HUD issued a frequently asked questions (FAQ) explaining that a participating jurisdiction (PJ) may use HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds for a tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA) program that is limited to or provides a preference for people at risk of losing their homes.
The HOME regulations allow TBRA programs to provide contracts for monthly rental assistance payments for up to 24 months that are renewable beyond the initial 24-month term and may include security deposit grants or loans. When providing security deposit assistance or tenant-based rental assistance, HOME TBRA programs can also provide utility deposit assistance.
The FAQ states that a PJ cannot condition TBRA on the beneficiary remaining in the unit for which they are at risk of being displaced; TBRA recipients must be free to rent any unit they choose. PJs must market a TBRA program limited to or with preference for people at risk of displacement in a manner consistent with its affirmative marketing procedures. The FAQ details the changes that must be made to a PJ’s Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan if a PJ wants to establish a new HOME TBRA program.
The FAQ is at: http://bit.ly/2bflwLt
More about the HOME program is on page 5-10 of NLIHC’s 2016 Advocates’ Guide at: http://bit.ly/2aXY3hF