HUD has amended PIH (Public and Indian Housing) Notice 2003-17 regarding the Reinstatement of Community Service and Self-Sufficiency Requirement. The old version required Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to reinstate the requirement for “all leases entered into on and after October 1, 2002.” The revised version deletes this language stating that PHAs must assure by October 1, 2003 that those residents who must perform community services are doing so. While it is unfortunate that the community service requirement is back in force, this change eliminates the PHA’s obligation to reinstate it retroactively. The National Housing Law Project and other housing advocates continue to raise with HUD other issues of concern with respect to this PIH notice. [Download]

On March 11, 2004, HUD issued a guidance letter clarifying its policies regarding “mixed” families (families with one or more members who are not citizens) for purposes of calculating rent in public and federally-assisted housing. The letter emphasizes that under 24 C.F.R. § 5.520, a family is considered to be eligible for prorated assistance if at least one of its members (adult or child and not necessarily the head of household) is determined to be a citizen or to have eligible immigration status. The guidance letter includes a list of related frequently asked questions. [Download]