Why Determining Income and Rent Correctly is Important

Department of Housing and Urban Development studies show that many resident families pay incorrect rent. The main causes of this problem are:

• Under-reporting of income by resident families, and

• • OAs not granting exclusions and deductions to which resident families are entitled.

OAs and residents all have a responsibility in ensuring that the correct rent is paid.

A family’s anticipated gross income determines not only eligibility for assistance, but also determines the rent a family will pay and the subsidy required. The anticipated income, subject to exclusions and deductions the family will receive during the next twelve (12) months, is used to determine the family’s rent.