OPM Compliance

March 20, 2017

DCA Policy Update

UCPS Owner Self-Certification of Deficiencies

DCA has posted guidance on utility allowance methodology change requests to the DCA Compliance website, http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/HousingDevelopment/programs/compliance.asp

Effective with the publication of this notice, properties notified of eligibility in the 'Findings Notice' may self-certify UPCS level 1 deficiencies and other deficiencies without a rating in the UPCS dictionary (level 0), instead of providing documentation of the cures. All other violations require documentation to evidence compliance by the stated deadline. To be eligible, the compliance reviewer will consider the current status and previous condition at the property as well as other factors noted in the policy.

If you have questions, please direct emails to compliance@dca.ga.gov.

DCA Policy Update

Accessibility Disputes

DCA has posted guidance on utility allowance methodology change requests to the DCA Compliance website, http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/HousingDevelopment/programs/compliance.asp

The policy includes a description of acceptable documents and guidance on disputing the validity of an accessibility finding.

If you have questions, please direct emails to compliance@dca.ga.gov.

DCA Policy Update

Utility Allowance Methodology Change Requests

DCA has posted guidance on utility allowance methodology change requests to the DCA Compliance website, http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/HousingDevelopment/programs/compliance.asp

The utility allowance methodology policy addresses the approved utility allowance methodology sources, the required qualifications for the professional preparing utility allowance studies, and instructions on how to submit a request to DCA with for a change in utility methodology. Annual changes in established utility allowances do not require approval or 90-day notice to current residents.

The 2017 DCA Utility Allowances effective 1/1/17 have been posted to the DCA website, and must be implemented by 4/1/17. The schedules can be found here.

If you have questions, please direct emails to compliance@dca.ga.gov.

Georgia Housing Search

www.GeorgiaHousingSearch.org can now automatically pull your vacancy data from two property management software providers: Yardi Voyager (via RENTCafé) and Entrata! With one click your GeorgiaHousingSearch.org property listings display current availability information, saving you time and ensuring prospects get real time availability data.

To use this quick update feature, you must be listed on GeorgiaHousingSearch.org and be a current Entrata and/or Yardi RENTCafé customer. NOTE: Please contact RENTCafé support if you have any questions about setup or data. There is a portfolio view/option for multiple properties, and there is a property setting option.

If you use property management software other than Yardi or Entrata, please contact your software provider and tell them you want this functionality. GeorgiaHousingSearch.org support staff (sroberts@emphasys-software.com) will work with them to get the feature for your software.

Listing on GeorgiaHousingSearch.org is completely free and can be done online at GeorgiaHousingSearch.org or via a toll-free call center at 877-428-8844. For GeorgiaHousingSearch.org questions, please call 877-428-8844 (quickest and easiest!) or register online at www.GeorgiaHousingSearch.org.

REMINDER

The AOC Report Due 3/31/17

The Annual Owner Certification report, (AOC) has been posted to the DCA Compliance website, here, under the Electronic Notifications and Reporting section. Owners must complete the AOC for all projects with a tenant as of 12/31/2016.

Which properties must complete the AOC?

1. Tax Credit Properties in the Compliance Period with tenants (1-15 years)

2. Tax Credit properties in the Extended Use Period (16+)

3. HOME only properties in the affordability period or with a loan balance

The Owner signature page must be signed and attached to the completed AOC report. Change the date in the top right corner of the form to reflect the correct reporting year. If you have questions, please direct emails to compliance@dca.ga.gov.

Model forms for VAWA available on HUD Website

HUD has created Microsoft Word files for the four model forms included in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) final rule that was published in the Federal Register on November 16, 2016.

These forms are now available on the Office of Multifamily Housing's web page. These forms are as follows

VAWA Appendix A: Notice of Occupancy Rights Under the Violence Against Women Act, form HUD-5380
VAWA Appendix B: Model Emergency Transfer Plan for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking, form HUD-5381
VAWA Appendix C: Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking and Alternate Documentation, form HUD-5382and
VAWA Appendix D: Emergency Transfer Request for Certain Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking, form HUD-5383

Previous Notifications

Development Construction - Notice to Owners

DCA should be notified using the Placed In Service Notification no later than 30 days after the first building in your development is placed in service. The required notification form can be found on the DCA website under Mandatory Forms.

The form includes instructions for setting the development up in MITAS and obtaining initial access to MITAS for the property. For questions about the form or set up, contact Stephen.Vlkovic@dca.ga.gov.

DCA Limited English Proficiency Guidance Available

On September 15, 2016, HUD released guidance addressing how the Fair Housing Act applies to claims of housing discrimination brought by people because they do not speak, read, or write English proficiently. While limited English proficiency is not a protected class under the Fair Housing Act, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of national origin which is closely linked to the ability to communicate proficiently in English. DCA encourages its partners to review this guidance and has posted it on the DCA Compliance website under

News, Notices, Events and Mitas.

You can find the document using the link below.

Guidance on Fair Housing Act Protections for Persons with Limited English Proficiency

Notice of Casualty Loss, Management and Mitas Change Requests, and Notice of Ending Recertification

Notifying DCA Compliance has never been Easier!

Owners and managers may now easily submit requests for Management and Mitas Changes, Ending Recertification, and Notice of Casualty Loss, by using our electronic notification service on the main Compliance Web page. Simply go to the Compliance Website and look under Electronic Notifications and Reporting.

Disparate Impact & use of Arrest Records in Tenant Selection.

Portfolio Management team members recently attended a webinar which examined HUD's recent guidance on how Disparate Impact may used in Fair Housing Act actions based on tenant selection plans and determining eligibility for occupancy. A link to the webinar has been posted on the DCA website. The ancillary HUD documents are also posted. We encourage owners and managers to review their tenant selection plans and screening processes in light of the new guidance from HUD.

You may find the documents and links here:
News Events and Notices

8609s Must be Submitted to DCA Electronically

Effective immediately, please submit an electronic copy of executed Form(s) 8609 with a completed Part II to compliance@dca.ga.gov.

I nclude the project number, project name (abbreviated) and 8609 in the email subject line;

(example: ##-### project name, 8609)

The submission of the completed Form(s) 8609 to DCA must be made no later than the project owner's filing of such forms with the IRS.

This notice covers all projects going forward as they claim credits for the first time.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is committed to providing all persons with equal access to its services, programs, activities, education and employment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

For reasonable accommodations or alternate format information please contact compliance@dca.ga.gov