CHAPTER 135—RESIDENCY AND SERVICE REQUIREMENTS IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED HOUSING

SUBCHAPTER I—STANDARDS AND OBLIGATIONS OF RESIDENCY IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED HOUSING

        

SUBCHAPTER II—AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE PREFERENCES FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS AND UNITS FOR DISABLED RESIDENTS IN CERTAIN SECTION 8 ASSISTED HOUSING

        

SUBCHAPTER III—SERVICE COORDINATORS FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED RESIDENTS OF FEDERALLY ASSISTED HOUSING

        

SUBCHAPTER IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS

        

SUBCHAPTER V—SAFETY AND SECURITY IN PUBLIC AND ASSISTED HOUSING

        

SUBCHAPTER I—STANDARDS AND OBLIGATIONS OF RESIDENCY IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED HOUSING

§13601. Compliance by owners as condition of Federal assistance

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall require owners of federally assisted housing (as such term is defined in section 13641(2) of this title), as a condition of receiving housing assistance for such housing, to comply with the procedures and requirements established under this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §641, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3820.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Chapter applicable upon expiration of 6-month period beginning Oct. 28, 1992, except as otherwise provided, see section 13642 of this title.

§13602. Compliance with criteria for occupancy as requirement for tenancy

In selecting tenants for occupancy of units in federally assisted housing, an owner of such housing shall utilize the criteria for occupancy in federally assisted housing established by the Secretary, by regulation, under section 13603 of this title. If an owner determines that an applicant for occupancy in the housing does not meet such criteria, the owner may deny such applicant occupancy.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §642, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3821.)

§13603. Establishment of criteria for occupancy

(a) Task force

(1) Establishment

To assist the Secretary in establishing reasonable criteria for occupancy in federally assisted housing, the Secretary shall establish a task force to review all rules, policy statements, handbooks, technical assistance memoranda, and other relevant documents issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development on the standards and obligations governing residency in federally assisted housing and make recommendations to the Secretary for the establishment of such criteria for occupancy.

(2) Members

The Secretary shall appoint members to the task force, which shall include individuals representing the interests of owners, managers, and tenants of federally assisted housing, public housing agencies, owner and tenant advocacy organizations, persons with disabilities and disabled families, organizations assisting homeless individuals, and social service, mental health, and other nonprofit servicer providers who serve federally assisted housing.

(3) Compensation

Members of the task force shall not receive compensation for serving on the task force.

(4) Duties

The task force shall—

(A) review all existing standards, regulations, and guidelines governing occupancy and tenant selection policies in federally assisted housing;

(B) review all existing standards, regulations, and guidelines governing lease provisions and other rules of occupancy for federally assisted housing;

(C) determine whether the standards, regulations, and guidelines reviewed under subparagraphs (A) and (B) provide sufficient guidance to owners and managers of federally assisted housing to—

(i) develop procedures for preselection inquiries sufficient to determine the capacity of applicants to comply with reasonable lease terms and conditions of occupancy;

(ii) utilize leases that prohibit behavior which endangers the health or safety of other tenants or violates the rights of other tenants to peaceful enjoyment of the premises;

(iii) assess the need to provide, and appropriate measures for providing, reasonable accommodations required under the Fair Housing Act [42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.] and section 794 of title 29 for persons with various types of disabilities; and

(iv) comply with civil rights laws and regulations;

(D) propose criteria for occupancy in federally assisted housing, standards for the reasonable performance and behavior of tenants of federally assisted housing, compliance standards consistent with the reasonable accommodation of the requirements of the Fair Housing Act [42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.] and section 794 of title 29, standards for compliance with other civil rights laws, and procedures for the eviction of tenants not complying with such standards consistent with sections 1437d and 1437f of this title; and

(E) report to the Congress and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to paragraph (7).

(5) Procedure

In carrying out its duties, the task force shall hold public hearings and receive written comments for a period of not less than 60 days.

(6) Support

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall cooperate fully with the task force and shall provide support staff and office space to assist the task force in carrying out its duties.

(7) Reports

Not later than 3 months after October 28, 1992, the task force shall submit to the Secretary and the Congress a preliminary report describing its initial actions. Not later than 6 months after October 28, 1992, the task force shall submit a report to the Secretary and the Congress, which shall include—

(A) a description of its findings; and

(B) recommendations to revise such standards, regulations, and guidelines to provide accurate and complete guidance to owners and managers of federally assisted housing as determined necessary under paragraph (4).

(b) Rulemaking

(1) Authority

The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish criteria for selection of tenants for occupancy in federally assisted housing and lease provisions for such housing.

(2) Standards

The criteria shall provide sufficient guidance to owners and managers of federally assisted housing to enable them to (A) select tenants capable of complying with reasonable lease terms, (B) utilize leases prohibiting behavior which endangers the health or safety of others or violates the right of other tenants to peaceful enjoyment of the premises, (C) comply with legal requirements to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, and (D) comply with civil rights laws. The criteria shall be consistent with the requirements under subsections (k) and (l) of section 1437d of this title and section 1437f(d)(1) of this title and any similar contract and lease requirements for federally assisted housing. In establishing the criteria, the Secretary shall take into consideration the report of the task force under subsection (a)(7).

(3) Procedure

Not later than 90 days after the submission of the final report under subsection (a)(7), the Secretary shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking of the regulations under this subsection providing for notice and opportunity for public comment regarding the regulations, pursuant to the provisions of section 553 of title 5 (notwithstanding subsections (a)(2), (b)(B), and (d)(3) of such section). The duration of the period for public comment under such section 553 shall not be less than 60 days. The Secretary shall issue final regulations under this subsection not later than the expiration of the 60-day period beginning upon the conclusion of the comment period, which shall take effect upon issuance.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §643, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3821.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Fair Housing Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(4)(C)(iii), (D), is title VIII of Pub. L. 90–284, Apr. 11, 1968, 82 Stat. 81, which is classified principally to subchapter I (§3601 et seq.) of chapter 45 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3601 of this title and Tables.

§13604. Assisted applications

(a) Authority

The Secretary shall provide that any individual or family applying for occupancy in federally assisted housing may include in the application for the housing the name, address, phone number, and other relevant information of a family member, friend, or social, health, advocacy, or other organization, and that the owner shall treat such information as confidential.

(b) Maintenance of information

The Secretary shall require the owner of any federally assisted housing receiving an application including such information to maintain such information for any applicants who become tenants of the housing, for the purposes of facilitating contact by the owner with such person or organization to assist in providing any services or special care for the tenant and assist in resolving any relevant tenancy issues arising during the tenancy of such tenant.

(c) Limitations

An owner of federally assisted housing may not require any individual or family applying for occupancy in the housing to provide the information described in subsection (a).

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §644, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3823.)

SUBCHAPTER II—AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE PREFERENCES FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS AND UNITS FOR DISABLED RESIDENTS IN CERTAIN SECTION 8 ASSISTED HOUSING

§13611. Authority

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an owner of a covered section 8 housing project (as such term is defined in section 13619 of this title) designed primarily for occupancy by elderly families may, in selecting tenants for units in the project that become available for occupancy, give preference to elderly families who have applied for occupancy in the housing, subject to the requirements of this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §651, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3823.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subchapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this subtitle", meaning subtitle D of title VI of Pub. L. 102–550, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3823, which enacted this subchapter and amended section 1437f of this title.

§13612. Reservation of units for disabled families

(a) Requirement

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for any project for which an owner gives preference in occupancy to elderly families pursuant to section 13611 of this title, such owner shall (subject to sections 13613, 13614, and 13615 of this title) reserve units in the project for occupancy only by disabled families who are not elderly or near-elderly families (and who have applied for occupancy in the housing) in the number determined under subsection (b).

(b) Number of units

Each owner required to reserve units in a project for occupancy under subsection (a) shall reserve a number of units in the project that is not less than the lesser of—

(1) the number of units equivalent to the higher of—

(A) the percentage of units in the project that were occupied by such disabled families upon October 28, 1992; or

(B) the percentage of units in the project that were occupied by such families upon January 1, 1992; or

(2) 10 percent of the number of units in the project.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §652, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3823.)

§13613. Secondary preferences

(a) Insufficient elderly families

If an owner of a covered section 8 housing project in which elderly families are given a preference for occupancy pursuant to section 13611 of this title determines (in accordance with regulations established by the Secretary) that there are insufficient numbers of elderly families who have applied for occupancy in the housing to fill all the units in the project not reserved under section 13612 of this title, the owner may give preference for occupancy of such units to disabled families who are near-elderly families and have applied for occupancy in the housing.

(b) Insufficient non-elderly disabled families

If an owner of a covered section 8 housing project in which elderly families are given a preference for occupancy pursuant to section 13611 of this title determines (in accordance with regulations established by the Secretary) that there are insufficient numbers of disabled families who are not elderly or near-elderly families and have applied for occupancy in the housing to fill all the units in the project reserved under section 13612 of this title, the owner may give preference for occupancy of units so reserved to disabled families who are near-elderly families and have applied for occupancy in the housing.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §653, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3824.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Covered section 8 housing, referred to in text, is defined in section 13619 of this title.

§13614. General availability of units

If an owner of a covered section 8 housing project in which disabled families who are near-elderly families are given a preference for occupancy pursuant to subsection (a) or (b) of section 13613 of this title determines (in accordance with regulations established by the Secretary) that there are an insufficient number of such families to fill all the units in the project for which the preference is applicable, the owner shall make such units generally available for occupancy by families who have applied, and are eligible, for occupancy in the housing, without regard to the preferences established pursuant to this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §654, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3824.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Covered section 8 housing, referred to in text, is defined in section 13619 of this title.

§13615. Preference within groups

Among disabled families qualifying for occupancy in units reserved under section 13612 of this title, and among elderly families and near-elderly families qualifying for preference for occupancy pursuant to section 13611 or 13613 of this title, preference for occupancy in units that are assisted under section 1437f of this title shall be given to disabled families according to any preferences established under any system established under section 1437f(d)(1)(A) of this title by the public housing agency.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §655, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3824; Pub. L. 104–99, title IV, §402(d)(6)(C), Jan. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 43; Pub. L. 105–276, title V, §514(b)(2)(B), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2548.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1998—Pub. L. 105–276 substituted "shall be given to disabled families according to any preferences established under any system established under section 1437f(d)(1)(A) of this title by the public housing agency." for "shall be given to disabled families according to the preferences for occupancy referred to in section 1437f(d)(1)(A)(i) of this title and the first sentence of section 1437f(o)(3)(B) of this title, to elderly families according to such preferences, and to near-elderly families according to such preferences, respectively."

1996—Pub. L. 104–99, §402(d)(6)(C), (f), temporarily substituted "any preferences" for "the preferences for occupancy referred to in section 1437f(d)(1)(A)(i) of this title and the first sentence of section 1437f(o)(3)(B) of this title, to elderly families according to such preferences, and to near-elderly families according to such preferences, respectively". See Effective and Termination Dates of 1996 Amendment note below.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective and Termination Dates of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–99 effective Jan. 26, 1996, only for fiscal years 1996, 1997, and 1998, and to cease to be effective Oct. 21, 1998, see section 402(f) of Pub. L. 104–99, as amended, and section 514(f) of Pub. L. 105–276, set out as notes under section 1437a of this title.

§13616. Prohibition of evictions

Any tenant who, except for reservation of a percentage of the units of a project pursuant to section 13612 of this title or any preference for occupancy established pursuant to this subchapter, is lawfully residing in a dwelling unit in a covered section 8 housing project, may not be evicted or otherwise required to vacate such unit because of the reservation or preferences or because of any action taken by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development or the owner of the project pursuant to this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §656, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3824.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Covered section 8 housing, referred to in text, is defined in section 13619 of this title.

§13617. Treatment of covered section 8 housing not subject to elderly preference

If an owner of any covered section 8 housing project designed primarily for occupancy by elderly families does not give preference in occupancy to elderly families as authorized in this subchapter, then elderly families (as such term was defined in section 1437a of this title before October 28, 1992) shall be eligible for occupancy in such housing to the same extent that such families were eligible before October 28, 1992.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §657, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3825.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Covered section 8 housing, referred to in text, is defined in section 13619 of this title.

§13618. Treatment of other federally assisted housing

(a) Restricted occupancy

An owner of any federally assisted project (or portion of a project) as described in subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F) of section 13641(2) of this title that was designed for occupancy by elderly families may continue to restrict occupancy in such project (or portion) to elderly families in accordance with the rules, standards, and agreements governing occupancy in such housing in effect at the time of the development of the housing.

(b) Prohibition of evictions

Any tenant who is lawfully residing in a dwelling unit in a housing project described in subsection (a) may not be evicted or otherwise required to vacate such unit because of any reservation or preferences under this subchapter or because of any action taken by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development or the owner of the project pursuant to this subchapter.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §658, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3825.)

§13619. "Covered section 8 housing" defined

For purposes of this subchapter, the term "covered section 8 housing" means housing described in section 13641(2)(G) of this title that was originally designed for occupancy by elderly families.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §659, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3825.)

§13620. Study

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall conduct a study to determine the extent to which Federal housing programs serve elderly families, disabled families, and families with children, in relation to the need of such families who are eligible for assistance under such programs. The Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress describing the study and the findings of the study not later than the expiration of the 1-year period beginning on October 28, 1992.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §661, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3825.)

SUBCHAPTER III—SERVICE COORDINATORS FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED RESIDENTS OF FEDERALLY ASSISTED HOUSING

§13631. Requirement to provide service coordinators

(a) In general

To the extent that amounts are made available for providing service coordinators under this section, the Secretary shall require owners of covered federally assisted housing projects (as such term is defined in subsection (d)) receiving such amounts to provide for employing or otherwise retaining the services of one or more individuals to coordinate the provision of supportive services for elderly and disabled families residing in the projects (in this section referred to as a "service coordinator"). No such elderly or disabled family may be required to accept services.

(b) Responsibilities

Each service coordinator of a covered federally assisted housing project provided pursuant to this subtitle ¹ or the amendments made by this subtitle— ¹

(1) shall consult with the owner of the housing, tenants, any tenant organizations, any resident management organizations, service providers, and any other appropriate persons, to identify the particular needs and characteristics of elderly and disabled families who reside in the project and any supportive services related to such needs and characteristics;

(2) shall manage and coordinate the provision of such services for residents of the project;

(3) may provide training to tenants of the project in the obligations of tenancy or coordinate such training;

(4) shall meet the minimum qualifications and standards required under section 8011(d)(4) of this title; and

(5) may carry out other appropriate activities for residents of the project.

(c) Included services

Supportive services referred to under subsection (b)(1) may include health-related services, mental health services, services for nonmedical counseling, meals, transportation, personal care, bathing, toileting, housekeeping, chore assistance, safety, group and socialization activities, assistance with medications (in accordance with any applicable State laws), case management, personal emergency response, education and outreach regarding telemarketing fraud in accordance with the standards issued under subsection (f), and other appropriate services. The services may be provided through any agency of the Federal Government or any other public or private department, agency, or organization.

(d) Covered federally assisted housing

For purposes of this subtitle,¹ the term "covered federally assisted housing" means housing that is federally assisted housing (as such term is defined in section 13641(2) of this title), except that such term does not include housing described in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of such section.

(e) Services for low-income elderly or disabled families residing in vicinity of certain projects

To the extent only that this section applies to service coordinators for covered federally assisted housing described in subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), and (G) of section 13641(2) of this title, any reference in this section to elderly or disabled residents of a project shall be construed to include low-income elderly or disabled families living in the vicinity of such project.

(f) Protection against telemarketing fraud

(1) In general

The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall establish standards for service coordinators in federally assisted housing who are providing education and outreach to elderly persons residing in such housing regarding telemarketing fraud. The standards shall be designed to ensure that such education and outreach informs such elderly persons of the dangers of telemarketing fraud and facilitates the investigation and prosecution of telemarketers engaging in fraud against such residents.

(2) Contents

The standards established under this subsection shall require that any such education and outreach be provided in a manner that—

(A) informs such residents of—

(i) the prevalence of telemarketing fraud targeted against elderly persons;

(ii) how telemarketing fraud works;

(iii) how to identify telemarketing fraud;

(iv) how to protect themselves against telemarketing fraud, including an explanation of the dangers of providing bank account, credit card, or other financial or personal information over the telephone to unsolicited callers;

(v) how to report suspected attempts at telemarketing fraud; and

(vi) their consumer protection rights under Federal law;

(B) provides such other information as the Secretary considers necessary to protect such residents against fraudulent telemarketing; and

(C) disseminates the information provided by appropriate means, and in determining such appropriate means, the Secretary shall consider on-site presentations at federally assisted housing, public service announcements, a printed manual or pamphlet, an Internet website, and telephone outreach to residents whose names appear on "mooch lists" confiscated from fraudulent telemarketers.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §671, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3826; Pub. L. 106–569, title VIII, §851(b), (c)(2), Dec. 27, 2000, 114 Stat. 3024.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subtitle, referred to in subsecs. (b) and (d), means subtitle E of title VI of Pub. L. 102–550, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3826, which enacted this subchapter, amended sections 1437f, 1437g, and 8011 of this title and section 1701q of Title 12, Banks and Banking, and enacted provisions set out as a note under section 1701q of Title 12.

Amendments

2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–569, §851(b)(1), in first sentence, substituted "for providing service coordinators under this section," for "to carry out this subtitle pursuant to the amendments made by this subtitle,".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–569, §851(c)(2)(A), in first sentence, inserted "education and outreach regarding telemarketing fraud in accordance with the standards issued under subsection (f)," after "response,".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–569, §851(b)(2), inserted closing parenthesis after "section 13641(2) of this title".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–569, §851(b)(3), added subsec. (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–569, §851(c)(2)(B), added subsec. (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by title VIII of Pub. L. 106–569 effective Dec. 27, 2000, unless effectiveness or applicability upon another date certain is specifically provided for, with provisions relating to effect of regulatory authority, see section 803 of Pub. L. 106–569, set out as a note under section 1701q of Title 12, Banks and Banking.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§13632. Grants for costs of providing service coordinators in certain federally assisted housing

(a) Authority

The Secretary may make grants under this section to owners of federally assisted housing projects described in subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), and (G) of section 13641(2) of this title. Any grant amounts shall be used for the costs of employing or otherwise retaining the services of one or more service coordinators under section 13631 of this title to coordinate the provision of any services within the project for residents of the project who are elderly families and disabled families (as such terms are defined in section 13641 of this title). A service coordinator funded with a grant under this section for a project may provide services to low-income elderly or disabled families living in the vicinity of such project.

(b) Application and selection

The Secretary shall provide for the form and manner of applications for grants under this section and for selection of applicants to receive such grants.

(c) Eligible project expense

For any federally assisted housing project described in subparagraph (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), or (G) of section 13641(2) of this title that does not receive a grant under this section, the cost of employing or otherwise retaining the services of one or more service coordinators under section 13631 of this title and not more than 15 percent of the cost of providing services to the residents of the project shall be considered an eligible project expense, but only to the extent that amounts are available from project rent and other income for such costs.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §676, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3828; Pub. L. 106–569, title VIII, §851(a), Dec. 27, 2000, 114 Stat. 3023.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2000—Pub. L. 106–569, §851(a)(1), substituted "certain federally assisted housing" for "multifamily housing assisted under National Housing Act" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–569, §851(a)(2), substituted "subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), and (G) of section 13641(2) of this title" for "subparagraphs (E) and (F) of section 13641(2) of this title", made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 13631 of this title, and inserted at end "A service coordinator funded with a grant under this section for a project may provide services to low-income elderly or disabled families living in the vicinity of such project."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–569, §851(a)(4), redesignated subsec. (d) as (c) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (c). Text read as follows: "There are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 1993 and 1994 such sums as may be necessary for grants under this section."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–569, §851(a)(4), redesignated subsec. (d) as (c).

Pub. L. 106–569, §851(a)(3), substituted "subparagraph (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), or (G) of section 13641(2) of this title" for "subparagraph (E) or (F) of section 13641(2) of this title" and made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 13631 of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by title VIII of Pub. L. 106–569 effective Dec. 27, 2000, unless effectiveness or applicability upon another date certain is specifically provided for, with provisions relating to effect of regulatory authority, see section 803 of Pub. L. 106–569, set out as a note under section 1701q of Title 12, Banks and Banking.

SUBCHAPTER IV—GENERAL PROVISIONS

§13641. Definitions

For purposes of this title: ¹

(1) Elderly, disabled, and near-elderly families

The terms "elderly family", "disabled family", and "near-elderly family" have the meanings given the terms under section 3(b)(3) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(3)].

(2) Federally assisted housing

The terms "federally assisted housing" and "project" mean—

(A) a public housing project (as such term is defined in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)]);

(B) housing for which project-based assistance is provided under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. 1437f];

(C) housing that is assisted under section 1701q of title 12;

(D) housing that is assisted under section 1701q of title 12, as such section existed before November 28, 1990;

(E) housing financed by a loan or mortgage insured under section 1715l(d)(3) of title 12 that bears interest at a rate determined under the proviso of section 1715l(d)(5) of title 12;

(F) housing insured, assisted, or held by the Secretary or a State or State agency under section 1715z–1 of title 12;

(G) housing constructed or substantially rehabilitated pursuant to assistance provided under section 8(b)(2) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 [42 U.S.C. 1437f(b)(2)], as in effect before October 1, 1983, that is assisted under a contract for assistance under such section; and

(H) housing that is assisted under section 8013 ¹ of this title.

(3) Housing assistance

The term "housing assistance" means, with respect to federally assisted housing, the grant, contribution, capital advance, loan, mortgage insurance, or other assistance provided for the housing under the provisions of law referred to in paragraph (2). The term also includes any related assistance provided for the housing by the Secretary, including any rental assistance for low-income occupants.

(4) Owner

The term "owner" means, with respect to federally assisted housing, the entity or private person, including a cooperative or public housing agency, that has the legal right to lease or sublease dwelling units in such housing.

(5) Secretary

The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §683, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3831; Pub. L. 111–8, div. I, title II, §228, Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 978.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This title, referred to in text, is title VI of Pub. L. 102–550, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3802, which enacted this chapter, amended sections 1437a, 1437c to 1437g, 1437l, 1437o, 1438, 8011 to 8013, 12705, 12901 to 12910, and 12912 of this title and section 1701q of Title 12, Banks and Banking, enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 1437a, 8011, and 12901 of this title and section 1701q of Title 12, and amended provisions set out as a note under section 1701q of Title 12. For complete classification of this title to the Code, see Short Title of 1992 Amendment note set out under section 5301 of this title and Tables.

Section 8013 of this title, referred to in par. (2)(H), was in the original "section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez Affording Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 8013)", and was translated as reading "section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act", which is classified to section 8013 of this title, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Amendments

2009—Par. (2)(H). Pub. L. 111–8 added subpar. (H).

¹ See References in Text note below.

§13642. Applicability

Except as otherwise provided in subtitles B through F of this title and the amendments made by such subtitles, such subtitles and the amendments made by such subtitles shall apply upon the expiration of the 6-month period beginning on October 28, 1992.

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §684, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3832.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Subtitles B through F of this title, referred to in text, mean subtitles B to F of title VI of Pub. L. 102–550, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3812–3830, which enacted this chapter, amended sections 1437a, 1437c to 1437g, 1437l, 1437o, 1438, 8011, 8013, and 12705 of this title and section 1701q of Title 12, Banks and Banking, and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 1437a of this title and section 1701q of Title 12.

§13643. Regulations

The Secretary shall issue regulations necessary to carry out subtitles B through F of this title and the amendments made by such subtitles not later than the expiration of the 6-month period beginning on October 28, 1992. The regulations shall be issued after notice and opportunity for public comment pursuant to the provisions of section 553 of title 5 (notwithstanding subsections (a)(2), (b)(B), and (d)(3) of such section).

(Pub. L. 102–550, title VI, §685, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3832.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Subtitles B through F of this title, referred to in text, mean subtitles B to F of title VI of Pub. L. 102–550, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 3812–3830, which enacted this chapter, amended sections 1437a, 1437c to 1437g, 1437l, 1437o, 1438, 8011, 8013, and 12705 of this title and section 1701q of Title 12, Banks and Banking, and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 1437a of this title and section 1701q of Title 12.

SUBCHAPTER V—SAFETY AND SECURITY IN PUBLIC AND ASSISTED HOUSING

§13661. Screening of applicants for federally assisted housing

(a) Ineligibility because of eviction for drug crimes

Any tenant evicted from federally assisted housing by reason of drug-related criminal activity (as such term is defined in section 1437a(b) of this title) shall not be eligible for federally assisted housing during the 3-year period beginning on the date of such eviction, unless the evicted tenant successfully completes a rehabilitation program approved by the public housing agency (which shall include a waiver of this subsection if the circumstances leading to eviction no longer exist).

(b) Ineligibility of illegal drug users and alcohol abusers

(1) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public housing agency or an owner of federally assisted housing, as determined by the Secretary, shall establish standards that prohibit admission to the program or admission to federally assisted housing for any household with a member—

(A) who the public housing agency or owner determines is illegally using a controlled substance; or

(B) with respect to whom the public housing agency or owner determines that it has reasonable cause to believe that such household member's illegal use (or pattern of illegal use) of a controlled substance, or abuse (or pattern of abuse) of alcohol, may interfere with the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents.

(2) Consideration of rehabilitation

In determining whether, pursuant to paragraph (1)(B), to deny admission to the program or federally assisted housing to any household based on a pattern of illegal use of a controlled substance or a pattern of abuse of alcohol by a household member, a public housing agency or an owner may consider whether such household member—

(A) has successfully completed a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program (as applicable) and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of a controlled substance or abuse of alcohol (as applicable);

(B) has otherwise been rehabilitated successfully and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of a controlled substance or abuse of alcohol (as applicable); or

(C) is participating in a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program (as applicable) and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of a controlled substance or abuse of alcohol (as applicable).

(c) Authority to deny admission to criminal offenders

Except as provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this section and in addition to any other authority to screen applicants, in selecting among applicants for admission to the program or to federally assisted housing, if the public housing agency or owner of such housing (as applicable) determines that an applicant or any member of the applicant's household is or was, during a reasonable time preceding the date when the applicant household would otherwise be selected for admission, engaged in any drug-related or violent criminal activity or other criminal activity which would adversely affect the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents, the owner, or public housing agency employees, the public housing agency or owner may—

(1) deny such applicant admission to the program or to federally assisted housing; and

(2) after the expiration of the reasonable period beginning upon such activity, require the applicant, as a condition of admission to the program or to federally assisted housing, to submit to the public housing agency or owner evidence sufficient (as the Secretary shall by regulation provide) to ensure that the individual or individuals in the applicant's household who engaged in criminal activity for which denial was made under paragraph (1) have not engaged in any criminal activity during such reasonable period.

(Pub. L. 105–276, title V, §576, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2639.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, and not as part of subtitles C to F of title VI of Pub. L. 102–550 which comprise this chapter.

Section is comprised of section 576 of Pub. L. 105–276. Subsec. (d) of section 576 of Pub. L. 105–276 amended sections 1437d and 1437n of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective and applicable beginning upon Oct. 1, 1999, except as otherwise provided, with provision that Secretary may implement any provision of this section before such date, except to extent otherwise provided, see section 503 of Pub. L. 105–276, set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 1437 of this title.

§13662. Termination of tenancy and assistance for illegal drug users and alcohol abusers in federally assisted housing

(a) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a public housing agency or an owner of federally assisted housing (as applicable), shall establish standards or lease provisions for continued assistance or occupancy in federally assisted housing that allow the agency or owner (as applicable) to terminate the tenancy or assistance for any household with a member—

(1) who the public housing agency or owner determines is illegally using a controlled substance; or

(2) whose illegal use (or pattern of illegal use) of a controlled substance, or whose abuse (or pattern of abuse) of alcohol, is determined by the public housing agency or owner to interfere with the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents.

(b) Consideration of rehabilitation

In determining whether, pursuant to subsection (a)(2), to terminate tenancy or assistance to any household based on a pattern of illegal use of a controlled substance or a pattern of abuse of alcohol by a household member, a public housing agency or an owner may consider whether such household member—

(1) has successfully completed a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program (as applicable) and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of a controlled substance or abuse of alcohol (as applicable);

(2) has otherwise been rehabilitated successfully and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of a controlled substance or abuse of alcohol (as applicable); or

(3) is participating in a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program (as applicable) and is no longer engaging in the illegal use of a controlled substance or abuse of alcohol (as applicable).

(Pub. L. 105–276, title V, §577, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2640.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, and not as part of subtitles C to F of title VI of Pub. L. 102–550 which comprise this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective and applicable beginning upon Oct. 1, 1999, except as otherwise provided, with provision that Secretary may implement any provision of this section before such date, except to extent otherwise provided, see section 503 of Pub. L. 105–276, set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 1437 of this title.

§13663. Ineligibility of dangerous sex offenders for admission to public housing

(a) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an owner of federally assisted housing shall prohibit admission to such housing for any household that includes any individual who is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program.

(b) Obtaining information

As provided in regulations issued by the Secretary to carry out this section—

(1) a public housing agency shall carry out criminal history background checks on applicants for federally assisted housing and make further inquiry with State and local agencies as necessary to determine whether an applicant for federally assisted housing is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program; and

(2) State and local agencies responsible for the collection or maintenance of criminal history record information or information on persons required to register as sex offenders shall comply with requests of public housing agencies for information pursuant to this section.

(c) Requests by owners for PHAs to obtain information

A public housing agency may take any action under subsection (b) regarding applicants for, or tenants of, federally assisted housing other than federally assisted housing described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 13664(a)(2) of this title, but only if the housing is located within the jurisdiction of the agency and the owner of such housing has requested that the agency take such action on behalf of the owner. Upon such a request by the owner, the agency shall take the action requested under subsection (b). The agency may not make any information obtained pursuant to the action under subsection (b) available to the owner but shall perform determinations for the owner regarding screening, lease enforcement, and eviction based on criteria supplied by the owner.

(d) Opportunity to dispute

Before an adverse action is taken with respect to an applicant for federally assisted housing on the basis that an individual is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program, the public housing agency obtaining the record shall provide the tenant or applicant with a copy of the registration information and an opportunity to dispute the accuracy and relevance of that information.

(e) Fee

A public housing agency may be charged a reasonable fee for taking actions under subsection (b). In the case of a public housing agency taking actions on behalf of another owner of federally assisted housing pursuant to subsection (c), the agency may pass such fee on to the owner making the request and may charge an additional reasonable fee for making the request on behalf of the owner.

(f) Records management

Each public housing agency shall establish and implement a system of records management that ensures that any criminal record or information regarding a lifetime registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program that is obtained under this section by the public housing agency is—

(1) maintained confidentially;

(2) not misused or improperly disseminated; and

(3) destroyed, once the purpose for which the record was requested has been accomplished.

(Pub. L. 105–276, title V, §578, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2641.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, and not as part of subtitles C to F of title VI of Pub. L. 102–550 which comprise this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective and applicable beginning upon Oct. 1, 1999, except as otherwise provided, with provision that Secretary may implement any provision of this section before such date, except to extent otherwise provided, see section 503 of Pub. L. 105–276, set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 1437 of this title.

§13664. Definitions

(a) ¹ Definitions

For purposes of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) Drug-related criminal activity

The term "drug-related criminal activity" has the meaning given the term in section 1437a(b) of this title.

(2) Federally assisted housing

The term "federally assisted housing" means a dwelling unit—

(A) in public housing (as such term is defined in section 1437a(b) of this title);

(B) assisted with tenant-based assistance under section 1437f of this title;

(C) in housing that is provided project-based assistance under section 1437f of this title, including new construction and substantial rehabilitation projects;

(D) in housing that is assisted under section 1701q of title 12 (as amended by section 801 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act);

(E) in housing that is assisted under section 1701q of title 12, as such section existed before the enactment of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act [November 28, 1990];

(F) in housing that is assisted under section 8013 of this title;

(G) in housing financed by a loan or mortgage insured under section 1715l(d)(3) of title 12 that bears interest at a rate determined under the proviso of section 1715l(d)(5) of title 12;

(H) in housing insured, assisted, or held by the Secretary or a State or State agency under section 1715z–1 of title 12; or

(I) in housing assisted under section 1484 or 1485 of this title.

(3) Owner

The term "owner" means, with respect to federally assisted housing, the entity or private person (including a cooperative or public housing agency) that has the legal right to lease or sublease dwelling units in such housing.

(Pub. L. 105–276, title V, §579, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2642.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 801 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(D), is section 801 of Pub. L. 101–625.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, and not as part of subtitles C to F of title VI of Pub. L. 102–550 which comprise this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective and applicable beginning upon Oct. 1, 1999, except as otherwise provided, with provision that Secretary may implement any provision of this section before such date, except to extent otherwise provided, see section 503 of Pub. L. 105–276, set out as an Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note under section 1437 of this title.

¹ So in original. No subsec. (b) has been enacted.