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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-12 HRA Regular Meeting PacketAgenda Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority City of Edina, Minnesota Council Chambers Thursday, March 12, 2020 7:30 AM I.Call to Order II.Pledge of Allegiance III.Roll Call IV.Approval of Meeting Agenda V.Community Comment During "Community Comment," the Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) will invite residents to share new issues or concerns that haven't been considered in the past 30 days by the HRA or which aren't slated for future consideration. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking, items that are elsewhere on today's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment. Individuals should not expect the Chair or Commissioners to respond to their comments today. Instead the Commissioners might refer the matter to sta. for consideration at a future meeting. VI.Adoption of Consent Agenda All agenda items listed on the consent agenda are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of such items unless requested to be removed from the Consent Agenda by a Commissioner of the HRA. In such cases the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered immediately following the adoption of the Consent Agenda. (Favorable rollcall vote of majority of Commissioners present to approve.) A.Minutes: Draft Minutes of the Regular Meeting February 13, 2020 VII.Reports/Recommendations: (Favorable vote of majority of Commissioners present to approve except where noted) A.2020 A.ordable Housing Program Policy Guide B.Presentation on Max7eld Housing Study VIII.Correspondence A.Correspondence IX.HRA Commissioners' Comments X.Executive Director's Comments XI.Adjournment The Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority wants all participants to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli7cation, an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Date: March 12, 2020 Agenda Item #: VI.A. To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type: Minutes From:Jennifer Garske, Executive Assistant Item Activity: Subject:Minutes: Draft Minutes of the Regular Meeting February 13, 2020 Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority Established 1974 CITY OF EDINA HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: Approve the regular meeting minutes of Feb. 13, 2020. INTRODUCTION: See attached meeting minutes of Feb. 13, 2020. ATTACHMENTS: Description Minutes: HRA, Feb. 13, 2020 Page 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FEBRUARY 13, 2020 7:30 A.M. I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Hovland called the HRA meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Answering rollcall were Commissioners Anderson, Brindle and Chair Hovland. Absent: Commissioners Fischer and Staunton. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA – AS PRESENTED Motion made by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Brindle approving the meeting agenda as presented. Ayes: Anderson, Brindle and Hovland Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT No one appeared. VI. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA – AS PRESENTED Motion made by Commissioner Brindle, seconded by Commissioner Anderson approving the consent agenda as presented. VI.A. Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 16, 2020 Ayes: Anderson, Brindle and Hovland Motion carried. VII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VII.A. APPROVING LOAN AGREEMENT WITH EDINA HOUSING FOUNDATION FOR THE PURCHASE OF 4040 W. 70TH STREET - APPROVED Affordable Housing Manager Hawkinson explained that on December 12, 2019 the Housing & Redevelopment Authority reviewed and approved a Term Sheet that identified the basic business points supporting the use of public funds for the acquisition by the Edina Housing Foundation (the “EHF”) of 4040 W. 70th St. (the “Site”) from American Collectors Association. The purpose of this acquisition was to provide the EHF with the opportunity to secure a developer for the construction of age-restricted, affordable housing estimated at 118 units. The Term Sheet was intended to serve as the general framework of a Loan Agreement to be executed between the EHF and Edina HRA. City Council held a Public Hearing December 17 regarding modifying the Southeast Edina Redevelopment Project Area and TIF Plan that would allow Southdale 2 TIF Pooled funds to be used for this acquisition. She outlined the proposed Loan Documents between the HRA and EHF and highlighted business terms outlined in the Term Sheet that included a $3,650,000 loan secured by a non-recourse mortgage, zero percent interest for two years with two one-year extensions. As allowed in the Purchase Agreement, the seller had opted to extend the closing date until June 1, 2020, therefore the Maturity Dale of the Loan Documents was June 1, 2022. Ms. Hawkinson said the Foundation would actively seek a developer through a competitive Request for Proposal process; review the proposals for developer experience, capacity and quality of work; and conduct interviews, and noted the Greater Southdale District Plan supported the development of affordable age- restricted housing. She shared next steps that included EHF solicitation for development proposals this spring with selection by fall and Planning Commission and City Council in 2021. The Commission inquired about the meaning of a non-recourse loan. Alex Sellke, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, explained if there was a loan default the HRA remedy would be to take the property back as lenders rights were in the property instead of repayment. Minutes/HRA/February 13, 2020 2 Ms. Hawkinson added the Foundation did not have assets to pay back in cash if in default and this protected them from being sued as individuals or as the Foundation. The Commission confirmed insurance was in place that insulated Board members in that instance then clarified the TIF district limit of 40 years referred to the affordability of the project and not the term. Motion made by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Brindle to approve the Loan Agreement, Promissory Note and Mortgage (“Loan Documents”) between HRA and Edina Foundation documents for $3.65 million. The Commission confirmed the maturity date was two years then commented how when first brought forward there were concerns about the City conducting development but noted this action would create a much-needed housing type with age-restricted housing and hoped a non-profit developer with experience in this housing type would be identified as this location would be good for senior housing. Ms. Hawkinson clarified the maturity also included two one-year extensions. Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, and Hovland Motion carried. VII.B. AUTHORIZATION OF ACQUISITION OF 425 JEFFERSON AVENUE SOUTH, EDINA - AUTHORIZED Executive Director Neal explained City staff had been working with the owners of 425 Jefferson Ave. S. to abate property maintenance nuisance conditions and the property had caused disruption and discontent in the neighborhood for the past two years. City staff approached the owners with a tentative proposal to purchase the real estate and abandoned personal property and they expressed interest in the tentative proposal. He stated staff would like the HRA’s authorization before moving forward with any tentative proposal. He said staff propose would use funds from the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund for acquisition and use the rehabilitated property as part of the affordable housing initiative and would present a firm plan for how the property would be used when a final purchase agreement was presented to the HRA later this spring for an affordable single-family home. The Commission spoke about interest in this property and impacts on the immediate neighborhood and if the property had been inspected. Mr. Neal said staff had inspected the property and noted since the photos were taken a house fire had occurred which complicated the property further. He said he hoped the property could be rehabbed and disposed for management by an affordable housing organization. The Commission said precedent was set when situations like this arose and was pleased we could take advantage when present to benefit all involved. They thanked the neighborhood for bringing this property to the City’s attention and said they liked the flexibility when public health and safety concerns needed to be addressed. They referred to another property 58th and Wooddale and how this would go better working with the Housing Foundation and develop a land trust as a great solution for all involved. Motion made by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Brindle to authorize Executive Director to negotiate a tentative purchase agreement for 425 Jefferson Avenue South. Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, and Hovland Motion carried. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE – RECEIVED IX. HRA COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS - RECEIVED X. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS XI. ADJOURNMENT Chair Hovland adjourned the HRA meeting at 7:55 a.m. Respectfully submitted, ___________________________________________ Scott Neal, Executive Director Date: March 12, 2020 Agenda Item #: VII.A. To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type: Report / Recommendation From:Stephanie Hawkinson, Affordable Housing Development Manager Item Activity: Subject:2020 Affordable Housing Program Policy Guide Action Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority Established 1974 CITY OF EDINA HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: Approve proposed changes to the Affordable Housing Program P olicy Guide. INTRODUCTION: The Affordable Housing P rogram Policy Guide (“Guide”) was updated in response to P roperty Managers’ questions and feedback received from site visits over the past year. T he updated 2020 Guide is attached for review and approval. The Guide is intended to assist owners and managers of new multifamily housing development that include affordable units. In collaboration with Affordable Housing Connections, Staff recommends the proposed changes. ATTACHMENTS: Description Staff Report 2020 Affordable Housing Program Guide - Clean 2020 Affordable housing Program Guide - Redlined Questions and Answers Regarding Policy Implementation Development Summaries March 12, 2020 Chair and Commissioners of the Edina HRA Stephanie Hawkinson, Affordable Housing Development Manager 2020 Affordable Housing Program Policy Guide Information / Background: The Affordable Housing Program Policy Guide (“Guide”) was updated in response to Property Managers’ questions and feedback received from site visits over the past year. The updated 2020 Guide is attached for review and approval. On December 13, 2018 the HRA approved the first Guide and directed staff to make changes to tailor the language to fit the City’s New Multifamily Affordable Housing (“Policy”). These changes were made and the policy was reviewed and approved by the Edina Housing Foundation. Since March 2019 the Guide has been attached to the Development Agreements for Market Rate Housing Developments that include affordable units per the Policy. In the ensuing year the City’s third party compliance consultant, Affordable Housing Connections (AHC), has been meeting with property managers and reviewing tenant files for the affordable units to confirm they are complying with the Policy. Based on questions and concerns that arose, the Guide has been revised in order to add clarity. It is important to note that most of the buildings that currently include affordable units were approved prior to the Policy being updated in March 2019 and prior to the approval of the Guide. Therefore, the affordability requirements are based on the Resolutions and Loan Agreements that were adopted for each individual development, which may not include all the requirements in the current Policy or Guide. To assist with these discrepancies, AHC created summary sheets for each development, which are attached to this report. The primary changes to the Guide were made to align it better with the Policy. Previously the language was adopted from HUD’s HOME guidelines or Section 42 regulations, which in some cases was overly rigid and onerous, and did not apply to affordable units in market rate developments. Other changes were grammatical or made to add clarity. Of note are the following updates: STAFF REPORT Page 2 • Definition of Student Household – Some HUD programs do not allow for student households. The Guide allows renting to students if certain conditions are met. • Utility Allowance – Affordable rent levels must be adjusted if the tenant is paying utilities so that rent plus utilities is at or below the maximum rent. Each year Metro HRA publishes a Utility Allowance Table, which is used to adjust the rent. However, this table uses values derived from multiple buildings, some of which are old and not energy efficient. If an owner can demonstrate that utility billing in their new building will be less than what is on the published table, an adjustment may be allowed. • Income Verification - AHP has provided assistance to Property Managers on how to income verify tenants. This was the most prevalent area of concern. The Guide attempts to provide additional information. A sample of property manager questions in addition to development summaries are attached to this report. March 2020 Page 1 of 31 Affordable Housing Program Policy Guide March 2020 March 2020 Page 2 of 31 Table of Contents Introduction to the Affordable Multi-Family Housing Program (AHP) ..............................................................................................4 Chapter 1 – Overview of Affordable Housing Program Policy ...........5 1.01 Period of Affordability (POA) ................................................................................................................. 5 1.02 Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) ........................................................................................................ 5 Affordability Standards – Rental Projects ........................................................................................................... 5 Affordability Standards – For Sale Projects ......................................................................................................... 6 1.03 Student Households ............................................................................................................................... 6 1.04 New Multi-Family Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Rent Limits ..................................................... 6 1.05 Rental Assistance .................................................................................................................................. 7 1.06 Allowable Fees and Charges .................................................................................................................. 7 1.07 Fixed or Floating Affordable Dwelling Units .......................................................................................... 8 1.08 Rent Increases ....................................................................................................................................... 8 1.09 Utility Allowances ................................................................................................................................. 8 1.10 Record Retention ................................................................................................................................ 10 1.11 Leases .................................................................................................................................................. 10 1.12 Income Certification ............................................................................................................................ 11 1.13 Increases in Income ............................................................................................................................ 11 1.14 Property Standards ............................................................................................................................. 11 1.15 Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan ........................................................................................... 12 1.16 Fair Lease and Grievance Procedures .................................................................................................. 12 Chapter 2 – Maintaining the Unit Mix ............................................ 12 2.01 Fixed Affordable Dwelling Units .......................................................................................................... 13 2.02 Floating Affordable Dwelling Units .................................................................................................... 13 Chapter 3 – General Occupancy Guidelines .................................... 15 3.01 Qualification of Applicants ................................................................................................................. 15 3.02 Eligibility Determination ..................................................................................................................... 16 3.03 Change in Household Composition ...................................................................................................... 16 3.04 Minimum Lease Requirements ............................................................................................................ 17 3.05 House Rules ......................................................................................................................................... 17 3.06 Number of Persons Per Unit ............................................................................................................... 17 3.07 Tenant Selection Plan ......................................................................................................................... 18 March 2020 Page 3 of 31 3.08 Government Data Practices Act Disclosure Statement Form ............................................................. 18 3.09 Income Verification ............................................................................................................................. 19 3.10 Gross Annual Household Income ........................................................................................................ 19 3.11 Factors that Affect Household Size ..................................................................................................... 20 3.12 General Income Verification Requirements ......................................................................................... 21 3.13 Corrections to Documents ................................................................................................................... 24 3.14 Effective Term of Verifications ............................................................................................................ 24 3.15 Over Income Households ..................................................................................................................... 24 3.16 Annual Recertification ........................................................................................................................ 24 3.17 Tenant Files ......................................................................................................................................... 25 Chapter 4 – Reporting Requirements ............................................. 27 4.01 Annual Owner/Agent Certifications .................................................................................................... 27 4.02 Compliance Reports ............................................................................................................................. 27 4.03 Utility Allowance Source Document ................................................................................................... 27 Chapter 5 – Compliance Inspections .............................................. 28 5.01 Physical Inspections ............................................................................................................................ 28 5.02 Review of Tenant Files and Property Records ..................................................................................... 28 Chapter 6 – Correction and Consequences of Non-Compliance ...... 29 6.01 Notice to Owner/Agent ....................................................................................................................... 29 6.02 Correction Period ................................................................................................................................ 29 6.03 Owner’s/Agent’s Response .................................................................................................................. 29 Chapter 7 – Requests for Action .................................................... 31 7.01 Sale or Transfer ................................................................................................................................... 31 March 2020 Page 4 of 31 Introduction to the Affordable Multi-Family Housing Program (AHP) Properties developed using financing from the City of Edina, or because of our policy for New Multi-Family Affordable Housing, are subject to specific rules designed to ensure that affordability pledges made by owners and developers remain available to very low and low income tenants (30% to 60% of Area Median Income) throughout the required Period of Affordability (the POA). This Guide is designed to assist owners and their agents with planning and maintaining compliance with the local requirements associated with these rental properties that include affordable units. This guide does not pertain to the Market Rate units. It is the responsibility of City of Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority (hereafter the “HRA”) to monitor the continuing compliance of affordable units in accordance with local policy and governing agreements throughout the POA. The following procedures apply to all rental properties that received funds or a Planned Unit Development (PUD) under the local policy on New Multi-Family Affordable Housing (AHP). Any violation of the AHP requirements could constitute a covenant default of the governing agreement(s) and imposition of all local government rights and remedies. While successful operation of an affordable property is management intensive, the owner/agent is responsible for ensuring that the governing agreement requirements are properly administered. Thorough understanding of requirements and compliance monitoring procedures requires training of owners/agents. The owner/agent should ensure that it knows and understands the requirements of the affordable housing policy and the compliance requirements since failure to comply may have very serious consequences. The HRA recommends that owners, management agents and site managers (collectively referred to as “owner/agent” throughout this document) receive compliance training before certifying or leasing any affordable units. At a minimum, training should cover key compliance terms, determination of rents, household eligibility, file documentation, procedures for maintaining the required unit mix and reporting. Record retention and property condition standards are also key to maintaining compliance. Attending educational opportunities as offered is strongly recommended to keep up with any procedural changes to the AHP. Should the AHP assisted property also receive an allocation of Section 42 tax credits (Low Income Housing Tax Credits or LIHTC), and the property is found to be compliant with the tax credit program, then the HRA will consider the property compliant with the AHP. Owners/Agents of AHP assisted properties must annually certify to the HRA that the property is compliant with the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. The HRA’s determination to monitor the project for compliance with requirements of the AHP does not make it liable for an owner’s/agent's noncompliance. This Guide will be made available to the owner/agent at project financial closing and will be posted on the City’s website. The HRA, in its sole discretion, may delegate its compliance reporting and monitoring responsibilities to a third-party. AHP assisted properties will have a compliance review at initial lease up and every third (3rd) year thereafter. However, the HRA reserves the right to conduct a March 2020 Page 5 of 31 compliance review annually. During the compliance review, the HRA or third-party monitoring agent, will ensure compliance against City Agreements by inspecting records of residential student status, income and asset documentation, and rent record for each resident household for all project’s AHP assisted units. The first review for new projects will occur no later than the end of the second year of the period of affordability. Chapter 1 – Overview of Affordable Housing Program Policy The following is an overview the Affordable Housing Policy. It is not intended to be detailed or comprehensive. The requirements of the AHP apply to market rate residential developments that receive a PUD approval from the City of Edina and/or financial assistance from the HRA. This includes new developments and mixed-used developments that create twenty (20) or more multi-family dwelling units and/or any change in use of all or part of an existing building from a non-residential use to a residential use that includes at least twenty (20) dwelling units. 1.01 Period of Affordability (POA) Affordable units created under the Affordable Housing Policy (AHP) are rent and income controlled for a minimum of 20 years with a maximum established by the funding source and reflected in the binding agreement. This term is referred to as the Period of Affordability or POA. Owners/agents should refer to the property’s governing agreements, at project commitment, to determine the specific terms and conditions that govern the property, as the affordability period was increased from 15 years to 20 years in March 2019. Project Commitment is a schedule of commitments within the project’s Financing Agreement(s) between the parties hereto, such as the authorizing Resolution, Development Agreement and/or Loan Documents, dated as of the Execution Date and their related agreements. 1.02 Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) At least ten percent (10%) to twenty percent (20%) of the total number of dwelling units in a development receiving a PUD and/or assisted with local funds under the AHP will be designated as Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs). The percentage applied is based on the affordability standard of the development. Affordability Standards – Rental Projects If an AHP property also is assisted with Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), the AHP Affordability Standard is based on the LIHTC election (Income Averaging, 20/50 or 40/60 set aside). If an AHP property is NOT assisted with LIHTC, then the HRA together with the owner will determine which affordability standard applies. The legal document executed with the HRA determines the standard. March 2020 Page 6 of 31 10% at 50% At least ten percent (10%) of total units developed shall be occupied by households at or below fifty percent (50%) of the MTSP (Multifamily Tax Subsidy Income Limits, i.e. tax credit income limits). 20% at 60% At least twenty percent (20%) of total units developed shall be occupied by households at or below sixty percent (60%) of the MTSP. Affordability Standards – For Sale Projects At least ten percent (10%) of total units developed shall be affordable for households as follows: 1-2 person household $100,000 3+ person household $115,000 Adjusted annually by Minnesota Housing as posted on their website. 1.03 Student Households AHP adopted the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program restrictions on student participation found at 24 CFR 5.612 and excludes any individual that: 1. Is enrolled in a higher education institution; AND 2. Is under the age of 24; and 3. Is not a veteran of the US Military; and 4. Is not married*; and 5. Does not have a dependent child(ren); and 6. Is not a person with disabilities; and 7. Is not otherwise individually eligible, or has parents who, individually or jointly, are not eligible on the basis of income * Effective August 1, 2013 same-sex marriages are recognized as marriages for student eligibility purposes. 1.04 New Multi-Family Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Rent Limits Every ADU is subject to maximum allowable rents based on bedroom size for the area in which the property is located. These maximum rents are referred to as the AHP rents. These limits represent the maximum that owners/agents can charge for rent, including an allowance for March 2020 Page 7 of 31 tenant paid utilities, and other non-optional charges (i.e. parking, required renter’s insurance, etc.). AHP will utilize the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development annually published median income amounts for all Minnesota counties. Minnesota Housing uses these amounts to calculate the maximum allowable rents and tenant income. Minnesota Housing publishes the LIHTC income and rent limits on its website and notifies owners/agents of the updated limits as they become available. According to AHP, the date a Certificate of Occupancy is issued to a building will determine which rent and income limits to use. Minnesota Housing provides different tables (Table A, B, C, etc.) of income and rent limits based on your Certificate of Occupancy dates and updates these tables annually. To avoid noncompliance, be sure you are using the correct limits table. In the event AHP rent limits decrease for an area, or utility allowances increase, an owner/agent may be required to reduce the rent charged but will not be required to lower rents below those in effect at the time when the Development Agreement was signed by the City. 1.05 Rental Assistance Tenant Based Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Tenants with Section 8 vouchers, or similar state or federal tenant based rental assistance (TBRA) subsidies tied to a tenant and not a unit, may be charged rent that exceeds the applicable AHP rent for the unit to an extent allowed by HUD, Metro HRA, and/or the most restrictive funding source. ADUs layered with tenant or project based rental assistance qualify households using the Very Low-Income limits (<50%) and the household pays no more than 30% of its monthly adjusted income for rent; ADU rent therefore remains affordable. Tenants receiving rental assistance, including Section 8 subsidy, must not be refused tenancy in an ADU based solely on the fact that they receive rental assistance. For eligibility purposes, the tenant selection plan must indicate that household income does not need to equal at least two times the unit rent (or any variation thereof) as long as the published Payment Standard subsidy can cover the project’s intended rent. The HRA annually publishes Payment Standards (a rent limit for using a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. Payment standards are set by each housing authority. They differ for bedroom size and property location). 1.06 Allowable Fees and Charges Fees considered reasonable and customary may be charged, such as application fee, if such fees are customary for rental housing in the neighborhood. Fees for parking or services such as bus transportation or meals can only be charged if the services are voluntary and are not a condition of occupancy. An eligible tenant cannot be charged a fee for the owner or manager’s work involved in completing the additional forms or documentation required for the AHP, such as the Resident Income Certification. Down payment fees/rent deposit for the ADU should not exceed one month’s rent. March 2020 Page 8 of 31 1.07 Fixed or Floating Affordable Dwelling Units ADUs may be “fixed” or “floating” and are designated on a property-by-property basis. The enforcement agreement must contain fixed or floating unit designations. Fixed Units – The ADUs are identified by unit number and never change. Development Agreements may outline a specific quantity of bedroom sizes and square footage, including minimum floor space, when considering the placement of ADUs within the project. Units in properties where all units are ADUs automatically are considered fixed. If units throughout a project are not comparable (as defined by the HRA) or are in several scattered sites, the ADU unit designation must be fixed. Floating Units – The ADUs may change over time as long as the total number of ADUs and specific quantity of bedroom sizes or ADU total square footage in the property remains compliant with the original Development Agreement. If a property’s enforcement agreement does not specify floating units, then the units that were initially designated as ADUs at project completion will be used to determine comparable floating units. See Chapter 2, Maintaining the Unit Mix, for more information. 1.08 Rent Increases If ADU rents remain below the maximum allowed, an owner/agent may impose a rent increase as allowed by the enforcement agreement no earlier than one year from the date the project was completed (date the building Certificate of Occupancy was issued) and no more frequently than once a year thereafter. If an owner/agent wishes to increase rents, the request must be within reasonable limits to cover increases in expenses such as real estate taxes or operating expenses. At no time can proposed rent increases exceed the current MTSP (LIHTC rents) rent limits for that development. If the owner/agent increases rents as provided above, tenants must be given a written notice 60 days in advance or in accordance with lease provisions before implementation. 1.09 Utility Allowances The AHP requires that an allowance for tenant paid utilities be considered as a housing cost to the tenant and be factored in when determining rent for an ADU. The HRA approved the use of Metro HRA’s Utility Allowance Schedule (effective 2/1/18 and amended annually) as the document to use to determine an ADU’s utility allowance. Utility allowance schedules are usually updated annually. It is the owner’s/agent’s responsibility to obtain an updated utility allowance and retain it in the property records. Changes in utility allowances must be implemented within 90 days of the publication effective date. If an increase in the utility allowance causes the ADU rent to exceed the applicable AHP rent limit, the unit rent must be adjusted (lowered) to bring the gross rent of the unit into compliance with the AHP rent limits. However, at no time will the ADU rent be adjusted to an amount lower than the ADU rent in place at project commitment. March 2020 Page 9 of 31 An alternative estimate for utility payments may be used, as allowed by Section 42 and approved by the City. Utility allowance methodology change requests and all supporting documentation must be emailed to the Affordable Housing Development Manager at the City for approval. Requests for a change in the property's established utility allowance methodology, to one of the approved utility allowance methodologies should reflect savings from energy efficiency improvements in a manner that is fair to tenants, financially feasible for owners and reduces long-term public subsidy expenditures. General Submission Requirements Each request for a change in utility allowance methodology must include: 1. Cover letter with the current utility allowance and proposed utility methodology 2. A current utility allowance schedule (i.e. local Metro HRA Utility chart) completed with tenant paid utilities 3. Copy of 90-day Notice to the resident including new Utility Allowance and Tenant Rent 4. Utility Allowance Certification, signed and dated 5. Supporting documentation as required (estimate from a properly licensed engineer for example) Allowable Utility Allowance Methodologies The property owner may request to use one or more of the following utility allowance methodologies that meets the AHP requirements. If the project has multiple funding sources, the rents must comply with the program gross rent limits for each program. If the project also has Section 8 Project Based Assistance, the PBA administrator determines the UA schedule for the unit. PHA Utility Method: The local PHA utility allowance for the voucher program. This is the typical current method of establishing Utility Allowances used by most Section 42 LIHTC projects. Owners may request consideration of a different utility allowance methodology from the following alternatives: 1. HUD Utility Schedule Model (HUSM): An estimate calculated via HUD’s online Utility Schedule Model, using recent utility rates. The HUSM enables users to calculate utility schedules using a project specific methodology by entering the property housing type, and utility rate information (tariffs) for the property location. This model is based on climate and survey information from the U. S. Energy Information Administration of the Department of Energy and it incorporates energy efficiency and Energy Star data. The HUSM (web based and Excel format) and use instructions can be accessed on the HUD Exchange website User at: https://www.hudexchange.info/trainings/courses/hud- utility-schedule-model-calculating-utilityallowances-for-home-webinar1/ 2. Utility Company Estimate (UCE): An estimate from a local utility company providing the estimated cost of utilities for a unit of similar size and construction for the project or from the geographic area where the project is located. 3. Energy Consumption or Engineered Model (ECM): An estimate from a properly licensed engineer, or qualified professional, using an energy consumption model that takes into March 2020 Page 10 of 31 account the unit size, building orientation, design and materials, mechanical systems, appliances and characteristics of the building location. If the ECM report is completed by a qualified professional that is not a properly licensed engineer, the request must include additional information to support the qualifications and experience of the qualified professional in providing energy consumption utility allowance reports. The engineer or qualified professional must be licensed in Minnesota. If the property is regulated by HUD, or another form of project-based subsidy, the program- approved utility allowance may be used. 1.10 Record Retention Owners/agents must retain each household’s initial application forms including household income and asset documentation and lease and leasing agreements/addenda for three (3) years after the tenant’s move out effective date. Owners/agents must maintain applicant and tenant information in a way to ensure confidentiality. Any applicant or tenant affected by negligent disclosure or improper use of information may bring a civil action for damages against the owner/agent and seek other relief, as appropriate. Owners/agents must dispose of records in a manner that will prevent any unauthorized access to personal information, e.g., burn, pulverize, shred, etc. 1.11 Leases Each lease must include the legal name(s) of the parties to the agreement and all other occupants, a description of the unit to be rented (address), the term of the lease, the rental amount, the use of the premises, and the rights and obligations of each party. The lease shall also inform the tenant that fraudulent statements and information are grounds for eviction and that the tenant could become subject to penalties available under federal law. Initial leases for ADUs must be for 12 months unless another term is agreed to mutually by owner/agent and tenant. If tenant agrees to a shorter term, that agreement must be in writing and kept in the tenant’s file. At no time can a lease term be for less than 30 days. ADU leases must contain language that the owner/agent reserves the right to adjust tenant rents in accordance with the AHP rent limits and/or in the event a tenant’s income increases above the income limits of the AHP. The lease also must contain a provision that the owner/agent retains the right to recertify the tenant’s income and household composition on an annual basis. The tenant’s failure to cooperate with the annual recertification constitutes a violation of the lease. If the lease used for the ADU unit does not contain any of the required provisions and/or contains any prohibited provisions, an AHP Lease Addendum must be signed by the tenant and March 2020 Page 11 of 31 kept in the tenant’s file. If a new lease is executed, a new AHP Lease Addendum also must be executed. Prohibited lease terms are defined in the AHP Lease Addendum (see Appendix B). Owner/Agent may not evict or terminate resident (including refusal to renew a lease) without good cause. Good cause is (a) serious or repeated violation(s) of the material terms and conditions of the Resident Lease. Use of the AHP Lease Addendum including the AHP Lease Rider outlining provisions on evictions and terminations is mandatory. During the final year of the POA, new leases for the Affordable Units must be for a term of no less than six months, and such newly leased Affordable Units will be subject to all the Affordable Housing Requirements until the expiration of such new leases. An AHP Lease Addendum is not required when the HUD model lease for subsidized housing is used. 1.12 Income Certification The owner/agent must verify and certify tenant income eligibility and student status at move in and recertify at least annually thereafter. At initial move in, or when first being determined eligible for an ADU and in every 3rd year of the affordability period (not tenancy), household composition, income and income from assets must be verified via third-party verification or other forms of supporting documentation and kept in the tenant’s file. In other years, tenants must, at a minimum, self-certify to their anticipated income (including income from assets), family size, and composition. As part of the monitoring process, tenant files will be reviewed at initial occupancy of the project and every 3rd year thereafter. 1.13 Increases in Income The owner/agent must ensure that any household whose anticipated gross income exceeds 140% of the maximum income limit at recertification pays not less than the market or similar rent as the other non-ADUs in the development. A minimum notice of 60 days is required for increases to tenant rent. The unit must be marketed to eligible tenants when vacated. If the units are floating, the rent is increased, and the next available unit must be rented at affordable rates to an income eligible tenant. Conversely, the tenant whose income increase to above 140% of AMI could be relocated to a Market Rate unit if the affordable units are fixed. For units assisted with both AHP funds and Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), a tenant is not considered over income until income exceeds the applicable 140% LIHTC limit. When a tenant’s income exceeds the 140% LIHTC limit, the tenant’s rent is adjusted to the LIHTC rent limit if the project is 100% LIHTC or, if the project is mixed income, to the market rent for similar non-ADUs in the property. 1.14 Property Standards March 2020 Page 12 of 31 The owner/agent must keep all units in compliance with local codes and other applicable state and local building codes to ensure the units are decent, safe, and sanitary at all times. 1.15 Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan Owners/agents must adhere to Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Marketing, and Fair Housing practices in all marketing efforts, eligibility determinations and other transactions. The Equal Housing Opportunity logo or statement must be used in all advertising of vacant units (We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law. It is illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin). In addition to the federal protections mentioned above, the Minnesota Human Rights Act makes it illegal to discriminate against any person with respect to housing and real property, because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation or familial status. A file must be maintained with all marketing efforts related to the property including newspaper ads, social service contacts, photos of signs posted, etc. Records will be reviewed during on site monitoring to ensure that all efforts follow federal requirements and are being adequately documented. 1.16 Fair Lease and Grievance Procedures Fair lease and grievance procedures should be objective. They should clearly state: • To whom a tenant should direct a complaint; • Who will investigate and/or respond to the complaint; and • By when the tenant should expect to receive a response. Chapter 2 – Maintaining the Unit Mix March 2020 Page 13 of 31 Chapter 2 – Maintaining the Unit Mix 2.01 Fixed Affordable Dwelling Units Properties with units that are not comparable in terms of size, amenities and features must have fixed ADUs. Fixed ADUs means specific units are designated as the ADUs for the duration of the affordability period. Owner/Agent must maintain these specific units as the ADUs. Maintaining the required number of ADUs, is called complying with the unit mix requirements. At no time will non-ADUs be subject to AHP rent and income requirements when the ADUs are fixed. When an owner/agent recertifies a tenant’s income, the tenant’s income may have increased. A tenant is considered “over income” in the AHP when: • The tenant occupies an ADU and the tenant income increases to 140% of the current income limit for that family size; or • For ADUs that are also LIHTC units, a tenant is considered “over income” when its income goes over 140% of the qualifying tax credit election (Average Income, 50% or 60%) for that unit. When a tenant is over income, the unit that the tenant occupies is considered temporarily out of compliance with the AHP’s occupancy and unit mix requirements. Temporary noncompliance due to an increase in an existing tenant’s income is permissible if the owner/agent takes specific steps to restore the correct unit mix in the property as soon as possible. When the tenant’s income exceeds the AHP’s income limit (140%), the unit rent also must be adjusted. The owner/agent cannot terminate the lease immediately if the tenant’s income has increased above the AHP income limit. Instead, the owner/agent may extend /renew the lease for up to six months. If the tenant remains over income at the time of the next recertification, a 60-day notice to vacate may be issued to the tenant. If the tenant is determined to be under the AHP income limit at the time of recertification, the unit is considered back in compliance. 2.02 Floating Affordable Dwelling Units Properties with units that are comparable in terms of size, amenities and features can have floating ADUs. Properties with floating ADUs must maintain the required number of ADUs throughout the POA; however, the initial ADUs do not have to remain as ADUs throughout the POA. When ADUs float, the specific units that carry the ADU designation may change, or float, among assisted and non-assisted units during the POA. If/when an initial ADU goes out of compliance due to a tenant’s income going over the AHP (or LIHTC) income limit, a non-ADU can replace the out of compliance ADU if the tenant income and unit rent of the non-ADU meet the ADU requirements. In other words, the ADU designation “floats” to another unit. March 2020 Page 14 of 31 For example, if a property has an over-income tenant in an ADU, when the next non-ADU comparable unit becomes available, it will be designated as an ADU and rented to an income eligible tenant. The unit occupied by the over income tenant is redesignated as a market rate unit. Maintaining the required number of comparable ADUs is called complying with the unit mix requirements. When recertifying a tenant’s income, an owner/agent may find that the tenant’s income has increased. A tenant is considered “over income” when: • The tenant occupies an ADU and the tenant income increases over the current AHP income limit (140% AMI) for that family size; or • In ADUs that are also LIHTC units, a tenant is considered “over income” when its income increases to 140% or more of the qualifying tax credit election (50% or 60%) for that unit. When a tenant is over income, the unit that the tenant occupies is considered temporarily out of compliance with the AHP’s unit mix requirements. Temporary noncompliance due to an increase in an existing tenant’s income is permissible if the owner/agent takes specific steps to restore the required unit mix in the property. The rents of the over income tenants can be adjusted. When redesignating units in a property with floating ADUs, owner/agent can choose to substitute a unit that is equal or “greater” than the original ADU, but generally they cannot substitute one that is “lesser”. A lesser unit can be substituted only when doing so preserves the original unit mix. A greater unit is one that might be considered preferable because of larger size or additional bedrooms. The goal is to maintain the same number and type of ADUs as were designated originally. Therefore, if an owner/agent makes a substitution that is “greater,” it later can substitute an available unit that is “lesser” to restore the original unit mix. Once a comparable non-ADU unit is designated as the new ADU, the unit with the over income tenant is redesignated as a non-ADU or market rate unit. At this point, the owner/agent may adjust the tenant’s rent without regard to the AHP rent requirements (although requirements from other funding sources still may apply). Rent increases are subject to the terms of the lease. Note, a tenant in a floating ADU whose income exceeds AHP income limit is not required to pay more than the market rent for a comparable, unassisted unit in the property. The owner/agent cannot terminate the lease based on the tenant’s increase in income. March 2020 Page 15 of 31 Chapter 3 – General Occupancy Guidelines 3.01 Qualification of Applicants Applicants for ADUs shall be advised early in their initial visit to the property that there are maximum income limits that apply to these units. They also will be made aware that the anticipated income of all persons expecting to occupy the unit must be verified and included on a Resident Income Certification form prior to occupancy, and that tenant income and student status will be reviewed annually. If an individual is enrolled as a student at an institution of higher education, is under the age of 24, is not a veteran, is not married, is not a person with disabilities, and does not have a dependent child, in order to be eligible for a ADU, the student must be individually income eligible and the student’s parents (the parents individually or jointly) must be income eligible unless the student can demonstrate his or her independence from parents. AHP has adopted the section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program restrictions on student participation found at 24 CFR 5.612, which exclude any student that: 1. Is enrolled in a higher education institution. 2. Is under the age of 24. 3. Is not a veteran of the US Military. 4. Is not married**. 5. Does not have a dependent child(ren). 6. Is not a person with disabilities. 7. Is not otherwise individually eligible, or has parents who, individually or jointly, are not eligible on the basis of income. **Effective August 23, 2013, same-sex marriages are recognized as marriages for student eligibility purposes. To determine a student’s independence from his or her parents, the owner should consider all of the following: 1. The individual must be of legal contract age under state law; and 2. The individual must have established a household separate from parents or legal guardians for at least one year prior to application for occupancy, or the individual must meet the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of an independent student; and 3. The individual must not be claimed as a dependent by parents or legal guardians pursuant to IRS regulations; and 4. The individual must obtain a certification of the amount of financial assistance that will be provided by parents, signed by the individual/s providing the support. This certification is required even if no assistance will be provided. March 2020 Page 16 of 31 To document a student’s independence from parents: 1. Review and verify previous address information to determine evidence of a separate household, or verify the student meets the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of “independent student”; and 2. Review prior year income tax returns to verify if a parent or guardian has claimed the student as a dependent (except if the student meets the Department of Education’s definition of “independent student”); and 3. Verify income provided by a parent by requiring a written certification from the individual providing the support. Certification is also required if the parent/s is providing no support to the student. Financial assistance that is provided by persons not living in the unit is part of annual income. Verification of student eligibility must be maintained in the tenant file along with the income certification. 3.02 Eligibility Determination A fully completed Household Questionnaire is critical to an accurate determination of eligibility. The information furnished on the application should be used as a tool to determine all sources of anticipated income and assets. After the tenant completes the Household Questionnaire, the owner/agent must have all income verified by obtaining source documentation (award letters, offers of employment, W- 2’s, check stubs (not paycheck), bank statements, investment records, etc.) or by a third-party (public agency, employer, financial institution). If total cash value of assets is less than $50,000, assets can be self-certified using the Under $50,000 Certification. Assets exceeding $50,000 must be third-party verified. The application, income and asset verifications, and lease are to be executed prior to move in. All occupants in an ADU must be certified and have a valid lease on file. All household members age 18 and over must sign all required documents. 3.03 Change in Household Composition If a tenant in an ADU (no LIHTC) wishes to have an additional person move into the unit within the first 6 months of occupancy, the following steps must be taken: 1. The prospective tenant must complete a Household Questionnaire and allow time for verification of income and assets as required of the initial tenant; and 2. The prospective tenant's income must be added to the current tenant's certification and a determination made as to whether the new household is still within the AHP income guidelines. If the new household income exceeds the guidelines, then once proper notice is given, the tenant must pay the market rate. If the ADU is floating, the ADU designation must be floated to another eligible unit. The new rent of the now over income household cannot exceed market rent for a comparable unassisted unit. The tenant file shall also be documented when any household member vacates the unit. March 2020 Page 17 of 31 3.04 Minimum Lease Requirements Initial tenant leases, including a signed and dated AHP lease addendum (if applicable), must be on file and must specify a term of at least 12 months. Subsequent leases may have a shorter term, with written mutual agreement. Leases must not contain any of the prohibited lease terms. Any non-renewal or termination of leases must be in accordance with the lease and/or AHP lease addendum. Owners/agents must comply with the lease requirements found in Section 601 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2013. HRA highly encourages owners/agents to use the VAWA Lease Addendum, form HUD-91067 or its successor VAWA Lease Addendum form. In general, owner/agent may not construe an incident of actual or threatened domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking as a serious or repeated violation of a lease term by the victim, or threatened victim, as good cause for terminating tenancy. However, in accordance with VAWA 2013, owner/agent may bifurcate a lease to terminate the tenancy of an individual who is a tenant or lawful occupant and engages in criminal activity directly relating to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against another lawful occupant living in the unit or other affiliated individual as defined in the VAWA 2013. Owner/Agent should include a copy of HUD-5382 form with each tenancy termination or eviction notice to allow an individual to certify that he or she is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking. The form is to be completed and submitted to owner/agent within 14 business days or an agreed upon extension date for the individual to receive protection under the VAWA. 3.05 House Rules Developing a set of house rules is a good practice. The decision about whether to develop house rules for a property rests solely with the owner/agent. If house rules are listed in the lease as an attachment, then they must be attached to the lease. By identifying allowable and prohibited activities in housing units and common areas, the owner/agent provides a structure for treating tenants equitably and for making sure tenants treat each other with consideration. House rules also are beneficial in keeping properties safe and clean and making them more appealing and livable for the tenants. They also are extremely beneficial if it becomes necessary to evict a tenant for inappropriate behavior. For more information on House Rules, refer to Chapter 6-9 of the HUD 4350.3 REV 1, Change 4 Handbook. 3.06 Number of Persons Per Unit There is no federal regulation governing the number of persons allowed to occupy a unit based on size; however, at initial occupancy ADUs will have a minimum requirement of at least one person per bedroom. It is important, though, to be consistent when accepting or rejecting applications. It is required that the owner/agent determine the minimum and maximum number of people that will be allowed to occupy each size unit and put that formula in writing as part of the Tenant Selection Plan and submit the Plan to the HRA or designated agent for approval. The owner/agent may refer to the HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV 1, Change 4, Chapter March 2020 Page 18 of 31 3-23, regarding occupancy standards. By following the standards described, owners/agents can ensure that applicants and tenants are housed in appropriately sized units in a fair and consistent manner. 3.07 Tenant Selection Plan Owner/Agent must develop a formal written policy that clearly states the procedures and criteria the owner/agent will consistently apply in drawing applicants from the waiting list, screening for suitability for tenancy, and implementing income targeting requirements. The Tenant Selection Plan must state if there is an elderly restriction (“seniors only” building). In accordance with the VAWA of 2013, the selection criteria cannot deny admission on the basis that the applicant has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking. Owner/Agent should provide to each applicant/tenant HUD form 5382or its successor form to allow the applicant/tenant to provide information regarding his or her status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking. Owners/agents may refer to the HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV 1, Change 4, Chapter 4, when developing a tenant selection plan. HRA will review the Tenant Selection Plan as part of its monitoring process. 3.08 Government Data Practices Act Disclosure Statement Form In working with applicants and tenants, the owner/agent warrants compliance with applicable data privacy laws and regulations including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which sets policies on the information that can be obtained, stored and/or released in connection with public programs. To comply with this law, the AHP Government Data Practices Act Statement form must be kept in each tenant's permanent file. Note that this is not a release authorization for verification of income and assets and must not be used as such. Each adult household member’s name must be printed clearly at the top in the box provided. An unsigned and/or undated form is not valid and will be noted as insufficient at time of file inspection. 1. The form is to be signed one time and is valid as long as the resident lives at the property and participates in the program(s) identified in item #2 on page 1 of the form. If a resident moves from one unit to another, the original signed and dated form should be moved to the file for the new unit. A copy should be kept in the move out file for the old unit. 2. A valid form must include all relevant attachments. Some properties or units within a property may require 2 or more attachments for multiple programs. 3. Only one form is needed per unit as long as the head of household, spouse, co-head, and all household members over the age of 18 have signed and dated the form. 4. If an adult is added to the household or a minor reaches age 18, they must be added to, sign, and date the original form. It is not necessary to complete a new form. 5. A copy of the form should be made available to the applicant/tenant. It is acceptable to give them an unsigned copy. 6. For new residents, the form should be completed at the time of initial application. March 2020 Page 19 of 31 A Government Data Practices Act Disclosure form that can be used for all ADUs is available on the HRA website. 3.09 Income Verification At initial occupancy, owner/agent must determine whether prospective tenant(s) of ADUs qualify as low income households. Income eligibility is based on anticipated income as defined at 24 CFR 5.609 (Section 8). When collecting income verification documentation, owner/agent must consider any likely changes in income. Owner/Agent must follow appropriate steps in determining whether households are eligible prior to admittance. Minnesota Housing provides sample verifications and other forms to assist owners/agents in qualifying eligible tenants. The release of information (at top of form) must be completed and signed by the person who is the subject of the verification prior to sending the form to an employer or other income source. Completed and returned verifications are used to calculate and document income. An Income and Asset Calculation Worksheet form also is available and can be used to assist in showing the individual calculations of income and asset income. This is highly recommended and will assist an inspector during a file review. This form should be dated and signed by the owner/agent. 3.10 Gross Annual Household Income Gross annual income for households living in ADUs shall be determined in a manner consistent with Section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937. Note that the information below only provides a summary. Owners and managers must use current circumstances to project income, unless verification forms or other verifiable documentation indicate that an imminent change will occur. For guidance in this section and in determination of tenant income, the HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs, is used and is recommended as a reference guide. The HUD Handbook 4350.3 and HUD notices can be obtained by visiting HUD’s website: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/administration/hudclips/handboo ks/h sgh/4350.3. The determination of annual income must include all types of income in the amount anticipated to be received by the tenant in the 12 months following certification/ recertification. Owner/Agent should use current circumstances to project income, unless verification forms or other verifiable documentation indicate that a change will occur (increase/decrease in rate of pay and/or hours). However, if the owner/agent is unable to determine annual income using current information because the family reports little to no income, or because income fluctuates, the owner/agent may average past actual income received or earned within the last 12 months before the certification date to calculate annual income. March 2020 Page 20 of 31 3.11 Factors that Affect Household Size When determining family size for occupancy, the owner/agent must include the following individuals who currently are not living in the unit: • Children temporarily absent due to placement in a foster home; • Children in joint custody arrangements who are present in the household 50% or more of the time; • Children who are away at school but who live with the family during school recesses; • Unborn children of pregnant women. When a pregnant woman is an applicant, the unborn child is included in the size of the household and is included for purposes of determining the maximum allowable income. The rental application should ask the following question: “Will there be any changes in household composition within the next 12-month period?” If an applicant answers that a child is expected (birth, foster or adoption), the owner/agent should explain to the applicant this is an additional household member and use the corresponding income limit, and self-certification of additional member should be used as documentation within the initial certification. • Children who are in the process of being adopted; • Temporarily absent family members who still are considered family members. For example, the owner/agent may consider a family member who is working in another state on assignment to be temporarily absent. Persons on active military duty are considered temporarily absent (except if the person is not the head, co-head or spouse or has no dependents living in the unit). If the person on active military duty is the head, co-head, or spouse, or if the spouse or dependents of the person on active military duty resides in the unit, that person’s income must be counted in full; • Family members in the hospital or rehabilitation facility for periods of limited or fixed duration. These persons are temporarily absent as defined above. Persons permanently confined to a hospital or nursing home are not considered household members. When determining family size for establishing income eligibility, the owner/agent must include all persons living in the unit except the following: • Live-in aides • Children of live-in aides o A live-in aide/attendant is a person who resides with one or more elderly persons, near-elderly persons, or persons with disabilities, and who:  Is determined to be essential to the care and well-being of the person(s);  Is not obligated for the support of the person(s); and  Would not be living in the unit except to provide the necessary supportive services. While a relative may be a live-in aide/attendant, s/he must meet the above requirements, especially the last. The live-in aide qualifies for occupancy only if the individual needing supportive services requires the aide’s services and remains a tenant. The live-in aide may not March 2020 Page 21 of 31 qualify for continued occupancy as a remaining family member. The owner/agent must obtain verification from the person’s physician, psychiatrist or other medical practitioner or health care provider that the live-in aide is needed to provide the necessary supportive services essential to the care and well-being of the person and should not add the attendant to the lease. The owner/agent may not require applicants or tenants to provide access to confidential medical records or to submit to a physical examination. Some households may include other persons who are considered family members for the purposes of determining household size and income eligibility, including: • Foster adults • Foster children Please see Appendix A for more detail on whose income is counted, what is counted as income and what is not, and how to account for income generated by assets. 3.12 General Income Verification Requirements All income and asset sources must be disclosed on the eligibility application and verified. A properly completed application must be used as the basis for determining what verifications will be necessary. The application, along with all supporting documentation and the Resident Income Certification, will be reviewed by HRA staff or its agent during a tenant file review. The following describes the types of third-party verification in order of acceptability: 1. Third-party verification from source (written): a. An original or authentic document generated by a third-party source that is dated within six months from the date of receipt by the owner/agent. Documents may be in possession of the tenant (or applicant), and commonly are referred to as tenant provided documents. These documents are considered third-party verification because they originated from a third-party source. Examples of tenant provided documentation that may be used include, but are not limited to: pay stubs, payroll summary report, employer notice/letter of hire/termination, SSA benefit letter, bank statements, child support payment stubs, welfare benefit letters and/or printouts, and unemployment monetary benefit notices. Owner/Agent must consider the following when using tenant provided documentation: i. Is the document current? Documentation of public assistance may be inaccurate if it is not recent and does not show any changes in the family’s benefits or work and training activities. ii. Is the documentation complete? Owner/Agent may accept pay stubs to document employment income only if the applicant or tenant provides the most recent two months of consecutive pay stubs to illustrate variations in hours worked. Actual paychecks or copies of paychecks March 2020 Page 22 of 31 should never be used to document income because deductions are not shown on the paycheck. iii. Is the document an unaltered original? The greatest shortcoming of tenant provided documents as a verification source is their susceptibility to undetectable change through the use of high quality copying equipment. Documents with original signatures are the most reliable. Photocopied documents generally cannot be assumed to be reliable. 2. Written documentation sent directly to the third-party source by mail or electronically by fax, email or internet. Verification forms must contain a release authorization signed by the applicant/tenant. Do not use a blanket release authorization as this entitles the owner/agent to obtain information to which it is not entitled or needed for eligibility determination. The Data Practices Act Disclosure Statement is not a verification release. Applicants should be asked to sign two copies of each verification form. The second copy may be used if the first request has not been returned in a timely manner. Income verification requests must be sent directly to and from the source. They are never given to the tenant to obtain signatures. If the returned verifications do not contain complete information, owner/agent must follow up with the source to obtain complete information. Typical examples include failure to indicate interest rates, dates of anticipated raises, amounts of anticipated raises, etc. All pertinent information must be documented in the file and must also include the name, phone number and title of the contact, the name of the person accepting the information, and the date. The single form AHP Eligibility Verification may be used to document income and asset eligibility in lieu of separate verification(s) for each separate income or asset source, if the sole source of income is Housing Support. The AHP Eligibility Verification confirms receipt of Housing Support (formally known as GRH) since it identifies that the applicant is in fact qualified for income-based Medical Assistance (MA) through Minnesota’s Department of Human Services. (Housing Support recipients must have MA prior to obtaining housing grant funding). MA eligibility documents AHP eligibility because the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) are significantly less than the LIHTC income limits. NCCP.org (NCCP.org/tools/converter/) defines poverty as a family income less than 100 percent of the federal poverty threshold, as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau; Low Income is defined as family income less than 200 percent of the poverty threshold. 3. Third-party verification from source (verbal). When clarifying information over the telephone, it is important to be certain that the person on the telephone is the party he or she claims to be. Generally, it is best to telephone the verification source rather than to accept verification from a source calling the property management office. Verbal verification must be documented in the file. When verifying information by phone, the owner/agent must record and include in the tenant’s file the following information: March 2020 Page 23 of 31 a. Third-party’s name, position, and contact information; b. Information reported by the third-party; c. Name of the person who conducted the telephone interview; and d. Date and time of the telephone call. 4. Self Certification An owner/agent may accept a tenant’s notarized statement or signed affidavit regarding the veracity of information submitted only if the information cannot be verified by another acceptable verification method. In these instances, the owner/agent must document the file why third-party verification was not available. The owner/agent may witness the tenant signature(s) in lieu of a notarized statement or affidavit. The following describes use of electronic information when used as third-party verification. Electronic Verification. The owner/agent may obtain accurate third-party written verification by facsimile, email, or Internet, if adequate effort is made to ensure that the sender is a valid third-party source. a. Facsimile. Information sent by fax is most reliable if the owner/agent and the verification source agree to use this method in advance during a telephone conversation. The fax should include the company name and fax number of the verification source. b. Email. Similar to faxed information, information verified by email is more reliable when preceded by a telephone conversation and/or when the email address includes the name of an appropriate individual and firm. c. Internet. Information verified on the Internet is considered third-party verification if the owner/agent is able to view web-based information from a reputable source on the computer screen. Use of a printout from the Internet may also be adequate verification in many instances. Steps used to obtain written verification as described in 1, 2 and 3 above must be documented to show just cause for using other types of verification. The owner/agent must include the following documents in the tenant file: 1. A written note explaining why third-party verification is not possible, signed and dated by the applicant/resident. 2. A copy of the date-stamped original request that was sent to the third-party. 3. Written notes or documentation indicating follow up efforts to reach the third-party to obtain verification. 4. A written note indicating the request has been outstanding without a response from the third-party. Note: If a tenant is employed by a business owned by the tenant's family or is employed by the property owner/agent or the management company, a copy of a recent pay stub verifying year- to- date earnings also is required. March 2020 Page 24 of 31 Upon receipt of all verifications, owner/agent must determine if the resident is qualified for participation in the AHP. All verifications should be reviewed, and calculations made as necessary. 3.13 Corrections to Documents Sometimes it is necessary to make corrections or changes to documents. A document that has been altered with correction fluid or "white out" will not be accepted by HRA. When a change is needed on a document, the person making the correction must draw a line through the incorrect information, write or type the correct wording or number, and have all parties initial and date the change. 3.14 Effective Term of Verifications Verifications of any kind are valid for 6 months prior to an ADU tenant’s move in date or recertification date. 3.15 Over Income Households When determining eligibility to occupy an ADU, the household's gross income must always be considered. However, if a tenant goes over the income guidelines of 140% of household income at recertification, the owner/agent must raise the over income tenant’s rent to reflect Fair Market Rent, or relocate tenant to a Market Rate Unit, as soon as the lease permits in accordance with the terms of the lease (see Chapter 2). The AHP does not require interim rent adjustments. 3.16 Annual Recertification All households occupying an ADU must be recertified at least annually from the date of occupancy. Annual recertifications must be effective on or before the occupancy anniversary date of the previous certification. Owner/Agent may align recertification dates with other program certifications or so that all units in the property are recertified at one time during the year. However, if a period of twelve (12) months passes without a recertification being completed for any ADU, the unit is considered out of compliance. Owner/Management may request an annual schedule whereby all tenants are recertified during the same month however before making changes to schedule, an email request must be made, and approved by the City first. The requirement to recertify is included in an ADU lease or addendum, tenant refusal to comply can be considered a violation of the lease and is grounds for termination. Income must be third-party verified in every 3rd year of the affordability period, not tenancy. Example: Every Third Year Full Certification Property ABC received Certificate of Occupancy on 11/1/2019  Period of Affordability (POA) for Property ABC will be a total of 15 years starting on 11/1/2019 and ending on 11/1/2034 March 2020 Page 25 of 31 Amanda Johnson Moved onto Property ABC on 12/1/2019 In 2019 (POA Year One): Management verifies income using SSA Benefits Award Letter, a copy of Amanda’s current PERA Benefit Letter (Pension Public Employees Retirement Association of Minnesota) and Under $50,000 Asset Verification to determine eligibility at Move In. All items must be third-party verified using source documents. In 2020 (POA Year Two): Amanda Johnson needs to complete her Annual Recertification but in POA Year Two for Property ABC, only a self-certification of income and asset, signed by all adult household members is needed. Use of the AHP Self-Certification of Income & Asset form can be used instead of third-party verifications during this non-3rd year. Note: Move In certifications for eligibility must always third-party verify using source documents. In 2021 (POA Year Three): Amanda Johnson needs to complete her Annual Recertification but in POA Year Three for Property ABC, only a self-certification of income and asset, signed by all adult household members is needed. Use of the AHP Self-Certification of Income & Asset form can be used instead of third-party verifications during this non-3rd year. Note: Move In certifications for eligibility must always third-party verify using source documents. In 2022 (Year Four): The Annual Recertification requirement for this POA year at Property ABC states all income and assets reported by a household must be third-party verified using source documents. The AHP Self-Certification of Income & Asset is not eligible for use for any ADU at Property ABC. 3.17 Tenant Files Owner/Agent must maintain a tenant file for each ADU. All permanent documents must be kept together so they are accessible at each compliance review (income certification and supporting documentation, lease/AHP addendum, etc.). Annual recertification information, including the tenant questionnaires, release forms, verifications, and annual inspection reports must be grouped together by year, with the most recent year on top for review. The tenant files must contain the following: • HRA Government Data Practices Act Statement • Household Questionnaire • Acceptable verifications of income and assets • Verification of student eligibility if applicable • Resident Income Certification (Initial Certification and Annual Recertifications) • Signed lease agreement and AHP addendum (if needed) • Lead based paint acknowledgements (rental rehabilitation only; built pre-1978) All move out files should also contain the following: • Written 30-day (or greater) notice to vacate (if not available – document in file) March 2020 Page 26 of 31 • Security deposit refund (check number and date) or letter of intent to withhold security deposit within 14 days of move out Tenant records, including income verifications and development rents must be retained for the most recent three year period after the tenant moves out. March 2020 Page 27 of 31 Chapter 4 – Reporting Requirements The owner/agent must maintain a report of all tenants residing in each ADU at the time of application through the end of the affordability period and must submit annual reports to HRA in a form and manner requested by HRA. Annual compliance reports are due to HRA by March 1 or as otherwise specified by HRA, of each year during the affordability period. If the due date falls on a weekend or a holiday, reports are due the following business day. Reports and other required documents must be submitted as directed by HRA on an annual basis. 4.01 Annual Owner/Agent Certifications Complete the Owner/Agent Certification to certify compliance with AHP requirements for the preceding calendar year. Owner/Agent Certifications must be printed, signed and dated by the authorized Owner/Agent Representative, then scanned and submitted as directed by HRA. 4.02 Compliance Reports HRA or designated agents will monitor AHP compliance by reviewing annual Owner/Agent Certifications and analyzing compliance information submitted by the owner/agent. Failure to submit the Owner/Agent Certification and/or update the report on all units and their related activity by the due date will constitute noncompliance with the AHP and the related loan documents. 4.03 Utility Allowance Source Document Owners/Agents must submit the utility allowance source documents applicable to the reporting period. Multiple utility allowance source documents may apply to one reporting period. March 2020 Page 28 of 31 Chapter 5 – Compliance Inspections Compliance inspections (file reviews) will be conducted every 3 years. Inspections may be conducted more frequently if HRA determines it to be necessary based on concerns raised during a previous review or other information. The compliance inspection includes, but is not limited to, an inspection of at least 20%, but up to 50%, of the ADU tenant files (with a minimum of four (4) units). HRA will contact the owner/agent in advance to schedule the tenant file review. The property inspection and tenant file review may be conducted at the same time or may be conducted separately by different HRA staff. 5.01 Physical Inspections This program does not mandate inspections. Rental Licensing requires inspections every three years. 5.02 Review of Tenant Files and Property Records During the tenant file review, HRA staff will review Resident Income Certifications, third-party verifications or other forms of income documentation, leases, lead based paint disclosure forms, and other management information for selected units. HRA staff will also review the following property information: • Utility Allowances and supporting documentation • Current written tenant selection plan, occupancy policy and/or house rules if changes were made since the last review • Current lease and lease addenda/agreement(s) • Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan/Marketing Plans • Advertising • Equal Housing Opportunity posters, logos • Correspondence • Tenant ledgers for all units inspected March 2020 Page 29 of 31 Chapter 6 – Correction and Consequences of Non-Compliance If HRA does not receive the required certifications and/or compliance reports when due, or discovers by audit, inspection, or review, or in some other manner, that the property is not in compliance with the requirements of the AHP, or with the property’s loan documents, including the enforcement agreement, the HRA will notify the owner/agent as soon as possible. 6.01 Notice to Owner/Agent HRA or its designated agent will provide prompt written notice to the owner/agent of an AHP property if HRA does not receive the annual Owner/Agent Certification and income and occupancy report by the required due date. HRA or its designated agent also will notify the owner/agent if it does not receive or is not permitted to inspect the Resident Income Certifications, supporting documentation, and rent records, or discovers by inspection, review, or in some other manner, that the property is not in compliance with the requirements of the AHP or with the property’s loan documents, including the enforcement agreement. 6.02 Correction Period The correction period of 30-days will be set forth in a Notice of Noncompliance to the owner and its agent. HRA may extend the correction period if HRA determines there is good cause for granting the extension. Requests for an extension must be in writing from the owner/agent, must be received by HRA no later than the last day of the correction period identified on the Notice of Noncompliance, and must include an explanation of the efforts to correct the noncompliance and the reason the extension is needed. 6.03 Owner’s/Agent’s Response HRA will review the owner’s/agent’s response and supporting documentation, if any, to determine whether the noncompliance has been clarified, corrected or remains out of compliance. Clarified noncompliance is, for example, where income eligibility was not properly documented and the inspector cannot make a reasonable determination that the unit is in compliance but the owner/agent conducts a retroactive (re)certification which completely and clearly documents the sources of income and assets that were in place at the time the certification should have been effective, and applies income and rent limits that were in effect on that date. If documentation is complete and supports that the tenant was eligible as of the effective date, the file is considered clarified. Corrected noncompliance is when a violation is observed and there is a period of time during which the unit is out of compliance but the unit is brought back into compliance. For example, a late certification or re-certification is out of compliance on the certification due date, and back in compliance as of the date the last household member signs a retroactive Income Certification. March 2020 Page 30 of 31 Uncorrected noncompliance is a violation that is not corrected or clarified by the end of the correction period. Failure to correct all noncompliance could result in extension of the end of the POA, loss of Tax Increment Financing, or LURC tax treatment or other legal remedies. Persistent noncompliance also may impact the owner’s/agent’s eligibility for financing from the HRA under any or all its programs. March 2020 Page 31 of 31 Chapter 7 – Requests for Action 7.01 Sale or Transfer Any property owner must provide prior written notice to the HRA before sale or transfer of the property. The notice will provide that the new owner/agent acknowledges that the terms and conditions of the Affordable Housing Program as set forth in the governing documents recorded against the property remain in place. Attachments: •Current Rent Income Table •AFHMP Template – Pages 1-5 without HUD Signature •AHC Checklist •AHC Forms 05/03/2019Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Income Limits And Maximum Rents TAX_CREDIT_INCOME_LIMIT.RDF Date Run: Table L: Projects Placed in Service on or after 4/24/2019 Page 14 of 44 04/24/2019 04/24/2019 Hennepin Houston 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 14,000 21,000 28,000 35,000 42,000 49,000 56,000 11,020 16,530 22,040 27,550 33,060 38,570 44,080 16,000 24,000 32,000 40,000 48,000 56,000 64,000 12,580 18,870 25,160 31,450 37,740 44,030 50,320 18,000 27,000 36,000 45,000 54,000 63,000 72,000 14,160 21,240 28,320 35,400 42,480 49,560 56,640 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 15,720 23,580 31,440 39,300 47,160 55,020 62,880 21,600 32,400 43,200 54,000 64,800 75,600 86,400 16,980 25,470 33,960 42,450 50,940 59,430 67,920 23,200 34,800 46,400 58,000 69,600 81,200 92,800 18,240 27,360 36,480 45,600 54,720 63,840 72,960 24,800 37,200 49,600 62,000 74,400 86,800 99,200 19,500 29,250 39,000 48,750 58,500 68,250 78,000 26,400 39,600 52,800 66,000 79,200 92,400 105,600 20,760 31,140 41,520 51,900 62,280 72,660 83,040 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 350 525 700 875 1,050 1,225 1,400 275 413 551 688 826 964 1,102 375 562 750 937 1,125 1,312 1,500 295 442 590 737 885 1,032 1,180 450 675 900 1,125 1,350 1,575 1,800 354 531 708 885 1,062 1,239 1,416 520 780 1,040 1,300 1,560 1,820 2,080 408 613 817 1,021 1,226 1,430 1,635 580 870 1,160 1,450 1,740 2,030 2,320 456 684 912 1,140 1,368 1,596 1,824 640 960 1,280 1,600 1,920 2,240 2,560 503 754 1,006 1,258 1,509 1,761 2,013 700 1,050 1,400 1,750 2,100 2,450 2,800 550 825 1,100 1,375 1,650 1,925 2,200 County: County: Effective Date: Effective Date: 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 ---------- Income Limits By Household Size ---------- ---------- Income Limits By Household Size ---------- ---- Maximum Gross Rents By Bedroom Size(Post 1989) ---- ---- Maximum Gross Rents By Bedroom Size(Post 1989) ---- Note to all applicants/respondents: This form was developed with Nuance, the official HUD software for the creation of HUD forms. HUD has made available instructions for downloading a free installation of a Nuance reader that allows the user to fill-in and save this form in Nuance. Please see http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=nuancereaderinstall.pdf for the instructions. Using Nuance software is the only means of completing this form. Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan (AFHMP) - Multifamily Housing U.S. DepartmentofHousing andUrban Development OfficeofFairHousingandEqualOpportunity OMB Approval No. 2529­0013          (exp.12/31/2016) Previous editions are obsolete Page 1 of 8 Form HUD-935.2A (12/2011)  1a.Project Name &Address (including City,County,State &Zip Code)1b.Project Contract Number 1c.No.of Units 1d. Census Tract 1e.Housing/Expanded Housing Market Area 1f. Managing Agent Name, Address (including City, County, State & Zip Code), Telephone Number & Email Address 1g. Application/Owner/Developer Name, Address (including City, County, State & Zip Code), Telephone Number & Email Address 1h. Entity Responsible for Marketing (check all that apply) Owner Agent Other (specify) Position, Name (if known), Address ( including City, County, State & Zip Code), Telephone Number & Email Address 1i. To whom should approval and other correspondence concerning this AFHMP be sent? Indicate Name, Address (including City, State & Zip Code), Telephone Number & E-Mail Address. 2a. Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan Plan Type Date of the First Approved AFHMP: Reason(s) for current update: 2b. HUD-Approved Occupancy of the Project (check all that apply) Elderly Family Mixed (Elderly/Disabled) Disabled 2c. Date of Initial Occupancy 2d. Advertising Start Date Advertising must begin at least 90 days prior to initial or renewed occupancy for new construction and substantial rehabilitation projects. Date advertising began or will begin For existing projects, select below the reason advertising will be used: To fill existing unit vacancies To place applicants on a waiting list (which currently has individuals) To reopen a closed waiting list (which currently has individuals) Previous editions are obsolete Page 2 of 8 Form HUD-935.2A (12/2011) 3a.Demographics of ProjectandHousing Market AreaCompleteandsubmitWorksheet1. 3b.Targeted Marketing Activity Based on your completed Worksheet 1,indicate which demographic group(s)in the housing market area is/are least likely to apply for the housing without special outreach efforts.(check all that apply) White AmericanIndianorAlaska Native Asian Black or African American Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Hispanicor Latino Persons with Disabilities Families withChildren Other ethnic group,religion,etc.(specify) 4a.Residency Preference Is the owner requesting a residency preference?If yes,complete questions 1 through 5. If no,proceed to Block 4b. (1)Type (2)Is the residency preference area: The same as the AFHMP housing/expanded housing market area as identified in Block 1e? The same as the residency preference area of the local PHA in whose jurisdiction the project is located? (3)What is the geographic area for the residency preference? (4)What is the reason for having a residency preference? (5)How do you plan to periodically evaluate your residency preference to ensure that it is in accordance with the non-discrimination and equal opportunity requirements in 24 CFR 5.105(a)? Complete and submit Worksheet 2 when requesting a residency preference (see also 24 CFR 5.655(c)(1))for residency preference requirements.The requirements in 24 CFR 5.655(c)(1)will be used by HUD as guidelines for evaluating residency preferences consistent with the applicable HUD program requirements.See also HUD Occupancy Handbook (4350.3)Chapter 4,Section 4.6 for additional guidance on preferences. 4b.Proposed Marketing Activities: Community Contacts CompleteandsubmitWorksheet3 to describeyour use of community contacts to market the project to those least likely to apply. 4c.Proposed Marketing Activities: Methods of Advertising Complete and submit Worksheet 4 to describe your proposed methods of advertising that will be used to market to those least likely to apply. Attach copies of advertisements, radio and television scripts, Internet advertisements, websites, and brochures, etc. Previous editions are obsolete Page 3 of 8 Form HUD-935.2A(12/2011) 5a.Fair Housing Poster The Fair Housing Poster must be prominently displayed in all offices in which sale or rental activity takes place (24 CFR 200.620(e)). Check below all locations where the Poster will be displayed. Rental Office Real Estate Office Model Unit Other (specify) 5b.Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan The AFHMP must be available for public inspection at the sales or rental office (24 CFR 200.625).Check below all locations where the AFHMP will be made available. Rental Office RealEstate Office Model Unit Other (specify) 5c.Project Site Sign Project Site Signs,if any,must display in a conspicuous position the HUD approved Equal Housing Opportunity logo,slogan,or statement (24 CFR 200.620(f)).Check below all locations where the Project Site Sign will be displayed. Please submit photos of Project signs. RentalOffice Real Estate Office Model Unit Entrance toProject Other (specify) The size of the Project Site Sign will be x The Equal Housing Opportunity logo or slogan or statement will be x       6.Evaluation of Marketing Activities Explain the evaluation process you will use to determine whether your marketing activities have been successful in attracting individuals least likely to apply,how often you will make this determination,and how you will make decisions about future marketing based on the evaluation process. Previous editions are obsolete Page 4 of 8 Form HUD-935.2A (12/2011) 7a.Marketing Staff What staff positions are/will be responsible for affirmative marketing? 7b.Staff Training and Assessment:AFHMP (1)Has staff been trained on the AFHMP? (2)Has staff been instructed in writing and orally on non­discrimination and fair housing policies as required by       24 CFR 200.620(c)? (3)If yes,who provides instruction on the AFHMP and Fair Housing Act, and how frequently? (4)Do you periodically assess staff skills on the use of the AFHMP and the application of the Fair Housing       Act?   (5)If yes,how and how often? 7c.Tenant Selection Training/Staff (1)Has staff been trained on tenant selection in accordance with the project’s occupancy policy,including any residency preferences? (2)What staff positions are/will be responsible for tenant selection? 7d.Staff Instruction/Training: Describe AFHM/Fair Housing Act staff training,already provided or to be provided,to whom it was/will be provided,content of training, and the dates of past and anticipated training.Please include copies of any AFHM/Fair Housing staff training materials. Previous editions are obsolete Page 5 of 8 Form HUD-935.2A (12/2011) 8. Additional Considerations:  Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your AFHMP to help ensure that your program is marketed to those least likely to apply for housing in your project?Please attach additional sheets,as needed. 9. Review and Update By signing this form,the applicant/respondent agrees to implement its AFHMP, and to review and update its AFHMP in accordance with the instructions to item 9 of this form in order to ensure continued compliance with HUD’s Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Regulations (see 24 CFR Part 200,Subpart M).I hereby certify that all the information stated herein, as well as any information provided in the accompaniment herewith,is true and accurate.Warning:HUD will prosecute false claims and statements.Conviction may result in criminal and/or civil penalties.(See 18 U.S.C.1001,1010,1012; 31 U.S.C.3729,3802).     Signature of person submitting this Plan &Date of Submission (mm/dd/yyyy) Name (type or print) Title &Name of Company For HUD-Office of Housing Use Only Reviewing Official: For HUD-Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Use Only Approval Disapproval Signature & Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Signature & Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Name(typeor print) Title Name(typeorprint) Title Head of Household Demographic Information Head of Household Demographics 1 of 1 AHP 02/2020 Instructions: This form is to be completed by the head of household only after occupancy has been approved. Your approval for occupancy will not be affected if you choose not to respond. The owner will submit this information to The City of Edina for assessment of households being served by its financing programs. Your cooperation is much appreciated. Housing Information (this section to be completed by owner/agent) Property Name Minnesota Housing D# Building Address Unit # Head of Household Information Name Date of birth (month/day/year) / / Ethnicity Hispanic or Latino Not Hispanic or Latino I choose not to respond Gender Female Male I choose not to respond Race (check all that apply) American Indian/Alaska Native Asian Black/African American Native Hawaiian/ Other Pacific Islander White I choose not to respond Number of household members Adults (including head of household) Children under age 18 residing in unit Is any household member mobility impaired requiring features of an accessible unit? Yes No I choose not to respond Is any household member a person with a disability other than mobility impairment? Yes No I choose not to respond Main source of household income (check only one) Salary/wages Self-employment Social Security Retirement /pension/annuity Alimony/child support Interest/dividends/rental income Unemployment/disability Public assistance No income Previous editions are obsolete form HUD-928.1 (6/2011) U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY We Do Business in Accordance With the Federal Fair Housing Law (The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988) It is illegal to Discriminate Against Any Person Because of Race, Color, Religion, Sex,Handicap, Familial Status, or National Origin In the sale or rental of housing or residential lots In advertising the sale or rental of housing In the financing of housing In the provision of real estate brokerage services In the appraisal of housing Blockbusting is also illegal Anyone who feels he or she has beendiscriminated against may file a complaint ofhousing discrimination: 1-800-669-9777 (Toll Free) 1-800-927-9275 (TTY)              www.hud.gov/fairhousing  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Washington, D.C. 20410 AHP 02/2020 Attachment Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Part A (Required to determine eligibility) 1. Information regarding the household composition including the name(s) and age(s) of all members in the household. 2. Student status. 3. The amount and source of all earned and unearned income of all household members. 4. The type, value and income derived from all household assets. 5. The type, value and income derived from all household assets disposed of for less than fair market value within the past 2 years. 6. Current and/or previous housing history (for program eligibility, if applicable). Part B 1. Race 2. Ethnicity 3. Gender of head of household 4. Receipt of Public Assistance and Type of Assistance (MFIP, Section 8, GRH, etc.) 5. Homeless Household 6. Disabled Status 7. Household Type (single, elderly, disabled, etc.) AHP 02/2020 Verification of Eligibility – Affordable Housing Program TO: (Name and Address of Housing Support Division) FROM: (Name & Address of Owner/Management Agent) RE:________________________________ Email: ________________________________ Applicant/Tenant Full Name Contact: _______________at ( )___________ ___________________ Unit Number (Optional) Thank you for your prompt response. All information is confidential. PERMISSION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION Release: I hereby authorize the release of requested information. Information obtained under this consent is limited to information that is no older than 12 months. There are circumstances which would require the owner to verify information that is up to 5 years old, which would be authorized by me on a separate consent with explanation, attached to a copy of this consent. Signature of Applicant/Tenant Date MN-DHS Housing Supports and Services Division, please fill in all blanks. Does the above Applicant/Tenant receive benefits under one of these two income-based Housing Programs outlined below? If Yes, what type of benefit program does s/he participate in? and/or Effective date of benefits: Additional remarks: Housing Support and Services Provider: Print Your Name: Title: Signature: Date: Telephone #: Fax #: Email: THIS SECTION TO BE COMPLETED BY HOUSING SUPPORT & SERVICES DIVISION  Yes  No  Housing Support  Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA Housing Assistance) AHP 02/2020 Government Data Practices Act Disclosure Statement Print name(s) of Household Members signing this form: The City of (“City”) that provided the funding for the development of the property listed below is asking for this private information that relates to your application to occupy, or continue to occupy, a unit in the following property (“Property”). Property Name: Some of the information you are being asked to provide may be considered private or confidential under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. Section 13.04(2) of this law requires that you be notified of the matters included in this Disclosure Statement before you are asked to provide that information. The owner/agent of the Property may also ask you to supply information that relates to your application. The owner’s/agent’s request for information is not governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. 1. The City of Edina, Minnesota for the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) is asking for information necessary for the administration and management of a local program to provide housing for low income families. Some of the information may be used to establish your eligibility to initially occupy, or to continue to occupy, a unit in the Property. Other information may be used to assist the City in the evaluation and management of some of the programs it operates. 2. As part of your application, you are asked to supply the information contained in the following attachment. Attachment 1 – Inclusionary Housing Program The Attachment has two parts: Part A and Part B 3. The information asked for under Part A of the attachment may be used by the City and/or owner/agent to establish your eligibility to participate in the Inclusionary Housing Program or occupy an affordable dwelling unit in the Property. If you refuse to supply any portion of the information asked for under Part A, you may not qualify for initial or continued occupancy of a unit in the Property. 4. The information asked for under Part B will help the City in the evaluation and management of some of the programs it operates and your supplying of this information will be helpful to the City. AHP 02/2020 Failure to provide any of the information asked for under Part B will NOT affect whether or not you qualify for initial or continued occupancy of a unit in the Property. 5. The owner/agent may also ask for information to determine whether or not it will rent a unit in the Property to you. If you supply, or refuse to supply, any information requested by the owner/agent, it will NOT affect a decision by the City, but could affect the owner’s/agent’s decision to rent a unit to you. The determination by the owner/agent is separate from the City’s determination and the City does not participate, in any way, in the owner’s/agent’s decision. 6. All of the information that you supply will be accessible to staff of the City (and its agents) and may be made available to staff of the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other persons and/or governmental entities who may have statutory authority to review the information, investigate specific conduct, and/or take appropriate legal action including but not limited to law enforcement agencies, courts and other regulatory agencies. The information may also be provided by the City to the owner’s management agents of the Property. 7. This Disclosure Statement remains in effect for as long as you occupy a unit in the Property and are a participant in the program(s) identified above. I was (We were) supplied with a copy of and have read this Government Data Practices Act Disclosure Statement and the Attachment identified above. Head of Household, Spouse, Co-Head and all household members age 18 or older must sign and date: Applicant/Tenant signature Date Applicant/Tenant signature Date Applicant/Tenant signature Date Applicant/Tenant signature Date Applicant/Tenant signature Date AHP 02/2020 AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM (AHP) LEASE ADDENDUM Resident Name: Address: Lease Date: The Property in which you are leasing received funding from the Affordable Housing Program. This program is designed to provide housing to low income individuals and families. This addendum will be in effect for the duration of your occupancy. By signing this Agreement, you and all adult household members acknowledge that you have read, understand and agree to the following provisions: 1. Affordable Housing Program. The Unit must comply with the Affordable Housing Program. Resident's rights under the Lease are subject to Program requirements. 2. Unit Occupancy. Only the residents named on the Lease are permitted to occupy the unit. 3. Income Certification. Resident has executed an Income Certification Form prior to moving into the Unit, and Resident shall complete and execute further Income Certification Forms at Management's request not less than annually hereafter. Upon Management’s request, Resident shall certify Resident’s household income and/or assets to Management or any governmental or quasi-governmental agency in a manner satisfactory to Management. 4. Recertified Income. Resident acknowledges that the annual recertification of Resident's household income must meet the limitations imposed by the Program. (Resident’s initials) ________ 5. Information Supplied. Resident certifies that the information supplied by Resident to determine Resident's qualifications to rent the Unit, including Resident's Application and Income Certification, is accurate, complete, and true in all respects. Submission of inaccurate, incomplete, or false information at any time is a breach of lease for which Resident can be evicted. 6. Increased Income. If, upon annual recertification, Resident's household income exceeds 140% of the applicable Program limit, Management may meet with Resident to review the status of the household’s qualification under the Program. If the household no longer qualifies, Management may terminate Resident’s lease. 7. Certain Changes. Resident shall notify Management immediately in writing if Resident's household size changes, anyone in Resident’s household becomes a full-time student, or Resident begins to receive HUD assistance. Management may immediately terminate this Lease if Resident’s student status disqualifies the Unit under the Program. Management may adjust Resident's rent and/or utility allowance if Resident begins to receive HUD assistance. (Resident’s initials) _________ 8. Student Eligibility. AHP adopted the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program restrictions on student participation found at 24 CFR 5.612 and excludes any individual that: AHP 02/2020 1. Is enrolled in a higher education institution; AND 2. Is under the age of 24; and 3. Is not a veteran of the US Military; and 4. Is not married*; and 5. Does not have a dependent child(ren); and 6. Is not a person with disabilities; and 7. Is not otherwise individually eligible, or has parents who, individually or jointly, are not eligible on the basis of income * Effective August 1, 2013 same-sex marriages are recognized as marriages for student eligibility purposes. ALL RESIDENTS MUST IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO MANAGEMENT ANY CHANGE IN STUDENT STATUS. (Resident’s initials) __________ 9. Cooperation with Management. Resident shall cooperate with Management so that Management complies with the Program. Resident will timely respond to Management requests related to Program documents, verifications, and certifications. This includes but is not limited to timely attending meetings, signing verifications, and providing requested information. Resident agrees to sign a new lease upon the completion of annual certifications, if requested or required by Management. 10. Termination/Non-Renewal. Management may terminate or refuse to renew the Lease or file an eviction action for the following reasons:  Serious or repeated violation of the Lease. This includes but is not limited to Resident’s violation of this Agreement. (Resident’s initials) _______  Violation of applicable federal, state, or local law. (Resident’s initials) _______  Refusal/Failure to complete paperwork required by the Program. (Resident’s initials) _______  Other good cause, including if Resident’s continued occupancy of the Unit violates Program requirements. (Resident’s initials) _______ I have read and agree to the provisions above and understand that failure to comply with these provisions constitutes material non-compliance with this lease and establishes good cause for termination, nonrenewal of the lease, or eviction action. ________________________________________________ __________________________ Resident’s Signature Date ________________________________________________ __________________________ Resident’s Signature Date ________________________________________________ __________________________ Management’s Signature Date AHP 02/2020 AHP Rental Application Applicant Information Name: Date of birth: SSN: Phone: Current address: City: State: ZIP Code: Own Rent (Please circle) Monthly payment or rent: How long? Previous address: City: State: ZIP Code: Owned Rented (Please circle) Monthly payment or rent: How long? Co-applicant Information Name: Date of birth: SSN: Phone: Current address: City: State: ZIP Code: Own Rent (Please circle) Monthly payment or rent: How long? Previous address: City: State: ZIP Code: Owned Rented (Please circle) Monthly payment or rent: How long? Income and Asset Total Monthly Income (Include all family gross income): $ Income Sources (check all that apply)  Wages/Self-Employment  SSI/SSA  Pension/Annuity  Child Support  Investment/Interest Income  Workers Compensation  TANF/Public Assistance  Other________________ Value of Family Assets (Assets include all bank accounts, investment accounts, and real estate): $ Emergency Contact Name of a person not residing with you: Address: City: State: ZIP Code: Phone: References Name: Address: Phone: I authorize the verification of the information provided on this form as to my credit and source/s of income. Signature of applicant: Date: Signature of co-applicant: Date: AHP 02/2020 RESIDENT INCOME CERTIFICATION For use by eligible Affordable Housing Program (AHP) properties only Property Name: ____________________________ Effective Date: _________________ Household Composition: Anticipated Gross Household Income (Annual Amounts): Household Member Name Wages/Salaries/Self- Employment Benefits/Pensions TANF/Public Assistance Other Income Annual Gross Income: $ $ $ $ Total Annual Gross Income: $ Household Asset and Asset Income: Household Member Name Asset Description Current Cash Value of Asset Actual Income from Assets Total Cash Value: Total Income from Assets: $ (A)$ Enter Total Cash Value if over $50,000 $______________ Passbook Rate: X .06% = (B)$_____________ Imputed Income Enter the greater of the Total Income from Assets (A) OR Imputed Income (B): This will be the Total Income from Assets: $________________ Total Annual Income Annual Income (total of all actual income and income from assets): $________________ Head of Household Name Leased Address Total Number of Occupants AHP 02/2020 Rent Amounts: Leased Rent Amount: $________________ Monthly Utility Allowance: $________________ Gross Monthly Rent: (Leased Rent + Utility Allowance) $________________ Student Status: Are any household members, a student at an institution of higher education?  Yes  No If Yes, enter # as shown on the student form AHP Student Self-Certification 1. FT Student 2. Disabled 3. At least 24 years of age 4. Veteran of United States Military 5. Married 6. Dependent 7. Living Independently from Parents 8. Graduate or Professional Student 9. Orphan or Ward of the Court 10. Vulnerable Youth 11. Independent via unusual circumstances #_________________ After all verifications of income and/or assets have been received and calculated, each household member age 18 or older must sign and date the Resident Income Certification. For move-in, it is recommended that the Resident Income Certification be signed no earlier than 5 days prior to the effective date of the certification. I/we hereby affirm that the foregoing information is true and complete to the best of my/our knowledge and authorize the Landlord to make inquires to verify the statements herein. I/we further understand that any intentional misrepresentation in this self-certification might result in a default in the rental agreement and/or eviction of the household. If any of the aforementioned changes, I/we agree to notify the Landlord immediately. All household members age 18 or older must sign and date below: Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Signature and Date of Owner/Representative: Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Affordable Housing Program (AHP) RESIDENT NOTIFICATION LETTER As a resident of (name of property), a property funded by the CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA, a Minnesota statutory city, and the HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA, you have certain rights stated in your lease and the attached Lease Rider. Your landlord must follow city and state rules for the Affordable Housing Program. One of the important protections provided by federal law is that you cannot be evicted from your home or have your tenancy terminated without good reason or “good cause.” Your landlord may not evict you or terminate your tenancy (including refusing to renew your lease) without good cause. Good cause is (a) serious or repeated violation(s) of the material terms and conditions of your lease. The landlord must state, in writing, the good cause in any eviction, lease non-renewal or termination of tenancy notice. If you did not do what your landlord claims in the notice, or if you think it was not serious enough for your lease to be terminated or not renewed, you can ask the landlord if there is an appeal process. If there is no appeal process, you may request that the termination be retracted and discuss your reasons why. If you receive a notice of eviction, you have a right to contest the eviction in court by explaining to the judge why you disagree with the reasons for terminating your lease. Visit www.lawhelpmn.org to see if you qualify for free or low-cost legal assistance. In addition, your landlord may not increase the amount of rent stated on your lease more than once annually. The attached Lease Rider should already be signed by your landlord. You and all members of your household age 18 or older must also sign the Lease Rider in order to make it part of your lease. The Lease Rider needs to be signed each time you sign a new lease. If at any time additional adult household members enter the unit or a child who lives in that unit turns 18, they should add their signature to the existing Lease Rider with the current date. Your landlord also has a legal obligation to comply with the statutory requirements found in Section 601 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA). Under VAWA, you may not be denied admission, denied assistance, terminated from participation, or evicted on the basis that you are or have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking, if you otherwise qualify for admission, assistance, participation or occupancy. You should have received the following when you were approved for occupancy or at some time during your occupancy: •HUD Form 5380 – Notice of Occupancy Rights under the Violence Against Women Act; and •HUD Form 5382 – Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking, and Alternate Documentation. The landlord must also include these documents with any notice of eviction, lease non-renewal or termination of tenancy. You may also have signed a VAWA Lease Addendum. If you have any questions concerning this matter, please contact your resident manager, , or your landlord at (phone and email). Sincerely , Property Representative Name (print and sign) Date AHP 02/2020 Affordable Housing Program LEASE RIDER (attach to resident lease) Property Name: Building/Unit #: Head of Household Name: The Lease dated is hereby amended by adding the following provisions: 1. Owner/Landlord may not evict or terminate the tenancy (including refusing to renew this Lease) except for good cause. Good cause means (a) serious or repeated violation(s) of the material terms and conditions of the Lease. Any eviction, lease non-renewal or termination of tenancy notice must be in writing and must state the specific violation(s). The notice must comply with all requirements of Minnesota law and other applicable programs. 2. Owner/Landlord may not increase the lease rent more than once annually, regardless of the term of the Lease. To the extent that any terms contained in the Lease or any other agreement between the owner and the tenant contradict the terms of this Lease Rider, the provisions of this Lease Rider shall control. By signing below, I indicate my consent to this Lease Rider: Property Representative Name (print) (signature) Date ************************************************************************************* By signing below, I indicate my consent to this Lease Rider. I/we have been given a copy of this Lease Rider. Resident Name (print) (signature) Date Resident Name (print) (signature) Date Resident Name (print) (signature) Date Resident Name (print) (signature) Date AHP 02/2020 AHP 02/2020 Self-Certification of Household Annual Income For use by eligible Affordable Housing Program (only to be used in-between the 3rd year requirement of a full certification) Property Name: __________________ Unit Number: ______________ Recertification Date: _____________ 1. Enter all household member’s names, relationship to the head of household and student status below: Last Name First Name Relationship to Head of Household Has This Person Been a Student During the Past Year and/or Will This Person Be a Student in the Upcoming Year? 2. Enter all household members’ gross annual income (income before taxes). Types of income include but are not limited employment wages, military pay, public assistance, Social Security/SSI benefits, Pension, VA benefits, child support, regular gifts, unemployment, and some types of financial aid. Household Member’s Name Source of Income Gross Annual Income Total Gross Annual Income from Column: $ AHP 02/2020 3. Types of income from assets include but are not limited to interest and dividends earned from checking accounts, savings accounts, retirement accounts, certificates of deposit, money market, 401Ks and real estate. Total Cash Value: (total of Current Cash Value of Asset Colum) Total Actual Income from Assets: (total of Actual Income from Assets Column) $ $ Total Annual Income ANNUAL (GROSS) INCOME (TOTAL OF ALL HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS): $_______________________ I/we hereby affirm that the foregoing information is true and complete to the best of my/our knowledge and authorize the Owner/Manager to make inquires to verify the statements herein. I/we further understand that any intentional misrepresentation in this self-certification might result in a default in the rental agreement and/or eviction of the household. If any of the aforementioned changes, I/we agree to notify the Owner/Manager immediately. All household members age 18 or older must sign and date below: Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: _________________________________ Household Member’s Name Type of Asset & Source Current Cash Value of Asset Actual Income From Assets 11/2019 Property Address: ____________________ Affordable Housing Program (AHP) STUDENT STATUS SELF-CERTIFICATION FIRST NAME: TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT / RESIDENT: A.Are you student at an institution of higher education?_____ Yes _____ No “Institution of higher education” includes post-secondary vocational institutions, “proprietary institutions of higher education” which prepare students for “gainful employment in a recognized occupation,” and accredited post-secondary colleges and universities. If you are not sure, please mark “yes” and we will verify the status of your institution. If you have answered no, please skip the following questions in (B) and sign below in (C). B.If you answered yes, please complete the following questions and sign below in (C): Yes No 1. Are you a full-time student?_____ ____ 2. Are you disabled?_____ ____ If yes, were you receiving Section 8 assistance as of November 30, 2005? _____ ____ 3. Are you at least 24 years of age? _____ ____ If no, please list birth date:________________ 4. Are you a veteran of the United States military?_____ ____ 5. Are you married?_____ ____ 6. Do you have a dependent other than a spouse (e.g. dependent child) _____ ____ 7. Will you be living with your parents?_____ ____ If no: a. Are your parents receiving or eligible to receive Section 8?_____ ____ b. Are you claimed as a dependent on your parent’s tax return? _____ ____ c. Have you maintained a household separate from your parents or guardians for at least 1 year?_____ ____ 8. Are you a graduate or professional student?_____ ____ 9. Were you an orphan or a ward of the court through the age of 18?_____ ____ 10. Are you classified as a Vulnerable Youth?_____ ____ 11. Are you a student for whom a financial aid administrator makes a documented determination of independence by reason of other unusual circumstances?_____ ____ C. ________________________________ __________________________________ Signature Print Name ________________________________ Date LAST NAME: AHP 02/2020 UNDER $50,000 ASSET CERTIFICATION for use with HRA's Affordable Housing Program Only For households whose combined net assets do not exceed $50,000. Complete only one form per household; include assets of children. Household Name: Unit No. Development Name: City: Complete all that apply for 1 through 4: 1.My/our assets include (enter n/a in (A) if you do not own the respective asset): (A) Cash Value* (B) Int. Rate (A*B) Annual Income Source (A) Cash Value* (B) Int. Rate (A*B) Annual Income Source $ $ Savings Account(s) $ $ Checking Account(s) $ $ Include online accounts such as GoFundMe, Fundly, etc. Cash on Hand $ $ Cash cards used to receive government benefits or other income $ $ Certificates of Deposit $ $ Money market funds $ $ Stocks $ $ Bonds $ $ IRA Account(s) $ $ 401K Account(s) $ $ Keogh Account(s) $ $ Trust Funds $ $ Equity in real estate $ $ Land Contracts $ $ Lump Sum Receipts $ $ Capital investments $ $ Life Insurance Policies (excluding Term) $ $ Other Retirement/Pension Funds not named above: $ $ Personal property held as an investment** : $ $ Other (list): PLEASE NOTE: Certain funds (e.g., Retirement, Pension, Trust) may or may not be (fully) accessible to you. Include only those amounts which are. *Cash value is defined as market value minus the cost of converting the asset to cash, such as broker's fees, settlement costs, outstanding loans, early withdrawal penalties, etc. **Personal property held as an investment may include, but is not limited to, gem or coin collections, art, antique cars, etc. Do not include necessary personal property such as, but not necessarily limited to, household furniture, daily-use autos, clothing, assets of an active business, or special equipment for use by the disabled. 2.Within the past two (2) years, I/we have sold or given away assets (including cash, real estate, etc.) for more than $1,000 below fair market value (FMV). Those amounts equal a total of: $ (enter the difference between FMV and the amount you received). 3.I/we have not sold or given away assets (including cash, real estate, etc.) for less than fair market value during the past two (2) years. 4.I/we do not have any assets at this time (do not check this box if you have entered any numbers in section 1, above). The net family assets (as defined in 24 CFR 813.102) above do not exceed $50,000 and the annual income from the net family assets is $ (enter the total of all (A*B) Annual Income in section 1 above). This amount is included in total gross annual income. Under penalty of perjury, I/we certify that the information presented in this certification is true and accurate to the best of my/our knowledge. The undersigned further understand(s) that providing false representations herein constitutes an act of fraud. False, misleading or incomplete information may result in the termination of a lease agreement. Applicant/Tenant Under $50,000 Asset Certification Date Applicant/Tenant Date March 2020 Page 1 of 29 Affordable Housing Program Policy Guide March 2020 March 2020 Page 2 of 29 Table of Contents Introduction to the Affordable Multi-Family Housing Program (AHP) ..............................................................................................4 Chapter 1 – Overview of Affordable Housing Program Policy ...........5 1.01 Period of Affordability (POA) ................................................................................................................. 5 1.02 Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) ........................................................................................................ 5 Affordability Standards – Rental Projects ........................................................................................................... 5 Affordability Standards – For Sale Projects ......................................................................................................... 6 1.03 Student Households ............................................................................................................................... 6 1.04 New Multi-Family Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Rent Limits ..................................................... 7 1.05 Rental Assistance .................................................................................................................................. 7 1.06 Allowable Fees and Charges .................................................................................................................. 7 1.07 Fixed or Floating Affordable Dwelling Units .......................................................................................... 8 1.08 Rent Increases ....................................................................................................................................... 8 1.09 Utility Allowances ................................................................................................................................. 8 1.10 Record Retention ................................................................................................................................ 10 1.11 Leases .................................................................................................................................................. 10 1.12 Income Certification ............................................................................................................................ 11 1.13 Increases in Income ............................................................................................................................ 11 1.14 Property Standards ............................................................................................................................. 12 1.15 Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan ........................................................................................... 12 1.16 Fair Lease and Grievance Procedures .................................................................................................. 12 Chapter 2 – Maintaining the Unit Mix ............................................ 12 2.01 Fixed Affordable Dwelling Units .......................................................................................................... 12 2.02 Floating Affordable Dwelling Units .................................................................................................... 13 Chapter 3 – General Occupancy Guidelines .................................... 14 3.01 Qualification of Applicants ................................................................................................................. 14 3.02 Eligibility Determination ..................................................................................................................... 16 3.03 Change in Household Composition ...................................................................................................... 16 3.04 Minimum Lease Requirements ............................................................................................................ 16 3.05 House Rules ......................................................................................................................................... 17 3.06 Number of Persons Per Unit ............................................................................................................... 17 3.07 Tenant Selection Plan ......................................................................................................................... 17 March 2020 Page 3 of 29 3.08 Government Data Practices Act Disclosure Statement Form ............................................................. 18 3.09 Income Verification ............................................................................................................................. 18 3.10 Gross Annual Household Income ........................................................................................................ 19 3.11 Factors that Affect Household Size ..................................................................................................... 19 3.12 General Income Verification Requirements ......................................................................................... 21 3.13 Corrections to Documents ................................................................................................................... 23 3.14 Effective Term of Verifications ............................................................................................................ 24 3.15 Over Income Households ..................................................................................................................... 24 3.16 Annual Recertification ........................................................................................................................ 24 3.17 Tenant Files ......................................................................................................................................... 25 Chapter 4 – Reporting Requirements ............................................. 26 4.01 Annual Owner/Agent Certifications .................................................................................................... 26 4.02 Compliance Reports ............................................................................................................................. 26 4.03 Utility Allowance Source Document ................................................................................................... 26 Chapter 5 – Compliance Inspections .............................................. 27 5.01 Physical Inspections ............................................................................................................................ 27 5.02 Review of Tenant Files and Property Records ..................................................................................... 27 Chapter 6 – Correction and Consequences of Non-Compliance ...... 27 6.01 Notice to Owner/Agent ....................................................................................................................... 27 6.02 Correction Period ................................................................................................................................ 28 6.03 Owner’s/Agent’s Response .................................................................................................................. 28 Chapter 7 – Requests for Action .................................................... 29 7.01 Sale or Transfer ................................................................................................................................... 29 March 2020 Page 4 of 29 Introduction to the Affordable Multi-Family Housing Program (AHP) Properties developed using financing from the City of Edina, or because of our policy for New Multi-Family Affordable Housing, are subject to specific rules designed to ensure that affordability pledges made by owners and developers remain available to very low and low income tenants (30% to 60% of Area Median Income) throughout the required Period of Affordability (the POA). This Guide is designed to assist owners and their agents with planning and maintaining compliance with the local requirements associated with these rental properties that include affordable units. This guide does not pertain to the Market Rate units. It is the responsibility of City of Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority (hereafter the “HRA”) to monitor the continuing compliance of affordable units in accordance with local policy and governing agreements throughout the POA. The following procedures apply to all rental properties that received funds or a Planned Unit Development (PUD) under the local policy on New Multi-Family Affordable Housing (AHP). Any violation of the AHP requirements could constitute a covenant default of the governing agreement(s) and imposition of all local government rights and remedies. While successful operation of an affordable property is management intensive, the owner/agent is responsible for ensuring that the governing agreement requirements are properly administered. Thorough understanding of requirements and compliance monitoring procedures requires training of owners/agents. The owner/agent should ensure that it knows and understands the requirements of the affordable housing policy and the compliance requirements since failure to comply may have very serious consequences. The HRA recommends that owners, management agents and site managers (collectively referred to as “owner/agent” throughout this document) receive compliance training before certifying or leasing any affordable units. At a minimum, training should cover key compliance terms, determination of rents, household eligibility, file documentation, procedures for maintaining the required unit mix and reporting. Record retention and property condition standards are also key to maintaining compliance. Attending educational opportunities as offered is strongly recommended to keep up with any procedural changes to the AHP. Should the AHP assisted property also receive an allocation of Section 42 tax credits (Low Income Housing Tax Credits or LIHTC), and the property is found to be compliant with the tax credit program, then the HRA will consider the property compliant with the AHP. Owners/Agents of AHP assisted properties must annually certify to the HRA that the property is compliant with the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. The HRA’s determination to monitor the project for compliance with requirements of the AHP does not make it liable for an owner’s/agent's noncompliance. This Guide will be made available to the owner/agent at project financial closing and will be posted on the City’s website. The HRA, in its sole discretion, may delegate its compliance reporting and monitoring responsibilities to a third-party. AHP assisted properties will have a compliance review at initial lease up and every third (3rd) year thereafter. However, the HRA reserves the right to conduct a March 2020 Page 5 of 29 compliance review annually. During the compliance review, the HRA or third-party monitoring agent, will ensure compliance against City Agreements by inspecting records of residential student status, income and asset documentation, and rent record for each resident household for all project’s AHP assisted units. The first review for new projects will occur no later than the end of the second year of the period of affordability. Chapter 1 – Overview of Affordable Housing Program Policy The following is an overview the Affordable Housing Policy. It is not intended to be detailed or comprehensive. The requirements of the AHP apply to market rate residential developments that receive a PUD approval from the City of Edina and/or financial assistance from the HRA. This includes new developments and mixed-used developments that create twenty (20) or more multi-family dwelling units and/or any change in use of all or part of an existing building from a non-residential use to a residential use that includes at least twenty (20) dwelling units. 1.01 Period of Affordability (POA) Affordable units created under the Affordable Housing Policy (AHP) are rent and income controlled for a minimum of 20 years with a maximum established by the funding source and reflected in the binding agreement. This term is referred to as the Period of Affordability or POA. Owners/agents should refer to the property’s governing agreements, at project commitment, to determine the specific terms and conditions that govern the property, as the affordability period was increased from 15 years to 20 years in March 2019. Project Commitment is a schedule of commitments within the project’s Financing Agreement(s) between the parties hereto, such as the authorizing Resolution, Development Agreement and/or Loan Documents, dated as of the Execution Date and their related agreements. 1.02 Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) At least ten percent (10%) to twenty percent (20%) of the total number of dwelling units in a development receiving a PUD and/or assisted with local funds under the AHP will be designated as Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs). The percentage applied is based on the affordability standard of the development. Affordability Standards – Rental Projects PLEASE NOTE: For developments financed with Low Income Housing Tax Credits, this Program Guide defers to the rules and regulations provided in the Land Use Restrictive Agreement (LURA) or related document. If the LURA expires during the Period of Affordability, the development must comply with this Program Guide. March 2020 Page 6 of 29 If an AHP property also is assisted with Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), the AHP Affordability Standard is based on the LIHTC election (Income Averaging, 20/50 or 40/60 set aside). If an AHP property is NOT assisted with LIHTC, then the HRA together with the owner will determine which affordability standard applies. The legal document executed with the HRA determines the standard. 10% at 50% At least ten percent (10%) of total units developed shall be occupied by households at or below fifty percent (50%) of the MTSP (Multifamily Tax Subsidy Income Limits, i.e. tax credit income limits). 20% at 60% At least twenty percent (20%) of total units developed shall be occupied by households at or below sixty percent (60%) of the MTSP. Affordability Standards – For Sale Projects At least ten percent (10%) of total units developed shall be affordable for households as follows: 1-2 person household $100,000 3+ person household $115,000 Adjusted annually by Minnesota Housing as posted on their website. 1.03 Student Households AHP adopted the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program restrictions on student participation found at 24 CFR 5.612 and excludes any individual that: 1. Is enrolled in a higher education institution; AND 2. Is under the age of 24; and 3. Is not a veteran of the US Military; and 4. Is not married*; and 5. Does not have a dependent child(ren); and 6. Is not a person with disabilities; and 7. Is not otherwise individually eligible, or has parents who, individually or jointly, are not eligible on the basis of income March 2020 Page 7 of 29 * Effective August 1, 2013 same-sex marriages are recognized as marriages for student eligibility purposes. 1.04 New Multi-Family Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Rent Limits Every ADU is subject to maximum allowable rents based on bedroom size for the area in which the property is located. These maximum rents are referred to as the AHP rents. These limits represent the maximum that owners/agents can charge for rent, including an allowance for tenant paid utilities, and other non-optional charges (i.e. parking, required renter’s insurance, etc.). AHP will utilize the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development annually published median income amounts for all Minnesota counties. Minnesota Housing uses these amounts to calculate the maximum allowable rents and tenant income. Minnesota Housing publishes the LIHTC income and rent limits on its website and notifies owners/agents of the updated limits as they become available. According to AHP, the date a Certificate of Occupancy is issued to a building will determine which rent and income limits to use. Minnesota Housing provides different tables (Table A, B, C, etc.) of income and rent limits based on your Certificate of Occupancy dates and updates these tables annually. To avoid noncompliance, be sure you are using the correct limits table. In the event AHP rent limits decrease for an area, or utility allowances increase, an owner/agent may be required to reduce the rent charged but will not be required to lower rents below those in effect at the time when the Development Agreement was signed by the City. 1.05 Rental Assistance Tenant Based Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Tenants with Section 8 vouchers, or similar state or federal tenant based rental assistance (TBRA) subsidies tied to a tenant and not a unit, may be charged rent that exceeds the applicable AHP rent for the unit to an extent allowed by HUD, Metro HRA, and/or the most restrictive funding source. ADUs layered with tenant or project based rental assistance qualify households using the Very Low-Income limits (<50%) and the household pays no more than 30% of its monthly adjusted income for rent; ADU rent therefore remains affordable. Tenants receiving rental assistance, including Section 8 subsidy, must not be refused tenancy in an ADU based solely on the fact that they receive rental assistance. For eligibility purposes, the tenant selection plan must indicate that household income does not need to equal at least two times the unit rent (or any variation thereof) as long as the published Payment Standard subsidy can cover the project’s intended rent. The HRA annually publishes Payment Standards (a rent limit for using a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. Payment standards are set by each housing authority. They differ for bedroom size and property location). 1.06 Allowable Fees and Charges Fees considered reasonable and customary may be charged, such as application fee, if such fees are customary for rental housing in the neighborhood. Fees for parking or services such as bus transportation or meals can only be charged if the services are voluntary and are not a March 2020 Page 8 of 29 condition of occupancy. An eligible tenant cannot be charged a fee for the owner or manager’s work involved in completing the additional forms or documentation required for the AHP, such as the Resident Income Certification. Down payment fees/rent deposit for the ADU should not exceed one month’s rent. 1.07 Fixed or Floating Affordable Dwelling Units ADUs may be “fixed” or “floating” and are designated on a property-by-property basis. The enforcement agreement must contain fixed or floating unit designations. Fixed Units – The ADUs are identified by unit number and never change. Development Agreements may outline a specific quantity of bedroom sizes and square footage, including minimum floor space, when considering the placement of ADUs within the project. Units in properties where all units are ADUs automatically are considered fixed. If units throughout a project are not comparable (as defined by the HRA) or are in several scattered sites, the ADU unit designation must be fixed. Floating Units – The ADUs may change over time as long as the total number of ADUs and specific quantity of bedroom sizes or ADU total square footage in the property remains compliant with the original Development Agreement. If a property’s enforcement agreement does not specify floating units, then the units that were initially designated as ADUs at project completion will be used to determine comparable floating units. See Chapter 2, Maintaining the Unit Mix, for more information. 1.08 Rent Increases If ADU rents remain below the maximum allowed, an owner/agent may impose a rent increase as allowed by the enforcement agreement no earlier than one year from the date the project was completed (date the building Certificate of Occupancy was issued) and no more frequently than once a year thereafter. If an owner/agent wishes to increase rents, the request must be within reasonable limits to cover increases in expenses such as real estate taxes or operating expenses. At no time can proposed rent increases exceed the current MTSP (LIHTC rents) rent limits for that development. If the owner/agent increases rents as provided above, tenants must be given a written notice 60 days in advance or in accordance with lease provisions before implementation. 1.09 Utility Allowances The AHP requires that an allowance for tenant paid utilities be considered as a housing cost to the tenant and be factored in when determining rent for an ADU. The HRA approved the use of Metro HRA’s Utility Allowance Schedule (effective 2/1/18 and amended annually) as the document to use to determine an ADU’s utility allowance. Utility allowance schedules are March 2020 Page 9 of 29 usually updated annually. It is the owner’s/agent’s responsibility to obtain an updated utility allowance and retain it in the property records. Changes in utility allowances must be implemented within 90 days of the publication effective date. If an increase in the utility allowance causes the ADU rent to exceed the applicable AHP rent limit, the unit rent must be adjusted (lowered) to bring the gross rent of the unit into compliance with the AHP rent limits. However, at no time will the ADU rent be adjusted to an amount lower than the ADU rent in place at project commitment. An alternative estimate for utility payments may be used, as allowed by Section 42 and approved by the City. Utility allowance methodology change requests and all supporting documentation must be emailed to the Affordable Housing Development Manager at the City for approval. Requests for a change in the property's established utility allowance methodology, to one of the approved utility allowance methodologies should reflect savings from energy efficiency improvements in a manner that is fair to tenants, financially feasible for owners and reduces long-term public subsidy expenditures. General Submission Requirements Each request for a change in utility allowance methodology must include: 1. Cover letter with the current utility allowance and proposed utility methodology 2. A current utility allowance schedule (i.e. local Metro HRA Utility chart) completed with tenant paid utilities 3. Copy of 90-day Notice to the resident including new Utility Allowance and Tenant Rent 4. Utility Allowance Certification, signed and dated 5. Supporting documentation as required (estimate from a properly licensed engineer for example) Allowable Utility Allowance Methodologies The property owner may request to use one or more of the following utility allowance methodologies that meets the AHP requirements. If the project has multiple funding sources, the rents must comply with the program gross rent limits for each program. If the project also has Section 8 Project Based Assistance, the PBA administrator determines the UA schedule for the unit. PHA Utility Method: The local PHA utility allowance for the voucher program. This is the typical current method of establishing Utility Allowances used by most Section 42 LIHTC projects. Owners may request consideration of a different utility allowance methodology from the following alternatives: 1. HUD Utility Schedule Model (HUSM): An estimate calculated via HUD’s online Utility Schedule Model, using recent utility rates. The HUSM enables users to calculate utility schedules using a project specific methodology by entering the property housing type, and utility rate information (tariffs) for the property location. This model is based on climate and survey information from the U. S. Energy Information Administration of the Department of Energy and it incorporates energy efficiency and Energy Star data. The HUSM (web based and Excel format) and use instructions can be accessed on the HUD March 2020 Page 10 of 29 Exchange website User at: https://www.hudexchange.info/trainings/courses/hud- utility-schedule-model-calculating-utilityallowances-for-home-webinar1/ 2. Utility Company Estimate (UCE): An estimate from a local utility company providing the estimated cost of utilities for a unit of similar size and construction for the project or from the geographic area where the project is located. 3. Energy Consumption or Engineered Model (ECM): An estimate from a properly licensed engineer, or qualified professional, using an energy consumption model that takes into account the unit size, building orientation, design and materials, mechanical systems, appliances and characteristics of the building location. If the ECM report is completed by a qualified professional that is not a properly licensed engineer, the request must include additional information to support the qualifications and experience of the qualified professional in providing energy consumption utility allowance reports. The engineer or qualified professional must be licensed in Minnesota. If the property is regulated by HUD, or another form of project-based subsidy, the program- approved utility allowance may be used. 1.10 Record Retention Owners/agents must retain each household’s initial application forms including household income and asset documentation and lease and leasing agreements/addenda for three (3) years after the tenant’s move out effective date. Owners/agents must maintain applicant and tenant information in a way to ensure confidentiality. Any applicant or tenant affected by negligent disclosure or improper use of information may bring a civil action for damages against the owner/agent and seek other relief, as appropriate. Owners/agents must dispose of records in a manner that will prevent any unauthorized access to personal information, e.g., burn, pulverize, shred, etc. 1.11 Leases Each lease must include the legal name(s) of the parties to the agreement and all other occupants, a description of the unit to be rented (address), the term of the lease, the rental amount, the use of the premises, and the rights and obligations of each party. The lease shall also inform the tenant that fraudulent statements and information are grounds for eviction and that the tenant could become subject to penalties available under federal law. Initial leases for ADUs must be for 12 months unless another term is agreed to mutually by owner/agent and tenant. If tenant agrees to a shorter term, that agreement must be in writing and kept in the tenant’s file. At no time can a lease term be for less than 30 days. ADU leases must contain language that the owner/agent reserves the right to adjust tenant rents in accordance with the AHP rent limits and/or in the event a tenant’s income increases above the income limits of the AHP. March 2020 Page 11 of 29 The lease also must contain a provision that the owner/agent retains the right to recertify the tenant’s income and household composition on an annual basis. The tenant’s failure to cooperate with the annual recertification constitutes a violation of the lease. If the lease used for the ADU unit does not contain any of the required provisions and/or contains any prohibited provisions, an AHP Lease Addendum must be signed by the tenant and kept in the tenant’s file. If a new lease is executed, a new AHP Lease Addendum also must be executed. Prohibited lease terms are defined in the AHP Lease Addendum (see Appendix B). Owner/Agent may not evict or terminate resident (including refusal to renew a lease) without good cause. Good cause is (a) serious or repeated violation(s) of the material terms and conditions of the Resident Lease. Use of the AHP Lease Addendum including the AHP Lease Rider outlining provisions on evictions and terminations is mandatory. During the final year of the POA, new leases for the Affordable Units must be for a term of no less than six months, and such newly leased Affordable Units will be subject to all the Affordable Housing Requirements until the expiration of such new leases. An AHP Lease Addendum is not required when the HUD model lease for subsidized housing is used. 1.12 Income Certification The owner/agent must verify and certify tenant income eligibility and student status at move in and recertify at least annually thereafter. At initial move in, or when first being determined eligible for an ADU and in every 3rd year of the affordability period (not tenancy), household composition, income and income from assets must be verified via third-party verification or other forms of supporting documentation and kept in the tenant’s file. In other years, tenants must, at a minimum, self-certify to their anticipated income (including income from assets), family size, and composition. As part of the monitoring process, tenant files will be reviewed at initial occupancy of the project and every 3rd year thereafter. 1.13 Increases in Income The owner/agent must ensure that any household whose anticipated gross income exceeds 140% of the maximum income limit at recertification pays not less than the market or similar rent as the other non-ADUs in the development. A minimum notice of 60 days is required for increases to tenant rent. The unit must be marketed to eligible tenants when vacated. If the units are floating, the rent is increased, and the next available unit must be rented at affordable rates to an income eligible tenant. Conversely, the tenant whose income increase to above 140% of AMI could be relocated to a Market Rate unit if the affordable units are fixed. For units assisted with both AHP funds and Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), a tenant is not considered over income until income exceeds the applicable 140% LIHTC limit. When a March 2020 Page 12 of 29 tenant’s income exceeds the 140% LIHTC limit, the tenant’s rent is adjusted to the LIHTC rent limit if the project is 100% LIHTC or, if the project is mixed income, to the market rent for similar non-ADUs in the property. 1.14 Property Standards The owner/agent must keep all units in compliance with local codes and other applicable state and local building codes to ensure the units are decent, safe, and sanitary at all times. 1.15 Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan Owners/agents must adhere to Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Marketing, and Fair Housing practices in all marketing efforts, eligibility determinations and other transactions. The Equal Housing Opportunity logo or statement must be used in all advertising of vacant units (We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law. It is illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin). In addition to the federal protections mentioned above, the Minnesota Human Rights Act makes it illegal to discriminate against any person with respect to housing and real property, because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation or familial status. A file must be maintained with all marketing efforts related to the property including newspaper ads, social service contacts, photos of signs posted, etc. Records will be reviewed during on site monitoring to ensure that all efforts follow federal requirements and are being adequately documented. 1.16 Fair Lease and Grievance Procedures Fair lease and grievance procedures should be objective. They should clearly state: • To whom a tenant should direct a complaint; • Who will investigate and/or respond to the complaint; and By when the tenant should expect to receive a response. Chapter 2 – Maintaining the Unit Mix 2.01 Fixed Affordable Dwelling Units Properties with units that are not comparable in terms of size, amenities and features must have fixed ADUs. Fixed ADUs means specific units are designated as the ADUs for the duration of the affordability period. Owner/Agent must maintain these specific units as the ADUs. Maintaining the required number of ADUs, is called complying with the unit mix requirements. At no time will non-ADUs be subject to AHP rent and income requirements when the ADUs are fixed. When an owner/agent recertifies a tenant’s income, the tenant’s income may have increased. A tenant is considered “over income” in the AHP when: March 2020 Page 13 of 29 • The tenant occupies an ADU and the tenant income increases to 140% of the current income limit for that family size; or • For ADUs that are also LIHTC units, a tenant is considered “over income” when its income goes over 140% of the qualifying tax credit election (Average Income, 50% or 60%) for that unit. When a tenant is over income, the unit that the tenant occupies is considered temporarily out of compliance with the AHP’s occupancy and unit mix requirements. Temporary noncompliance due to an increase in an existing tenant’s income is permissible if the owner/agent takes specific steps to restore the correct unit mix in the property as soon as possible. When the tenant’s income exceeds the AHP’s income limit (140%), the unit rent also must be adjusted. The owner/agent cannot terminate the lease immediately if the tenant’s income has increased above the AHP income limit. Instead, the owner/agent may extend /renew the lease for up to six months. If the tenant remains over income at the time of the next recertification, a 60-day notice to vacate may be issued to the tenant. If the tenant is determined to be under the AHP income limit at the time of recertification, the unit is considered back in compliance. 2.02 Floating Affordable Dwelling Units Properties with units that are comparable in terms of size, amenities and features can have floating ADUs. Properties with floating ADUs must maintain the required number of ADUs throughout the POA; however, the initial ADUs do not have to remain as ADUs throughout the POA. When ADUs float, the specific units that carry the ADU designation may change, or float, among assisted and non-assisted units during the POA. If/when an initial ADU goes out of compliance due to a tenant’s income going over the AHP (or LIHTC) income limit, a non-ADU can replace the out of compliance ADU if the tenant income and unit rent of the non-ADU meet the ADU requirements. In other words, the ADU designation “floats” to another unit. For example, if a property has an over-income tenant in an ADU, when the next non-ADU comparable unit becomes available, it will be designated as an ADU and rented to an income eligible tenant. The unit occupied by the over income tenant is redesignated as a market rate unit. Maintaining the required number of comparable ADUs is called complying with the unit mix requirements. When recertifying a tenant’s income, an owner/agent may find that the tenant’s income has increased. A tenant is considered “over income” when: • The tenant occupies an ADU and the tenant income increases over the current AHP income limit (140% AMI) for that family size; or March 2020 Page 14 of 29 • In ADUs that are also LIHTC units, a tenant is considered “over income” when its income increases to 140% or more of the qualifying tax credit election (50% or 60%) for that unit. When a tenant is over income, the unit that the tenant occupies is considered temporarily out of compliance with the AHP’s unit mix requirements. Temporary noncompliance due to an increase in an existing tenant’s income is permissible if the owner/agent takes specific steps to restore the required unit mix in the property. The rents of the over income tenants can be adjusted. When redesignating units in a property with floating ADUs, owner/agent can choose to substitute a unit that is equal or “greater” than the original ADU, but generally they cannot substitute one that is “lesser”. A lesser unit can be substituted only when doing so preserves the original unit mix. A greater unit is one that might be considered preferable because of larger size or additional bedrooms. The goal is to maintain the same number and type of ADUs as were designated originally. Therefore, if an owner/agent makes a substitution that is “greater,” it later can substitute an available unit that is “lesser” to restore the original unit mix. Once a comparable non-ADU unit is designated as the new ADU, the unit with the over income tenant is redesignated as a non-ADU or market rate unit. At this point, the owner/agent may adjust the tenant’s rent without regard to the AHP rent requirements (although requirements from other funding sources still may apply). Rent increases are subject to the terms of the lease. Note, a tenant in a floating ADU whose income exceeds AHP income limit is not required to pay more than the market rent for a comparable, unassisted unit in the property. The owner/agent cannot terminate the lease based on the tenant’s increase in income. Chapter 3 – General Occupancy Guidelines 3.01 Qualification of Applicants Applicants for ADUs shall be advised early in their initial visit to the property that there are maximum income limits that apply to these units. They also will be made aware that the anticipated income of all persons expecting to occupy the unit must be verified and included on a Resident Income Certification form prior to occupancy, and that tenant income and student status will be reviewed annually. If an individual is enrolled as a student at an institution of higher education, is under the age of 24, is not a veteran, is not married, is not a person with disabilities, and does not have a dependent child, in order to be eligible for a ADU, the student must be individually income March 2020 Page 15 of 29 eligible and the student’s parents (the parents individually or jointly) must be income eligible unless the student can demonstrate his or her independence from parents. AHP has adopted the section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program restrictions on student participation found at 24 CFR 5.612, which exclude any student that: 1. Is enrolled in a higher education institution. 2. Is under the age of 24. 3. Is not a veteran of the US Military. 4. Is not married**. 5. Does not have a dependent child(ren). 6. Is not a person with disabilities. 7. Is not otherwise individually eligible, or has parents who, individually or jointly, are not eligible on the basis of income. **Effective August 23, 2013, same-sex marriages are recognized as marriages for student eligibility purposes. To determine a student’s independence from his or her parents, the owner should consider all of the following: 1. The individual must be of legal contract age under state law; and 2. The individual must have established a household separate from parents or legal guardians for at least one year prior to application for occupancy, or the individual must meet the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of an independent student; and 3. The individual must not be claimed as a dependent by parents or legal guardians pursuant to IRS regulations; and 4. The individual must obtain a certification of the amount of financial assistance that will be provided by parents, signed by the individual/s providing the support. This certification is required even if no assistance will be provided. To document a student’s independence from parents: 1. Review and verify previous address information to determine evidence of a separate household, or verify the student meets the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of “independent student”; and 2. Review prior year income tax returns to verify if a parent or guardian has claimed the student as a dependent (except if the student meets the Department of Education’s definition of “independent student”); and 3. Verify income provided by a parent by requiring a written certification from the individual providing the support. Certification is also required if the parent/s is providing no support to the student. Financial assistance that is provided by persons not living in the unit is part of annual income. March 2020 Page 16 of 29 Verification of student eligibility must be maintained in the tenant file along with the income certification. 3.02 Eligibility Determination A fully completed Household Questionnaire is critical to an accurate determination of eligibility. The information furnished on the application should be used as a tool to determine all sources of anticipated income and assets. After the tenant completes the Household Questionnaire, the owner/agent must have all income verified by obtaining source documentation (award letters, offers of employment, W- 2’s, check stubs (not paycheck), bank statements, investment records, etc.) or by a third-party (public agency, employer, financial institution). If total cash value of assets is less than $50,000, assets can be self-certified using the Under $50,000 Certification. Assets exceeding $50,000 must be third-party verified. The application, income and asset verifications, and lease are to be executed prior to move in. All occupants in an ADU must be certified and have a valid lease on file. All household members age 18 and over must sign all required documents. 3.03 Change in Household Composition If a tenant in an ADU (no LIHTC) wishes to have an additional person move into the unit within the first 6 months of occupancy, the following steps must be taken: 1. The prospective tenant must complete a Household Questionnaire and allow time for verification of income and assets as required of the initial tenant; and 2. The prospective tenant's income must be added to the current tenant's certification and a determination made as to whether the new household is still within the AHP income guidelines. If the new household income exceeds the guidelines, then once proper notice is given, the tenant must pay the market rate. If the ADU is floating, the ADU designation must be floated to another eligible unit. The new rent of the now over income household cannot exceed market rent for a comparable unassisted unit. The tenant file shall also be documented when any household member vacates the unit. 3.04 Minimum Lease Requirements Initial tenant leases, including a signed and dated AHP lease addendum (if applicable), must be on file and must specify a term of at least 12 months. Subsequent leases may have a shorter term, with written mutual agreement. Leases must not contain any of the prohibited lease terms. Any non-renewal or termination of leases must be in accordance with the lease and/or AHP lease addendum. Owners/agents must comply with the lease requirements found in Section 601 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2013. HRA highly encourages owners/agents to use the VAWA Lease Addendum, form HUD-91067 or its successor VAWA Lease Addendum March 2020 Page 17 of 29 form. In general, owner/agent may not construe an incident of actual or threatened domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking as a serious or repeated violation of a lease term by the victim, or threatened victim, as good cause for terminating tenancy. However, in accordance with VAWA 2013, owner/agent may bifurcate a lease to terminate the tenancy of an individual who is a tenant or lawful occupant and engages in criminal activity directly relating to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking against another lawful occupant living in the unit or other affiliated individual as defined in the VAWA 2013. Owner/Agent should include a copy of HUD-5382 form with each tenancy termination or eviction notice to allow an individual to certify that he or she is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking. The form is to be completed and submitted to owner/agent within 14 business days or an agreed upon extension date for the individual to receive protection under the VAWA. 3.05 House Rules Developing a set of house rules is a good practice. The decision about whether to develop house rules for a property rests solely with the owner/agent. If house rules are listed in the lease as an attachment, then they must be attached to the lease. By identifying allowable and prohibited activities in housing units and common areas, the owner/agent provides a structure for treating tenants equitably and for making sure tenants treat each other with consideration. House rules also are beneficial in keeping properties safe and clean and making them more appealing and livable for the tenants. They also are extremely beneficial if it becomes necessary to evict a tenant for inappropriate behavior. For more information on House Rules, refer to Chapter 6-9 of the HUD 4350.3 REV 1, Change 4 Handbook. 3.06 Number of Persons Per Unit There is no federal regulation governing the number of persons allowed to occupy a unit based on size; however, at initial occupancy ADUs will have a minimum requirement of at least one person per bedroom. It is important, though, to be consistent when accepting or rejecting applications. It is required that the owner/agent determine the minimum and maximum number of people that will be allowed to occupy each size unit and put that formula in writing as part of the Tenant Selection Plan and submit the Plan to the HRA or designated agent for approval. The owner/agent may refer to the HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV 1, Change 4, Chapter 3-23, regarding occupancy standards. By following the standards described, owners/agents can ensure that applicants and tenants are housed in appropriately sized units in a fair and consistent manner. 3.07 Tenant Selection Plan Owner/Agent must develop a formal written policy that clearly states the procedures and criteria the owner/agent will consistently apply in drawing applicants from the waiting list, March 2020 Page 18 of 29 screening for suitability for tenancy, and implementing income targeting requirements. The Tenant Selection Plan must state if there is an elderly restriction (“seniors only” building). In accordance with the VAWA of 2013, the selection criteria cannot deny admission on the basis that the applicant has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking. Owner/Agent should provide to each applicant/tenant HUD form 5382or its successor form to allow the applicant/tenant to provide information regarding his or her status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking. Owners/agents may refer to the HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV 1, Change 4, Chapter 4, when developing a tenant selection plan. HRA will review the Tenant Selection Plan as part of its monitoring process. 3.08 Government Data Practices Act Disclosure Statement Form In working with applicants and tenants, the owner/agent warrants compliance with applicable data privacy laws and regulations including the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which sets policies on the information that can be obtained, stored and/or released in connection with public programs. To comply with this law, the AHP Government Data Practices Act Statement form must be kept in each tenant's permanent file. Note that this is not a release authorization for verification of income and assets and must not be used as such. Each adult household member’s name must be printed clearly at the top in the box provided. An unsigned and/or undated form is not valid and will be noted as insufficient at time of file inspection. 1. The form is to be signed one time and is valid as long as the resident lives at the property and participates in the program(s) identified in item #2 on page 1 of the form. If a resident moves from one unit to another, the original signed and dated form should be moved to the file for the new unit. A copy should be kept in the move out file for the old unit. 2. A valid form must include all relevant attachments. Some properties or units within a property may require 2 or more attachments for multiple programs. 3. Only one form is needed per unit as long as the head of household, spouse, co-head, and all household members over the age of 18 have signed and dated the form. 4. If an adult is added to the household or a minor reaches age 18, they must be added to, sign, and date the original form. It is not necessary to complete a new form. 5. A copy of the form should be made available to the applicant/tenant. It is acceptable to give them an unsigned copy. 6. For new residents, the form should be completed at the time of initial application. A Government Data Practices Act Disclosure form that can be used for all ADUs is available on the HRA website. 3.09 Income Verification At initial occupancy, owner/agent must determine whether prospective tenant(s) of ADUs qualify as low income households. Income eligibility is based on anticipated income as defined March 2020 Page 19 of 29 at 24 CFR 5.609 (Section 8). When collecting income verification documentation, owner/agent must consider any likely changes in income. Owner/Agent must follow appropriate steps in determining whether households are eligible prior to admittance. Minnesota Housing provides sample verifications and other forms to assist owners/agents in qualifying eligible tenants. The release of information (at top of form) must be completed and signed by the person who is the subject of the verification prior to sending the form to an employer or other income source. Completed and returned verifications are used to calculate and document income. An Income and Asset Calculation Worksheet form also is available and can be used to assist in showing the individual calculations of income and asset income. This is highly recommended and will assist an inspector during a file review. This form should be dated and signed by the owner/agent. 3.10 Gross Annual Household Income Gross annual income for households living in ADUs shall be determined in a manner consistent with Section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937. Note that the information below only provides a summary. Owners and managers must use current circumstances to project income, unless verification forms or other verifiable documentation indicate that an imminent change will occur. For guidance in this section and in determination of tenant income, the HUD Handbook 4350.3, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs, is used and is recommended as a reference guide. The HUD Handbook 4350.3 and HUD notices can be obtained by visiting HUD’s website: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/administration/hudclips/handboo ks/h sgh/4350.3. The determination of annual income must include all types of income in the amount anticipated to be received by the tenant in the 12 months following certification/ recertification. Owner/Agent should use current circumstances to project income, unless verification forms or other verifiable documentation indicate that a change will occur (increase/decrease in rate of pay and/or hours). However, if the owner/agent is unable to determine annual income using current information because the family reports little to no income, or because income fluctuates, the owner/agent may average past actual income received or earned within the last 12 months before the certification date to calculate annual income. 3.11 Factors that Affect Household Size When determining family size for occupancy, the owner/agent must include the following individuals who currently are not living in the unit: • Children temporarily absent due to placement in a foster home; • Children in joint custody arrangements who are present in the household 50% or more of the time; March 2020 Page 20 of 29 • Children who are away at school but who live with the family during school recesses; • Unborn children of pregnant women. When a pregnant woman is an applicant, the unborn child is included in the size of the household and is included for purposes of determining the maximum allowable income. The rental application should ask the following question: “Will there be any changes in household composition within the next 12-month period?” If an applicant answers that a child is expected (birth, foster or adoption), the owner/agent should explain to the applicant this is an additional household member and use the corresponding income limit, and self-certification of additional member should be used as documentation within the initial certification. • Children who are in the process of being adopted; • Temporarily absent family members who still are considered family members. For example, the owner/agent may consider a family member who is working in another state on assignment to be temporarily absent. Persons on active military duty are considered temporarily absent (except if the person is not the head, co-head or spouse or has no dependents living in the unit). If the person on active military duty is the head, co-head, or spouse, or if the spouse or dependents of the person on active military duty resides in the unit, that person’s income must be counted in full; • Family members in the hospital or rehabilitation facility for periods of limited or fixed duration. These persons are temporarily absent as defined above. Persons permanently confined to a hospital or nursing home are not considered household members. When determining family size for establishing income eligibility, the owner/agent must include all persons living in the unit except the following: • Live-in aides • Children of live-in aides o A live-in aide/attendant is a person who resides with one or more elderly persons, near-elderly persons, or persons with disabilities, and who:  Is determined to be essential to the care and well-being of the person(s);  Is not obligated for the support of the person(s); and  Would not be living in the unit except to provide the necessary supportive services. While a relative may be a live-in aide/attendant, s/he must meet the above requirements, especially the last. The live-in aide qualifies for occupancy only if the individual needing supportive services requires the aide’s services and remains a tenant. The live-in aide may not qualify for continued occupancy as a remaining family member. The owner/agent must obtain verification from the person’s physician, psychiatrist or other medical practitioner or health care provider that the live-in aide is needed to provide the necessary supportive services essential to the care and well-being of the person and should not add the attendant to the lease. The owner/agent may not require applicants or tenants to provide access to confidential medical records or to submit to a physical examination. March 2020 Page 21 of 29 Some households may include other persons who are considered family members for the purposes of determining household size and income eligibility, including: • Foster adults • Foster children Please see Appendix A for more detail on whose income is counted, what is counted as income and what is not, and how to account for income generated by assets. 3.12 General Income Verification Requirements All income and asset sources must be disclosed on the eligibility application and verified. A properly completed application must be used as the basis for determining what verifications will be necessary. The application, along with all supporting documentation and the Resident Income Certification, will be reviewed by HRA staff or its agent during a tenant file review. The following describes the types of third-party verification in order of acceptability: 1. Third-party verification from source (written): a. An original or authentic document generated by a third-party source that is dated within six months from the date of receipt by the owner/agent. Documents may be in possession of the tenant (or applicant), and commonly are referred to as tenant provided documents. These documents are considered third-party verification because they originated from a third-party source. Examples of tenant provided documentation that may be used include, but are not limited to: pay stubs, payroll summary report, employer notice/letter of hire/termination, SSA benefit letter, bank statements, child support payment stubs, welfare benefit letters and/or printouts, and unemployment monetary benefit notices. Owner/Agent must consider the following when using tenant provided documentation: i. Is the document current? Documentation of public assistance may be inaccurate if it is not recent and does not show any changes in the family’s benefits or work and training activities. ii. Is the documentation complete? Owner/Agent may accept pay stubs to document employment income only if the applicant or tenant provides the most recent two months of consecutive pay stubs to illustrate variations in hours worked. Actual paychecks or copies of paychecks should never be used to document income because deductions are not shown on the paycheck. iii. Is the document an unaltered original? The greatest shortcoming of tenant provided documents as a verification source is their susceptibility to undetectable change through the use of high quality copying equipment. Documents with original signatures are the most reliable. Photocopied documents generally cannot be assumed to be reliable. March 2020 Page 22 of 29 2. Written documentation sent directly to the third-party source by mail or electronically by fax, email or internet. Verification forms must contain a release authorization signed by the applicant/tenant. Do not use a blanket release authorization as this entitles the owner/agent to obtain information to which it is not entitled or needed for eligibility determination. The Data Practices Act Disclosure Statement is not a verification release. Applicants should be asked to sign two copies of each verification form. The second copy may be used if the first request has not been returned in a timely manner. Income verification requests must be sent directly to and from the source. They are never given to the tenant to obtain signatures. If the returned verifications do not contain complete information, owner/agent must follow up with the source to obtain complete information. Typical examples include failure to indicate interest rates, dates of anticipated raises, amounts of anticipated raises, etc. All pertinent information must be documented in the file and must also include the name, phone number and title of the contact, the name of the person accepting the information, and the date. The single form AHP Eligibility Verification may be used to document income and asset eligibility in lieu of separate verification(s) for each separate income or asset source, if the sole source of income is Housing Support. The AHP Eligibility Verification confirms receipt of Housing Support (formally known as GRH) since it identifies that the applicant is in fact qualified for income-based Medical Assistance (MA) through Minnesota’s Department of Human Services. (Housing Support recipients must have MA prior to obtaining housing grant funding). MA eligibility documents AHP eligibility because the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) are significantly less than the LIHTC income limits. NCCP.org (NCCP.org/tools/converter/) defines poverty as a family income less than 100 percent of the federal poverty threshold, as determined by the U.S. Census Bureau; Low Income is defined as family income less than 200 percent of the poverty threshold. 3. Third-party verification from source (verbal). When clarifying information over the telephone, it is important to be certain that the person on the telephone is the party he or she claims to be. Generally, it is best to telephone the verification source rather than to accept verification from a source calling the property management office. Verbal verification must be documented in the file. When verifying information by phone, the owner/agent must record and include in the tenant’s file the following information: a. Third-party’s name, position, and contact information; b. Information reported by the third-party; c. Name of the person who conducted the telephone interview; and d. Date and time of the telephone call. 4. Self Certification An owner/agent may accept a tenant’s notarized statement or signed affidavit regarding the veracity of information submitted only if the information cannot be verified by March 2020 Page 23 of 29 another acceptable verification method. In these instances, the owner/agent must document the file why third-party verification was not available. The owner/agent may witness the tenant signature(s) in lieu of a notarized statement or affidavit. The following describes use of electronic information when used as third-party verification. Electronic Verification. The owner/agent may obtain accurate third-party written verification by facsimile, email, or Internet, if adequate effort is made to ensure that the sender is a valid third-party source. a. Facsimile. Information sent by fax is most reliable if the owner/agent and the verification source agree to use this method in advance during a telephone conversation. The fax should include the company name and fax number of the verification source. b. Email. Similar to faxed information, information verified by email is more reliable when preceded by a telephone conversation and/or when the email address includes the name of an appropriate individual and firm. c. Internet. Information verified on the Internet is considered third-party verification if the owner/agent is able to view web-based information from a reputable source on the computer screen. Use of a printout from the Internet may also be adequate verification in many instances. Steps used to obtain written verification as described in 1, 2 and 3 above must be documented to show just cause for using other types of verification. The owner/agent must include the following documents in the tenant file: 1. A written note explaining why third-party verification is not possible, signed and dated by the applicant/resident. 2. A copy of the date-stamped original request that was sent to the third-party. 3. Written notes or documentation indicating follow up efforts to reach the third-party to obtain verification. 4. A written note indicating the request has been outstanding without a response from the third-party. Note: If a tenant is employed by a business owned by the tenant's family or is employed by the property owner/agent or the management company, a copy of a recent pay stub verifying year- to- date earnings also is required. Upon receipt of all verifications, owner/agent must determine if the resident is qualified for participation in the AHP. All verifications should be reviewed, and calculations made as necessary. 3.13 Corrections to Documents Sometimes it is necessary to make corrections or changes to documents. A document that has been altered with correction fluid or "white out" will not be accepted by HRA. When a change is needed on a document, the person making the correction must draw a line through the March 2020 Page 24 of 29 incorrect information, write or type the correct wording or number, and have all parties initial and date the change. 3.14 Effective Term of Verifications Verifications of any kind are valid for 6 months prior to an ADU tenant’s move in date or recertification date. 3.15 Over Income Households When determining eligibility to occupy an ADU, the household's gross income must always be considered. However, if a tenant goes over the income guidelines of 140% of household income at recertification, the owner/agent must raise the over income tenant’s rent to reflect Fair Market Rent, or relocate tenant to a Market Rate Unit, as soon as the lease permits in accordance with the terms of the lease (see Chapter 2). The AHP does not require interim rent adjustments. 3.16 Annual Recertification All households occupying an ADU must be recertified at least annually from the date of occupancy. Annual recertifications must be effective on or before the occupancy anniversary date of the previous certification. Owner/Agent may align recertification dates with other program certifications or so that all units in the property are recertified at one time during the year. However, if a period of twelve (12) months passes without a recertification being completed for any ADU, the unit is considered out of compliance. Owner/Management may request an annual schedule whereby all tenants are recertified during the same month however before making changes to schedule, an email request must be made, and approved by the City first. The requirement to recertify is included in an ADU lease or addendum, tenant refusal to comply can be considered a violation of the lease and is grounds for termination. Income must be third-party verified in every 3rd year of the affordability period, not tenancy. Example: Every Third Year Full Certification Property ABC received Certificate of Occupancy on 11/1/2019  Period of Affordability (POA) for Property ABC will be a total of 15 years starting on 11/1/2019 and ending on 11/1/2034 Amanda Johnson Moved onto Property ABC on 12/1/2019 In 2019 (POA Year One): Management verifies income using SSA Benefits Award Letter, a copy of Amanda’s current PERA Benefit Letter (Pension Public Employees Retirement Association of Minnesota) and Under $50,000 Asset Verification to determine eligibility at Move In. All items must be third-party verified using source documents. March 2020 Page 25 of 29 In 2020 (POA Year Two): Amanda Johnson needs to complete her Annual Recertification but in POA Year Two for Property ABC, only a self-certification of income and asset, signed by all adult household members is needed. Use of the AHP Self-Certification of Income & Asset form can be used instead of third-party verifications during this non-3rd year. Note: Move In certifications for eligibility must always third-party verify using source documents. In 2021 (POA Year Three): Amanda Johnson needs to complete her Annual Recertification but in POA Year Three for Property ABC, only a self-certification of income and asset, signed by all adult household members is needed. Use of the AHP Self-Certification of Income & Asset form can be used instead of third-party verifications during this non-3rd year. Note: Move In certifications for eligibility must always third-party verify using source documents. In 2022 (Year Four): The Annual Recertification requirement for this POA year at Property ABC states all income and assets reported by a household must be third-party verified using source documents. The AHP Self-Certification of Income & Asset is not eligible for use for any ADU at Property ABC. 3.17 Tenant Files Owner/Agent must maintain a tenant file for each ADU. All permanent documents must be kept together so they are accessible at each compliance review (income certification and supporting documentation, lease/AHP addendum, etc.). Annual recertification information, including the tenant questionnaires, release forms, verifications, and annual inspection reports must be grouped together by year, with the most recent year on top for review. The tenant files must contain the following: • HRA Government Data Practices Act Statement • Household Questionnaire • Acceptable verifications of income and assets • Verification of student eligibility if applicable • Resident Income Certification (Initial Certification and Annual Recertifications) • Signed lease agreement and AHP addendum (if needed) • Lead based paint acknowledgements (rental rehabilitation only; built pre-1978) All move out files should also contain the following: • Written 30-day (or greater) notice to vacate (if not available – document in file) • Security deposit refund (check number and date) or letter of intent to withhold security deposit within 14 days of move out Tenant records, including income verifications and development rents must be retained for the most recent three year period after the tenant moves out. March 2020 Page 26 of 29 Chapter 4 – Reporting Requirements The owner/agent must maintain a report of all tenants residing in each ADU at the time of application through the end of the affordability period and must submit annual reports to HRA in a form and manner requested by HRA. Annual compliance reports are due to HRA by March 1 or as otherwise specified by HRA, of each year during the affordability period. If the due date falls on a weekend or a holiday, reports are due the following business day. Reports and other required documents must be submitted as directed by HRA on an annual basis. 4.01 Annual Owner/Agent Certifications Complete the Owner/Agent Certification to certify compliance with AHP requirements for the preceding calendar year. Owner/Agent Certifications must be printed, signed and dated by the authorized Owner/Agent Representative, then scanned and submitted as directed by HRA. 4.02 Compliance Reports HRA or designated agents will monitor AHP compliance by reviewing annual Owner/Agent Certifications and analyzing compliance information submitted by the owner/agent. Failure to submit the Owner/Agent Certification and/or update the report on all units and their related activity by the due date will constitute noncompliance with the AHP and the related loan documents. 4.03 Utility Allowance Source Document Owners/Agents must submit the utility allowance source documents applicable to the reporting period. Multiple utility allowance source documents may apply to one reporting period. March 2020 Page 27 of 29 Chapter 5 – Compliance Inspections Compliance inspections (file reviews) will be conducted every 3 years. Inspections may be conducted more frequently if HRA determines it to be necessary based on concerns raised during a previous review or other information. The compliance inspection includes, but is not limited to, an inspection of at least 20%, but up to 50%, of the ADU tenant files (with a minimum of four (4) units). HRA will contact the owner/agent in advance to schedule the tenant file review. The property inspection and tenant file review may be conducted at the same time or may be conducted separately by different HRA staff. 5.01 Physical Inspections This program does not mandate inspections. Rental Licensing requires inspections every three years. 5.02 Review of Tenant Files and Property Records During the tenant file review, HRA staff will review Resident Income Certifications, third-party verifications or other forms of income documentation, leases, lead based paint disclosure forms, and other management information for selected units. HRA staff will also review the following property information: • Utility Allowances and supporting documentation • Current written tenant selection plan, occupancy policy and/or house rules if changes were made since the last review • Current lease and lease addenda/agreement(s) • Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan/Marketing Plans • Advertising • Equal Housing Opportunity posters, logos • Correspondence • Tenant ledgers for all units inspected Chapter 6 – Correction and Consequences of Non-Compliance If HRA does not receive the required certifications and/or compliance reports when due, or discovers by audit, inspection, or review, or in some other manner, that the property is not in compliance with the requirements of the AHP, or with the property’s loan documents, including the enforcement agreement, the HRA will notify the owner/agent as soon as possible. 6.01 Notice to Owner/Agent HRA or its designated agent will provide prompt written notice to the owner/agent of an AHP property if HRA does not receive the annual Owner/Agent Certification and income and March 2020 Page 28 of 29 occupancy report by the required due date. HRA or its designated agent also will notify the owner/agent if it does not receive or is not permitted to inspect the Resident Income Certifications, supporting documentation, and rent records, or discovers by inspection, review, or in some other manner, that the property is not in compliance with the requirements of the AHP or with the property’s loan documents, including the enforcement agreement. 6.02 Correction Period The correction period of 30-days will be set forth in a Notice of Noncompliance to the owner and its agent. HRA may extend the correction period if HRA determines there is good cause for granting the extension. Requests for an extension must be in writing from the owner/agent, must be received by HRA no later than the last day of the correction period identified on the Notice of Noncompliance, and must include an explanation of the efforts to correct the noncompliance and the reason the extension is needed. 6.03 Owner’s/Agent’s Response HRA will review the owner’s/agent’s response and supporting documentation, if any, to determine whether the noncompliance has been clarified, corrected or remains out of compliance. Clarified noncompliance is, for example, where income eligibility was not properly documented and the inspector cannot make a reasonable determination that the unit is in compliance but the owner/agent conducts a retroactive (re)certification which completely and clearly documents the sources of income and assets that were in place at the time the certification should have been effective, and applies income and rent limits that were in effect on that date. If documentation is complete and supports that the tenant was eligible as of the effective date, the file is considered clarified. Corrected noncompliance is when a violation is observed and there is a period of time during which the unit is out of compliance but the unit is brought back into compliance. For example, a late certification or re-certification is out of compliance on the certification due date, and back in compliance as of the date the last household member signs a retroactive Income Certification. Uncorrected noncompliance is a violation that is not corrected or clarified by the end of the correction period. Failure to correct all noncompliance could result in extension of the end of the POA, loss of Tax Increment Financing, or LURC tax treatment or other legal remedies. Persistent noncompliance also may impact the owner’s/agent’s eligibility for financing from the HRA under any or all its programs. March 2020 Page 29 of 29 Chapter 7 – Requests for Action 7.01 Sale or Transfer Any property owner must provide prior written notice to the HRA before sale or transfer of the property. The notice will provide that the new owner/agent acknowledges that the terms and conditions of the Affordable Housing Program as set forth in the governing documents recorded against the property remain in place. Attachments: •Current Rent Income Table •AFHMP Template – Pages 1-5 without HUD Signature •AHC Checklist •AHC Forms Proposed changes Affordable Housing Program Clarifications and Manual Updates related to Site Visits 1. Period of Affordability Q.) Because the property was unaware of Inclusionary Housing Programming at Aurora, and the first IHP unit was moved onto the project in 2019 and CO was dated 12/21/2016 does the POA change? A.) Yes. Aurora’s POA will start the first day of the month after the last IHP unit is occupied by an eligible household. This establishment of dates will be set by the City of Edina. Manual Update: Edina has published a Program Guide for future projects and this guide will clarify the start of the property’s period of Affordability. No updates to actual Compliance Manual will take place because policy will not change as this was a unique event. City of Edina will work with Aurora teams to start and set POA. AHC: Will update the Project Spreadsheet to reflect Aurora’s POA has not yet been put into place; Owner was unaware of AHP between the years of 2016-2018. In 2019, Aurora began housing household’s eligible for AHP. Project Spreadsheet will be MASTER template outlining unique monitoring features, such as this, therefore its importance is extremely high. Site Follow Up: Lease up units quickly and work with City of Edina to get POA started. 2. Receipt of Elderly Waiver and/or Housing Assistance Program Q.) Can Manager accept proof of Elderly Waiver or any Housing Assistance Program (GRH), as eligibility into Inclusionary Housing Program? A.) Yes. Management can use either the Approval Letter into program (no more than 6 months old) or use of new form called AHP Eligibility Verification to verify eligibility to AHP. No need to further investigate income or assets when this form is used. Manual Update: Evidence of Elderly Waiver OR any Rental Assistance program such as GRH that requires initial qualifications to be completed for receipt of program will be accepted as eligibility of AHP. Site Follow Up: – Management to either a.) collect Program Approval Letter for Elderly Waiver or GRH Program dated within 6 months or b.) use AHP Eligibility Verification AS OF move in date. 3. Application for Residency Q.) Can we continue to use our own Application for Residency or should we use the AHP Rental Application? A.) Yes you can use your own version. There is no mandated rental application to use however questions regarding who is applying to live in the unit, what income and assets the applicant has and if the household member(s) are Full Time Students must be determined for eligibility. Applications, no matter the version, should be in the Resident’s File for the entire duration of the tenancy, plus needs to be retained for 3 years after. 4. Annual Recertification Process Q.) What is the plan for Annual Recertifications over the duration of the program and the actual resident? A.) Manager is to complete full verification of income and assets at Initial, self- certification of income and assets on year two and full verification of income and assets in POA year 3. Manual Update: Additional language stating use of AHP Eligibility Verification is acceptable for Initial Qualification and during 3rd year full certifications. Site Follow Up: Management to request AHP households sign and understand the AHP Lease Addendum. This should clarify the need to be in the office at least annually. AHC to send POA example document as a tool for monitoring every 3rd year. Example of Annual Recertification Process: Property ABC received Certificate of Occupancy on 11/1/2019 Period of Affordability (POA) for Property ABC will be a total of 15 years starting on 11/1/2019 and ending on 11/1/2034 Amanda Johnson Moved onto Property ABC on 12/1/2019 In 2019 (POA Year One): Management verifies income using SSA Benefits Award Letter, a copy of Amanda’s current PERA Benefit Letter (Pension Public Employees Retirement Association of Minnesota) and Under $50,000 Asset Verification to determine eligibility at Move In. All items must be third-party verified using source documents. In 2020 (POA Year Two): Amanda Johnson needs to complete her Annual Recertification but in POA Year Two for Property ABC, only a self-certification of income and asset, signed by all adult household members is needed. Use of the AHP Self- Certification of Income & Asset form can be used instead of third-party verifications during this non-3rd year. Note: Move In certifications for eligibility must always third- party verify using source documents. In 2021 (POA Year Three): Amanda Johnson needs to complete her Annual Recertification but in POA Year Three for Property ABC, only a self-certification of income and asset, signed by all adult household members is needed. Use of the AHP Self-Certification of Income & Asset form can be used instead of third-party verifications during this non-3rd year. Note: Move In certifications for eligibility must always third- party verify using source documents. In 2022 (Year Four): The Annual Recertification requirement for this POA year at Property ABC states all income and assets reported by a household must be third-party verified using source documents. The AHP Self-Certification of Income & Asset is not eligible for use for any ADU at Property ABC. 5. Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Lease Addendum Q.) Can project use National Compliance forms as an alternative of the Affordable Housing Program Lease Addendum; some verbiage is the same, but in different order? A.) Manager should use the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) Lease Addendum in addition to the current addendums being used. The IHP Lease Agreement sheds light on the program’s importance. Manual Update: - None Site Follow Up: - Resident should sign AHP Lease Addendum at Move In. Current households should sign addendum certified “as of” the move in date. Newly updated form is pending approval for use updating the student language. 6. Utility Allowance Updates: Q.) When are the new allowances published and can we use our own consumption numbers in the future? A.) AHP uses the Metro HRA published numbers for allowance calculations. Metro HRA tends to publish new updates in January however that isn’t the case every year. Affordable Housing Connections shares the published allowances on their website https://www.ahcinc.net/utilityallowances.html and you can also find the updates to allowances and payment standards by using www.housinglink.org. Acceptable Utility Allowance calculation methods can be found in the Affordable Housing Program Guide on the City of Edina’s website https://www.edinamn.gov/624/Affordable-Housing. Manual Update: - Acceptable methodology has been added to the guide. Process for submission to the City of Edina for approvals has been outlined. Site Follow Up: - Ensure use of current Utility Allowance schedules. 7. Leasing Activities: Q.) What lease terms are acceptable for my Affordable Housing Program units? A.) Initial lease term must be no less 12 months. Leases thereafter can be for any duration over 30 days. AHP has adopted MHFA’s recent clarification release regarding one lease rent increase per calendar year. Owner/Management is not restricted to a percentage when increasing rental rates, and no approval from the City is necessary to do so as long as the amount offered is below the rental limits (net rent) at the property. Manual Update: - The City of Edina has added clarification on leasing activities and has restricted rental increases to one time per calendar year. Site Follow Up: - N/A 8. Insurance Premiums not included in Net Rent Q.) Our initially qualifying households have mandatory fees for rental insurance however we didn’t take this out of the gross rent when determining the leased rental rates? How shall we proceed? A.) Because Nolan Mains funds were committed to and agreements were made before the official AHP Policy Guide was in place, this net rent oversight will be disregarded. Notation of this unique circumstance will be noted on the Master Project list with the City of Edina for future reference and understanding. Manual Update: - None Site Follow Up: - None ARIA 3200 Southdale Circle, Edina MN 554 Project Summary Management Agent Doran Management Total Unit Count 184 Total Total Affordable Housing Units 8 Units Affordable Housing Compliance 15 Years after issuance of Certificate of Occupancy Certificate of Occupancy Issue Date: 9/25/2019 Expiration of Compliance Provisions: 9/25/2034 Special Provisions General Occupancy Student Status Independent Student - exclude any student that is Restrictive Covenants – Income & Rent Limits Restrictive Covenants – Bedroom Count & Unit Sizes enrolled in a higher education institution, unless that student is an “Independent Student” as defined in the Higher Education Act or has parents who, individually or jointly, are eligible on the basis of income. 8 Units @ Median Family Income is equal or less than 60% of area median gross income adjusted by family size (AMI) NA Utilities Paid Tenant Paid Owner Paid Notes Property Management not responding to compliance requests. AURORA ON FRANCE 6500 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435 Project Summary Management Agent: Ebenezer Total Unit Count: 179 Units Total Affordable Housing Units 10 Units Affordable housing units shall be 10% (10 units) of the assisted and independent units Affordable Housing Compliance Provisions: 15 Years after issuance of Certificate of Occupancy Certificate of Occupancy Issue Date: 12/21/2016 Expiration of Compliance Provisions: 12/21/2031 Special Provisions: Senior Independent Living Student Status: Section 8/HOME Student Rule Independent Student - exclude any student that is enrolled in a higher education institution, unless that student is an “Independent Student” as defined in the Higher Education Act or has parents who, individually or jointly, are eligible based on income. Restrictive Covenants: Median Family Income is equal or less than 60% of area median gross income adjusted by family size (AMI). Income & Rent Limits: Income @ 60% Net Rent @ 60% Income & Rent Tables: Multifamily Rent & Income Limits MTSP. Table determination based on date of COO Issuance (Similar to PISD) Certification Requirements: Must re-examine and verify the income of each resident household living in an ADU at least annually. Every 3rd year verification required, based on property’s P.O.A. not tenancy. Non-3rd year use of self-certification of income/asset acceptable (see guide for full instruction). Utility Allowances: Owner Pays All Not Applicable in Net Rent AVIDOR ON FRANCE 5220 Eden Avenue, Edina, MN 55436 Project Summary Management Agent: Allegro Management Total Unit Count: 165 Units Total Affordable Housing Units 17 Units Affordable housing units shall be 10% (10 units) of the rentable space Affordable Housing Compliance Provisions: 15 Years after issuance of Certificate of Occupancy Certificate of Occupancy Issue Date: 05/24/2019 Expiration of Compliance Provisions: 05/24/2034 Special Provisions: Senior Independent Living Student Status: Section 8/HOME Student Rule Independent Student - exclude any student that is enrolled in a higher education institution, unless that student is an “Independent Student” as defined in the Higher Education Act or has parents who, individually or jointly, are eligible based on income. Restrictive Covenants: Median Family Income is equal or less than 50% of area median gross income adjusted by family size (AMI). Income & Rent Limits: Income @ 50% Net Rent @ 50% Income & Rent Tables: Multifamily Rent & Income Limits MTSP. Table determination based on date of COO Issuance (Similar to PISD) Certification Requirements: Must re-examine and verify the income of each resident household living in an ADU at least annually. Every 3rd year verification required, based on property’s P.O.A. not tenancy. Non-3rd year use of self-certification of income/asset acceptable (see guide for full instruction). Utility Allowances: Owner Pays All Not Applicable in Net Rent NOLAN MAINS OF EDINA 3945 Market Street, Edina MN 55424 Project Summary Management Agent Saturday Property Management Total Unit Count 100 Total Total Affordable Housing Units 10 Units Affordable Housing Compliance 15 Years after issuance of Certificate of Occupancy Certificate of Occupancy Issue Date: 11/1/2019 Expiration of Compliance Provisions: 11/1/2034 Special Provisions General Occupancy Student Status Independent Student - exclude any student that is enrolled in a higher education institution, unless that student is an “Independent Student” as defined in the Higher Education Act or has parents who, individually or jointly, are eligible based on income. Restrictive Covenants – Income & Rent Limits 5 Units @ Median Family Income is equal or less than 60% of area median gross income adjusted by family size (AMI) 5 Units @ Median Family Income is equal or less than 50% of area median gross income adjusted by family size (AMI) Restrictive Covenants – Bedroom Count & Unit Sizes *2 Affordable units must be 2-bedroom & at least 1,000 sq ft. = at least two household members *8 Affordable units must be 1-bedroom & at least 650 sq ft. Certification Requirements: Must re-examine and verify the income of each resident household living in an ADU at least annually. Every 3rd year verification required, based on property’s P.O.A. not tenancy. Non-3rd year use of self-certification of income/asset acceptable (see guide for full instruction). TENANT PAID Utility Allowances: Cooking - Electric Heating - Gas Other Electric THE LORIENT OF EDINA 4500 France Ave S., Edina, MN 55436 Project Summary Management Agent: Greco Properties Total Unit Count: 46 Total Units Total ADU: 3 AHP Units Affordable Housing Compliance Provisions: 15 Years after issuance of Certificate of Occupancy Certificate of Occupancy Issue Date: TBD Expiration of Compliance Provisions: TBD Special Provisions: Physical Disability Student Status: Section 8/HOME Student Rule Independent Student - exclude any student that is enrolled in a higher education institution, unless that student is an “Independent Student” as defined in the Higher Education Act or has parents who, individually or jointly, are eligible based on income. Restrictive Covenants: Median Family Income is equal or less than 50% of area median gross income adjusted by family size (AMI) Income & Rent Limits: Income @ 50% Net Rent @ 50% Income & Rent Tables: Multifamily Rent & Income Limits MTSP* *Table determination based on date of COO Issuance (Similar to PISD) Certification Requirements: Must re-examine and verify the income of each resident household living in an ADU at least annually. Every 3rd year verification required, based on property’s P.O.A. not tenancy. Non-3rd year use of self-certification of income/asset acceptable (see guide for full instruction). Utilities Paid: Owner Paid Utilities TBD Tenant Paid Utilities TBD Date: March 12, 2020 Agenda Item #: VII.B. To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type: Report / Recommendation From:Stephanie Hawkinson, Affordable Housing Development Manager Item Activity: Subject:Presentation on Maxfield Housing Study Information Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority Established 1974 CITY OF EDINA HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: No action required. INTRODUCTION: Mary Bujold, President of Maxfield Research and Consulting, LLC, will give a presentation on the Edina market study. Per the request of the HRA, Manager Neal entered into a contract with Maxfield Research and Consulting in June 2019 to conduct a housing study. This study would examine and analyze growth trends, demographic characteristics and economic factors, current housing market conditions (owned and rental formats) and would determine the potential demand to support additional housing products in the City. It would also recommend housing strategies designed to maintain and sustain the existing housing stock. Maxfield Research would review the City’s current housing programs and housing initiatives and assess their success with diversifying and broadening housing options in the community. Recommendations for new housing development would focus on current gaps in the housing supply and potential strategies to fill needs in the short- term to 2025 (five years) and the long-term to 2035 (ten years). Demographic projections will be provided to 2040 for overall population, households, age distribution, tenure by age of householder. Staff expects the final report to be completed later this month. ATTACHMENTS: Description Maxfield Presentation Housing Market Study Summary and Key Findings Presented to: Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority Presented by: Mary Bujold | Maxfield Research & Consulting, LLC March 12, 2020 Maxfield Research & Consulting, LLC is a full-service real estate advisory company providing strategic value to our private and public sector clients’ real estate activities. Overview 35+ years experience Diverse client base Multi-Sector Capable residential commercial public + private entities Market driven strategies Recommending highest & best uses Provide actionable plans Maxfield Research & Consulting, LLC OBJECTIVE Provide an analysis of housing needs for the City of Edina APPROACH Collect and analyze demographic, economic and housing market data for Edina and adjacent communities to develop a framework for meeting housing needs in the City PROJECT DELIVERABLES •Short and long-term housing needs •Recommendations guiding future housing development •Comment on existing tools/policies to achieve goals KEY DATES •Data collection: 4th Quarter 2019 •Draft: January 2020 •Presentations: January 2020/March 2020 •Final Report: To be Delivered Project Scope 12% Growth Rate in Edina from 2010-2020 Highest growth rate among senior population… Young Baby Boomers (55 to 64 age cohort) largest adult demographic in Edina today (15%) Seniors 65 to 74 largest growth over next ten years (12.4%); 25 to 34 (11.7%) Household size increased, now decreasing: 2000: 2.26 |2010: 2.32 2020: 2.29 | 2030: 2.23 Living Alone largest group, but Married w/Child inc. Median HH Income 39% higher than Hennepin Co. Median Income (2019): •$107,757 –Edina •$77,509 –Hennepin County •$79,195 –Twin Cities Metro Area 2020 Median income •Non-seniors: $154,995 •Seniors: $71,096 Income disparity by tenure (2019) •$129,679 (owner) vs. $59,886 (renter)Projected increase by 2025: •10% to $118,770 (2% annually) Employment Roughly 45,000 jobs (covered employment) Key Industry Sector Jobs: •Education & Health Services: 24% •Professional & Business Services: 11% •Retail Trade: 10% Edina a job importer Avg. weekly/annual wage: •$1,252 | $65,104 (Edina) •$1,221 | $63,492 (Hennepin) •$1,244 | $64,688 (Metro) 92% of jobs in Edina are from commuters 26% of Edina residents commute to Minneapolis Residential Construction strong; MF leads the way From 2010 through 2019, 2,646 new housing units were constructed •Avg. 265 total units/year New Construction Activity •Avg. 87 Single-family homes •Avg. 3 Townhomes •Avg. 174 Multifamily units 37 57 101 111 120 111 106 91 71 6776 0 0 234 113 482 97 433 288 51 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019Units Year New Construction Residential Units: 2010 through 2019 Single-family Multifamily Tear Downs Have Been Significant Tear Downs/Avg Values The number of tear downs rose from 21 in 2009 to 115 in 2015 and have decreased modestly in each year since then. The average value of homes before tear down has remained relatively consistent as have the values of the new homes. Nearly all new homes rebuilt have average values of more than $1M. Can we expect this trend to continue? How is housing affordability affected by this? Low Rental Housing Vacancies Overall 4,813 units | 57 properties 4% vacancy rate Market Rate 4,654 units | 55 properties 4.0% vacancy rate Avg. monthly rent $1,203 Avg. PSF rent: $1.31 Affordable/Subsidized 149 units | six properties 3% vacancy rate (excluding Nolan Mains) 5% Vacancy = Market Equilibrium Hazelton Onyx Development Pipeline 1,257 rental units in process 962 market rate/395 affordable 43 MR/3 AFF under construction 784 MR/202 AFF approved Rental Housing Cost Burden Rental: 42% of Edina renters are cost burdened •43% Metro Area/37% PMA Remainder 22% of Edina owners are cost burdened •20% Metro Area/17% of PMA Remainder Cost Burden: more than 30% of gross income allocated to housing The highest proportions of cost burdened HHs are age 65+ owners (34%) and Renters (62%) Senior Housing Inventory Senior Inventory 2,311 units | 23 properties 5.8% Overall vacancy rate Avidor 7500 York Cooperative 5% -7% Vacancy = Market Equilibrium Home prices in Edina highest of its neighbors Edina’s median home value much higher than surrounding cities 2019 $465,000 = Edina $275,000 = Bloomington $399,000 = SW Mpls $350,000 = Eden Prairie $345,000 = Minnetonka $300,000 = St. Louis Park Low Inventory | Prices High Active Listings (2019) Listings: 258 active Median price: $799K for Resales/$1.46M New 93% of listings are for SF Avg. Price Per Sq. Ft. SF: $209/PSF MF: $168/PSF New: $301 SF/$686 MF New Construction Overall $1.4M SF $700K MF Teardowns: $1.3M+ New PSF cost: Edina $300 SF $686 MF Metro Area $175 SF $187 MF Pricing Most new construction –owned association-maintained properties Not considered affordable compared to Metro Area averages Targets upper-bracket buyers Days on market for SF homes priced above $845,000 has increased over past 12 mos to 155 days; TH/Condo up to 373 days Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) 60% of existing rental units in Edina affordable at 80% AMI or less 22% of existing rental units in Edina affordable at 60% AMI or less Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) •The newest rental properties are are affordable to households with incomes at or above 80% AMI •Affordability increases somewhat with the age of the property as those built expanding down to a portion affordable at 60% AMI •The highest proportion of units with rents affordable to households with incomes at or less than 60% AMI were built prior to 1980 (1960s/1970s); however, proportion still remains small Demand Overview Household growth & tenure Turnover Income-qualified households Demand by product | Preferences Demand Driver Examples •Demographics •Economy & Job Growth •Consumer Choice | Preferences •Turnover/Mobility •Supply (i.e. Existing Hsg. Stock) •Replacement need (i.e. functionally /physically obsolete) •Financing Demand Assumptions/Methodology Household growth adjusted for local factors (i.e. building permits, land availability, areas zoned for higher density, etc.) Demand Summary Demand for 3,000 units to 2030 (for-sale and rental) Note: Demand subtracts projects in the pipeline and senior supply Demand for nearly 1,600 senior units by 2030 Note: Demand for senior hsg is cumulative Single-Family Housing Recommendations Single-Family Home Single-Family Home 68 homes (rebuilds in 2019) (Demand –47 homes) 2020-2025 Demand for new SF homes across all prices; however cannot build entry-level (land/labor costs, etc.) Lot supply highly constrained (replacement occurs primarily through tear-downs) Demand for smaller lot single-family, but even on small lots, prices are exceptionally high 40 Twinhome/Detached Villas (Demand for 135 units) 2020-2025 Increasing demand for attached product Again, even upper-middle market pricing is a significant challenge Potential housing types: Twin homes/duplex Townhomes/row homes Detached townhomes/villas Condominiums making a comeback Multifamily For-Sale Recommendations Hawthorne Villa Homes 5120 France Demand for 300 units (2020-2025) •250 affordable •50 subsidized Demand for additional affordable rentals Recommend the following types: Affordable rental –apartment- style Incorporate portion of low-income Rental Housing Recommendations 71 France Ponds of Edina Senior Housing Recommendations Demand for 1,600 units over the next ten years (across all service levels) Recommend the following (five years): Senior coop./Owner (80 to 120 units) AFF AA Rental (150 units) MR AA Rental (100 units) Independent Lvg (80 units) Assisted Living (40 units) Memory Care (30 units) Additional demand 2025-2030 Brookdale Edina Yorkshire of Edina •Growth picked-up last decade| HHs growing faster than population 2020+ •Growth in 25 to 44 cohorts; but 65+ population growing most rapidly •Living alone 32% of HHs| Married w/o children (29%); Married w/children has risen in Edina, atypical of other neighboring communities •Strong HH incomes| Median renter income is 38% higher than Metro Area •Low unemployment rate | Job inflow | Higher wages (Healthcare/Prof Services) •Older multifamily rental stock | recent MR construction | 1,260 units in pipeline •22% of market rate rental “affordable” at 50%-60% AMI |60%@80% AMI or less •Senior housing performing well | New product will be needed in the future •For-sale market higher than neighbors| unaffordable to most entry level households | lack of supply •Fully-developed character and high median income have fueled a dramatic rise in Edina home prices •How to produce affordable housing? Need a mix of tools Summary •New ownership housing in Edina out of reach for most households •Lack of new affordable rentals (GO and Sr) •Tear-downs may decrease; how to renovate older housing and preserve its affordability •Encourage larger affordable rental properties •Consider targeting city owned sites or those w/city as all or a portion affordable •Need a balance mix of tools to create affordable housing •These may include: –Land write downs –Tax abatement or deferrals –Housing Trust Fund/Land Trust –Inclusionary Zoning –Accessory Dwelling –Land Use Housing Needs/Policies 2020 Outlook & Trends Economic Conditions Healthy, yet unknowns… •Longest economic expansion in U.S. (126 months as of Dec. 2019) •Consumer Confidence is strong | Stock market @ all-time high •Full employment –MN @ 3.3% vs. Metro Area 3..% (Dec 2019) •Labor shortages: lack of workers, not jobs (constraining growth) •Job openings in MN @ all-time high (esp. skilled labor) •Wages finally increasing at a rate above inflation in some industries •Inflation estimated @ 1.8% in 2019 & 2.0% in 2020 •2019 GDP: 3rdQ 2.1% | 2020 est. 1.7% •Housing: lack of supply/inventory is holding back economy •Peak of cycle…downturn in 2021 or 2022??? •Tariffs, trade war, global weakness…unknowns??? For-Sale Housing Market •Home prices continue to rise due to tight market although sales volume has decreased •Low supply of homes for-sale; especially entry-level (sub $250K) •Mortgage rates low…increasing affordability (sub 4%) •Buyers on sidelines or losing interest…back in market w/more supply •Home Prices appreciating faster than wages/income gains •First-time home buyer % remains low •Tax reform: negative on 2nd home buyer, higher-priced markets •Older adults & seniors holding real estate assets longer •Distressed properties: < 2% of market •New construction unable to keep up w/demand •Builders unable to deliver affordable new product (sub $300k-$400k) •Rising cost for new construction: lots, labor, materials, regulatory •Lot size compression •New single-family home sizes trending modestly lower •Expected rise in attached and other multifamily concepts •Significant price gap between existing homes & new construction •HH income gains lagging home pricing appreciation •Demand has historically moved out for affordability, but this is changing and younger households want to remain in closer in; will rent for a longer period or perhaps indefinitely New Construction Housing Rental Housing Market •Record setting apartment deliveries: 2019 (8k) & 2020 (11k) •Market peaking; construction expected to taper •New development continues to move out from the core •Low vacancies = pent-up demand •Rent growth expected to moderate with new supply •Barbell demand from Millennials & Baby Boomers •New product caters to smaller HH sizes & “lifestyle renters”, but is luxury and not generally affordable •Alternate rental products being considered (i.e. single-family rentals; condo rentals as investments; short-term rentals (Air BnB) •Challenges delivering new product @ reasonable price points Senior Housing Market •Record year in senior housing delivery past three years (2,000+ units) •Shift from non-profit developers to for-profit (85% in 2019) •Seniors continue to delay selling their homes…holding back supply •65+ population will triple in Metro Area by 2040 •Assisted living vacancies are soft in most developments •Middle market faces shortfall •Development costs continue to escalate, competition for land •Boomers (56 to 74) years away from services •Senior housing not an option for everyone Mary Bujold Maxfield Research & Consulting, LLC 612.904.7977 mbujold@maxfieldresearch.com www.maxfieldresearch.com http://twitter.com/realestatedev https://www.facebook.com/MaxfieldResearch/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/228591 Contact Information: Questions & Comments Date: March 12, 2020 Agenda Item #: VIII.A. To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type: Other From:Jennifer Garske, Executive Assistant Item Activity: Subject:Correspondence Information Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority Established 1974 CITY OF EDINA HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: None. INTRODUCTION: There has been no correspondence since the last meeting.