NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) is holding a public comment period for the following proposed policy clarifications and updates. We will receive comments during a 30-day public comment period beginning Friday, March 20 and ending Monday, April 20.
Leave a Comment on the Proposed Changes
Residents, program participants, landlords, those on the waitlist and members of the public may submit comments on the proposed changes. You may fill out our online form or use one of the options below:
- Phone: (253) 999-1080
- Email:
- Address: 902 S. L Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
Proposed Updates to THA’s Administrative Plan Repayment Agreements Policy
THA is seeking to clarify that Chapter 16, Section IV, “Owner or Family Debts to the PHA”, of the Administrative Plan governs the policies for overpaid Housing Assistance Payments (HAP). Repayment agreements for overpaid HAP are governed by federal rules and guidance and must be addressed in THA’s Administrative Plan as a local policy for administration of the Housing Choice Voucher program. This policy governs the recovery of subsidy overpayments owed to the agency and is tied to continued program eligibility. The Administrative Plan does not govern repayment agreements for rent or other tenancy-related charges for tenants of THA owned and managed properties.
Summary of Changes
| Related Topic | Original Policy | Proposed Change |
|---|---|---|
| Repayment Agreements Overview (Ch. 16, Sec. IV-A) | This part describes the PHA’s policies for recovery of monies that have been overpaid on behalf of families, or to owners (overpayment of HAP). This section includes a recent change that added a note about THA’s process regarding repayment agreements with tenants for past due rent owed on a current lease. | We propose removing the note in order to be clear that the Administrative Plan governs repayment policies due from overpaid Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). Repayment agreements for unpaid rent and other tenancy-related charges are governed by the Property Management Policies. |
| Repayment Policy (Ch. 16, Sec. IV-B), Family Debts to the THA | Includes text outlining the process tenants must follow for repayment agreements for overpaid HAP. | We propose adding the following: Administrative Plan policies regarding repayment agreements apply only to the repayment of excess subsidy (HAP). Policies governing repayment agreements for unpaid rent and other tenancy-related charges are addressed in THA’s Property Management Policies. |
Proposed Changes to THA’s Property Management Policies Repayment Agreements
THA is seeking to update Chapter 16, “Repayment Agreements”. The proposed changes clarify that this policy applies to the nonpayment of rent and other charges. Additional proposed changes update the terms and conditions of such agreements.
Summary of Changes
| Related Topic | Original Policy | Proposed Change |
|---|---|---|
| Termination of Tenancy, Repayment of Family Debts (Ch. 15.4) | Requires tenants to enter into repayment agreements, if offered at THA’s discretion, within 30 days of receiving notice of amounts owed. | Removes the 30-day deadline and clarifies that the policy governing repayment agreements offered is Chapter 16. |
| Repayment Agreements, General (Ch. 16.1) | States that any amount owed to THA by a tenant family must be repaid. Also states that THA will offer to enter into a repayment agreement in accordance with what we assume is another policy, but that policy is not referenced explicitly. This language is inconsistent with the original language in Section 15.4, does not mandate repayment agreements for debts as a condition of continued occupancy. Also states that THA will terminate tenancies in accordance with its lease termination policies and pursue other modes of collection for failure to repay the debt, enter into a repayment agreement, or breaching the agreement. | Resolves the inconsistency between Sections 15.4 and 16.1. Explains that repayment agreements will be offered in writing and include a deadline for execution. Clarifies that this repayment agreement policy does not govern the recovery of housing assistance dollars that have been overpaid on behalf of families. |
| Repayment Agreements, General Repayment Agreement Guidelines (Ch. 16.2) Repayment Agreement Period | Does not specify a maximum duration for the repayment agreement. | States that all repayment agreements will require payments to be made over a ninety (90) day period. |
| Repayment Agreements, General Repayment Agreement Guidelines (Ch. 16.2) Repayment Agreement Downpayment | Established a 10 percent (10%) downpayment amount absent an undue hardship or waiver granted by THA. | Amends the downpayment amount. Tenants on minimum rent will pay a downpayment of at least 10% of the amount owed, rounded to the nearest dollar. Tenants who are not on minimum rent will pay a downpayment equal to the applicable minimum rent. |
| Repayment Agreements, General Repayment Agreement Guidelines (Ch. 16.2) Payment Schedule and Amount | Establishes monthly payment amounts based on a family’s monthly adjusted income. | Requires the tenant to make three payments of equal amounts over the 90-day repayment agreement term. Requires that tenants must be approved through the Hardship Policy to temporarily pause payments. |
| Repayment Agreements, General Repayment Agreement Guidelines (Ch. 16.2) Breaches of the Repayment Agreement Policy | States that THA will issue a 10-day delinquency notice if a payment is missed before seeking to terminate the family’s tenancy. | Eliminates the 10-day delinquency notice requirement. |
| Repayment Agreements, General Repayment Agreement Guidelines (Ch. 16.2) Limited Opportunities | States that, generally, THA will not enter into a repayment agreement for rent with a tenant if there is already a repayment agreement in place or if the amount owed by the family exceeds the federal or state threshold for criminal prosecution. | States that, generally, THA will not enter into a repayment agreement for rent with a tenant if there is already a repayment agreement for rent in place or if the amount owed by the family exceeds the federal or state threshold for criminal prosecution. Also states that THA will not enter into more than one ninety (90) day repayment agreement with the same tenant family for rent during a calendar year. |
About Tacoma Housing Authority
Established in 1940, Tacoma Housing Authority provides high-quality, stable, and sustainable housing and supportive services to people in need, in ways that help our clients prosper and help our communities develop equitably. THA develops and manages real estate, provides rental housing, and partners with thousands of private landlords to help families pay the rent in the private rental market. In addition, THA delivers supportive services to help families succeed as tenants, parents, students, wage earners, and builders of assets who can live without assistance. THA seeks to do its work in ways that help our community be an “attractive place to live, work, attend school, shop and play,” and that help Tacoma be “safe, vibrant, prosperous, attractive and just.”