Frequently Asked Questions
The landlord asked me to pay more money than approved by NIRHA for rent. Is it alright for me to pay
The landlord asked me to pay more money than approved by NIRHA for rent. Is it alright for me to pay
The landlord asked me to pay more money than approved by NIRHA for rent. Is it alright for me to pay
Absolutely not! Families can only pay the amount specified by NIRHA. This amount reflects what you can afford, based on income and family composition reported to NIRHA. It is considered fraud if the landlord requires you to pay anything other than what has been approved by NIRHA. It is also fraud if the family pays any additional amounts not approved by NIRHA. Both parties could face fraud charges and ordered to repay any amounts paid by NIRHA for assistance made on behalf of the family. You may also be terminated from the program.
Can I add someone to my lease or household?
The landlord asked me to pay more money than approved by NIRHA for rent. Is it alright for me to pay
The landlord asked me to pay more money than approved by NIRHA for rent. Is it alright for me to pay
A request to add someone to the household of a current program participant MUST be placed in writing and submitted to your assigned Housing Specialist. The request must detail where the person lived before (unless a newborn child, or new spouse), why it's necessary to add the person to your household, and what income the person may have. In some cases, additional documents may be required. You must have your landlord’s approval to add anyone else to the household.
What is "rent reasonableness?"
The landlord asked me to pay more money than approved by NIRHA for rent. Is it alright for me to pay
What is "rent reasonableness?"
Housing authorities are required to compare the rent paid for units being assisted to units that are not receiving assistance. The factors considered in each comparison are:
- unit size
- age
- quality
- unit type
- location
- amenities
- housing services provided
- maintenance provided
- utilities
What do inspectors look for during the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection?
What do inspectors look for during the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection?
What do inspectors look for during the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection?
Inspectors are required to enforce the “Housing Quality Standards” (HQS) established by HUD to make certain assisted units meet minimum health and safety standards. A quick reference guide for items to be inspected is in “A Good Place to Live”. NIRHA requires additional standards in compliance as it relates to GFI outlets to be installed in bathrooms.
What are the most common items that fail inspections?
What do inspectors look for during the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection?
What do inspectors look for during the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection?
- Inoperable smoke alarms (batteries dead or missing)
- Missing or cracked electrical outlet cover plates
- Railings not present where required (when four or more steps present)
- Deteriorated paint surfaces (i.e. peeling, cracking, flaking paint on exterior and interior surfaces)
- Tripping hazards caused by permanently installed floor coverings (carpet/vinyl)
- Cracked or broken window panes
- Inoperable burners on stoves or inoperable range hoods
- Missing burner control knobs
- Defective refrigerator gaskets (broken seal allowing air to escape)
- Leaking faucets or other plumbing
- No temperature/pressure relief valve on water heaters
- No insulation around front and back doors (ensure no outside light can be seen when doors are closed)
- No GFI outlet in bathroom within six feet of water source