§ 4-55WHA-paid utilities.
§ 4-56Resident-paid utilities.
§ 4-57Excess utility charges.
The WHA pays the cost of certain utilities on behalf of residents. The particular utilities paid for by the WHA vary by site/development. At some WHA developments, residents pay the cost of certain utilities directly to the supplier. At these properties, resident rents are reduced by a utility allowance developed by the WHA in consultation with the utility supplier and reviewed by HUD.
The following requirements apply to residents living in developments with resident-paid utilities:
Each resident will receive a monthly utility allowance that reflects the cost of reasonable utility usage for the size and type of unit occupied. The resident's total tenant payment will be reduced by the amount of the utility allowance, in accordance with 24 CFR Part 965.
When a resident's total tenant payment is less than the utility allowance, the WHA will pay a utility reimbursement equal to the difference between one month's total tenant payment and the utility allowance. The utility reimbursement is paid to the resident.
When the utility supplier offers a "budget" payment plan, it shall be suggested to the resident to use this plan as it protects the resident from seasonal fluctuations in utility bills and ensures adequate heat in the winter.
An applicant will not be admitted to the WHA's scattered site housing if the applicant is unable to get utilities connected because of a previous balance owed the utility company at a prior address.
Paying the utility bill is the resident's obligation under the Authority's lease. Failure to pay utilities is grounds for lease termination and/or eviction.
Utility allowances are estimates of reasonable utility consumption, reflecting the size and type of units and actual equipment provided by the WHA. For WHA-paid utilities, residents will be charged for consumption in excess of the utility allowance.
Residents with disabilities. A resident with a disability may be entitled to higher than normal utility allowances or may not be charged for the use of certain resident-supplied appliances if there is a verified need for special equipment because of the disability.
