D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14, r. 14-5709

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 14-5709 - SUBSIDY STANDARDS / VOUCHER SIZE

5709.1

The Voucher size is used to determine the maximum rent subsidy for a Family assisted in the HCVP.

5709.2

The following requirements apply when DCHA determines Voucher size under the subsidy standards:

(a) The subsidy standards shall provide for the lowest number of bedrooms needed to house a Family without overcrowding;

(b) The subsidy standards shall be consistent with space requirements under the Housing Quality Standards contained in § 5321;

(c) The subsidy standards shall be applied consistently for all families of like size and composition;

(d) A child who is temporarily away from the home because of placement in foster care is considered a member of the Family in determining the Voucher size;

(e) A live-in aide, approved by DCHA, shall be counted in determining the Voucher size;

(f) Foster children and adult wards shall be included in the determination of the Voucher size; and

(g) The Voucher size for any Family consisting of a single person shall only be a one (1)-bedroom.

5709.3

DCHA shall assign one (1)-bedroom for the Head of Household and/or a Spouse and an additional bedroom for each two (2) persons within the household with the following exceptions:

(a) Children of the opposite gender shall be allocated separate bedrooms once one of the children is over the age of five (5) or if one of the children will turn five (5) within the initial term of the voucher.

(b) Children of the same gender shall be allocated one (1) bedroom. Beginning at age thirteen (13), if there is a difference of five (5) years or more, children of the same gender shall have separate bedrooms.

(c) Adult Family members shall not be allocated a bedroom with a minor.

(d) A bedroom shall not be assigned to an unborn child; and

(e) A live- in aide approved by DCHA shall be allocated an individual bedroom.

5709.4

Considerations to persons attending school away from home shall be in accordance with DCHA policies regarding absent Family members under § 5318.

5709.5

In determining the Voucher size for a particular Family, DCHA may grant an exception to the subsidy standards set forth in this § 5709 if DCHA determines that the exception is justified by the age, sex, gender identity, health, or disability of one (1) or more of the Family members.

5709.6

For a single person who is not elderly, disabled, or a remaining Family member as explained in § 5317.8, an exception cannot override the regulatory limit of a one (1) bedroom unit.

5709.7

The Family shall request any exceptions to the Voucher sizes in writing to DCHA. The request shall explain the need or justification for a larger Family unit size, and shall include appropriate documentation. Family requests based on health-related reasons shall be verified by a knowledgeable professional source (such as a doctor or health professional).

5709.8

DCHA shall notify the Family of its determination within thirty (30) days of receiving the Family's request for an exception. If a participant Family's request is denied, the notice shall inform the Family of their right to an informal hearing under Sections 5730 through 5747 of this chapter.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14, r. 14-5709

Final Rulemaking published at 64 DCR 12956 (12/22/2017); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 66 DCR 6831 (6/7/2019)