**[Introduction]{.underline}**

This booklet describes the relocation payments and other reloca­tion
assistance provided under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real
Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (URA) to tenants
displaced from their homes. This includes any family or individual that
must move as a direct result of reha­bilitation, demolition or
acquisition for a project in which Federal funds are used.

If you are notified that you will be displaced, it is important that you
**do not move** before you learn what you must do to receive the
relocation payments and other assistance to which you are entitled.

***Pursuant to Public Law 105-117, aliens not lawfully present in the
United States are [not]{.underline} eligible for relocation assistance,
unless such ineligibility would result in exceptional hardship to a
qualifying spouse, parent, or child. [All]{.underline} persons seeking
relocation assistance will be required to certify that they are a United
States citizen or national, or an alien lawfully present in the United
States.***

This booklet may not answer all of your questions. If you have more
questions about your relocation, contact the Agency responsi­ble for the
project. (Check the back of this booklet for the name of the person to
contact at the Agency.) Ask your questions before you move. Afterwards,
it may be too late.

**[Summary of Relocation Assistance]{.underline}**

As an eligible tenant displaced from your home, you will be offered the
following advisory and financial assistance:

-   **Advisory Services**. This includes referrals to comparable and
    suitable replacement homes, the inspection of replacement housing to
    ensure that it meets established standards, help in preparing claim
    forms for relocation payments and other assistance to minimize the
    impact of the move.

-   **Payment for Moving Expenses**. You may choose either a:

-   **Payment for Your Actual Reasonable Moving and Related Expenses**,
    or

-   **Fixed Moving Expense and Dislocation Allowance,** or

-   **A combination of both, based on circumstances**.

-   **Replacement Housing Assistance**. To enable you to rent, or if you
    prefer, buy a comparable or suitable replacement home, you may
    choose either:

-   **Rental Assistance**, or

-   **Purchase Assistance**.

    If you disagree with the Agency\'s decision as to the relocation
    assistance for which you are eligible, you may appeal that decision.

    **[General Questions]{.underline}**

    **How Will I Know I Am Eligible For Relocation Assistance?**

    You should receive a written notice explaining your eligibility for
    relocation assistance. You should not move before receiving that
    notice. If you do, you may not receive relocation assistance.

    **How Will The Agency Know How Much Help I Need?**

    You will be contacted at an early date and personally interviewed by
    a representative of the Agency to determine your relocation needs
    and preferences for replacement housing and advisory services. The
    interviewer will ask certain questions about you and other members
    of your household, including questions about your income. It is to
    your advantage to provide the information so that the Agency can
    assist you in moving with a minimum of hardship. The information you
    give will be kept in confidence.

    **How Soon Will I Have To Move?**

    If possible, a mutually agreeable date for the move will be worked
    out. You will be given enough time to make plans for moving. Unless
    there is a health or safety emergency, you will not be required to
    move without at least 90 days advance written notice of (1) at least
    one \"comparable replacement home\" that is available to you and
    (2) the earliest date by which you must move.

    **What Is A Comparable Replacement Home**?

    A comparable replacement home is:

-   Decent, safe, and sanitary.

-   Functionally equivalent to (and equal or better than) your present
    home.

-   Actually available for you to rent.

-   Affordable.

-   Reasonably accessible to your place of employment.

-   Generally as well located with respect to public and commercial
    facilities, such as schools and shopping, as your present home.

-   Not subject to unreasonable adverse environmental conditions.

-   Available to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex,
    or national origin.

    **What is Decent, Safe, and Sanitary Housing?**

    Decent, safe, and sanitary housing is housing that:

-   Meets applicable housing and occupancy requirements.

-   Is structurally sound, weathertight, and in good repair.

-   Contains a safe, adequate electrical wiring system.

-   Has adequate living space for the occupants.

-   Has a kitchen with a sink, hot and cold running water, and
    connections for a stove and refrigerator (if you were displaced from
    a housekeeping unit).

-   Has a separate, complete bathroom with hot and cold running water.

-   Has heating as required by climatic conditions.

-   Has an unobstructed exit to safe, open space at ground level.

-   Meets standards protecting occupants from lead-based paint hazards.

-   If you are person with a physical disability, is free of any
    barriers which would preclude your reasonable use of the unit.

    **Will The Agency Help Me Find A Replacement Home?**

    Yes. You will be provided with referrals to housing that has been
    inspected to ensure that it meets established standards. If
    possible, you will be referred to at least three comparable
    replacement homes. The maximum financial assistance for which you
    may qualify will be based on the cost of the most representative
    comparable replacement home that is available to you. Promptly after
    you become eligible for relocation assistance, the Agency will
    inform you of such unit and the maximum payment available.

    Once the Agency representative has a clear understanding of your
    needs and preferences, he or she will work with you to assure that
    you are given the best possible choice of housing. The Agency will
    offer you appropriate transportation to inspect these units.

    If you would like to move to government-owned housing or obtain a
    Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) let the Agency repre­sentative know of
    your interest. Generally, an eligible displaced person receives
    preference for such long term housing assistance. You will be given
    assistance in completing any required applica­tion forms.

    **What If I Find My Own Replacement Housing?**

    You have every right to find your own replacement housing. However,
    before you rent or buy, ask the Agency to inspect the unit to make
    sure that it is decent, safe, and sanitary. If the housing unit is
    not decent, safe, and sanitary, you will not receive a replacement
    housing payment.

    **What If I Encounter A Problem In Obtaining Housing Of My Choice?**

    If you encounter a problem in buying or renting housing of your
    choice, notify the Agency immediately. The Agency will look into the
    matter and try to resolve it. You will receive this help whether you
    were referred to the housing unit or found it yourself.

    If you are unable to buy or rent a housing unit because of
    discriminatory practices on the part of a real estate broker, rental
    agent, lender, or a property owner, the Agency will help you file a
    formal housing discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of
    Housing and Urban Development or the appropriate State or local fair
    housing agency.

    **What Other Services Will I Receive?**

    In addition to help in obtaining a comparable replacement home,
    other assistance, as necessary, will be provided in order to
    minimize the impact of your move. This assistance may include
    referral to appropriate public and private agencies that provide
    services concerning housing financing, employment, health, welfare,
    or legal assistance. The range of services depends on the needs of
    the person being displaced. You should ask the Agency representative
    to tell you about the specific services that will be available to
    help you and your family.

    **What Is a Payment For Actual Reasonable Moving and Related
    Expenses**?

    You may choose to receive a relocation payment to cover the
    reasonable cost of your move. If you choose a Payment For Actual
    Reasonable Moving And Related Expenses, you may include in your
    claim the reasonable and necessary costs for:

-   Transportation for you and your family.

-   Packing, moving and unpacking your household goods.

-   Disconnecting and reconnecting household appliances and other
    personal property (e.g., telephone and cable TV).

-   Storage of household goods, as may be necessary.

-   Insurance for the replacement value of your property during the move
    and necessary storage.

-   The replacement value of property lost, stolen or damaged in the
    move (but not through your neglect) if insurance is not reasonably
    available.

    The Agency will explain all eligible moving costs, as well as those
    which are not eligible. You must be able to account for any costs
    that you incur, so keep all your receipts. Select your mover with
    care. The Agency can help you select a reli­able and reputable mover.

    You may elect to pay your moving costs yourself and be repaid by the
    Agency or, if you prefer, you may have the Agency pay the mover. In
    either case, let the Agency know before you move.

    **What Is A Fixed Moving Expense And Dislocation Allowance**?

    If you choose a Fixed Moving Expense and Dislocation Allowance, you
    will receive an allowance which is based on the number of rooms in
    your home or the number of rooms of furniture you will be moving, as
    shown on a schedule. The Agency has a copy of the schedule and will
    help you decide whether choosing this allowance is in your best
    interest.

    If you do not have a large amount of personal property to move, this
    payment should be more advantageous. No special documenta­tion is
    required to support your claim. You need only move your personal
    property and complete the appropriate claim form in order to receive
    your payment.

    **How Much Rental Assistance Will I Receive**?

    You may be eligible to receive Rental Assistance for a 42-month
    period. The assistance is computed in the following manner:

    The assistance needed for one month is determined by subtracting the
    \"base monthly rent\" for your present home from the cost of rent
    and utilities for your new home (or a comparable replacement home,
    if that cost is lower). That monthly need, if any, is multiplied by
    42, to determine the total amount that you will receive. This amount
    will be paid directly to you. The Agency must provide the assistance
    in monthly installments or other periodic payments. Generally, the
    base monthly rent for your present home is the [lesser]{.underline}
    of: (1) the monthly rent and average monthly cost for utilities, or
    (2) thirty (30) percent of your average monthly gross household
    income, if you are low-income based on HUD income limits.

    **Examples**: Let\'s say that the monthly rent and average cost for
    utilities for your present home are \$250; the monthly rent and
    estimated average utility costs for a comparable replacement home
    are \$350; and your monthly gross income is \$700. In this case your
    \"base monthly rent\" would be \$210 because you are low-income and
    that amount (30 percent of your income) is less than the monthly
    cost of rent and utilities at your present home (\$250).

-   If you rent a replacement home for \$360 per month, including
    estimated average monthly utility charges, you will receive \$5,880.
    That amount is 42 times \$140 (the difference between the \"base
    monthly rent\" for your present home (\$210) and the cost for a
    comparable replacement home (\$350)).

-   If you rent a replacement home for \$310, including estimated
    average monthly utility charges, you will receive \$4,200. That
    amount is 42 times \$100 (the difference between the \"base monthly
    rent\" for your present home (\$210) and the actual cost of your new
    home (\$310)).

To qualify for rental assistance, you must rent and occupy a decent,
safe, and sanitary home within one year after the date you move.
However, the Agency will extend this period for good cause.

**If I Decide to Buy, Rather Than Rent, How Much Assistance Will I
Receive?**

If you buy a replacement home, you may be eligible for assistance to
make a down payment equal to the amount you would receive if you rented
a comparable replacement home (i.e., 42 times the amount obtained by
subtracting the \"base monthly rent\" for your present home from the
monthly rent and estimated average monthly utility costs for a
comparable replacement home). A down payment assistance payment will be
paid in a lump sum.

**Example**: Assuming the information in the prior examples, the
downpayment assistance payment would be \$5,880. That amount is 42 times
\$140 (the difference between the \"base monthly rent\" for your present
home (\$210) and the monthly rent and estimated average monthly
utilities cost for a comparable replacement home (\$350). The full
amount of the payment must be applied to the purchase of the replacement
dwelling.

**Must I File A Claim To Obtain A Relocation Payment**?

Yes. You must file a claim for each relocation payment. The Agency will,
however, provide you with the required claim form, help you to complete
it, and explain the type of documentation, if any, that you must submit
in order to receive the pay­ment.

If you must pay any relocation expenses before you move (e.g., a
security deposit when you sign a lease for your new home), discuss your
financial needs with the Agency. While refundable deposits are not
covered by URA payments, you may be able to obtain an advance payment to
meet these costs. An advance payment may be placed in \"escrow\" or paid
directly to a contractor to ensure that the move will be completed on a
timely basis.

You must file your claim within 18 months after the date you move.
However, it is to your advantage to file as soon as possible after you
move. The sooner you submit your claim, the sooner it can be processed
and paid. If you are unable to file your claim within 18 months, ask the
Agency to extend this period.

Be careful not to confuse this 18-month period with the 12-month period
within which you must rent (or buy) and occupy a replace­ment dwelling in
order to be eligible for a replacement housing payment.

You will be paid promptly after you file an acceptable claim. If there
is any question regarding your right to a relocation payment or the
amount of the payment, you will be notified, in writing, of the problem
and the action you may take to resolve the matter.

**Will I Have To Pay Rent To The Agency Before I Move?**

If the Agency acquires the property in which you live, you may be
required to pay a fair rent to the Agency for the period between the
acquisition of the property and the date that you move. Such rent will
not exceed the market rent for comparable properties in the area.

**Do I Have To Pay Federal Income Taxes On My Relocation Payments?**

No. Section 216 of the URA states that you need not report reloca­tion
payments as part of your gross income for Federal tax purposes. For
information on State or local income taxes, you should check with the
State or local income tax office in your area or with your personal tax
advisor.

**What If I Don\'t Receive The Required Assistance. Can I Appeal**?

If you disagree with the Agency\'s decision as to your right to
relocation assistance or the amount of a payment, or the adequacy of the
housing to which you have been referred, you may appeal the decision to
the Agency.

The Agency will inform you of its appeal procedures. At a minimum, you
will have 60 days to file your appeal with the Agency after you receive
written notification of the Agency\'s determination on your claim. Your
appeal must be in writing. However, if you need help, the Agency will
assist you in preparing your appeal.

If you are a low- or moderate-income person and are dissatisfied with
the Agency\'s determination on your appeal, you may have an additional
right to request administrative review of that decision (e.g., by HUD or
the State).

You can expect a fair decision on any appeal. However, if you are not
satisfied with the final administrative decision on your appeal, you may
seek review of the matter by the courts.

**I Have More Questions. Who Will Answer Them**?

If you have further questions after reading this booklet, contact the
Agency and discuss your concerns with an Agency representa­tive.

Agency :

Address:

Office Hours:

Telephone No.:

Person to Contact: