You might have heard that the King County Housing Authority has started a review of its existing policies related to checking residents’ income and calculating rent for the Public Housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs. As new policies are developed, we want to make sure residents have the chance to ask questions and provide input. Below are answers to residents’ frequently asked questions about the Rent Reform Initiative.

Why is KCHA making changes to its rent policies?

The current way that KCHA checks residents’ income and calculates their rent is very complicated and time-consuming for both residents and KCHA staff. KCHA wants to make the policies easier for residents to understand and for staff to administer; it’s just the right thing to do.

KCHA has decided to use a two-part-approach in making changes to its rent policies. What are the two parts?

The first part will simplify rent calculations for seniors and residents with disabilities on fixed incomes.

The second part will improve policies related to checking income and calculating rent for work-able adults and working families. It also will encourage residents to save money and become more financially secure.

Will my rent go up after changes are made?

That depends on your circumstances. Some residents might have a slight decrease. Some residents might have a slight increase. For residents whose rent goes up as a result of Rent Reform, KCHA will set a limit on the amount rent can increase in the first year. KCHA also will create a hardship policy for residents who experience a sudden loss of income.

How are income and rent currently calculated? What will change after Rent Reform takes effect?

Currently, households must submit third-party documentation every year showing all of their income sources. KCHA checks the information through an online system. Residents can get deductions for some items such as out-of pocket medical expenses for elderly and disabled households and childcare for working families. Not all sources of income are included in the calculation.

Under Rent Reform, KCHA is considering doing reviews less often and simplifying the way income deductions and rent are calculated.

If I pay utilities, will I continue to get a utility allowance?

Currently, KCHA plans to keep utility allowances for residents who pay for utilities on their own. But KCHA also plans to simplify these very complicated allowance schedules.

KCHA says it wants to make its new policies “revenue neutral.” What does that mean?

“Revenue neutral” refers the amount of income KCHA receives from resident rent payments. KCHA hopes to create policies that neither make money nor lose money for the housing authority.

Do residents have a chance to give input about the changes?

Yes. KCHA already has been meeting with groups of residents, including the Resident Advisory Council, and community organizations to talk about possible improvements to its rent policies. If you hear about a meeting, please join in. Before anything takes effect, KCHA will have a public hearing. Information about the hearing and proposed changes will be posted online at www.kcha.org and in resident newspapers. Also, KCHA also has set up an e-mail address – rentreform@kcha.org – for residents to send in comments or questions.

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