Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2010/10/27/2010-26914/hud-programs-violence-against-women-act-conforming-amendments
Timestamp: 2015-10-13 21:24:47
Document Index: 193410380

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Federal Register | HUD Programs: Violence Against Women Act Conforming Amendments
-66265 (21 pages)
Document Number: 2010-26914
Shorter URL: https://federalregister.gov/a/2010-26914 Related Topics
Implementation of Violence Against Women and Justice Department Reauthorization Act of 2005 for HUD Programs Under the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (FR-5056) 4 actions from November 28th, 2008 to October 27th, 2010
75 FR 66246
The Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA 1994) was enacted as Title IV of the Violent Crime Control and Enforcement Act of 1994 (103, approved September 13, 1994), codified at 42 U.S.C. 13931 et seq. VAWA 1994 was not applicable to HUD programs, but it was applicable to other Federal agencies and authorized those agencies to award grants to assist victims of sexual assault, and included provisions to maintain the confidentiality of domestic violence shelters and addresses of abused persons. On January 5, 2006, the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-162) was signed into law, and, on August 28, 2006, a bill that made technical corrections to the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-271) was signed into law. (Those two public laws are collectively referred to as “VAWA 2005”). Except as provided in Section 4 of the technical corrections law, VAWA 2005 became effective upon enactment of the law on January 5, 2006. Section 4 of the technical corrections law delayed the effectiveness of certain provisions to the commencement of Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, none of which are directly applicable to this rulemaking, which commenced with the November 28, 2008, interim rule.
The VAWA 2005 amendments that are applicable to HUD's public housing and tenant-based and project-based Section 8 programs (covered programs) were determined to be self-implementing. To ensure that housing providers participating in the covered programs were aware that the majority of VAWA 2005 is self-implementing, HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) issued, on June 23, 2006, a notice (PIH 2006-23) on the subject of VAWA 2005. In that notice, PIH advised public housing agencies (PHAs) of the VAWA 2005 provisions that were effective, and implementable, on the date of enactment—January 5, 2006. This notice can be found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/publications/notices/06/pih2006-23.pdf. PIH Notice 2006-23 was followed by PIH Notice 2006-42, which transmitted the certification form for use by tenants claiming protection under VAWA. That notice can be found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/notices/pih/06pihnotices.cfm. In addition, PIH notice 2007-5 addressed the VAWA provisions that were incorporated into the Housing Choice Voucher Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract and tenancy addendum. That notice can be found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/notices/pih/07pihnotices.cfm.
HUD's Office of Housing also has provided guidance on the implementation of VAWA 2005. On September 30, 2008, it issued Notice H 08-07, which advised owners and management agents on VAWA provisions related to the administration of project-based Section 8 properties. That notice transmitted both the certification form for victims' use and a lease addendum for owners and management agents to use toward integrating VAWA's statutory provisions into the HUD model lease for project-based Section 8 properties. That notice, which was extended and reissued as Notice H 09-15 on October 1, 2009, can be found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/notices/hsg/09hsgnotices.cfm.
In addition to these direct notices, HUD issued a Federal Register notice that addressed the applicability of VAWA 2005 to all HUD programs. That notice, which was published on March 16, 2007 (72 FR 12696), provided an overview of the key VAWA provisions that affect HUD programs, and advised program participants concerning compliance with VAWA. The notice described those provisions of VAWA determined to be self-implementing and their effect on HUD programs. That notice also advised that HUD would be amending its regulations to conform existing regulations to the VAWA requirements. The November 28, 2008, interim rule, found at 73 FR 72336, presented those conforming amendments.
II. The November 28, 2008, Interim Rule Back to Top
The November 2008 interim rule also conformed HUD's regulations to reflect the VAWA 2005 certification and confidentiality provisions. VAWA 2005 provides that owners, management agents, and PHAs may request an individual claiming VAWA protection to document, by means of a HUD-approved certification form, that the individual is a victim of abuse and that the incidences of abuse are bona fide. VAWA 2005 provides that the individual's certification must include the name of the perpetrator. Forms HUD-50066, for use by PHAs, and HUD-91066, for use by owners and management agents, were developed for the purpose of this optional certification.
It is not mandatory that the victim provide the HUD form, and the PHA, owner, or management agent may not require the victim to provide the form. A victim may also provide documentation from a third-party source. Documentation from a third-party source may also satisfy the request of an individual claiming VAWA protections to document the abuse. With respect to the third-party source, the third-party may be an employee, agent, or volunteer of a victim service provider, an attorney, or a medical professional, from whom the victim has sought assistance in addressing domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, or the effects of the abuse. Pursuant to VAWA, other acceptable forms of documentation from a third-party source include a Federal, state, tribal, territorial, or local police or court record.
The November 2008 interim rule also amended 24 CFR 982.353(b) to reflect VAWA 2005's amendment to section 8(r) of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(r)), which provides an exception to the prohibition against a family moving under the portability provisions in violation of the lease.
VAWA 2005 provides that the family may receive a voucher and move in violation of the lease under the portability procedures, if the family has complied with all other obligations of the voucher program and has moved out of the assisted dwelling unit in order to protect the health or safety of an individual who is or has been the victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking and who reasonably believed he or she was imminently threatened by harm from further violence if he or she remained in the assisted dwelling unit.
III. This Final Rule Back to Top
As the preamble to the November 2008 interim rule explained and as reiterated in the preamble to this final rule, HUD's initial rulemaking for VAWA 2005, as commenced in November 2008, and the notices that preceded the November 2008 interim rule, were issued to ensure that PHAs, owners, and management agents participating in HUD's covered programs were aware of the self-implementing provisions of VAWA 2005, and of the need to immediately implement the protections provided by VAWA 2005 in situations covered by VAWA 2005. That is, PHAs, owners, and management agents were not to delay their updating of policies pertaining to admission, occupancy or termination while waiting for HUD to issue regulations on those subjects. Because the regulations in HUD's November 2008 interim rule were conforming regulations, generally incorporating, almost verbatim, the VAWA 2005 statutory language, HUD anticipated no significant changes would be made at this final rule stage, and that is in fact the case. However, commenters did identify certain areas where the regulatory language would increase comprehensibility if HUD provided further explanation or elaboration; this rule does provide that. HUD also determined that the organization of the regulations in 24 CFR part 5, subpart L, would be enhanced by some reorganization, and this rule reflects that reorganization.
Section 5.2005, formerly entitled “Protection of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in public and Section 8 housing,” is now entitled “VAWA protections,” and now addresses only VAWA 2005 protections. The provisions of § 5.2005 of the interim rule that addressed lease bifurcation and court orders are now in a new § 5.2009, entitled “Remedies available to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking in HUD-assisted housing.” Section 5.2009 of the interim rule entitled “Effect on other laws” has been redesignated as § 5.2011.
In § 5.2003 (Definitions), HUD has added a definition of VAWA.
In § 5.2005 (VAWA protections), paragraph (a) that pertains to notice of VAWA protections is amended to include a new paragraph (a)(4), which provides that the HUD required lease, lease addendum, or tenancy addendum, as used in programs covered by this rule, must include a description of specific protections afforded to the victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
In § 5.2005, paragraph (d)(1) of this section, which addresses the limitation of VAWA protections, and the authority of PHAs, owners, and management agents, now includes reference to termination of assistance to clarify that Section 8 vouchers are covered by VAWA 2005 protections. The interim rule merely addressed eviction, termination of tenancy, and occupancy rights.
In § 5.2005, HUD clarifies in paragraph (d)(2) that the standard for eviction, termination of tenancy, or termination of assistance is both the actual and imminent threat of violence, not an actual or imminent threat of violence. (Please see also HUD's response to the first comment under Section IV.A.)
In § 5.2005, HUD adds a new paragraph (d)(3), which addresses the VAWA statutory language's emphasis that nothing in VAWA interferes with the right of a PHA, owner, or management agent to evict or terminate assistance to any tenant or lawful occupant if the PHA, owner, or management agent can demonstrate an actual and imminent threat to other tenants or those employed at or providing service to the public housing or Section 8-assisted property, if that tenant or lawful occupant is not terminated from assistance. New paragraph (d)(3) provides that any eviction or termination of assistance undertaken on this basis should be utilized only by a PHA, owner, or management agent when there are no other actions that could be taken to reduce or eliminate the threat, including, but not limited to, transferring the victim to a different unit, barring the perpetrator from the property, contacting law enforcement to increase police presence, developing other plans to keep the property safe, or seeking other legal remedies to prevent the perpetrator from acting on a threat. Restrictions predicated on public safety cannot be based on stereotypes, but must be tailored to particularized concerns about individual residents.
Further, in § 5.2005, HUD adds a new paragraph (e) to address the meaning of actual and imminent threat to better guide what constitutes an “actual and imminent threat” and how to determine when one exists.
In § 5.2007 (Documenting the occurrence of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking), HUD has revised the title of this regulatory section to be more clear regarding the issue to which this section is directed, which is simply that the victim is required to submit written evidence, if requested by a PHA, owner, or management agent, that verifies that the domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking occurred. This revision also clarifies that the claim presented to the PHA, owner, or management agent, as provided in this regulatory section, may be a claim for continued occupancy or initial tenancy or assistance. The interim rule merely referenced continued occupancy. Commenters pointed out that reference to continued occupancy would make the documentation request applicable only to terminations of public housing tenants. Inclusion of “initial tenancy” and “assistance” clarifies that terminations are also applicable to Section 8 participants, and to denying assistance to public housing and Section 8 applicants.
In addition, in § 5.2007, HUD includes the phrase “dating violence or stalking” along with “domestic violence.” This section clarifies that if a PHA, owner, or management agent requests a tenant, alleging domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, to document his or her claim of such violence, the request must be made in writing. This section also clarifies that at its discretion, a PHA, owner, or management agent may provide benefits to an individual based solely on the individual's verbal statement or other corroborating evidence.
In § 5.2007(b)(4), HUD expands on the responsibility of the PHA, owner, and management agent to maintain the confidentiality of information provided by a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
Finally, in § 5.2007, a new paragraph (e) is added to clarify the way in which the PHA, owner, or management agent may determine the true victim of domestic violence in a situation of conflicting certifications.
In § 5.2009 (Remedies available to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking in HUD-assisted housing), HUD clarifies in paragraph (a), which pertains to lease bifurcation, that the programs covered by this provision are the public housing, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), and Section 8 project-based programs.
IV. Public Comments and HUD's Responses Back to Top
Comment: Definition of “imminent threat” requires revisions. Two commenters questioned the interim rule's definition of “imminent threat” on the basis that they found that it failed to include the imminence of the threat; that is, the likelihood that the threat would become reality. Other commenters recommended using the standard of “serious bodily harm” to give meaning to “violent criminal activity,” which is the term used in VAWA 2005. Commenters stated that the term “bodily harm” was too vague and general.
HUD Response: HUD understands that the need for elaboration on this important terminology—actual and imminent threat—as used in the statute, and appreciates the commenters' suggestions on standards or factors to consider in determining whether there is a situation of actual and imminent threat. Although there appears to be an absence of case law interpreting “actual and imminent” threat, the commenters are correct that cases involving housing discrimination or violence in a direct threat situation are instructive on standards that should be considered. More importantly, the commenters are correct that any interpretation of these terms should emphasize the need for objective evidence that the actual and imminent threat of physical danger is real, not hypothetical or presumed; would occur within an immediate time frame, and thus not be remote or speculative; could result in death or serious bodily harm; and could not be reduced or eliminated by reasonable actions. Accordingly, HUD's final rule provides, in a new paragraph (e) to § 5.2005, that an actual and imminent threat consists of a physical danger that is real, would occur within an immediate time frame, and could result in death or serious bodily harm. Additionally, this paragraph provides that in determining whether an individual would pose an actual and imminent threat, the factors to be considered include: the duration of the risk, the nature and severity of the potential harm, the likelihood that the potential harm will occur, and the length of time before the potential harm would occur. In addition to including this language in the regulatory text, HUD intends to issue further guidance that may be helpful in determining and dealing with actual and imminent threat.
HUD Response: HUD's interim rule (in § 5.2003, as well as in § 5.2005 (the title of § 5.2005, includes the phrase dating violence and stalking), and § 5.2009) already includes reference to the crimes of dating violence and stalking. The final rule includes dating violence or stalking in addition to domestic violence at section 5.2007(d) and section 5.2007(a). HUD has not identified any other key provision of the interim rule where such terminology was omitted.
HUD Response: As the commenter notes, the interim rule mirrors the statutory language, which provides that criminal activity “directly related” to domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, engaged in by a member of a tenant's household or any guest or other person under the tenant's control, shall not be cause for termination of tenancy, or of occupancy rights of, or assistance to the victim, if the tenant or immediate family member of the tenant is the victim. HUD finds that in this context, the meaning of “directly related” is clear and does not require further elaboration. Comment: VAWA 2005 should apply to men, Project Rental Assistance Contracts (PRACs), and Section 8 properties. One commenter stated that VAWA 2005 should protect men from domestic violence and not only women. The commenter added that VAWA 2005 should cover housing under PRACs, as well as other Section 8 properties.
HUD Response: As discussed in Section III.B. of this preamble, HUD has revised § 5.2007 to eliminate any confusion about the “certification/or verification” of abuse. As noted in Section III.B. of this preamble, a PHA, owner, or management agent may request that a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking document or provide written evidence to demonstrate that the violence occurred. Accepted means of documentation include providing the PHA, owner, or management agent with a completed HUD-approved certification form, or other form of written verification of the abuse, signed by a third party. The PHA, owner or management agent also may accept the victim's verbal statement or other corroborating evidence as sufficient verification of the abuse. Therefore, as long as the victim provides a HUD-approved certification form, third-party documentation, a verbal statement, or other corroborating evidence, the victim is statutorily entitled to VAWA 2005 protections. A tenant's file should document acceptance of an individual's verbal statement.
HUD Response: HUD believes that the changes made to § 5.2007 eliminate confusion about what is required under the statute, as implemented by HUD's regulation. However, in response to the question raised by the commenters, a PHA, owner, or management agent may, but is not required to, request that the individual complete a HUD-approved certification form documenting the abuse. The victim may satisfy a request to document the domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking by submitting the HUD-approved form. The victim may satisfy the PHA's, owner's, or management agent's request for documentation without providing the HUD-approved form, by submitting third-party documentation of the abuse or other corroborating evidence. The PHA, owner, or management agent must accept the HUD-approved form as a complete request for protection in the absence of third-party documentation. Third-party documentation may include, among other things, court or police records. In addition, the PHA, owner, or management agent may provide benefits based solely on the individual's verbal statement or other corroborating evidence.
With respect to a written request for certification, HUD acknowledges that this language could be clearer, and believes the changes made to § 5.2007 provide greater clarity. In order to deny relief for protection under VAWA, a PHA, owner, or management agent must provide the individual with a written request for documentation. If the individual fails to provide the requested documentation within 14 business days of receiving a written request for information, the relief may be denied. The 14-business day window for submission of documentation does not begin until the individual receives the written request. The PHA, owner, or management agent has discretionary authority to extend the statutory 14-business day period. While HUD's interim rule covered these time frames, the “request” by the PHA, owner, or management agent was not phrased specifically in terms of a “written request.” However, the subject of request for documentation is now addressed in § 5.2007(a) of the final rule.
HUD Response: The release of confidential information was addressed in § 5.2007(a)(1)(v) of the interim rule [§ 5.2007(b)(4) in the reorganized regulation of this final rule]. This section, which tracks the statutory language in VAWA 2005 (at section 8(ee)(2) of the Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(ee)(2))), has been expanded in the final rule stage. This section now states that information provided by the victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking shall be kept confidential and shall not be entered into any shared database or provided to any other entity except to the extent that disclosure is requested by the tenant, required for use in an eviction proceeding, or required by applicable law. Further, this section prohibits employees of the PHA, owner, or management agent, or individuals within their employ (e.g., contract workers) from having access to such information, unless they are specifically and explicitly authorized by the PHA, owner, or management agent to access this information because it is necessary to their work for the PHA, owner, or management agent. These employees or individuals in the employ of the PHA, owner, or management agent are equally bound to maintain the confidentiality of such information. Maintaining confidentiality is essential to protect victims from further harm. In addition to expanding the confidentiality requirements in § 5.2007(b)(4), HUD will provide additional guidance to PHAs, owners, and management agents on confidentiality protocols that each PHA, owner, and management agent should maintain and enforce.
Further, HUD notes that the situations mentioned by commenters are also covered by the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a). The Privacy Act controls the purposes for which information may be released, and those purposes are supposed to be stated when the information is collected.
To assist PHAs, owners, and management agents navigate such conflicts, HUD has added a new paragraph (e) to § 5.2007, to clarify the ways in which the PHA, owner, or management agent may determine the true victim of domestic violence in a situation of conflicting certifications. HUD will also issue additional guidance to assist PHAs, owners, or management agents when confronted with conflicting certifications.
With respect to transfer policies, HUD will continue to encourage, rather than require, PHAs to include protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, within existing transfer policies. While there are no transfer policies for project-based Section 8 properties, HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1, Occupancy Requirements of Subsidized Multifamily Housing Programs, already states that owners may adopt a preference for families that include victims of domestic violence. HUD will be revising the Handbook so that the language also includes victims of dating violence and stalking. HUD believes that the responsibilities of PHAs, multifamily housing owners, and management agents are clear under VAWA 2005 to protect tenants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking and that PHAs, multifamily housing owners, and management agents also need the flexibility to confront the various domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking situations that may occur.
A second commenter stated that all parties would benefit from more guidance on the portability issue. A third commenter stated that if the November 2008 interim rule is read in conjunction with PIH Notice 2008-43, it appears that a PHA can continue to deny a victim's request for portability if the PHA has established a policy that prohibits a move by the family during the initial lease term, or more than one move by the family during any one-year period. In order to address this problem, the commenter recommended that an exception be recognized in § 982.314(c) for voucher participants. The commenter stated that PHAs need guidance from HUD on how to handle VAWA 2005-related absence from the unit or the need to vacate the unit.
HUD Response: HUD agrees that denying a request for portability in such a situation would be contrary to the intent of VAWA 2005. Therefore, HUD has revised its regulation at § 982.314(b) to clarify that a PHA may not refuse to issue a voucher to an assisted family due to the family's failure to seek approval prior to moving to a new unit in violation of the original lease, if such move occurred to protect the health or safety of a family member who is or has been the victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking and who reasonably believed he or she was threatened with imminent harm if he or she remained in the dwelling unit. This move, however, does not relieve the family of any financial obligations on the original lease. Additionally, HUD has revised its regulation at § 982.314(c) to clarify that PHA policies restricting the timing and number of moves do not apply when the family or a member of the family is or has been the victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, and the move is needed to protect the health or safety of the family or family member.
HUD Response: HUD is committed to developing and providing guidance on family break-up and lease bifurcation. The guidance will include information on how to add victims currently residing with an abuser to the lease or voucher. HUD agrees that its voucher regulations in 24 CFR part 982 should include domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking as defined by VAWA as an additional factor to consider in determining which members of an assisted family should continue receiving assistance if the family breaks up. This final rule has been revised at § 982.315 accordingly.
HUD Response: HUD appreciates the concerns raised about lease bifurcation and preemption. With respect to articulation of a justification of Federal preemption doctrine, the preamble to the interim rule specifically cites the VAWA 2005 statutory language on this issue, and states that VAWA 2005 does not preempt an entire field of state law and shall not be construed to supersede any provisions of Federal, State, or local laws that provide greater protection for victims of abuse (section 8(c)(9)(C)(vi) of the Housing Act of 1937). In the “Findings and Certifications” section of the interim rule, there is a discussion of Executive Order 13132, “Federalism,” which states that the November 2008 interim rule, in so far as it incorporates the statutory language that provides for bifurcation of leases to protect victims of domestic violence, has only minor effects on the states and does not meet the definition of rules with “federalism implications.” Any preemptive effect of the bifurcation provision is limited to Section 8 and public housing. Moreover, the possible effect of the provision is limited to only those eviction actions where the tenant to be evicted has a valid claim of protection as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking or where lease bifurcation is sought because of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. HUD's November 2008 interim rule makes solely minor adjustments to any existing laws that do not offer greater protection to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking and does not preempt an entire field of state law as is the case in circumstances in which preemption occurs. For those reasons, HUD does not believe this rule has a preemptive effect, as defined by the Executive Order on Federalism.
HUD Response: HUD has considered the comments and agrees to revise 24 CFR 5.2005(b) [§ 5.2005(d) in the reorganized regulation of this final rule] to clarify the prohibition regarding the use of a “more demanding standard” with respect to Section 8 voucher terminations. To that end, § 5.2005(d) has been revised to include the phrase “terminate assistance” after the phrase “evict a tenant,” in order to clarify coverage of tenants with Section 8 vouchers. HUD has also revised 24 CFR 5.2005(c) [§ 5.2009(a) in the reorganized regulation of this final rule], pertaining to lease bifurcation, to clarify that the range of HUD programs covered by the VAWA 2005 protections are the public housing, Section 8 HCV, and Section 8 project-based programs.
HUD Response: HUD believes its rule satisfactorily addresses the issues raised by the commenters pertaining to VAWA protection in the case of family break-up due to violence. Specifically, in § 982.553, the rule dictates that the victim protections under 24 CFR part 5, subpart L apply to cases of criminal activity related to domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. In the reorganized regulation, 24 CFR 5.2005(c)(2) provides that victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking shall not be terminated from assistance due to criminal activity directly related to domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking engaged in by a member of the victim's household, guest, or other person under the victim's control. Section 982.315 has also been amended to explicitly reflect the protections available under VAWA pertaining to retention of assistance by the victim in cases of family break-up resulting from domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. In such a family break-up, the victim protected under VAWA must retain voucher assistance.
HUD Response: HUD agrees that victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking must not be denied assistance or terminated from programs based solely on a criminal history related to domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, and believes its regulation is clear on this issue. HUD's interim rule provides in paragraph (e) of § 982.553, which pertains to denial of admission and termination of assistance for criminals and alcohol abusers, that the protections for victims covered by the regulations in 24 CFR part 5, subpart L apply in cases of criminal activity related to domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reviewed this proposed rule under Executive Order 12866 (entitled “Regulatory Planning and Review”). A determination was made that this proposed rule is a “significant regulatory action,” as defined in section 3(f) of the Order (although not economically significant, as provided in section 3(f)(1) of the Order). The docket file is available for public inspection in the Regulations Division, Office of General Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street, SW., Room 10276 Washington, DC 20410-0500. Due to security measures at the HUD Headquarters building, please schedule an appointment to review the docket file by calling the Regulation Division at 202-402-3055 (this is not a toll-free number). Individuals with speech or hearing impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at 800-877-8339.
Accordingly, for the reasons stated in the preamble, HUD amends 24 CFR parts 5, 880, 882, 883, 884, 886, 891, 903, 960, 966, 982, and 983, as follows.
1.The authority citation for part 5 is revised to read as follows: Authority:
42 U.S.C. 1437a, 1437c, 1437d, 1437f, 1437n, 3535(d), Sec. 327, Pub. L. 109-115, 119 Stat. 2936, and Sec. 607, Pub. L. 109-162, 119 Stat. 3051.
2.Revise subpart L to read as follows: Sec.
5.2001 Applicability.
5.2003 Definitions.
5.2005 VAWA protections.
5.2007 Documenting the occurrence of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
5.2009 Remedies available to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking in HUD-assisted housing.
5.20011 Effect on other laws.
Subpart L—Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking in Public and Section 8 Housing Back to Top
member means, with respect to a person:
(a) Notice of VAWA protections. (1) PHAs must provide notice to public housing and Section 8 tenants of their rights under VAWA and this subpart, including the right to confidentiality and the exceptions; and
§ 5.2007 Documenting the occurrence of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
(c) Failure to provide documentation. In order to deny relief for protection under VAWA, a PHA, owner, or management agent must provide the individual with a written request for documentation of the abuse. If the individual fails to provide the documentation within 14 business days from the date of receipt of the PHA's, owner's, or management agent's written request, or such longer time as the PHA, owner, or management agent at their discretion may allow, VAWA protections do not limit the authority of the PHA, owner, or management agent to evict or terminate assistance of the tenant or a family member for violations of the lease or family obligations that otherwise would constitute good cause to evict or grounds for termination. The 14-business day window for submission of documentation does not begin until the individual receives the written request. The PHA, owner, or management agency has discretionary authority to extend the statutory 14-day period.
§ 5.2009 Remedies available to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking in HUD-assisted housing.
§ 5.2011Effect on other laws.
PART 91—CONSOLIDATED SUBMISSIONS FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Back to Top
3.The authority citation for part 91 continues to read as follows: Authority:
4.Amend § 91.205 to revise the first sentence of paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows: § 91.205 Housing and homeless needs assessment.
5.Amend § 91.305 to revise the first sentence of paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows: § 91.305 Housing and homeless needs assessment.
PART 880-SECTION 8 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENT PROGRAM FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION Back to Top
6.The authority citation for part 880 continues to read as follows: Authority:
42 U.S.C. 1437a, 1437c, 1437f, 3535(d), 12701, and 13611-13619.
7.Amend § 880.504 to revise paragraph (f) to read as follows: § 880.504 Leasing to eligible families.
8.Amend § 880.607 to revise paragraph (c)(5) to read as follows: § 880.607 Termination of tenancy and modification of lease.
PART 882—SECTION 8 MODERATE REHABILITATION PROGRAMS Back to Top
9.The authority citation for part 882 continues to read as follows: Authority:
10.Revise § 882.407 to read as follows: § 882.407 Other Federal requirements.
11.Amend § 882.511 to revise paragraph (g) to read as follows: § 882.511 Lease and termination of tenancy.
12.Amend § 882.514 by removing the third sentence of paragraph (c) and adding two sentences in its place to read as follows: § 882.514 Family participation.
(c) Owner selection of families.* * * Since the Owner is responsible for tenant selection, the Owner may refuse any family, provided that the Owner does not unlawfully discriminate. However, the Owner must not deny program assistance or admission to an applicant based on the fact that the applicant is or has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, if the applicant otherwise qualifies for assistance or admission.
PART 883—SECTION 8 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS PROGRAMS—STATE HOUSING AGENCIES Back to Top
13.The authority citation for part 883 continues to read as follows: Authority:
14.Revise § 883.605 to read as follows: § 883.605 Leasing to eligible families.
The provisions of 24 CFR 880.504, including subpart L of 24 CFR part 5 pertaining to the selection of tenants and occupancy requirements in cases where there is involved or claimed to be involved incidents of, or criminal activity related to, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking apply, subject to the requirements of § 883.105.
PART 884—SECTION 8 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS PROGRAM, NEW CONSTRUCTION SET-ASIDE FOR SECTION 515 RURAL RENTAL HOUSING PROJECTS Back to Top
15.The authority citation for part 884 continues to read as follows: Authority:
16.Amend § 884.216 to revise paragraph (c) to read as follows: § 884.216 Termination of tenancy.
17.Amend § 884.223 to revise paragraph (f) to read as follows: § 884.223 Leasing to eligible families.
PART 886—SECTION 8 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS PROGRAM—SPECIAL ALLOCATIONS Back to Top
18.The authority citation for part 886 continues to read as follows: Authority:
19.Revise § 886.128 to read as follows: § 886.128 Termination of tenancy.
20.Revise § 886.132 to read as follows: § 886.132 Tenant selection.
21.Revise § 886.328 to read as follows: § 886.328 Termination of tenancy.
22.Amend § 886.329 to revise paragraph (f) to read as follows: § 886.329 Leasing to eligible families.
PART 891—SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Back to Top
23.The authority citation for part 891 continues to read as follows: Authority:
12 U.S.C. 1701q; 42 U.S.C. 1437f, 3535(d), and 8013.
24.Amend § 891.575 to revise paragraph (f) to read as follows: § 891.575 Leasing to eligible families.
25.Revise § 891.610(c) to read as follows: § 891.610 Selection and admission of tenants.
(c) Determination of eligibility and selection of tenants. The Borrower is responsible for determining whether applicants are eligible for admission and for selection of families. To be eligible for admission, an applicant must be an elderly or handicapped family as defined in § 891.505; meet any project occupancy requirements approved by HUD; meet the disclosure and verification requirement for Social Security Numbers and sign and submit consent forms for obtaining of wage and claim information from State Wage Information Collection Agencies, as provided by 24 CFR part 5, subpart B; and, if applying for an assisted unit, be eligible for admission under subpart F of 24 CFR part 5, which governs selection of tenants and occupancy requirements. For cases involving, or allegedly involving, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or criminal activity directly relating to such violence, the provisions of 24 CFR part 5, subpart L, apply.
26.Amend § 891.630 to revise paragraph (c) to read as follows: § 891.630 Denial of admission, termination of tenancy, and modification of lease.
27.The authority citation for part 903 continues to read as follows: Authority:
42 U.S.C. 1437c; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).
28.Amend § 903.6 to revise paragraph (a)(3) to read as follows: § 903.6 What information must a PHA provide in the 5-Year Plan?
29.Amend § 903.7 to revise paragraph (m)(5) to read as follows: § 903.7 What information must a PHA provide in an annual plan?
PART 960—ADMISSION TO, AND OCCUPANCY OF, PUBLIC HOUSING Back to Top
30.The authority citation for part 960 continues to read as follows: Authority:
42 U.S.C. 1437a, 1437c, 1437d, 1437n, 1437z-3, and 3535(d).
31.Amend § 960.103 to revise the section heading and paragraph (d) to read as follows: § 960.103 Equal opportunity requirements and protection for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
32.Amend § 960.200 to revise paragraph (b)(8) to read as follows: § 960.200 Purpose.
33.Amend § 960.203 to revise paragraph (c)(4) to read as follows: § 960.203 Standards for PHA tenant selection criteria.
PART 966—PUBLIC HOUSING LEASE AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Back to Top
34.The authority citation for part 966 continues to read as follows: Authority:
35.In § 966.4, revise paragraph (a)(1) and paragraph (e) to read as follows: § 966.4 Lease requirements.
(e) The PHA's obligations. The lease shall set forth the PHA's obligations under the lease, which shall include the following: (1) To maintain the dwelling unit and the project in decent, safe, and sanitary condition;
36.The authority citation for part 982 continues to read as follows: Authority:
37.Amend § 982.53 to revise the section heading and paragraph (e) to read as follows: § 982.53 Equal opportunity requirements and protection for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
38.Amend § 982.201 to revise paragraph (a) to read as follows: § 982.201 Eligibility and targeting.
39.Revise § 982.202(d) to read as follows: § 982.202 How applicants are selected: General requirements.
40.Amend § 982.307 to revise paragraph (b)(4) to read as follows: § 982.307 Tenant screening.
41.Revise § 982.310(h)(4) to read as follows: § 982.310 Owner termination of tenancy.
42.In § 982.314, revise paragraphs (b) and (c)(2) to read as follows: § 982.314 Move with continued tenant-based assistance.
(4) The family or a member of the family is or has been the victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, as provided in 24 CFR part 5, subpart L, and the move is needed to protect the health or safety of the family or family member. A PHA may not terminate assistance if the family, with or without prior notification to the PHA, already moved out of a unit in violation of the lease, if such move occurred to protect the health or safety of a family member who is or has been the victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking and who reasonably believed he or she was imminently threatened by harm from further violence if he or she remained in the dwelling unit.
43.In § 982.315, redesignate paragraph (a) as paragraph (a)(1) and add a new paragraph (a)(2), and revise paragraph (b) to read as follows: § 982.315 Family break-up.
44.Revise the last sentence of § 982.353(b) to read as follows: § 982.353 Where family can lease a unit with tenant-based assistance.
45.Amend § 982.452(b)(1) to revise the second sentence to read as follows: § 982.452 Owner responsibilities.
46.Revise §§ 982.551(e) and 982.551(l) to read as follows: § 982.551 Obligations of participant.
(l) Crime by household members. The members of the household may not engage in drug-related criminal activity or violent criminal activity or other criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of other residents and persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises (see § 982.553). Under 24 CFR 5.2005(c)(2), criminal activity directly related to domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, engaged in by a member of a tenant's household or any guest or other person under the tenant's control, shall not be cause for termination of tenancy, occupancy rights, or assistance of the victim, if the tenant or immediate family member of the tenant is the victim.
47.Revise § 982.552(c)(2)(v) to read as follows: § 982.552 PHA denial or termination of assistance for the family.
(v) Nondiscrimination limitation and protection for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. The PHA's admission and termination actions must be consistent with fair housing and equal opportunity provisions of § 5.105 of this title, and with the requirements of 24 CFR part 5, subpart L, protection for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking.
48.Amend § 982.553 to revise paragraph (e), to read as follows: § 982.553 Denial of admission and termination of assistance for criminals and alcohol abusers.
49.The authority citation for part 983 continues to read as follows: Authority:
50.Amend § 983.4 to add a new proviso in alphabetical order, as follows: § 983.4 Cross-reference to other Federal requirements.
51.Amend § 983.251 to revise paragraph (a)(3) to read as follows: § 983.251 How participants are selected.
52.Amend § 983.255 to revise paragraph (d) to read as follows: § 983.255 Tenant screening.
(d) The protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking in 24 CFR part 5, subpart L, apply to tenant screening.
53.Amend § 983.257 to revise the last sentence of paragraph (a) to read as follows: § 983.257 Owner termination of tenancy and eviction.
1. Forms HUD-50066 and HUD-91066 are available on HUD's Web site, respectively, at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/forms/files/50066.doc, and http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/forms/files/91066.pdf.