During my most recent training program, I learned some very interesting things I want to share with you. There's nothing the least bit exceptional about this in the sense that I feel it is my responsibility as a trainer to also have my ears open to the experiences of others.
Specifically, it seems that there is some belief, shared by both managers and regulatory agencies, that applications and tenant selection plans each need to be "between 30-50 pages in length." Now, I know the HUD regulations as well as anyone but I cannot recall ever seeing something like this in Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations or any HUD handbooks.
* The Tenant Selection Plan must cover at least the 8 required elements in HUD Handbook 4350.3, Rev. 1, Figure 4-4, page 4-2. Even if you use the 11 recommended elements, this should be easy to cover in less than 30-50 pages. (If you want to create a training document for internal use of staff, this could well take more pages).
* Applications should not require 30-50 pages. Remember, the application is intended solely to determine an applicant's eligibility for the housing program (HUD) and the property (Owner). Since income eligibility is based on annual income and not adjusted income, there's no reason to inquire about things like allowances (dependent, child care, disability assistance, medical expenses) unless you have no waiting list and will be immediately housing the family (or housing them within 120 days) -- because the allowances do have an impact on the TTP/Tenant Rent.
It seems to me an overly long application has the impact of discouraging applications. As I am fond of saying, we are housing providers -- not housing preventers.
I wish everyone a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving holiday.
