing Laws and regulations also apply. Changes in applicable 
federal laws or regulations shall supersede provisions in conflict with this policy. 
Federal regulations shall include those found in Volume 24 CFR, Parts 1, 5, 8, 100 and 
900-966 (Code of Federal Regulations). 
A. PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY MISSION STATEMENT 
The mission of the PHA is to promote adequate and affordable housing, economic 
opportunity and a suitable living environment free from discrimination. 
Our mission is to assist applicants in obtaining housing. Our task is to determine what 
we can and must do to achieve that goal fairly and with the highest degree of integrity. 
We will perform our mission with: 
. Dignity - allowing each applicant and participant a sense of pride 
. Fairness - remaining objective at all times, remembering that there are two 
sides to every story 
. Respect - treating others as we would like to be treated, in a non-
judgmental manner 
. Sensitivity - demonstrating empathy (not sympathy) by ensuring that 
program information provided is not only complete and accurate, but also 
offers positive solutions that foster hope 
B. LOCAL OBJECTIVES 
. To provide improved living conditions for very low and low-income families 
while maintaining their rent payments at an affordable level 
. To operate a socially and financially sound Public Housing Agency that 

provides decent, safe, and sanitary housing within a drug free, suitable 
living environment for residents and their families, insuring that all units 
meet the Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) 
. To avoid concentrations of economically and socially deprived families in 
any one, or all of the PHA’s public housing developments 
. Promote a safe environment by denying initial or continued assistance to 
families who have demonstrated a history of violent criminal or drug-
related activity 
. Promote a safe environment by denying initial or continued assistance to 
families who have shown a pattern or repeated acts of any criminal activity 
. To attempt to house a resident body in each development, that is 
composed of families with a broad range of incomes and rent-paying 
abilities that are representative of the range of incomes of low-income 
families in the PHA’s jurisdiction 
. To provide opportunities for upward mobility for families who desire to 
achieve self-sufficiency 
. To facilitate the judicious management of the PHA inventory and the 
efficient management of the PHA staff 
. To ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and all 
other applicable federal laws and regulations, so that the admissions and 
continued occupancy are conducted without regard to race, color, religion, 
creed, sex, national origin, disability or familial status 
C. PURPOSE OF THE POLICY 
The purpose of this ACOP is to establish policies for the PHA staff to follow in 
determining eligibility for admission and continued occupancy. These policies are 
governed by the requirements of HUD with latitude for local policies and procedures. If 
any changes conflict with this plan, HUD regulations will have precedence. 
The PHA Board of Commissioners will approve the original policy and significant 
amendments. Required portions of this plan will be provided to HUD. 
D. FAIR HOUSING POLICY 
It is the policy of the PHA to comply fully with all federal, state, and local 
nondiscrimination laws and with the rules and regulations governing Fair Housing and 
Equal Opportunity in housing and employment. 
The PHA shall not deny any family or individual the opportunity to apply for or receive 
assistance under the Conventional/Public Housing programs on the basis of race, color, 
sex, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, source of income, veteran’s 
status, age, familial or marital status, handicap/ disability or sexual orientation. To 
further its commitment to full compliance with applicable Civil Rights laws, the PHA will 

provide federal/state/local information to voucher holders and public housing residents 
regarding "discrimination" and any recourse available to them. The PHA provides and 
reviews information regarding Fair Housing rights and responsibilities during family 
briefing sessions. Such information will be made available during the family briefing 
session in each briefing packet. 
Except as otherwise provided in 24 CFR 8.21, 8.24, 8.25, and 8.31, no individual with 
disabilities shall be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or 
otherwise be subjected to discrimination because the PHA's facilities are inaccessible to 
or unusable by persons with disabilities. 
Posters and housing information are displayed in locations throughout the PHA's office 
in such a manner as to be easily readable from a wheelchair. 
The office of Application/Intake and Eligibility and the Conventional Housing programs 
are accessible to persons with disabilities. Accessibility for the hearing impaired is 
provided by the TTD/TDY telephone service provider. 
E. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION POLICY 
This policy is applicable to all situations described in this ACOP when a family initiates 
contact with the PHA, when the PHA initiates contact with a family including when a 
family applies for housing, and when the PHA schedules or reschedules appointments 
of any kind. 
An applicant and participant with a disability must first ask for a specific accommodation 
for their disability before the PHA will deviate from standard policies. 
The PHA's policies and practices will be designed to provide assurances that persons 
with disabilities will be given reasonable accommodations, upon request, so that they 
may fully access and utilize the housing program and related services. The availability 
of request for accommodation will be made known by including notices on PHA forms 
and letters. This policy is intended to afford persons with disabilities an equal 
opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same 
level of achievement as those who do not have disabilities and is applicable to all 
situations described in this ACOP. 
The PHA utilizes organizations that provide assistance for disabled persons when 
needed. 
The PHA will fully comply with the obligations found in HUD Notice PIH 2002-01 (HA) 
[Accessibility Notice: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with 
Disabilities Act of 1990; the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and the Fair Housing Act 
of 1988]. To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, an applicant or 

participant must qualify under the following American with Disabilities Act (ADA) 
definition of disability: 
. A physical or mental impairment that limits an individual’s ability to 
participate in major life activities 
. A record of such impairment 
. Being regarded as having such impairment 
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no individual shall be considered a person 
with disabilities for purposes of eligibility for low-income housing solely on the basis of 
any current drug use or alcohol dependence. Individuals whose drug or alcohol 
addiction is a material factor to their disability are excluded from the definition. 
Individuals are considered disabled if disabling mental and physical limitations would 
persist if drug or alcohol abuse discontinued. 
METHODS USED TO CERTIFY A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY 
To verify that an applicant or program participant is a person with a disability, PHA staff 
will first check to see whether the applicant is under the age 62 and receives either 
Social Security Disability or SSI Disability income. 
Some residents or applicants may be persons with disabilities even though they do not 
have such income. In these cases, a verification form will be sent to a qualified 
professional having knowledge of the person’s disability who can verify the person’s 
status. 
The PHA staff will work with the individual client to determine the least intrusive or 
restrictive means for certifying the need for a reasonable accommodation. 
METHODS USED TO CERTIFY THE NEED FOR A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION 
Once the person's status as a qualified person with a disability is confirmed, the PHA 
will require that a professional third party, competent to make the assessment, provides 
written verification that the person needs the specific accommodation, due to their 
disability, and the change is required for them to have equal access to the housing 
program. (Refer to Verification Procedures Chapter 7). 
The PHA will provide a written decision to the person requesting the accommodation 
within a reasonable time. If a person is denied the accommodation, or feels that the 
alternative suggestions are inadequate, they may request an informal hearing to review 
the PHA’s decision. (Refer to chapter 13, Complaints, Grievances and Appeals). 
Reasonable accommodation will be made for persons with a disability that requires an 
advocate, or accessible offices. A designee will be allowed to provide some information, 
but only with the permission of the person with the disability. 
All PHA mailings will be made available in an accessible format, upon request, as a 
reasonable accommodation. 

All PHA communities and programs are open to all eligible persons without regard to 
race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, 
family status, source of income, veteran status, or the presence of qualified disability. A 
reasonable accommodation will be made in policies, practices, and services, when such 
accommodation may be necessary to afford a disabled person equal opportunity to fully 
access and utilize housing programs and related services, unless such accommodation 
will impose an undue financial or administrative burden on the (PHA), or will require a 
fundamental alteration in the nature of its program. 
UNDUE HARDSHIP 
Requests for reasonable accommodation from persons with disabilities will be granted 
upon verification that they meet the need presented by the disability, and they do not 
create an undue financial and/or administrative burden. The PHA will deny the request 
and/or present an alternate accommodation that will still meet the need of the person. 
An undue administrative burden is one that requires a fundamental alteration of the 
essential functions of the PHA (i.e., waiving a family obligation). An undue financial 
burden is one that when considering the available resources of the agency as a whole 
the requested accommodation would pose a severe financial hardship on the PHA. 
In determining whether an accommodation would create an undue hardship, the 
following guidelines will apply: 
. The nature and cost of the accommodation needed 
. The overall current financial resources of the facility, or facilities involved 
in the provision of the reasonable accommodation 
. The number of persons currently employed at such facility, the number of 
families likely needing such accommodation, the effect on expenses and 
resources, or the likely impact on the operation of the facility as a result of 
the accommodation 
F. TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENTS AND PLANS FOR LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE FOR LIMITED 
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) PERSONS 
It is the goal of the Housing Authority to be accessible to all residents of Sacramento 
County, regardless of race, color, or national origin. Therefore, we will endeavor to 
provide all families the same high quality customer service no matter what language 
they speak. In order to serve limited English proficiency (LEP) families, the Housing 
Authority is implementing the following activities: 
1. When the adult members of the family are LEP, staff will show them the 
Language Identification Flashcard, created by the Census Bureau, so that 
the family can identify what language they speak. The Housing Authority 
has identified staff who speak American Sign Language, Chinese and 

Spanish to assist with these languages. For other languages, an 
interpreter will be called to assist the staff person in serving the family. 
2. All LEP families will be identified on the computer, and in their file, as to 
their primary language so that appropriate resources can be identified in 
advance of the family’s needing assistance with an appointment. 
3. When the number of families speaking one non-English language exceeds 
5% of the number of program participants, the Housing Authority will 
translate “important” documents into this language. “Important” is defined 
as those documents addressing safety, participant rights, participant 
obligations, or communication regarding the loss of housing (i.e., eviction 
or program termination). 
4. When the number of families speaking one non-English language exceeds 
5% of the number of program participants, the Housing Authority will 
actively recruit staff that speak, read and write this language. 
5. The Housing Authority will post signs in public spaces, in languages 
known to be spoken by LEP families involved with the agency, telling them 
that help is available in the language they know. 
6. The Housing Authority will provide training to current and new staff, on an 
annual basis, about the resources available for LEP families and how to 
utilize these resources for participating families. 
G. FAMILY OUTREACH 
The PHA will publicize and disseminate information to make known the availability of 
housing assistance, and related services, for low-income families on a regular basis. 
When the PHA's waiting list is open, the PHA will publicize the availability, and nature of 
housing assistance for low-income families, in newspapers of general circulation, 
minority media, and by other suitable means. 
To reach persons who cannot read the newspapers, the PHA will distribute fact sheets 
to the broadcasting media, and initiate personal contacts with members of the news 
media and community service personnel. The PHA will also utilize public service 
announcements. 
The PHA will communicate the status of housing availability to other service providers in 
the community and advise them of housing eligibility factors/guidelines, in order that 
they can make proper referrals for housing assistance. 
H. PRIVACY RIGHTS 

Applicants and participants, including all adults in their households, are required to sign 
the HUD 9886 Authorization for Release of Information. This document incorporates the 
Federal Privacy Act statement, and describes the conditions under which HUD/PHA will 
release family information. 
The PHA's policy regarding release of information is in accordance with state and local 
laws, which may restrict the release of family information. 
Any and all information, which would lead one to determine the nature and/or severity of 
a person’s disability, must be kept in a separate folder and marked "confidential". The 
personal information in this folder must not be released except on an "as needed" basis, 
in cases where an accommodation is under consideration. Designated staff must 
approve all requests for access and granting of accommodations based on this 
information. 
The PHA's practices and procedures are designed to safeguard the privacy of 
applicants and program participants. All applicant and participant files will be stored in a 
secure location, which is only accessible by authorized staff. 
PHA staff will not discuss family information contained in files unless there is a business 
reason to do so. Staff will be required to disclose whether s/he has relatives living in 
Public Housing. Inappropriate discussion of family information, or improper disclosure of 
family information by staff, will result in disciplinary action. 
The staff person, who is utilizing a file, is responsible for its security. Files will never be 
left unattended in common areas. 
I. POSTING OF REQUIRED INFORMATION 
The PHA will maintain a bulletin board in a conspicuous area of each Area Management 
Office lobby that will contain: 
. Statement of policies and procedures governing ACOP or a notice of 
where the policy is available 
. A notice of where the PHA 5-year Plan and PHA Annual Plans are 
available 
. Information on application process 
. Directory of the PHA’s housing sites including names, address of offices 
and office hours at each facility 
. Income limits for admission 
. Current schedule of routine maintenance charges 
. A copy of the lease 
. The PHA’s grievance procedures 
. A Fair Housing poster 
. An Equal Opportunity in Employment poster 

. Current resident notices 
. Required public notices 
Site developments with Community Rooms will maintain a bulletin board, in a 
conspicuous place, that will contain: 
. Resident selection policies [24 CFR 960.202 and 960.203] 
. Information on application process 
. Income limits for admission 
. Current schedule of maintenance charges 
. Copy of lease 
. PHA’s grievance procedures 
. Fair Housing poster 
. Equal Opportunity in Employment poster 
. Current resident notices 
J. PUBLIC HOUSING MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (PHAS) OBJECTIVES 
The PHA operates its Public Housing program with efficiency and can demonstrate to 
HUD or independent auditors that the PHA is using its resources in a manner that 
reflects its commitment to quality and service. The PHA policies and practices are 
consistent with the new Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) outlined in the 24 
CFR Parts 901 and 902 final published regulations. The PHA is continuously assessing 
its program and consistently strives to make improvements. 
The PHA acknowledges that its performance ratings are important to sustaining its 
capacity to maintain flexibility and authority. The PHA intends to diligently manage its 
current program operations and continuously make efforts to be in full compliance with 
PHAS. The policies and procedures of this program are established so that the 
standards set forth by PHAS are demonstrated and can be objectively reviewed by an 
auditor whose purpose is to evaluate performance. 

CHAPTER 2 
ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION 
INTRODUCTION 
This chapter defines both HUD's and the PHA's criteria for admission and denial of 
admission to the program. The policy of this PHA is to strive for objectivity and 
consistency in applying these criteria to evaluate the qualifications of families who 
apply. The PHA staff will review all information provided by the family carefully and 
without regard to factors other than those defined in this chapter. Families will be 
provided the opportunity to explain their circumstances, to furnish additional information, 
if needed, and to receive an explanation of the basis for any decision made by the PHA 
pertaining to their eligibility. 
A. FACTORS AFFECTING ADMISSION 
The family's initial eligibility for Conventional Public Housing issuance will be made in 
accordance with the eligibility factors, which will be verified before the family is admitted 
to the program. 
The PHA accepts applications only from families whose head or spouse is at least 
eighteen (18) years of age or an emancipated minor under state law. 
To be eligible for participation, an applicant must meet HUD's criteria, as well as any 
permissible additional criteria established by the PHA. 
HUD FACTORS 
An applicant is qualified if he or she meets the following criteria: 
.. Is a "family" as defined in this chapter 
.. Heads a household where at least one member of the household is either 
a citizen or eligible non-citizen 
.. Has an Annual Income at the time of admission that does not exceed the 
low income limit for occupancy established by HUD and posted separately 
in the PHA offices 
.. Provides a Social Security number for all family members, age 6 or older, 
or will provide written certification that they do not have Social Security 
numbers 

.. Meets or exceeds the tenant Selection and Suitability Criteria set forth in 
this policy 
. The PHA will permanently deny admission to public housing persons 
convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine on the 
premises of federally assisted housing in violation of any federal or state 
law 
AGENCY FACTORS 
The PHA will apply the following criteria, in addition to the HUD eligibility criteria, as 
grounds for denial of admission to the program: 
.. The family must furnish declaration of citizenship or eligible immigrant status 
and verification where required 
.. The PHA will permanently deny admission to public housing persons 
convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine on the premises 
of federally assisted or non-federally assisted housing in violation of any 
federal or state law 
.. The PHA will permanently deny admission to sex offenders who are subject 
to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration 
program 
.. The family must pay or resolve any debt owed the PHA, or another PHA, as a 
result of prior participation in any federal housing program within thirty (30) 
days notification by the admissions staff. 
.. A family will be denied admission to the program if any member of the family 
fails to sign and submit consent forms for obtaining information required by 
the PHA, including Form HUD-9886 
.. A family will be denied admission to the program if any member of the family 
has been evicted from federally assisted housing for serious violation of the 
lease 
.. The family must not have violated any family obligation during a previous 
participation in a federally assisted housing program for five (5) years prior to 
final eligibility determination (The PHA may make an exception if the family 
member who violated the family obligation is not a current member of the 
household. The PHA may request the family to provide verifiable 
documentation) 
.. The family must not engage in criminal activity, illegal drugs, or alcohol abuse 
that threatens the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of other 
residents 

.. Admission of applicants with any current criminal charges will be delayed 
pending final court decision. After the final court decision, the applicant will be 
reviewed to determine if they meet all admission criteria. 
.. Applicants must meet other criteria for admissions 
FAMILY COMPOSITION (HUD CFR 5.403) 
DEFINITION OF FAMILY AT ADMISSION 
The applicant must qualify as a family. A family may be a single person or a group of 
persons. The PHA defines a group of persons as two or more persons who intend to 
share residency, whose income and resources are available to meet the family's needs, 
and who will live together in PHA housing. Discrimination on the basis of familial status 
is prohibited, and a group of persons may not be denied solely on the basis that blood, 
marriage or operation of law does not relate them. For occupancy standards purposes, 
the applicant may claim a spousal relationship. (See Chapter 5 - Occupancy 
Guidelines) 
HUD defines elderly, disabled and displaced families (see glossary in this policy for 
definitions). The PHA further defines a family as: 
All of the federally defined families, including elderly family, near-elderly family, disabled 
family, displaced family, remaining member of a tenant family, and a single person and 
two or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption or other operation of law, or 
two or more persons who are not so related but who will live together as domestic 
partners and share resources. 
TEMPORARY ABSENCE OF CHILD 
The temporary absence of a child from the home due to placement in foster care is 
defined as a period of time that is anticipated to be less than six months (6 mos.) from 
the time the family is determined eligible for admission to the program. The child who is 
temporarily absent from the home due to placement in foster care shall be considered 
part of the family in determining the family composition and unit size. All temporary 
absences will be verified through the appropriate agencies. 
OCCUPANCY BY POLICE OFFICERS 
In order to provide an increased sense of security for public housing residents the PHA 
may allow public housing units to be occupied by police officers. Police officers will not 
be required to be income eligible to qualify for admission to the PHA's public housing 
program. 
HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD 

The head of household is the adult member of the household who is designated by the 
family as head, is wholly or partly responsible for paying the rent, and has the legal 
capacity to enter into a lease under State or local law. 
Emancipated minors who qualify under state law will be recognized as head of 
household if there is a court order recognizing them as an emancipated minor. Persons 
who are married are legally recognized as adults under State law. 
SPOUSE OF HEAD 
Spouse means the husband or wife of the head. 
For proper application of the Non-Citizens Rule, the definition of spouse is the marriage 
partner who in order to dissolve the relationship would have to be divorced. It includes 
the partner in a common law marriage. The term "spouse" does not apply to boyfriends, 
girlfriends, significant others/partners, or co-heads. 
CO-HEAD 
A co-head is an individual in the household who is equally responsible for the lease with 
the head of household. A head of household may have either a spouse or co-head, but 
not both. A co-head never qualifies as a dependent. 
LIVE-IN AIDES 
A household may include a live-in aide provided that such live-in aide: 
.. Is determined by the PHA to be essential to the care and well being of an 
elderly person, a near-elderly person, or a person with disabilities 
.. Is not obligated for the support of the person(s) 
.. Would not be living in the unit except to provide care for the person(s) 
.. A live-in aide is not considered to be an assisted family member and has no 
rights or benefits under the program 
.. Income of the live-in aide will not be counted for purposes of determining 
eligibility or level of benefits 
.. Is approved by the PHA after normal screening criteria 
.. Live-in aides are not subject to Non-Citizen Rule requirements 
.. Live-in aides may not be considered as a remaining member of the resident 
family 
Relatives are not automatically excluded from being live-in aides, but they must meet all 
of the elements in the live-in aide definition described above. 
Family members of a live-in aide may also reside in the unit, providing doing so does 
not increase the subsidy by the cost of an additional bedroom and that the presence of 
the family member(s) does not overcrowd the unit. 

A live-in aide may only reside in the unit with the approval of the PHA and is subject to 
the Admission’s screening criteria. Written verification certifying that a live-in aide is 
needed for the care of the family member who is elderly, near elderly or disabled will be 
required from a reliable, knowledgeable professional, such as a doctor, social worker, or 
caseworker. 
The PHA will approve a live-in aide if needed as a reasonable accommodation to make 
the program accessible to and usable by the family member with a disability. 
If the live-in aide or their family members participate in drug-related or criminal activity, 
the PHA will rescind the aide’s right to occupy the unit. When the agency takes such 
action against the live-in aide, the aide is not entitled to the grievance hearing process 
of the agency. 
The PHA has the right to disapprove a request for a live-in aide based on the "Other 
Eligibility Criteria" described in this chapter. 
A live-in aid who is an applicant to the conventional housing program may not be 
approved for his/her own conventional housing unit while maintaining a bedroom in the 
conventional housing unit of another resident. Once an applicant who is residing as a 
live-in with an existing conventional housing resident is approved to receive his/her own 
low income or subsidized housing, they must immediately be removed from the 
residence of the existing conventional housing program resident. 
SPLIT HOUSEHOLDS PRIOR TO BEING HOUSED 
When a family on the waiting list splits into two otherwise eligible families due to divorce 
or legal separation, and the new families both claim placement on the waiting list, the 
PHA will place both families on the appropriate size wait list based on the split family 
composition, the date they applied and any preferences for which they are eligible. 
Duplicate application including applications from a segment of an applicant household, 
will not be accepted. 
Documentation of these factors is the responsibility of the applicant families. If either or 
both of the families do not provide the documentation, they may be denied placement 
on the waiting list for failure to supply information requested by the PHA. 
MULTIPLE FAMILIES IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD 
When applicant families consist of two families living together, (such as a mother and 
father, and a daughter with her own husband or children), and they apply as a family 
unit, they will be treated as a family unit. 
JOINT CUSTODY OF CHILDREN 
Children who are subject to a joint custody agreement but, live with one parent at least 
fifty-one percent (51%) of the time will be considered members of that household. Fifty-
one percent (51%) of the time is defined as one hundred eighty-three (183) days of the 

year and do not have to run consecutively. There will be a self-certification required of 
families who claim joint custody or temporary guardianship. 
When both parents share equal custody of the children, the parent whose address is 
listed in the school records will be allowed to claim the school-age child as a dependent. 
INCOME LIMITATIONS 
No family other than a low-income family is eligible for admissions to a PHA’s public 
housing program. HUD establishes income limits annually (by family size) for the area 
in which the PHA is located. Those considered low-income have income that is eighty 
percent (80%) or below the median income for that area. Annual income is compared 
to the income limit and is applied only at admission as a test for eligibility. Once 
admitted, a family is no longer subject to initial income limit requirements in order to 
retain eligibility, or for unit transfers. 
D. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS 
Families are required to provide verification of Social Security numbers for all family 
member’s age one (1) year and older prior to admission, if the Social Security 
Administration has issued them a number. This requirement also applies to persons 
joining the family after admission to the program. 
Applicants who disclose their Social Security number but do not provide verification of 
that number must apply to the Social Security Administration for a replacement card. 
No applicant will be approved for housing until the Socials Security number has been 
certified by the Social Security Administration and a Social Security card has been 
provided to the SHRA by the applicant for all household members who have been 
issued a social security number. Failure to furnish verification of social security 
numbers is grounds for denial of admission or termination of tenancy. 
Applicants who have not been issued a Social Security number must sign a certification 
that they have never been issued a Social Security number but will disclose the number 
if they do receive one at a later date. 
E. CITIZENSHIP/ELIGIBLE IMMIGRATION STATUS 
In order to receive assistance, a family member must be an U.S. citizen or eligible 
immigrant. Individuals who are neither may elect not to contend their status. Eligible 
immigrants are persons who are in one of the immigrant categories as specified by 
HUD. For the citizenship/eligible immigration requirement, the status of each member 
of the family is considered individually before the family's status is defined. 

MIXED FAMILIES 
A family is eligible for assistance as long as at least one member is a citizen or eligible 
immigrant. Families that include eligible and ineligible individuals are called "mixed 
families". Such applicant families will be given notice that their income-based 
assistance will be prorated and that they may request a hearing if they contest this 
determination. If such a family chooses flat rent, the flat rent will not be prorated if the 
flat rent is greater than the Public Housing Maximum Rent. If the Public Housing 
Maximum Rent is greater than the flat rent, and the family chooses flat rent, then the 
family’s maximum subsidy will be calculated and prorated. 
NON ELIGIBLE MEMBERS 
Applicant families that include no eligible members will be ineligible for assistance. 
Such families will be denied admission and offered an opportunity for a hearing. 
NON-CITIZEN STUDENTS 
Non–citizen students as defined by HUD in the non-citizen regulations are not eligible 
for assistance even if they marry an eligible individual 
VERIFICATION OF STATUS BEFORE ADMISSION 
The PHA will not provide assistance to families prior to the verification of eligibility for 
the individual or at least one member of the family pursuant to this section. 
Assistance to a family may not be delayed, denied or terminated on the basis of the 
family's ineligible immigration status unless and until the family completes all the 
verification and appeals processes to which they are entitled under both Immigration 
and Naturalization Services (INS) and PHA procedures, except for a pending PHA 
hearing. 
F. OTHER CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION 
In developing its admission policies the aim of the PHA is to attain a resident body 
composed of families with a broad range of incomes whose habits and practices will not 
be a detriment to other residents, and/or the surrounding community. . Therefore, it is 
the policy of the PHA to deny admission to applicants whose present or past habits and 
practices may reasonably be expected to increase the likelihood of interference with 
other residents’ right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises or may have an adverse 
effect on the health, safety and welfare of other residents. 

All applicants will be screened in accordance with HUD's regulations and the PHA’s 
Applicant Screening. The regulations require an assessment of the behavior of each 
applicant with respect to the essential obligations of tenancy as expressed in the 
Authority’s lease as summarized below. 
All applicants must demonstrate through an assessment of current and past behavior 
the ability: 
.. To pay rent and other charges as required by the lease in a timely manner 
.. To care for and avoid damaging the unit and common areas 
.. To use facilities, appliances and equipment in a reasonable way 
.. To create no health or safety hazards and to report maintenance needs in a 
timely manner 
.. Not to interfere with the rights and peaceful enjoyment of others and to avoid 
damaging the property of others 
.. Not to allow guests and visitors under the applicant’s control to engage in any 
activity that threatens the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of other 
residents or staff 
.. Not to engage in criminal activity or alcohol abuse that threatens the health, 
safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of other residents or staff and not to 
engage in drug-related or violent criminal activity on or off the PHA premises 
.. To comply with necessary and reasonable rules and program requirements of 
HUD and the PHA 
.. To comply with local health and safety codes 
Previous outstanding debts to this PHA or any PHA resulting from a previous tenancy in 
the Public Housing or Housing Choice Voucher (HCV, AKA: Section 8) programs must 
be paid in full or be resolved prior to admission. No re-payment agreement will be 
accepted. 
Head, spouse or co-head is responsible for the entire debt incurred as a previous PHA 
resident. Children of the head or spouse or co-head who had incurred a debt to the PHA 
will not be held responsible for the parent's previous debt. 
The PHA will conduct a detailed interview of all applicants. The interview form will 
contain questions designed to evaluate the qualifications of applicants to meet the 
essential requirements of tenancy. Interview responses will be subject to third party 
verification. 
Applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability and willingness to comply with the 
terms of the lease, either with or without assistance, and that they can demonstrate that 
they have or will have this ability and willingness at the time of admission. The 
availability of assistance is subject to verification by the PHA. 

The PHA does not permit a parent or legal guardian to co-sign the lease on the 
applicant’s behalf if the head of household is under eighteen (18) and, under State/local 
law, does not have the legal capacity to enter into a legally binding contract. 
As a part of the final eligibility determination, the PHA will screen each applicant 
household to assess their suitability as renters. The PHA shall rely upon sources of 
information which may include, but not be limited to: 
.. PHA records 
.. Personal interviews with the applicant or resident 
.. Credit check and unlawful detainer report 
.. Interviews with previous landlords, employer, family, social workers, clinics, 
physicians, parole officers, or the police department 
.. Criminal and court records 
.. Home visits 
Home visits may be conducted at the current residence of all applicants, as the PHA 
deems necessary, whenever there is a potential of instability, unfavorable landlord 
comments, or lack of prior landlord history. Applicants shall have at least two working 
days advance written notice of home visits. 
This will be done in order to determine whether the individual attributes, prior conduct, 
and behavior of a particular applicant are likely to interfere with other residents in such a 
manner as to diminish their enjoyment of the premises by adversely affecting their 
health, safety or welfare. 
The PHA's examination of relevant information pertaining to past and current habits or 
practices will include, but is not limited to, an assessment of: 
.. The applicant's past performance in meeting financial obligations, especially 
rent and utilities 
.. Eviction or a record of disturbance of neighbors sufficient to warrant a police 
call, destruction of property, or living or housekeeping habits at present or 
prior residences which may adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of 
other residents or neighbors 
.. History or pattern of repeated acts of criminal activity on the part of any 
applicant family member involving criminal acts, including drug-related 
criminal activity; 
.. History or pattern of repeated acts of violence on the part of an individual, or a 
pattern of conduct constituting a danger or interfering with the peaceful 
occupancy of neighbors 
.. History of initiating threats or behavior indicating intent to assault employees 
or other residents 
.. History or pattern of repeated acts of alcohol or substance abuse that would 
threaten the health, welfare, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by 
other residents 

The ability and willingness of an applicant to comply with the essential lease 
requirements will be verified and documented by the PHA. The information to be 
considered in the screening process shall be reasonably related to assessing the 
conduct of the applicant and other family members listed on the application in present 
and prior housing. 
The history of applicant conduct and behavior must demonstrate that the applicant 
family can reasonably be expected not to: 
.. Interfere with other residents in such a manner as to diminish their peaceful 
enjoyment of the premises by adversely affecting their health, safety, or 
welfare 
.. Adversely affect the physical environment or financial stability of the project 
.. Violate the terms and conditions of the lease 
.. Require services from PHA staff that would alter the fundamental nature of 
the PHA's program 
RENT PAYING HABITS 
The PHA will examine any records from a prior tenancy, and will request written 
references from the applicant's current landlord and may request written references 
from former landlords. 
Based upon these verifications, the PHA will determine if the applicant was chronically 
late with rent payments, was evicted at any time, for nonpayment of rent, or had other 
legal actions initiated against him/her for debts owed. Any of these circumstances may 
be grounds for an ineligibility determination, depending on any mitigating 
circumstances. 
SCREENING APPLICANTS WHO CLAIM MITIGATING CIRCUMSTANCES 
Mitigating circumstances are facts relating to the applicant's record of unsuitable rental 
history or behavior, which, when verified would indicate both: (1) the reason for the 
unsuitable rental history and/or behavior; and (2) that the reason for the unsuitable 
rental history and behavior is no longer in effect or is under control, and the applicant's 
prospect for lease compliance is an acceptable one, justifying admission. 
If unfavorable information is received about an applicant, consideration shall be given to 
the time, nature, and extent of the applicant's conduct and to factors that might indicate 
a reasonable probability of favorable future conduct. In order to be factored into the 
PHA's screening assessment of the applicant, mitigating circumstances must be 
verifiable. 
If the mitigating circumstances claimed by the applicant relate to a change in disability, 
medical condition or course of treatment, the PHA shall have the right to refer such 
information to persons who are qualified and knowledgeable to evaluate the evidence 

and to verify the mitigating circumstance. The PHA shall also have the right to request 
further information reasonably needed to verify the mitigating circumstance. Such 
inquiries will be limited to the information necessary to verify the mitigating 
circumstances or, in the case of a person with disabilities, to verify the need for a 
reasonable accommodation. 
Examples of Mitigating Circumstances 
.. Evidence of successful rehabilitation 
.. Evidence of the applicant family's participation in and completion of social 
service or other appropriate counseling service approved by the PHA 
.. Evidence of successful and sustained modification of previous disqualifying 
behavior 
Consideration of mitigating circumstances does not guarantee that the applicant will 
qualify for admission. 
Consideration of Rehabilitation 
When making determinations concerning applicant eligibility, PHA may consider 
whether the applicant household member in question can demonstrate that: 
.. They have successfully completed a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation 
program, are no longer engaging in illegal use of a controlled substance or 
abuse of alcohol, and have been “clean and sober” for a period of no less 
than twelve (12) months; or 
The Sacramento Housing Authority may make inquiries to a drug abuse treatment 
facility that are solely related to whether the applicant household member in question is 
currently engaging in the illegal use of a controlled substance in cases where: 
.. The Authority receives information from the criminal record of the applicant 
that indicates evidence of a prior arrest or conviction for such offense; or 
.. The Authority receives information from the records of prior tenancy of the 
applicant that demonstrates that the applicant engaged in the destruction of 
property; engaged in violent activity against another person; or interfered with 
the right of peaceful enjoyment of the premises of another tenant. 
For persons who previously have been evicted from public housing for drug-related or 
violent criminal activity, they must provide the PHA with verifiable evidence that the 
circumstances leading to the eviction no longer exist. 
DOCUMENTING FINDINGS 

An authorized representative of the PHA shall document any pertinent information 
received relative to the following: 
. Criminal Activity includes the activities listed in the definition of criminal 
activity in this chapter. 
. Pattern of Criminal Activity includes evidence of repeated criminal 
activities on the part of an individual, or a pattern of conduct, which might 
interfere with the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the 
premises by other residents. 
. Pattern of Violent Behavior includes evidence of repeated acts of violence 
on the part of an individual, or a pattern of conduct constituting a danger to 
peaceful occupancy of neighbors. 
. Pattern of Drug Use includes a determination by the PHA that the 
applicant has exhibited repeated acts of illegal use of a controlled 
substance, which might interfere with the health, safety, or right to 
peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents. 
. Drug Related Criminal Activity includes a determination by the PHA that 
the applicant has been involved in the illegal manufacture, sale, 
distribution, use or possession of a controlled substance. 
. Pattern of Alcohol Abuse includes a determination by the PHA that the 
applicant's repeated abuse of alcohol might interfere with the health, 
safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents. 
. Initiating Threats or behaving in a manner, which indicates intent to 
assault employees or other residents. 
. Abandonment of a Public Housing Unit without advising PHA officials so 
that staff may secure the unit and protect its property from vandalism. 
. Non-Payment of Rightful Obligations including rent and/or utilities and 
other charges owed to the PHA or any other PHA. 
. Falsifying an Application for Leasing including verbalizing or otherwise 
providing false information about family income and size, using an alias on 
the application for housing, or making any other material false statement 
or omission intended to mislead. 
. Record of Disturbances of Neighbors, Destruction of Property or Other 
Disruptive or Dangerous Behavior consists of patterns of behavior, which 
endanger the life, safety, or welfare of other persons by physical violence, 
gross negligence or irresponsibility. This also includes behavior which 
damages the equipment or premises in which the applicant resides, or 
which is seriously disturbing to neighbors or disrupts sound family and 
community life, indicating the applicant's inability to adapt to living in a 
multi-family setting. Furthermore, it includes judicial termination of tenancy 
in previous housing on the grounds of nuisance or objectionable conduct, 
or frequent loud parties, which have resulted in repeated disturbance of 
the neighbors. 
. Unsanitary or Hazardous Housekeeping includes the creation of a fire 
hazard through acts such as hoarding rags, papers, or other materials. It 

also includes severe damages to premises or equipment. When it is 
determined that the family is responsible for conditions that may affect 
neighbors by causing infestation and foul odors or depositing garbage in 
halls or other neglect of the premises, this may also be cause for denial. 
This category does not include families whose housekeeping is found to 
be superficially unclean or due to lack of orderliness, where such 
conditions do not create a problem for neighbors. 
. Whether Applicant or Resident is Capable of Maintaining the 
Responsibilities of Tenancy in the case of applicants for admission, the 
person's present living arrangements and a statement obtained from 
applicant's physician, social worker, or other health professional will be 
among factors considered in making this determination. The availability of 
a live-in attendant will be considered in making this determination. 
In the event of the receipt of unfavorable information with respect to an applicant, 
consideration shall be given to the time, nature, and extent of the applicant's conduct 
and to factors, which might indicate a reasonable probability of favorable future conduct 
or financial prospects. 
Applicants who are determined to be unqualified for admission will be promptly notified 
with a Notice of Denial of Admission stating the reason for the denial. The PHA shall 
provide applicants an opportunity for an informal hearing (see Chapter 13 - Complaints, 
Grievances, and Appeals). 
G. DENIAL OF ADMISSION FOR DRUG RELATED AND/OR OTHER CRIMINAL ACTIVITY 
PURPOSE 
All federally assisted housing is intended to provide a place to live and raise families, 
not a place to commit crime, to use or sell drugs or terrorize neighbors. It is the intent of 
the PHA of the City and County of Sacramento to fully endorse and implement a policy 
that is designed to help create and maintain a safe crime and drug-free community and 
keep our program participants free from threats to their personal and family safety. 
ADMINISTRATION 
All screening procedures shall be administered fairly and in such a way as not to 
discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, religion, sex, familial status, 
disability or against other legally protected groups, and not to violate right to privacy. 
To the maximum extent possible, the PHA will involve other community and 
governmental entities in the promotion and enforcement of this policy. 
This policy will be posted on the bulletin boards of the PHA's area management offices 
and copies made readily available to applicants and residents upon request. 

SCREENING FOR DRUG ABUSE AND OTHER CRIMINAL ACTIVITY 
In an effort to prevent drug related and other criminal activity, as well as other patterns 
of behavior that pose a threat to the health, safety or the right to peaceful enjoyment of 
the premises by other residents, the PHA will endeavor to screen applicants thoroughly 
and fairly. 
Obtaining summary criminal history information for the purpose of screening a 
prospective participant/applicant includes: 
.. Any information concerning any arrest, conviction or release from custody 
that occurred within at least the past seven (7) years by applicants. Any 
information regarding a pattern or repeated acts of criminal or drug related 
behavior that occurred within at least the past seven (7) years by applicants 
.. Any felony offense that involved any activity related to controlled substances 
or alcoholic beverages within at least the past seven (7) years [CA Penal 
Code § 1105.3] 
.. In evaluating evidence of negative past behavior, the PHA will give fair 
consideration to the seriousness of the activity with respect to how it would 
affect other residents, and/or likelihood of favorable conduct in the future 
which could be supported by evidence of rehabilitation 
SECURITY AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK 
The PHA will verify any involvement in criminal activity on the part of any applicant 
family or household member who intends to reside in the PHA leased premises: 
.. Applicants will be advised at the time of intake and at the start of the 
screening interview that criminal behavior will jeopardize admission to a PHA 
community. Criminal activity that occurs while an applicant’s family is on the 
PHA's waiting list will result in PHA’s decision to reject an applicant family. 
.. Involvement in criminal activity by any member of an applicant family or 
household member that would adversely affect the health, safety or welfare of 
other tenants will be verified using information from the criminal records 
system of the City and County of Sacramento, the State of California, and the 
federal National Crime Information Center (the "NCIC"). The PHA will also 
examine criminal histories provided by other States or municipalities, court 
records, and other evidence that might document any criminal activity. In 
addition, the current and former landlords and housing providers will be asked 
to indicate problems during the applicant’s tenancy. The Authority will review 
police reports for any criminal activity during the seven (7) year period prior to 
consideration for admission. 
.. The PHA will use a third party service to check criminal history. 

.. The PHA will use the criminal records system of the City and County of 
Sacramento, the State of California, the NCIC, and other states and/or 
municipalities to check all applicants for any evidence of: 
(1) Any and all information relative to any criminal convictions or 
activity, both felonies and misdemeanors within the past seven (7) 
years; 
(2) Any and all information relative to any criminal charges that are 
currently pending before the court of the State of California or any 
jurisdiction, including the federal courts; 
(3) Lifetime sex offender registration requirement for any household 
member. The PHA will check in California and any other states 
where any family member is known to have resided. 
.. The criminal records system shall be used to assess the applicant's past 
behavior especially the commission of violent crimes, drug related criminal 
activity of any kind, disturbance of neighbors, or destruction of property 
.. Without substantial evidence of mitigating circumstances (including serving 
jail time and rehabilitation) the PHA will not admit persons engaging in any 
criminal activity violating state and/or federal law 
.. Examples of criminal offenses that will be considered include, but are not 
limited to: felonies, disturbing the peace, drunk and disorderly conduct, 
threats or harassment, domestic violence, including actual or threatened 
violence toward members of an applicant household, assaults, destruction of 
property, vandalism, citations for health and sanitary code violation, 
possession of an unlawful weapon, criminal damage, arson, and home 
invasion 
.. In applying the above provisions, the PHA will consider the nature of the 
offense and any mandatory penalties in accordance with state and federal law 
.. Documentation of any of the following criminal activity by any applicant family 
or household member who intends to reside in the PHA leased premises may 
result in rejection of the applicant family. Documentation of such activity may 
be considered alone or in conjunction with other criminal activity such as: 
(1) Use, distribution, or possession of illegal drugs by an applicant 
family or household member who intends to reside in the PHA 
leased premises 
(2) Documentation from the criminal records system, or other 
verification of criminal activity, that shows a history of property-
related crimes such as, but not limited to, burglary, robbery, 
larceny, weapon charges, and possession and receipt of stolen 
goods 

(3) Documentation from the criminal records system, or other 
verification of criminal activity, that shows a history of crimes that 
endanger the health or safety of others such as assault, battery, 
public intoxication (drunk & disorderly), prostitution 
(4) Documentation from the criminal records system, or other 
verification of criminal activity, that shows a history of crimes that 
endanger the health or safety of others such as homicide/murder, 
rape, child molestation, spousal or child abuse, or drug related 
crimes as referenced 
STANDARD FOR VIOLATION 
The PHA will deny admission to the program to applicants for five (5) years from the 
date of eviction if a household member has been evicted from federally assisted 
housing for drug-related criminal activity. However, the PHA may admit the household if 
the PHA determines: 
.. That the evicted household member who engaged in drug-related criminal 
activity has successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program 
approved by the PHA and has met the rehabilitation standard set forth in this 
policy 
.. That the circumstances leading to eviction no longer exist 
The PHA will deny admission to the program to applicants for five (5) years from the 
date of arrest, if convicted, or if incarcerated for one year or more, the date the applicant 
completed his/her sentence due to drug-related and other criminal activity that pose a 
threat to the health, safety or the right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other 
residents. 
The PHA will deny admission to the program, applicants either currently on parole or 
probation or whose parole or probation release is within 12 months of the date of 
application. 
The PHA will deny participation in the program to applicants where the PHA determines 
there is reasonable cause to believe that the person is illegally using a controlled 
substance or engages in drug-related or other criminal activity. The same will apply if it 
is determined that the person abuses alcohol in a way that may interfere with the health, 
safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents. This includes 
cases where the PHA determines that there is a pattern or repeated acts of illegal use 
of controlled substances or a pattern or repeated acts of alcohol abuse. 
The PHA will consider the illegal use of a controlled substance or alcohol abuse to be a 
pattern if there is more than one incident, during the previous 18 months, that may 
interfere or threaten the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of the public 
housing premises by other residents or employees of the PHA. 

In evaluating evidence or a pattern of negative past behavior, the PHA will give fair 
consideration to the seriousness of the activity with respect to how it would affect other 
residents, and/or likelihood of favorable conduct in the future which could be supported 
by evidence of rehabilitation. 
No family member may have engaged in or threatened abusive or violent behavior 
toward PHA personnel at any time. 
No family member may have committed fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal 
act in connection with any federal housing program in the last five (5) years. 
EVIDENCE 
The PHA must have credible evidence of the violation. 
Credible evidence may be obtained from police and/or court records. Testimony from 
neighbors, when combined with other factual evidence can be considered credible 
evidence. Other credible evidence includes documentation of drug raids or arrest 
warrants and evidence gathered by PHA inspectors and/or investigators. The PHA may 
pursue fact-finding efforts as needed to obtain credible evidence. 
CONFIDENTIALITY OF CRIMINAL RECORDS 
The PHA will ensure that any criminal record received is maintained confidentially, not 
misused or improperly disseminated, and destroyed once the purpose for which it was 
requested is accomplished or in accordance with HUD regulation. 
If the family is determined eligible for initial or continued assistance, the PHA's copy of 
the criminal report shall be shredded as soon as the information is no longer needed for 
eligibility or continued assistance determination. If the family's assistance is denied or 
terminated, the criminal record information shall be shredded immediately upon 
completion of the review or hearing procedures and a final decision has been made. 
The PHA will document in the family's file that the family was denied admission or the 
tenancy was terminated due to findings in the Criminal History Report. 
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL RECORDS TO FAMILY 
Before the PHA takes any adverse action based on a criminal conviction record, upon 
request, the applicant will be provided with a copy of the criminal record and an 
opportunity to dispute the record. 
RECOMMENDATION OF ADMISSION OR REJECTION 
Recommendation for admission or rejection will be based on the aforementioned criteria 
in this section. 

SUPERVISORY REVIEW AND HEARINGS 
If information is revealed that would cause the PHA to deny admission to the household 
and the person disputes the information, s/he shall be given an opportunity for an 
informal hearing according to the PHA's hearing procedures outlined in Chapter 13 – 
Complaints, Grievances and Appeals. The applicant must request the informal review 
no later than ten (10) days after receipt of the notification. 
Difficult cases will be referred to the Eligibility Supervisor for further review and 
determination. 

CHAPTER 3 
APPLYING FOR ADMISSION 
INTRODUCTION 
The policy of the PHA is to ensure that all families who express an interest in housing 
assistance are given an equal opportunity to apply, and are treated in a fair and 
consistent manner. This chapter describes the policies and procedures for completing 
an initial application for assistance, placement and denial of placement on the waiting 
list, and limitations on who may apply. The primary purpose of the intake function is to 
gather information about the family, but the PHA will also utilize this process to provide 
information to the family so that an accurate and timely decision of eligibility can be 
made. Applicants will be placed on the waiting list in accordance with this policy. 
APPLICATION PROCESS 
The application process is as follows: 
.. The pre-application will be recorded by date and time received 
.. The “initial” or pre-application is used to determine the family’s placement on the 
waiting list 
- Applications submitted during a waitlist opening during which a lottery selection 
system has been used will be maintained and pulled from the waitlist through a 
computerized random selection process 
.. The "final determination of eligibility for admission" (referred as the full application) 
takes place when the family reaches the top of the waiting list. At this time the PHA 
ensures that verification of all HUD and PHA eligibility factors is current, in order to 
determine the family’s eligibility for an offer of a suitable unit 
A. OVERVIEW OF PRE-APPLICATION PROCESS 
PRE-APPLICATION 
Families who wish to apply for any of the PHA’s programs must complete a written 
preliminary application (pre-application) when the waiting list is open. The information is 
to be filled out by the applicant whenever possible. To provide specific accommodation 

for persons with disabilities, a staff person may complete the information over the 
telephone. It may also be mailed to the applicant and, if requested, it will be mailed in an 
accessible format. 
Pre-applications will not require interviews. Information on the application will not be 
verified until the applicant has been selected for final eligibility determination. Final 
eligibility will be determined when the full application process is completed and all 
information is verified. 
The purpose of the pre-application is to permit the PHA to preliminarily assess family 
eligibility or ineligibility and to determine placement on the waiting list. 
Applications will be accepted at central location(s) for all waiting lists. 
Unless Admissions is collecting family income information for income limits verification 
purposes and/or reviewing the pre-application for criminal activity that would prevent 
program participation, the pre-application does not preliminarily determine eligibility. 
NOTIFICATION OF PRELIMINARY STATUS 
After a review of the pre-application a written notification of preliminary eligibility will be 
mailed to the applicant by first class mail. 
If the family is determined to be eligible, they will be placed on the waiting list, based on 
the date and time of application and any claimed preferences. 
If the family is determined to be ineligible based on the information provided in the pre-
application, the PHA will notify the family in writing (in an accessible format upon 
request as a reasonable accommodation), state the reason(s), and inform them of their 
right to an informal review. Persons with disabilities may request to have an advocate 
attend the informal review as an accommodation. (See Chapter 13 - Complaints, 
Grievances and Appeals) 
APPLICANT STATUS WHILE ON WAITING LIST 
Applicants are required to inform the PHA in writing, within thirty (30) days of changes in 
family composition, income, and address, as well as any changes in their preference 
status. Applicants are also required to respond to requests from the PHA to update 
information on their application, or to determine their continued interest in assistance. 
Failure to provide information or to respond to mailings will result in the applicant being 
removed from the waiting list. (See Chapter 13 - Complaints, Grievances and Appeals) 
STATUS OF THE WAITING LISTS 
The PHA, at its discretion, may restrict application intake, suspend application intake, 
and close waiting lists in whole or in part. 

The open period shall be long enough to achieve a waiting list adequate to cover 
projected turnover and new allocations over the next twenty-four (24) months. 
The PHA will update the waiting list periodically by removing the names of those 
families who are no longer interested or cannot be reached by mail. At the time of initial 
intake, the PHA will advise families of their responsibility to notify the PHA when 
changes in family composition, income, mailing address, telephone numbers and/or 
when other changes occur. 
When the PHA opens the waiting list, the PHA will advertise through public notice in the 
following newspapers, minority publications and media entities: 
.. Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Observer, El Hispano, Hmong Women’s Heritage, 
Thang Mo Magazine, and Vesti, LLC 
.. City and County offices 
.. Sacramento City Council and Sacramento County Board of Supervisors 
The notices will be made in an accessible format if requested. They will provide 
potential applicants with information that includes the PHA address and telephone 
number, how to submit an application, information on eligibility requirements and the 
availability of local preferences. 
Upon request from a person with a disability, additional time will be given as an 
accommodation for submission of an application after the closing deadline. This 
accommodation is to allow persons with disabilities the opportunity to submit an 
application in cases when a social service organization provides inaccurate or untimely 
information about the closing date. 
The PHA may stop the acceptance of applications if there are enough applicants to fill 
anticipated openings for the next twenty-four (24) months. The waiting list may not be 
closed if it would have a discriminatory effect inconsistent with applicable civil rights 
laws. The PHA will give at least thirty (30) calendar days notice prior to closing the list. 
When the period for accepting applications is over, the PHA will add the new applicants 
to the list by separating the new applicants into groups based on bedroom size, unit 
type, preferences and date and time of application. 
The PHA will announce the closing of the waiting list by public notice as previously 
described. 
B. COMPLETION OF A FULL APPLICATION 
When the PHA is ready to select pre-applicants from the waiting list, the PHA will send 
the applicant a letter notifying him/her of an orientation. Applicants will be required to 
complete a full application in his or her own handwriting, unless assistance is needed, 

or a person with a disability makes a request for accommodation. Applicants will then 
be interviewed by PHA staff to review the information on the full application form. 
Verification of disability as it relates to 504, Fair Housing, or ADA reasonable 
accommodation will be requested at this time. The full application will also include 
questions asking all applicants whether reasonable accommodations are necessary. 
The qualification for preference(s) must exist at the time the preference is verified 
regardless of the length of time that an applicant has been on the waiting list because 
the preference is based on current status. 
The full application will be mailed as an accommodation to a person with a disability or 
at the discretion of the PHA. 
REQUIREMENT TO ATTEND INTERVIEW 
The PHA utilizes the full application interview to discuss the family’s circumstances in 
greater detail, to clarify information, which has been provided by the family, and to 
ensure that the information is complete. The interview is also used as a vehicle to meet 
the informational needs of the family by providing information about the application and 
verification process, as well as to advise the family of other PHA services or programs, 
which may be available. 
All adult members are required to attend the interview and sign the housing application. 
Exceptions may be made for adult students attending school out of state or for 
members for whom attendance would be a hardship, on a case by case basis. 
If the head of household cannot attend the interview due to a disability, a reasonable 
accommodation may be made. The head of household, however, will be required to 
certify by signature that all the information is complete and accurate. The head of 
household will be responsible for the application. 
If the applicant fails to appear for a pre-scheduled appointment, the PHA will 
automatically schedule a second appointment. If the applicant misses the second 
appointment without prior approval, the application is removed from the waiting list. 
If the application is removed from the waiting list due to the applicant’s failure to attend 
the full application interview, the applicant will be notified in writing and offered an 
opportunity to request an informal review. (See Chapter 13 - Complaints, Grievances 
and Appeals) 
Applicants that do not return after the interview with the application booklet and/or 
supporting documentation within ten (10) days of their interview will have their case 
closed for lack of verification. A notice will be mailed to the applicant. It is the 
applicant’s responsibility to contact the PHA within ten (10) days to request: (1) to be 
placed back on the wait list, or (2) ask for another opportunity to bring back the 
application booklet with supporting documentation (another ten (10) days may be 
granted with a valid reason or emergency). 

Being incarcerated is not a valid emergency. Notices to applicant will include 
applicant’s hearing rights. 
A reasonable accommodation will be made for persons with a disability that requires an 
advocate or accessible offices. A designee will be allowed to participate in the interview 
process, but only with permission of the person with a disability. 
All adult members must sign the HUD Form 9886, Release of Information, the 
application form and all supplemental forms required by the PHA, the declarations and 
consents related to citizenship/immigration status and any other documents required by 
the PHA. Applicants will be required to sign specific verification forms for information, 
which is not covered, by the HUD form 9886. Failure to do so will be cause for denial of 
the application for failure to provide necessary certifications and release as required by 
the PHA. 
Every adult household member must sign a consent form to release criminal conviction 
records and to allow the PHA to receive records and use them in accordance with HUD 
regulations. 
If the PHA determines at or after the interview that additional information or document(s) 
are needed, the PHA will request the document(s) or information in writing. The family 
will be given ten (10) days to supply the information. 
If the information is not supplied in this time period or if an extension is not requested 
and granted, the PHA will provide the family a notification of denial of assistance. (See 
"Complaints and Appeals" chapter 13) 
VERIFICATION 
Information provided by the applicant will be verified, using the verification procedures in 
the “Verification Procedures” chapter. Family composition, income, allowances and 
deductions, assets, full-time student status, eligibility and rent calculation factors, and 
other pertinent information will be verified. Verified information that is less than 120 
days old at the time of admission is considered current and need not be re-verified. 
C. FINAL DETERMINATION AND NOTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY 
After the verification process is completed, the PHA will make a final determination of 
eligibility. This decision is based upon information provided by the family, the verification 
completed by the PHA and the resident suitability determination. (see Chapter 2 – 
Eligibility for Admission) 
Because HUD can make changes in rules or regulations and family circumstances may 
have changed during the review process that affect an applicant’s eligibility, it is 
necessary to make final eligibility determination. 

The household is not actually eligible for a unit offer until this final determination has 
been made, even though they may have been preliminarily determined eligible and may 
have been listed on the waiting list and moved to the wait pool. 
The PHA will make every effort to accurately estimate an approximate date of 
occupancy. However, the date given by the PHA does not mean that applicants should 
expect to be housed by that date. The availability of a suitable unit to offer a family is 
contingent upon factors not directly controlled by the PHA, such as turnover rates, and 
market demands as they affect bedroom sizes and project location. 

CHAPTER 4 
RESIDENT SELECTION AND ASSIGNMENT PLAN 
INTRODUCTION 
This chapter describes the PHA’s policies with regard to local preferences, 
management of waiting lists, and the number of unit offers that will be made to qualified 
applicants selected from the wait pool. PHA policies will be followed consistently and 
will affirmatively further HUD’s fair housing goals. 
It is the PHA’s policy that each applicant shall be assigned an appropriate place on a 
jurisdiction-wide waiting list and/or on the waiting list for the developments in which the 
applicant wishes to reside. Applicants will be listed in sequence based upon the waiting 
list guidelines stated below. In filling an actual or expected vacancy, the PHA will offer 
the dwelling unit to an applicant in the appropriate sequence. 
A. MANAGEMENT OF THE WAITING LIST 
The PHA will administer its waiting list as required by 24 CFR Part 5, Part 945 and 960 
Subparts A and B. The waiting list will be maintained in accordance with the following 
guidelines: 
.. The application will be a permanent file 
.. The list will state the family name and family type 
.. The list will state the racial and ethnic designations of the head of household 
.. All applicants in the wait pool will be maintained in order of preference and in 
order of date and time of application receipt 
.. Applications equal in preference will be maintained by date and time 
sequence 
.. Applicants will be listed by size and type of unit required 
All applicants must meet applicable income eligibility requirements as established by 
HUD. 
.. Applications submitted during a waitlist opening during which a lottery 
selection system has been used will be maintained and pulled from the 
waitlist through a computerized random selection process 
By maintaining an accurate waiting list, the PHA will be able to perform the activities, 
which ensure that an adequate pool of qualified applicants will be available to fill unit 
vacancies in a timely manner. Based on the PHA’s turnover and the availability of 
appropriate sized units, groups of families will be selected from the waiting list to form a 

final eligibility “wait pool”. Selection from the “wait pool” will be in order of the date and 
time of the completion of verification. 
TYPES OF WAITING LISTS 
This PHA may maintain the following types of wait lists: 
.. Mixed Population 
.. General Occupancy 
.. Designated Elderly 
.. Designated Disabled 
.. Site-based 
.. Accessible Units 
APPLYING TO MULTIPLE WAIT LISTS 
A family may put their name on multiple wait lists but when the family is admitted to a 
public housing site, they will be taken off all other public housing waiting lists. If they are 
on the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list they may remain on that list while being 
housed in public housing. 
Applicants accepting a rental unit in public housing may significantly delay their 
selection from the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list. This is due to the fifty 
percent (50%) rent burden preference established for the HCV program. 
B. SITE-BASED WAITING LISTS 
If the PHA establishes site-based waiting lists, both current and new applicants may 
choose which site-based waiting list they wish to be placed on, regardless of their 
application site. 
When there are insufficient applicants on a site-based waiting list, the PHA will contact 
applicants on all other waiting lists who may qualify for the type of housing with 
insufficient applicants. "Insufficient applicants" on a list will be defined as not enough 
families to fill vacancies for at least three (3) months, based on anticipated turnover at 
the development. 
Every reasonable action will be taken by the PHA to assure that applicants can make 
informed choices regarding the development(s) in which they wish to reside. The PHA 
will disclose information to applicants regarding the location of available sites, 
occupancy number and size of accessible units. The PHA will also include basic 
information relative to amenities such as day care, security, transportation, training 
programs, and an estimate of the period of time that the applicant will likely have to wait 
to be admitted to units of different types. 

MONITORING SITE-BASED WAITING LISTS 
The system of site-based waiting lists will be carefully monitored to assure that civil 
rights and fair housing are affirmatively furthered. In order to monitor the site-based 
waiting lists the PHA will: 
.. Self-monitor its system of site-based waiting lists at least biannually to assure 
that racial steering does not occur. If the PHA’s biannual analysis of its site-
based waiting list indicates that a pattern of racial steering is or may be 
occurring, the PHA will take corrective action 
.. At least every three years, use independent testers to ensure that applicants are 
not treated differently based upon race or ethnicity, and that no patterns of 
discrimination exist 
.. Assess changes in racial, ethnic or disability-related resident composition at each 
PHA site that has occurred during the implementation of the site-based waiting 
lists. Each year the PHA will make this assessment based on PIH Information 
Center (PIC) data that has been confirmed to be complete and accurate by an 
independent public auditor. 
C. ASSIGNMENT OF UNITS DESIGNATED FOR THE ELDERLY, DISABLED, OR MIXED USE 
In accordance with the 1992 Housing Act, families with a head, spouse, co-head or sole 
member who qualifies as a person who is elderly, disabled, or near elderly as defined in 
24 CFR 945.105 will be offered admission to buildings/units that are designated as 
elderly only, disabled only or mixed use for the elderly and disabled subject to a HUD-
approved allocation plan. 
ELDERLY, NEAR ELDERLY, AND DISABLED 
Elderly families are defined as families whose head, spouse, co-head, or sole member 
is at least sixty-two (62) years of age. Disabled families are defined as families whose 
head or spouse or sole member is a person with disabilities. A near elderly family is a 
family whose head, spouse, co-head or sole member is at least fifty (50) years of age 
but below sixty-two (62) years of age. 
DESIGNATED HOUSING PLAN 
Until such time as HUD approves a development as designated elderly /near elderly 
only, the PHA will continue to fill vacancies with the next eligible applicant on the waiting 
list who accepts a unit offer, regardless of age. 
After Resident Advisory Board and PHA Board of Commissioners review and HUD 
approval of a designated plan for elderly/near elderly only housing, the PHA will fill 
vacancies at designated developments with elderly and near elderly families only. 

Younger disabled families who currently reside in developments approved for 
elderly/near elderly designed housing will be relocated on a voluntary basis only. 
All PHA local preferences apply to elderly, disabled and near-elderly applicants. 
MIXED POPULATION 
A mixed population development is reserved for elderly, near elderly, and disabled 
families. Elderly, near elderly, and disabled families are given equal preference in 
admission. The PHA does not establish a limit on the number of elderly, near elderly, or 
disabled families accepted in a mixed population development. 
D. GENERAL OCCUPANCY UNITS 
General occupancy units are designed to house all populations of eligible families. In 
accordance with the PHA’s occupancy standards, eligible families not needing units 
designed with special features or units designed for special populations will be admitted 
to the PHA’s general occupancy units. 
E. ACCESSIBLE UNITS 
The PHA has units designed for persons with mobility, sight and hearing impairments, 
referred to as accessible units. No non-mobility-impaired families will be offered these 
units until all eligible mobility-impaired applicants have been considered. 
Before offering a vacant accessible unit to a non-disabled applicant, the PHA will offer 
such units: 
.. First, to a current occupant of another unit of the same development, or other 
public housing developments under the PHA’s control who has a disability 
that requires the special features of the vacant unit 
.. Second, to an eligible qualified applicant in the waiting pool having a disability 
that requires the special features of the vacant unit 
When offering an accessible/adaptable unit to a non-disabled applicant, the PHA will 
require the applicant to agree to move to an available non-accessible unit within thirty 
(30) days when either a current resident or an applicant needs the features of the unit 
and there is another unit available for the applicant. (see Chapter 9 - Leasing) 
F. OFFER OF PLACEMENT ON THE HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER (HCV) WAITING LIST 
If the PHA maintains separate lists for its Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher 
programs, the PHA will offer to place the family on both lists. If the public housing 

waiting list is open at the time an applicant applies for the HCV Program, the PHA will 
offer to place the family on the public housing waiting list. However, the PHA may 
merge its waiting lists for all programs. 
G. REMOVAL FROM WAITING LIST AND PURGING 
The waiting list will be purged at least periodically by a mailing to all applicants to 
ensure that the waiting list is current and accurate. The mailing will ask for current 
information and confirmation of continued interest. 
If an applicant fails to respond within thirty (30) days the applicant will be removed from 
the waiting list. If a letter is returned by the Post Office without a forwarding address, the 
applicant will be removed without further notice and the envelope and letter will be 
maintained in the file. 
If an applicant is removed from the waiting list for failure to respond, they will not be 
entitled to reinstatement unless a person with a disability requests a reasonable 
accommodation for being unable to reply with the prescribed period. 
The PHA allows a grace period of one hundred and ninety (90) days after completion of 
the purge. Applicants who respond during this grace period will be reinstated. 
The PHA may also remove a name from the waiting list for the following reasons: 
.. Applicant requests it 
.. Applicant was clearly advised of a requirement to notify the PHA of his/her 
continued interest by a particular time and failed to do so 
.. PHA has made reasonable efforts to contact the applicant to determine if 
there is continued interest, but has been unsuccessful 
.. PHA has notified the applicant of its intention to remove the applicant’s name 
because of ineligibility 
H. WAITING LIST PREFERENCES 
A preference does not guarantee admission to the program. Preferences are used to 
establish the order of placement on the waiting list. Every applicant must meet the 
PHA’s selection criteria as defined in this policy. 
The PHA’s preference system will work in combination with requirements to match the 
characteristics for the family to the type of unit available, including units with targeted 
populations, and further deconcentration of poverty in public housing. When such 
matching is required or permitted by current law, the PHA will give preference to 
qualified families. 

The PHA uses the following local preferences: 
(2 Points) Involuntary Displacement: Families displaced by government action 
through no fault of their own or families displaced by a natural disaster 
recognized by the Federal government (i.e. flood, earthquake, fire) and 
documented by the local Building Department or Board of Health will be granted 
this preference. Displaced by government action also includes families wishing to 
reside in Public Housing, who were displaced from the Housing Choice Voucher 
program due to lack of funding. 
All other applicants that do not qualify for any preference will be placed on the waiting 
list by the date and time of application. Families with equal preference points will be 
contacted to complete the full application in order of date and time of placement on the 
waiting list. Families who reach the top of the waiting list will be contacted by the PHA 
to complete a full application at which time their preference will be verified. 
An applicant may not be granted any preference if any member of the family has been 
evicted from any federally assisted housing during the past five (5) years because of 
drug-related or violent criminal activity. The PHA may grant an exception to such a 
family if the responsible member has successfully completed a rehabilitation program. 
I. PREFERENCE DENIAL 
If the preference verification indicates that an applicant does not qualify for the 
preference, the applicant will be returned to the waiting list and ranked without the local 
preference. Applicants may exercise other rights if they believe they have been 
discriminated against. 
If the applicant falsifies documents or makes false statements in order to qualify for any 
preference, they will be removed from the waiting list with notification to the family. 
CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES 
Changes in an applicant’s circumstances while on the waiting list may affect the family’s 
entitlement to a preference. Applicants are required to notify the PHA in writing when 
their circumstances change. When an applicant claims an additional preference, the 
applicant will be placed on the waiting list in the proper order of their newly claimed 
preference. 
J. SPECIAL ADMISSIONS
When HUD awards a PHA program funding that is targeted for families, the PHA will 
admit these families under a special admission procedure. Special admissions families 
will be admitted outside of the regular waiting list process. They do not have to qualify 

for any preferences, nor are they required to be on the program waiting list. The PHA 
maintains separate records of these admissions. 
The following are examples of types of program funding that may be designated by 
HUD for families living in a specified unit: 
.. A family displaced because of demolition or disposition of a public or Indian 
housing project 
.. A family residing in a multifamily rental housing project when HUD sells, 
forecloses or demolishes the project 
.. For housing covered by the Low Income Housing Preservation and Resident 
Home-ownership Act of 1990 
.. A family residing in a project covered by a project-based Section 8 HAP contract 
at or near the end of the HAP contract term 
.. A non-purchasing family residing in a HOPE 1 or HOPE 2 project 
Applicants who are admitted under special admissions, rather than from the waiting list, 
are identified by codes in the automated system. 
K. MATCHING UNIT AND FAMILY CHARACTERISTICS 
Factors such as unit size, accessible features, de-concentration or income mixing, 
income targeting, or units in housing designated for the elderly limit the admission of 
families to those characteristics that “match” the characteristics and features of the 
available vacant unit. 
By matching unit and family characteristics, it is possible that some families in the 
waiting pool may receive an offer of housing ahead of families with an earlier date and 
time of application. 
Any admission mandated by court order related to desegregation or Fair Housing and 
Equal Opportunity will take precedence over the preference system. Other admissions 
required by court order will also take precedence over the preference system. 
L. INCOME TARGETING 
The PHA will monitor its admissions to ensure that at least forty percent (40%) of 
families admitted to public housing in each fiscal year shall have incomes that do not 
exceed thirty percent (30%) of area median income of the PHA’s jurisdiction. 
Hereafter families whose incomes do not exceed thirty percent (30%) of area median 
income will be referred to as "extremely low-income families". 

The PHA shall have the discretion, at least annually, to exercise the “fungibility” 
provision of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act (QHWRA) by admitting 
less than forty percent (40%) of “extremely low-income families” to public housing in a 
fiscal year, to the extent that the PHA has provided more than seventy-five percent 
(75%) of newly available vouchers and certificates to “extremely low-income families.” 
This fungibility provision discretion by the PHA is also reflected in the PHA’s 
administrative plan. 
The fungibility credits will be used to drop the annual requirement below forty percent 
(40%) of admissions to public housing for extremely low-income families by the lowest 
of the following amounts: 
.. The number of units equal to ten percent (10%) of the number of newly available 
vouchers and certificates in the fiscal year 
.. The number of public housing units that: (1) are in public housing developments 
located in census tracts having a poverty rate of thirty percent (30%) or more, and 
(2) are made available for occupancy by and actually occupied in that year by, 
families other than extremely low-income families. 
THE FUNGIBILITY FLOOR 
Regardless of the above two amounts, in a fiscal year, at least thirty percent (30%) of 
the PHA’s admissions to public housing will be to extremely low-income families. The 
fungibility floor is the number of units that cause the PHA’s overall requirement for 
housing extremely low-income families to drop to thirty percent (30%) of its newly 
available units. Fungibility shall only be utilized if the PHA is anticipated to fall short of 
its forty percent (40%) goal for new admissions to public housing. 
COMBINING LOW AND VERY LOW-INCOME FAMILY ADMISSIONS 
Once the PHA has met the forty percent (40%) targeted income requirement for new 
admissions of extremely low-income families, the PHA will fill the remaining sixty 
percent (60%) of its new admission units with both low and very low-income families. 
M. DE-CONCENTRATION OF POVERTY AND INCOME-MIXING 
The PHA’s admission policy is designed to provide for de-concentration of poverty and 
income mixing by bringing higher income residents into lower income projects and lower 
income residents into higher income projects. 
Gross annual income is used for income limits at admission and for income-mixing 
purposes. 

Skipping of a family on the waiting list specifically to reach another family with a lower or 
higher income is not to be considered an adverse action to the family. Such skipping will 
be uniformly applied until the target threshold is met. 
The PHA will gather data and analyze, at least annually, the resident characteristics of 
its public housing stock, including information regarding resident incomes, to assist in 
the PHA's de-concentration efforts. 
The PHA will use the gathered resident income information in its assessment of its 
public housing developments to determine the appropriate designation to be assigned 
to the project for the purpose of assisting the PHA in its de-concentration goals. 
DE-CONCENTRATION AND INCOME-MIXING GOALS 
Admission policies related to the de-concentration efforts of the PHA do not impose 
specific quotas. Therefore, the PHA will not set specific quotas, but will strive to achieve 
de-concentration and income mixing in its developments. 
DEVELOPMENT DESIGNATION METHODOLOGY 
The PHA’s goal is to have eligible families having higher incomes occupy dwelling units 
in developments predominantly occupied by eligible families having lower incomes, and 
eligible families having lower incomes occupy dwelling units in developments 
predominantly occupied by eligible families having higher incomes. 
Families having lower incomes include very low and extremely low-income families. 
Skipping of families for de-concentration purposes will be applied uniformly to all 
families. 
INCOME LIMIT METHOD 
The PHA will compare the gross annual income of all families in all multi-unit 
developments to the jurisdiction’s income limits. 
The PHA will designate as higher income developments those developments where 
twenty percent (20%) or more of the families residing in the development have incomes 
at or above the low-income limit eighty percent (80%) of area median income. 
The PHA will designate as lower income developments those developments where 
eighty percent (80%) or more of the families residing in the development have incomes 
at or below the extremely low and very low-income families. 
PHA INCENTIVES FOR HIGHER AND LOWER INCOME FAMILIES 
The PHA may offer certain incentives to higher and lower income families willing to 
move into higher or lower income projects. The PHA will not take any adverse action 

against any family declining an offer by the PHA to move into a higher or lower income 
project. 
N. PLAN FOR UNIT OFFERS 
The PHA plan for selection of applicants and assignment of dwelling units to assure 
equal opportunity and non-discrimination on grounds of race, color, sex, religion, or 
national origin is: 
.. Two offers- The applicant shall be offered a suitable unit in the location with 
the higher number of vacancies, oldest vacancy first. If the first offer is 
rejected, a final offer will be made at another location. 
.. One offer- Upon approval by HUD of designated elderly housing 
developments, only one offer to a designated elderly unit will be permitted for 
an approved designated elderly applicant. 
If more than one unit of the appropriate type and size is available, the first unit to be 
offered will be the oldest vacancy first. 
The PHA will maintain a record of units offered and accepted or turned down. 
O. CHANGES PRIOR TO UNIT OFFER 
Changes that occur prior to the applicant’s acceptance of a unit may affect the family’s 
eligibility, number of bedrooms needed, and/or total tenant payment (TTP). Changes in 
family composition, status, or income between the time of the interview and the offer of 
a unit will be processed. If the family is subsequently determined ineligible, the 
applicant will be notified in writing of changes in their eligibility or level of benefits and 
offered their right to an informal hearing when applicable (see Chapter 13 - 
Complaints, Grievances, and Appeals). 
P. APPLICANT STATUS AFTER FINAL UNIT OFFER 
When an applicant rejects the final unit offer the PHA will remove the applicant’s name 
from the waiting list. Removal from the waiting list means the applicant must reapply 
and must wait twelve (12) months from the date of the final turndown before re-applying 
for the Public Housing program. 
Q. TIME-LIMIT FOR ACCEPTANCE OF UNIT 
Applicants must respond to unit offers within the number of days specified by the PHA. 
The PHA will make unit offers by phone or letter. The offer will be noted as a refusal 

(turn down) if the applicant does not respond or accept a unit within the specified 
number of days. 
APPLICANTS UNABLE TO TAKE OCCUPANCY 
If an applicant is willing to accept the unit offered, but is unable to take occupancy at the 
time of the offer for "good cause," the offer will not be noted as a refusal. 
Examples of "good cause" reasons for the refusal to take occupancy of a housing unit 
include, but are not limited to: 
.. Inaccessibility to source of employment or children’s daycare such that an 
adult household member must quit a job, drop out of an educational institution 
or a job-training program 
.. Presence of lead paint in the unit offered when the applicant has children 
under the age specified by current law 
.. A qualified, knowledgeable, health professional verifies the temporary 
hospitalization or recovery from illness of the principal household member, 
other household members, or a live-in aide necessary to care for the principal 
household member 
.. The unit is inappropriate for the applicant’s disabilities 
R. REFUSAL OF OFFER 
If the unit offered is refused for other reasons, the PHA will follow the applicable policy 
as listed in Sections O and Q above. 

CHAPTER 5 
OCCUPANCY GUIDELINES 
INTRODUCTION 
The occupancy guidelines are established by the PHA to ensure that units are occupied 
by families of the appropriate size. This policy maintains the maximum usefulness of the 
units, while preserving them from excessive wear and tear or under utilization. This 
chapter explains the occupancy guidelines used to determine minimum and maximum 
unit sizes for various sized families when they are selected from the waiting list, or when 
a family’s size changes, or when a family requests an exception to the occupancy 
guidelines. 
A. DETERMINING UNIT SIZE 
The PHA does not determine who shares a bedroom/sleeping room, but there must be 
at least one (1) person per bedroom. The PHA’s occupancy guideline standards for 
determining unit size shall be applied in a manner consistent with Fair Housing 
guidelines. 
For occupancy standards, an adult is a person eighteen (18) years or older, or an 
emancipated minor. All guidelines in this section relate to the number of bedrooms in 
the unit. 
Dwelling units will be assigned so that generally the PHA will assign one (1) bedroom to 
two (2) people within the following guidelines: 
.. Minors of the same sex and same generation (less than 10 years apart in age) 
shall be allocated one bedroom 
.. Minors of the opposite sex, under 4 (four) years of age shall be allocated one 
bedroom 
.. Adults (18 and over) who have a spousal relationship shall be allocated one 
bedroom 
.. Exception infants under one year of age may be allowed to share a room with 
two other members of the household 
The PHA assigns an additional bedroom under the following conditions: 
.. Minors of the same sex but who are more than 10 years apart in age shall be 
allocated separate bedrooms 
.. Minors of the opposite sex, over the age of 4 (four) shall be allocated separate 
bedrooms 

.. Adults (18 and over) who are not in a spousal relationship shall be allocated 
separate bedrooms 
.. Live-in attendants will generally be provided a separate bedroom, unless 
requested otherwise by the family. No additional bedrooms are provided for the 
attendant's family. 
Other consideration in determining the bedroom size: 
.. Foster children may be considered when determining unit size at move in only 
.. Space may be provided for a child who is away at school but who lives with the 
family during school recesses for as long as the child is considered a dependent 
.. Space will not be provided for a family member who will be absent most of the 
time, such as a member who is away in the military unless the absence is 
considered temporary such as short-term reserve duty 
.. Single person families shall be allocated zero (0) or one (1) bedroom 
.. The living room will not be counted for use as a bedroom 
GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING BEDROOM SIZE 
Bedroom Size 
Persons in Household: 
(Minimum #) 
Persons in Household: 
(Maximum #) 
0 Bedroom 
1 
1 
1 Bedroom 
1 
2 
2 Bedrooms 
2 
4 
3 Bedrooms 
3 
6 
4 Bedrooms 
4 
8 
5 Bedrooms 
6 
10 
6 Bedrooms 
8 
12 
B. EXCEPTIONS TO OCCUPANCY STANDARDS 
The unit considerations in this chapter should be used as a guide to determine whether 
and when the bedroom size should be changed. If an unusual situation occurs, which is 
not currently covered in this policy, the PHA will make a determination after review of 
the situation, the individual circumstances, and the verification provided (see Chapter 11 
- Recertifications). 
The PHA will grant exceptions from the guidelines in cases where it is the family’s 
request or the PHA determines the exceptions are justified by the relationship, age, sex, 

health or disability of family members, or other individual circumstances, and there is a 
vacant unit available. If an applicant requests to be listed on a smaller or larger 
bedroom size waiting list, the following guidelines will apply: 
.. In all cases, where the family requests an exception to the general occupancy 
standards, the PHA will evaluate the relationship and ages of all family 
members and the overall size of the unit 
The family may request to be placed on a larger or smaller bedroom size waiting list 
than indicated by the PHA’s occupancy guidelines. The request must explain the need 
or justification for a larger or smaller bedroom size, and must be verified by the PHA 
before the family is placed on the larger or smaller bedroom size list. 
The PHA will consider these requests: 
Person(s) with Disability 
The PHA will grant an exception upon request as a reasonable 
accommodation for persons with disabilities if the need is appropriately 
verified and meets requirements in Chapter1(E) - Reasonable 
Accommodations Policy. 
Other Circumstances 
Circumstances may dictate a larger size than the occupancy standards permit 
when persons cannot share a bedroom because of a need for medical 
equipment due to its size and/or function. 
A doctor must verify requests for a larger number of bedrooms due to medical 
equipment. A licensed physician or an attending health care professional, on a 
Verification of Need for Reasonable Accommodation form, must verify all requests 
based upon health related needs. 
The PHA will not assign a larger bedroom size due to additions of family members other 
than by birth, adoption, marriage, or court-awarded custody. 
The PHA must approve all members of the family residing in the unit. The family must 
obtain written approval of any additional family member before the person occupies the 
unit except for additions by birth, adoption, or court-awarded custody, in which case the 
family must inform the PHA within thirty (30) days. 
To avoid vacancies, the PHA may provide a family with a larger unit than the occupancy 
standards permit. The family must agree to move to a suitable, smaller unit when 
another family qualifies for the larger unit and there is a suitable smaller unit available. 
This requirement is a provision of the lease. 

C. ACCESSIBLE UNITS 
The PHA has units designed for persons with mobility, sight and hearing impairments. 
These units were designed and constructed specifically to meet the needs of persons 
requiring the use of wheelchairs and persons requiring other modifications. 
Preference for occupancy of these units will be given to families with disabled family 
members who require the modifications or facilities provided in the units. 
Accessible units will be offered and accepted by non-mobility impaired applicants only 
with the understanding that such applicants must accept a transfer to a non-accessible 
unit at a later date (at applicants expense with a new security deposit) if a person with a 
mobility impairment requiring the unit applies for housing and is determined eligible. 

CHAPTER 6 
DETERMINATION OF TOTAL TENANT PAYMENT 
INTRODUCTION 
The accurate calculation of annual income and adjusted income will ensure that families 
are not paying more or less money for rent than their obligation under the regulations. 
This chapter defines the allowable deductions from annual income and how the 
presence or absence of household members may affect the total tenant payment (TTP). 
Income and TTP are calculated in accordance with 24 CFR Part 5, Subpart F and 
further instructions set forth in HUD notices, memoranda and addenda. The formula for 
the calculation of TTP is specific and not subject to interpretation. The PHA's policies in 
this chapter address those areas, which allow the PHA discretion to define terms and to 
develop standards in order to assure consistent application of the various factors that 
relate to the determination of TTP. 
A. MINIMUM RENT 
The minimum rent for this PHA is fifty dollars ($50). 
The Total Tenant Payment is the greater of: 
.. Thirty percent (30%) of the adjusted monthly income 
.. Ten percent (10%) of the gross monthly income 
.. The minimum rent of $50 as established by the PHA 
The minimum rent refers to a minimum total tenant payment and not a minimum tenant 
rent. 
The total tenant payment does not include charges for excess utility consumption or 
other charges. 
The PHA recognizes that in some instances even the minimum rent may create a 
financial hardship for families. The PHA will review all relevant circumstances brought to 
the PHA’s attention regarding financial hardship as it applies to minimum rent. The 
PHA’s procedures and policies in regard to minimum rent financial hardship as set forth 
by the QHWRA are stated in the following section. 
PHA Procedures for Notification to Families of Hardship Exemptions 

The PHA will notify all participant families subject to a minimum rent of their right to 
request a minimum rent hardship exemption under the law. The housing technician will 
document in the family’s file that the family has been notified of their right to request a 
minimum rent hardship exemption. 
The PHA notification will advise the family that hardship exemption determination is 
subject to the PHA’s grievance procedures (see Chapter 13- Complaints, Grievances 
and Appeals). 
The PHA will review all resident requests for exceptions from the minimum rent due to 
financial hardships. All requests for minimum rent exemption are required to be in 
writing. Requests for minimum rent exemption must state the family circumstances that 
qualify the family for an exception. 
EXCEPTIONS TO MINIMUM RENT 
When a family requests a minimum rent hardship exemption, application of the 
minimum rent will be suspended beginning the month following the family’s hardship 
request. During the minimum rent suspension period, the PHA will not charge the 
family a minimum rent, or if applicable, discontinue charging the family a minimum rent. 
The PHA will not evict the family for nonpayment of minimum rent during the ninety (90) 
day period beginning the month following the family’s request for a hardship exemption. 
T