Frequently Asked
Questions
This page provides answers to common questions from residents about living in public housing, including topics such as rent, income reporting, maintenance requests, inspections, household changes, and community policies. Our goal is to help residents quickly find the information they need and better understand how housing programs work. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please contact the housing authority office and our staff will be happy to assist you.
Rent & Income
Annual Recert
Maintenance
Inspections
Add/Remove
Community Rules
Complaints
When is my rent due?
Rent is due on the 1st day of each month. Please contact the office if you have questions about payment methods.
What happens if I'm late?
Late fees may be charged according to your lease on the 6th of each month. Continued late payments may result in lease enforcement actions.
What income changes do I have to report?
You must report changes such as:
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starting or stopping a job
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changes in wages
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receiving benefits (SSI, Social Security, unemployment, etc.)
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changes in child support or other income
When will my rent change if my income changes?
Rent adjustments are usually made after the housing authority verifies your income change. If reported after monthly rent has been charged, you will still be responsible for paying your current balance.
What happens if I don’t report income changes?
Residents are required to report income changes. Not reporting income may result in:
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retroactive rent charges
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repayment agreements
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possible lease violations.
What is annual recertification?
Once a year, the housing authority reviews your household income, family composition, and other information to make sure your rent is calculated correctly.
What happens if I miss my recertification appointment?
Failure to complete recertification may result in rent changes or lease enforcement actions.
How do I submit a maintenance request?
You can request repairs by contacting the office or submitting a maintenance request through your portal.. *Maintenance will not be completed based on verbal conversations with maintenance staff.
What is considered an emergency maintenance issue?
Emergency repairs may include:
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no heat in winter
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major water leaks
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sewer backups
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electrical hazards
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lock out
If an emergency occurs, contact the office immediately
and leave a message detailing the issue.
How long does it take to complete repairs?
Emergency repairs are handled as quickly as possible. Non-emergency repairs are completed as scheduling allows. Vacancies take priority over non-emergency tenant requests.
Why does my unit get inspected?
Inspections help ensure units remain safe and meet HUD housing quality standards.
How often will my unit be inspected?
Units may be inspected periodically as required by HUD or the housing authority.
Do I have to let inspectors inside my unit?
Yes. The lease requires residents to allow access for inspections, repairs, and maintenance.
Can someone move into my unit?
No one may move in without prior approval from the housing authority.
What if someone moves out of my household?
You must notify the housing authority within 5 calendar days so your records can be updated.
Can I have guests stay in my unit?
Yes, but guests must follow housing authority policies and cannot stay more than 14 days per year. Long-term guests require prior approval.
Are pets allowed?
Pet policies vary by property and have approval requirements. Please refer the pet policy supplied to you at move-in.
Can I make changes to my unit?
You must receive written approval before making alterations such as installing fixtures or other modifications. Painting, wallpaper, carpet, etc. is not permitted.
What if I disagree with a decision made by the housing authority?
Residents may request a grievance hearing according to the housing authority’s grievance procedure.
How do I request a grievance hearing?
Submit a written request to the housing authority within the required timeframe after receiving the notice.
Why should I contact the housing authority instead of HUD or other officials?
Federal law requires housing authorities to handle most tenant concerns through a grievance process.
This means if you disagree with a decision or have a complaint, the housing authority must review it and give you the opportunity for a grievance hearing.
Because of this federal requirement, you must request a grievance within the timeframe after receiving a notice.