RAD First Application Group

A RAD conversion changes the funding for RAD converted properties from public housing to Project-based Section 8. Congress has consistently funded public housing at lower rates than Section 8. This makes it difficult for KCHA to maintain quality housing for residents. While Congress can make different choices in the future, we expect that Section 8 will continue to have more stable and sufficient funding than public housing. Converting these properties to project-based Section 8 allows us to take advantage of stabler, better funding.

RAD conversion provides more flexible and stable funding for KCHA’s housing and allows us to better care for our properties.

Yes. If KCHA converts your building under RAD, you can stay in your current unit, and you will continue to get rental assistance.

The RAD conversion is a federal funding change and will not change your experience of living in a KCHA property.

The rent you pay under RAD will be calculated in the same way as it is under the public housing program, based on your adjusted annual income.

KCHA expects that rent will stay the same for most residents. A rent study we did for the first six properties showed that only one household would see their rent increase, and it increased by one dollar.

You will keep your housing assistance, but the federal funding source of that assistance will change. The funding for your housing assistance will change from public housing to a Section 8 Project Based Voucher, but this will not change your experience of living in a KCHA property.

You will not need to be re-screened and there are no additional eligibility requirements: With this RAD conversion, you will be eligible for housing assistance regardless of your current income.

No. You do not have to move.

Before a building is accepted into the RAD program, it must be inspected by a HUD-certified building inspector. If the inspector finds anything that needs to be fixed which requires you to temporarily move out of your unit, we will let you know in advance, and you will have the right to return to the same unit. KCHA will pay for any relocation costs, as well as for your temporary housing.

Because KCHA keeps its buildings in good repair, we don’t anticipate such temporary moves will be necessary due to the RAD conversion.

No. Your property management team and maintenance team will remain the same.

Yes.

Yes. As part of the RAD conversion, you must sign a new lease for your current unit. After a 12-month period, you have the option to request a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) that can be used to rent in the private market anywhere in the United States that accepts tenant-based Housing Choice Vouchers.

If you request a Housing Choice Voucher, you may not get it right away, but you will be at the top of the waiting list.

In the Section 8 program, tenants pay a portion of their rent, based on a percentage of their income. The voucher pays the difference between the tenant portion of the rent and the total rent for the unit.

There are two kinds of Section 8 vouchers: tenant-based and project-based. A tenant-based voucher stays with the tenant; a project-based voucher stays with the unit (and functions much like public housing).

First HUD has to approve KCHA’s application. After the application is approved, most conversions take between 6 to 18 months to complete. Our goal is to complete the conversion of each group of properties by the dates below:

• Briarwood, Lake House, Munro Manor, Riverton Terrace II, Yardley Arms, and Brittany Park: December 2026
• Boulevard Manor, Firwood Circle, Burndale Homes, Southridge House, Valli Kee, and Paramount House: To Be Determined
• Casa Juanita, College Place, Forest Glen, Northlake House, and Westminster Manor: To Be Determined

If the second and third groups of properties are approved by HUD, then KCHA will hold resident meetings about the conversions.

Yes. KCHA is required to notify all residents at the property about the RAD plans and hold at least two meetings with residents before KCHA can apply for RAD conversion. These meetings are an opportunity for you to:

• Learn more about the proposed RAD conversion plans
• Ask KCHA questions about the plans
• Tell KCHA what could be repaired at your property and where there are opportunities for improvements.
• KCHA will consider this information when developing plans for your property.