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D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
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Title 22. HEALTH |
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SubTilte 22-A. MENTAL HEALTH |
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Chapter 22-A22. SUPPORTED HOUSING SERVICES FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS |
Section 22-A2208. HOME FIRST SUBSIDY PROGRAM
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2208.1The Department may approve a Home First Subsidy in an amount equivalent to eighty percent (80%) of the 2011 Fair Market Rent Value calculated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Metropolitan Washington D.C. area. An eligible consumer shall pay thirty percent (30%) of his or her adjusted income (“Total Consumer Rent Payment”) toward the total rent due under the lease. The Department may authorize an increase in the Home First Subsidy amount, subject to available appropriations.
2208.2For each approved Home First Subsidy, the Department shall issue the housing subsidy on a monthly basis to the landlord on behalf of the eligible consumer that is equal to the rent charged by the landlord, minus the Total Consumer Rent Payment, as determined by the Department in accordance with this chapter.
2208.3The amount of the total rent due under a lease shall not exceed the limits set by the Department pursuant to Subsection 2208.1. If utilities are included in the total rent, a higher rent may be considered for approval on a case-by-case basis.
2208.4Rent rates established by the Department pursuant to Subsection 2208.1 shall be effective for new leases and lease renewals that occur after the effective date of this chapter.
2208.5Subject to Section 2208.3, all utility costs, including water, gas, electric, telephone, cable, and internet access, are the consumer’s responsibility and will not be included in determining the consumer’s obligation to pay thirty percent (30%) of household income towards the monthly rent.
2208.6If a consumer has a demonstrated need for assistance with payment of a security deposit, the Department may, subject to availability of funds, pay the security deposit on behalf of the consumer. The consumer must repay the Department in accordance with a payment plan established by the Department and documented in the Program Agreement. The Department will not assist a consumer with payment of an additional security deposit if the consumer still owes funds for assistance with a previously-paid security deposit.
2208.7Once the Department has identified funds for a supported housing subsidy for an eligible consumer, the Department shall notify in writing the consumer, the CSA, and the consumer’s personal representative, if applicable, of the availability of the subsidy.
2208.8Upon written notification by the Department of the availability of supported housing subsidy funds, the consumer will have ninety (90) days to submit a complete Home First Subsidy application package. The CSA is primarily responsible for ensuring the consumer completes and returns all required forms during the process. The Department shall make all forms for the supported housing subsidy package available to the CSAs. The Department may grant reasonable extensions upon a showing of good cause.
2208.9An eligible consumer may only search for a Home First Subsidy-eligible housing after he or she receives written authorization to begin a housing search from the Department. The Department shall provide a monthly list of vacant units to the CSAs to assist consumers search for available housing with the understanding by all recipients that the list is not exhaustive and consumers and CSAs should not rely solely on the Department vacancy list to locate housing. Consumers and CSAs are encouraged to utilize other resources within the public domain to identify appropriate and available housing.
2208.10The Department may approve a Home First Subsidy for an eligible consumer only after the following conditions are met:
(a)The eligibility status and income of the consumer is re-determined by DMH to ensure the consumer remains eligible for the supported housing subsidy;
(b)A housing unit which complies with the requirements of this chapter is available;
(c)The amount of rent charged for the available unit is consistent with
Section 2208.1;
(d)The housing unit has a valid business license and certificate of occupancy, as required by applicable District law;
(e)The eligible consumer and mental health provider submits to the Department a supported housing subsidy Package, which includes:
(i) A Program Agreement signed by the eligible consumer;
(ii) A Subsidy Approval Form signed by the landlord; and
(iii) A completed Housing Pre-Inspection Checklist.
(f)The Department approves the supported housing subsidy approval form in writing; and
(g)The eligible consumer, CSA or other mental health provider provides the Department with a copy of the executed lease agreement signed by the eligible consumer and the landlord.
2208.11If the Home First Subsidy package is approved, the Department shall notify the eligible consumer and CSA or other mental health provider that the supported housing subsidy is approved by providing the eligible consumer a copy of the supported housing subsidy approval form signed by the Department.
2208.12If the Home First Subsidy package is not approved due to missing information, the Department shall notify the eligible consumer and CSA or other mental health provider of the reason(s) for disapproval. The consumer and CSA have ten (10) business days to provide the Department a completed Home First Subsidy package. Failure to complete or supply the missing information may result in denial of subsidy and placement on the waiting list.
2208.13The Department shall only issue an approved Home First Subsidy in the form of non-cash payment directly to the landlord.
2208.14The Department shall only provide a Home First Subsidy for actual rent obligations incurred by the consumer in a manner consistent with this chapter.