Side-by-side Comparisons of Changes to the Uniform Act FAQ

84. §24.2(a)(6). Can a replacement housing payment computation be based upon a comparable property that may have a minor decent, safe, and sanitary (DSS) deficiency?

If the availability of comparable replacement properties is limited, the agency may base a replacement housing payment on an available property having minor DSS deficiencies, provided the deficiencies can be easily corrected for a nominal amount.
Use of non-DSS properties with minor deficiencies should be limited to unusual situations. The payment computation must reflect the cost to correct the deficiencies supported by contractor bids or estimates. If such housing is used to meet the "make available" requirement, the housing must be available and DSS at the time of the move.
In cases where a displacee moves to a non-DSS replacement dwelling when comparable DSS housing is available, the displacee must bring the replacement up to DSS standards within 12 months in order to receive a replacement housing payment.

85. 49 CFR 24.2(a)(8)(iv). If it is "culturally" a part of the lifestyle for six children to share a bedroom, would it be acceptable to base the computation of the replacement housing payment on a dwelling that would require the six children to share a bedroom?

No. The comparable must reflect appropriate local housing codes or, in the absence of local codes, the policy of the displacing agency.

86. §24.2(a)(6)(viii)(C). How does the change in part of the definition of comparable replacement dwelling change the treatment of "less than 90-day occupants" or "subsequent occupants"?

Displaced persons failing to meet the length of occupancy requirements continue to be eligible for relocation benefits under last resort housing. What has changed is how the benefit is calculated. Benefits for low-income tenants will still be calculated using the 30% of income rule contained in §24.402(b)(2). For others who are not low income, the calculation will be rent-to-rent. The reason for the change is to ensure consistent treatment of displacees. Across an agency's programs, the net effect of the change in the 30% rule is expected to be a reduction in financial liability. However, with respect to some individual displacees who do not meet the length of occupancy requirements, the calculation of benefits may result in a higher payment than in the past. Agencies may wish to consider using loss-of-rent agreements to limit and manage financial liability when they believe that there is substantial risk that a subsequent occupant situation will occur.
Under the last resort housing provision §24.404(c) and the downpayment assistance provision §24.402(c)(1), the less than 90-day occupant or subsequent occupant rental assistance can be converted to a downpayment to purchase at the discretion of the agency on a case-by-case basis. However, the payment to a displaced homeowner shall not exceed the amount the owner would receive under §24.401(b) if he or she met the 180-day occupancy requirement. The agency shall apply this discretion in a uniform and consistent manner. If you require further clarification on the less than 90-day occupants or subsequent occupants, please contact your funding agency.

87. §24.2(a)(8)(vii). How should the replacement housing payment be computed and paid when accommodations need to be provided for a displaced person with disabilities?

The regulation permits sufficient flexibility for each agency to develop procedures for accommodating the needs of a displaced person with disabilities. The replacement housing payment computation may: (1) be based on a dwelling designed for physically disabled persons, (2) include the estimated costs of any needed modifications, or (3) contain provisions for the adjustment to reflect the actual cost of modifications to the replacement housing payment computation.
Arrangements for modifications to the replacement dwelling purchased by the displaced person may be made by either the individual or by the agency, and the agency shall provide reimbursement for the actual reasonable costs paid for such modifications. The agency could also elect to obtain bids or to contract directly for needed modifications.
Rental replacement housing should be provided in the same manner, with the consent of the landlord, or the rental assistance payment could be increased to appropriately compensate the landlord for any necessary modifications or accommodations necessary for the replacement property to be considered DSS. If a financial hardship would be created for the displaced person, the agency could provide an advance replacement housing payment for the needed modifications.

88. §24.401(c). If the replacement property purchased by the displaced person is a part of a property that contains another dwelling unit and/or space used for non-residential purposes or is located on a tract which is significantly larger than typical for residential purposes, must there be an adjustment to the purchase price of the replacement property to reflect the cost of the replacement dwelling for the replacement housing payment computation?

When the residential replacement property contains another dwelling unit and/or space used for non-residential (commercial/industrial) purposes, an adjustment to the price of the property shall be made to reflect the cost of the replacement dwelling and a typical dwelling site.
When the replacement residential property does not contain another dwelling unit or space used for non-residential purposes, but is significantly larger than a typical residential site, an adjustment to the price of the property may be appropriate.
In determining the need for an adjustment, the agency shall apply its policy uniformly to persons in like circumstances. The agency should be aware that the land in excess of a typical site might have a different unit value than land valued for residential use on a typical site.

89. §24.2(a)(20). Is a displaced person who holds a life estate in the displacement property an owner or a tenant?

A displaced person who holds a life estate is considered to be an owner. A person who holds a life estate has the right to occupy the property for life. A life estate may have been created and retained by a person who conveyed the remainder interest to another person; or the life estate may have been granted by another person. It makes no difference how the life estate was created. However, the replacement housing payment may depend upon the distribution of the acquisition payment in accordance with state law. Each agency should develop procedures in accordance with applicable law. The replacement housing payment computation should be sufficient to enable the displaced person to relocate as an owner with an interest at least equivalent to the interest held prior to the acquisition of the property by the agency. The payment computation will be based on the total amount of the acquisition payment for a dwelling comparable to the acquired dwelling. As an alternative, the agency may acquire a dwelling and provide a life estate to the displaced person. All such agreements should clearly establish the responsibilities and rights of each party.

90. §24.401(c). How much money must an owner-occupant with a partial interest in the acquired property spend in order to receive the maximum computed supplemental payment?

The owner-occupant with a partial interest must spend his/her share of the acquisition payment plus the computed supplemental payment in order to receive the maximum payment.

91. §24.401(c)(2). When an owner-occupant retains the displacement dwelling and moves it to the remainder or to a previously owned tract of land is the historical cost or the current fair market value of the replacement site used as the "acquisition cost" for the RHP computation?

The acquisition cost will be based on the current fair market value of the replacement site for residential use as determined by the agency. If an agency uses the buildable lot procedure in accordance with §24.403(a)(3), the value of the buildable remainder will have been added to the acquisition cost of the displacement dwelling for purposes of computing the replacement housing payment.

92. §24.401(d)(3). If the interest rate charged for a new mortgage exceeds the prevailing interest rate because the displaced person is a poor credit risk or for other similar reasons, may the actual rate be utilized when determining the amount of the mortgage interest differential payment?

The interest rate for a new mortgage should generally not exceed the current range of prevailing mortgage interest rates of lending institutions in the area of the replacement dwelling. If the displaced person's unique circumstances require payment of a higher interest rate and the agency determines that the additional cost could prevent the displaced person from obtaining comparable housing, the higher rate may be used as the basis for determination of the mortgage interest differential. The file should contain justification for the rate used. The agency must exercise reasonable, consistent latitude in these decisions and the computation of the payments.

93. §24.401. Are reverse mortgages eligible for increased interest payments, and is the cost to create such a loan on a replacement property eligible for payment of incidental costs?

A reverse mortgage, such as a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) home equity conversion mortgage (HECM) is a first mortgage lien. A property owner who has an HECM is entitled to be placed in similar circumstances. Therefore, payments to enable an in-kind replacement, including costs to create another HECM, are eligible expenses.
The agency may be required to supplement the equity position on the replacement home to the degree necessary for a comparable reverse mortgage to be written to provide the same monthly payment that the displacee was receiving at the displacement dwelling. Or the agency may be required to supplement the equity position to provide a similar "net available cash" position. Agency procedures should be developed to address how a reverse mortgage will be handled should one be encountered. To date very few reverse mortgages have been written.

94. §24.401(d) and in appendix A. How is the mortgage interest differential payment (MIDP) computed in instances where the displaced homeowner has a combination of several types mortgages on their acquired residence?

The current method for payment of increased costs for replacement home mortgages is to provide a lump-sum payment at the origination of the new mortgage that will enable displaced home owners to borrow a reduced amount so their monthly mortgage payment on the replacement home will remain the same as that at the acquired residence.
New loans with differing characteristics are currently available from mortgage companies. The relocation agent should work with the displacee to determine what is the best mortgage replacement available at the replacement dwelling. This may mean advising the displacee to consider a fixed rate mortgage at the replacement dwelling, especially in times of rising interest rates.
The FHWA is developing guidance on MIDP for variable rate mortgages. An important component of the calculation will depend on the mortgagee's selection of the replacement mortgage.

94. §24.401(d) and in appendix A. How is the mortgage interest differential payment (MIDP) computed in instances where the displaced homeowner has a combination of several types mortgages on their acquired residence?

The current method for payment of increased costs for replacement home mortgages is to provide a lump-sum payment at the origination of the new mortgage that will enable displaced home owners to borrow a reduced amount so their monthly mortgage payment on the replacement home will remain the same as that at the acquired residence.
New loans with differing characteristics are currently available from mortgage companies. The relocation agent should work with the displacee to determine the best mortgage replacement available at the replacement dwelling. This may mean advising the displacee to consider a fixed rate mortgage at the replacement dwelling, especially in times of rising interest rates.
The FHWA is developing guidance on MIDP for variable rate mortgages. An important component of the calculation will depend on the mortgagee's selection of the replacement mortgage.

95. §24.401(d). Is 49 CFR 24.401(d) and Appendix A, Section 24.401(d) consistent as it relates to the amount and term of the replacement mortgage required to receive the full amount of the increased mortgage interest payment?

Yes. The increased mortgage interest payment (also known as the mortgage interest differential, MIDP or MID) is based upon the unpaid mortgage balance on the displacement dwelling. The intent of Appendix A is to recognize the increased mortgage interest cost and provide a payment that will reduce the replacement mortgage balance in accordance with 49 CFR 24.401(d).
49 CFR 24.401(d)(5) provides that the agency shall inform the displaced person of the approximate amount of the MIDP payment and the conditions that must be met in order to receive the full amount of the payment. Each agency must develop appropriate measures to ensure proper documentation of increased mortgage interest expense.
If the replacement mortgage is less than the calculated buydown amount, the payment is pro-rated and reduced accordingly. The formula to determine the reduced buydown payment is: The (actual mortgage divided by the calculated mortgage amount) multiplied by the calculated buydown amount. An example of this calculation may be found in 49 CFR 24 Appendix A, Section 24.401(d). 

96. §24.401(d)(1). Is the increased mortgage interest payment pro-rated or otherwise reduced if the replacement mortgage amount is between the computed buydown amount and the displacement mortgage amount?

No. In accordance with 49 CFR 24.401(d)(1) and Appendix A, Section 24.401(d), an increased mortgage interest payment may only be reduced by pro-ration if the new mortgage amount is less than the calculated buydown amount. However 49 CFR 24.401(d)(5) provides that the agency shall inform the displaced person of the approximate amount of the MIDP payment and the conditions that must be met in order to receive the full amount of the payment. Each agency must develop appropriate measures to ensure proper documentation of increased mortgage interest expense. 

95. §24.401(e). Can the agency limit the reimbursement for all incidental expenses to those that would have been incurred incident to the purchase of a comparable replacement dwelling?

No. However, the incidental expenses of owner-occupants are limited to the expenses that would have been necessary for purchase of a comparable replacement dwelling for owner's or mortgagee's evidence of title, state revenue or documentary stamps, and sales or transfer taxes. Participation in incidental expenses should be limited to those that are actual, reasonable, and necessary and required by the mortgagee or necessary for the protection of the owner.
In accordance with §24.402(c)(2), tenants are eligible to receive reimbursement for incidental expenses related to the purchase of a replacement dwelling to the extent that the total payment, downpayment plus closing costs, does not exceed the amount of the computed rental assistance payment.

97. §24.401(e). Can the agency limit the reimbursement for all incidental expenses to those that would have been incurred incident to the purchase of a comparable replacement dwelling?

No. However, the incidental expenses of owner-occupants are limited to the expenses that would have been necessary for purchase of a comparable replacement dwelling for owner's or mortgagee's evidence of title, state revenue or documentary stamps, and sales or transfer taxes. Participation in incidental expenses should be limited to those that are actual, reasonable, and necessary and required by the mortgagee or necessary for the protection of the owner.
In accordance with §24.402(c)(2), tenants are eligible to receive reimbursement for incidental expenses related to the purchase of a replacement dwelling to the extent that the total payment, downpayment plus closing costs, does not exceed the amount of the computed rental assistance payment.

96. §24.401(e). Which of the incidental expenses for purchase of a replacement dwelling can be limited to what would be required to obtain a new mortgage in the same amount as the remaining balance of the mortgage on the acquired dwelling?

Incidental costs that can be limited are those additional costs incurred for a new mortgage that is greater than the remaining balance on the acquired dwelling. Examples include mortgage guarantee insurance premiums, loan origination or loan assumption fees, and purchaser's points. When there was no mortgage on the acquired dwelling, there is no requirement to reimburse mortgage costs on the replacement dwelling.

98. §24.401(e). Which of the incidental expenses for purchase of a replacement dwelling can be limited to what would be required to obtain a new mortgage in the same amount as the remaining balance of the mortgage on the acquired dwelling?

Incidental costs that can be limited are those additional costs incurred for a new mortgage that is greater than the remaining balance on the acquired dwelling. Examples include mortgage guarantee insurance premiums, loan origination or loan assumption fees, and purchaser's points. When there was no mortgage on the acquired dwelling, there is no requirement to reimburse mortgage costs on the replacement dwelling.

97. §24.401(e). Can a lump-sum payment for mortgage guarantee insurance be included as an incidental expense?

Yes. Required lump-sum payments for mortgage guarantee insurance may be included as part of the mortgage interest differential payment (MIDP), if they are necessary for the displacee to obtain financing. For those paid to an owner-occupant, any payment made should be based upon the computed replacement mortgage for MIDP purposes or the new mortgage, whichever amount is less. Payments to tenants may be made if the computed rental assistance payment is sufficient to cover this expense.

99. §24.401(e). Can a lump-sum payment for mortgage guarantee insurance be included as an incidental expense?

Yes. Required lump-sum payments for mortgage guarantee insurance may be included as part of the mortgage interest differential payment (MIDP), if they are necessary for the displacee to obtain financing. For those paid to an owner-occupant, any payment made should be based upon the computed replacement mortgage for MIDP purposes or the new mortgage, whichever amount is less. Payments to tenants may be made if the computed rental assistance payment is sufficient to cover this expense.

98. §24.401(f). If an owner occupant of at least 180 days elects to rent a replacement dwelling, do you consider the owner's income in the calculation of the replacement housing payment?

No. The income of an owner who elects to rent a replacement dwelling is not considered in the calculation of a rent supplement for a 180-day owner. The income test is not appropriate to use for an owner who goes from an owner to a tenant status. The amount of the rental assistance payment is based on a determination of market rent for the acquired dwelling compared to a comparable rental dwelling available on the market. There is no income test for owners, and it was not the intent of this subpart to impose such as test.

100. §24.401(f). If an owner occupant of at least 180 days elects to rent a replacement dwelling, do you consider the owner's income in the calculation of the replacement housing payment?

No. The income of an owner who elects to rent a replacement dwelling is not considered in the calculation of a rent supplement for a 180-day owner. The income test is not appropriate to use for an owner who goes from an owner to a tenant status. The amount of the rental assistance payment is based on a determination of market rent for the acquired dwelling compared to a comparable rental dwelling available on the market. There is no income test for owners, and it was not the intent of this subpart to impose such as test.

99. §24.402(c). What are the limitations on the payment of incidental expenses for a tenant who elects to purchase a replacement dwelling?

All incidental expenses actually incurred by a tenant for the purchase of a replacement dwelling and which are customarily paid by the buyer, can be included in the computation of down payment assistance to the extent the total payment does not exceed the amount of the computed rental assistance.

101. §24.402(c). What are the limitations on the payment of incidental expenses for a tenant who elects to purchase a replacement dwelling?

All incidental expenses actually incurred by a tenant for the purchase of a replacement dwelling and which are customarily paid by the buyer, can be included in the computation of down payment assistance to the extent the total payment does not exceed the amount of the computed rental assistance.

100. §24.402(c)(2). Are loan origination fees incurred by a tenant in the purchase of a replacement dwelling eligible for reimbursement as incidental expenses?

Yes. §24.401(e)(3) and §24.401(e)(9) provide for payment of loan origination fees and other similar costs the agency determines to be incidental to the purchase. The total payment for a tenant may not exceed the amount computed under §24.402(c).

102. §24.402(c)(2). Are loan origination fees incurred by a tenant in the purchase of a replacement dwelling eligible for reimbursement as incidental expenses?

Yes. §24.401(e)(3) and §24.401(e)(9) provide for payment of loan origination fees and other similar costs the agency determines to be incidental to the purchase. The total payment for a tenant may not exceed the amount computed under §24.402(c).

101. §24.2(a)(6) and appendix A, §24.2(a)(6)(ix). Can a person receiving government housing assistance before displacement, be offered a replacement dwelling that reflects similar government housing assistance and conditions?

Yes. In the case of a person receiving government housing assistance a comparable replacement dwelling may include a dwelling that reflects similar government housing assistance. A public housing unit may qualify as a comparable replacement dwelling only for a person displaced from a public housing unit. A privately owned dwelling unit with a housing subsidy tied to the unit may qualify as a comparable replacement dwelling only for a person displaced from a similarly subsidized unit or public housing. In such cases any requirements of the government housing assistance program, related to the size of the replacement dwelling would apply. Further, nothing prevents any fully informed displaced person not previously receiving government housing assistance from accepting such assistance. Additional details are provided in appendix A, §24.2(a)(6)(ix). If a person is no longer eligible for government housing assistance, a comparable replacement dwelling from the private market should be made available.

103. §24.2(a)(6) and appendix A, §24.2(a)(6)(ix). Can a person receiving government housing assistance before displacement, be offered a replacement dwelling that reflects similar government housing assistance and conditions?

Yes. In the case of a person receiving government housing assistance a comparable replacement dwelling may include a dwelling that reflects similar government housing assistance. A public housing unit may qualify as a comparable replacement dwelling only for a person displaced from a public housing unit. A privately owned dwelling unit with a housing subsidy tied to the unit may qualify as a comparable replacement dwelling only for a person displaced from a similarly subsidized unit or public housing. In such cases any requirements of the government housing assistance program, related to the size of the replacement dwelling would apply. Further, nothing prevents any fully informed displaced person not previously receiving government housing assistance from accepting such assistance. Additional details are provided in appendix A, §24.2(a)(6)(ix). If a person is no longer eligible for government housing assistance, a comparable replacement dwelling from the private market should be made available.

102. §24.402(c). Is a displaced person whose rental assistance payment is determined to be zero, eligible for a downpayment assistance payment for the purchase of a replacement home?

Yes. Any eligible displaced person whose rental assistance payment is determine to be zero may qualify for downpayment assistance of up to $5,250 at the agency's discretion. One of the objectives of the Uniform Act is to provide assistance to displaced tenants in order to become homeowners. The regulation provides that any rental assistance payment that is calculated to be less than $5,250, and is to be used for downpayment assistance, may be increased to any amount not to exceed $5,250 as a downpayment, at the agency's discretion. If the agency elects to provide the maximum payment of $5,250 as a downpayment, the agency must apply this policy in a uniform and consistent manner, so that eligible displaced persons in like circumstances are treated equally. The full amount of the downpayment assistance must be applied towards the purchase price of the replacement dwelling and related incidental expenses. The agency must also provide relocation advisory services in compliance with §24.205(c)(iv) to minimize hardships to such persons in adjusting to relocation.

104. §24.402(c). Is a displaced person whose rental assistance payment is determined to be zero, eligible for a downpayment assistance payment for the purchase of a replacement home?

Yes. Any eligible displaced person whose rental assistance payment is determined to be zero may qualify for downpayment assistance of up to $5,250 at the agency's discretion. One of the objectives of the Uniform Act is to provide assistance to displaced tenants in order to become homeowners. The regulation provides that any rental assistance payment that is calculated to be less than $5,250, and is to be used for downpayment assistance, may be increased to any amount not to exceed $5,250 as a downpayment, at the agency's discretion. If the agency elects to provide the maximum payment of $5,250 as a downpayment, the agency must apply this policy in a uniform and consistent manner, so that eligible displaced persons in like circumstances are treated equally. The full amount of the downpayment assistance must be applied towards the purchase price of the replacement dwelling and related incidental expenses. The agency must also provide relocation advisory services in compliance with §24.205(c)(iv) to minimize hardships to such persons in adjusting to relocation.

103. §24.402(b)(2)(ii). What is excluded from household income when calculating the replacement housing payment for low-income tenants?

Household income does not include income received or earned by dependent children or full-time students under 18 years old, §24.2(a)(14). However, full-time students over 18 may be assumed to be a dependent, unless the person demonstrates otherwise.It also does not include benefits that are not considered income by Federal law, such as food stamps, or the Women Infants and Children (WIC) program. For a more detailed list of income exclusions, see Federally Mandated Exclusions from Income under Real Estate Topics of Special Interest on http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/realestate.

105. §24.402(b)(2)(ii). What is excluded from household income when calculating the replacement housing payment for low-income tenants?

Household income does not include income received or earned by dependent children or full-time students under 18 years old, §24.2(a)(14). However, full-time students over 18 may be assumed to be a dependent, unless the person demonstrates otherwise. It also does not include benefits that are not considered income by Federal law, such as food stamps, or the Women Infants and Children (WIC) program. For a more detailed list of income exclusions, see Federally Mandated Exclusions from Income under Real Estate Topics of Special Interest on http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/realestate.

104. §24.402(c). Can an occupant using HUD Section 8 housing, whose Uniform Act rental supplement is computed to be zero (based on returning to HUD Section 8 housing) elect to purchase in the private sector and qualify for a down payment up to $5,250?

Yes, provided the agency decided to use the option provided in this section to increase any downpayment assistance up to $5,250 to support a tenant purchasing a replacement property. Appendix A contains the conditions the agency should consider to assure its policy regarding providing this additional benefit is applied uniformly.

106. §24.402(c). Can an occupant using HUD Section 8 housing, whose Uniform Act rental supplement is computed to be zero (based on returning to HUD Section 8 housing) elect to purchase in the private sector and qualify for a down payment up to $5,250?

Yes, provided the agency decided to use the option provision in this section to increase any downpayment assistance up to $5,250 to support a tenant purchasing a replacement property. Appendix A contains the conditions the agency should consider to assure its policy regarding providing this additional benefit is applied uniformly.

105. §24.403(a)(6). In addition to advanced relocation payments, can the agency deduct rent due from the displacee if it does not create a situation that would prevent the displacee from relocating?

No. Relocation payments are separate from other obligations, and, even if the displacee had been a tenant of the agency, the use of relocation funds to satisfy those obligations is not permitted.

107. §24.403(a)(6). In addition to advanced relocation payments, can the agency deduct rent due from the displacee if it does not create a situation that would prevent the displacee from relocating?

No. Relocation payments are separate from other obligations, and, even if the displacee had been a tenant of the agency, the use of relocation funds to satisfy those obligations is not permitted.

106. §24.403(a)(2). Can an alternative procedure which would enable the displaced person to replace a major exterior attribute be utilized for determining the replacement housing payment in cases where the comparable replacement dwelling site lacks a major exterior attribute of the displacement dwelling?

No. §24.403(a)(2) requires that the value of major attributes be subtracted from the acquisition price of the displacement dwelling for purposes of computing the replacement housing payment if the comparable replacement dwelling site lacks such major exterior attribute. The agency should always attempt to locate a comparable dwelling with the attribute before selecting a dwelling without the attribute.

108. §24.403(a)(2). Can an alternative procedure which would enable the displaced person to replace a major exterior attribute be utilized for determining the replacement housing payment in cases where the comparable replacement dwelling site lacks a major exterior attribute of the displacement dwelling?

No. §24.403(a)(2) requires that the value of major attributes be subtracted from the acquisition price of the displacement dwelling for purposes of computing the replacement housing payment if the comparable replacement dwelling site lacks such major exterior attribute. The agency should always attempt to locate a comparable dwelling with the attribute before selecting a dwelling without the attribute.

107. §24.403(a)(5). What is the intent of the paragraph regarding multiple occupants of one displacement dwelling?

In general, all of the occupants of a single dwelling unit should be considered one family for purposes of payment calculations. However, two or more occupants of a dwelling may maintain separate households within that dwelling. If they do, they have separate entitlement to relocation payments. The agency is responsible for determining the number of households in a dwelling based on the use of the dwelling, the relationship of the occupants, and any other information that may be obtained. The payment computation for each household should be based on the part of the dwelling that the household occupies and the space that is shared with others. An attempt should be made to locate similar comparable DSS living facilities. The record should be sufficiently documented to support the decision reached.

109. §24.403(a)(5). What is the intent of the paragraph regarding multiple occupants of one displacement dwelling?

In general, all of the occupants of a single dwelling unit should be considered one family for purposes of payment calculations. However, two or more occupants of a dwelling may maintain separate households within that dwelling. If they do, they have separate entitlement to relocation payments. The agency is responsible for determining the number of households in a dwelling based on the use of the dwelling, the relationship of the occupants, and any other information that may be obtained. The payment computation for each household should be based on the part of the dwelling that the household occupies and the space that is shared with others. An attempt should be made to locate similar comparable DSS living facilities. The record should be sufficiently documented to support the decision reached.

108. §24.403(c). Will the purchase and occupancy of a motor home or a boat meet the requirement for purchase of a replacement dwelling?

A motor home or a boat capable of providing living accommodations may be considered a replacement dwelling if (a) the motor home or boat is purchased and occupied as the primary place of residence; (b) the motor home or boat is located on a purchased or leased site and connected to all necessary utilities for functioning as a housing unit on the date of the agency's inspection, and (c) the dwelling, as sited, meets all local, State, and Federal requirements for a DSS dwelling. It should be noted that the regulations of some local jurisdictions would not permit the consideration of these vehicles as DSS dwellings.
A motor home or a boat designed to provide living accommodations may also meet the requirement of a rental replacement dwelling if it is occupied as the primary place of residence and qualifies under (b) and (c) above.

110. §24.403(c). Will the purchase and occupancy of a motor home or a boat meet the requirement for purchase of a replacement dwelling?

A motor home or a boat capable of providing living accommodations may be considered a replacement dwelling if (a) the motor home or boat is purchased and occupied as the primary place of residence; (b) the motor home or boat is located on a purchased or leased site and connected to all necessary utilities for functioning as a housing unit on the date of the agency's inspection, and (c) the dwelling, as sited, meets all local, State, and Federal requirements for a DSS dwelling. It should be noted that the regulations of some local jurisdictions would not permit the consideration of these vehicles as DSS dwellings.
A motor home or a boat designed to provide living accommodations may also meet the requirement of a rental replacement dwelling if it is occupied as the primary place of residence and qualifies under (b) and (c) above.

109. Appendix A, §24.404(b). How do you relocate a partial owner-occupant who cannot afford to finance a replacement dwelling? Can a direct loan under the provision of §24.404(c) be provided?

If an agency determines that the relocation of a partial owner-occupant should be as an owner, the agency may provide a direct loan, lien or other financial assistance under §24.404(c) if other financing is not available to the person, in addition to the computed replacement housing payment. A partial owner-occupant who cannot afford to purchase comparable replacement housing may be relocated as a tenant and provided a rental assistance payment in accordance with §24.402.

111. Appendix A, §24.404(b). How do you relocate a partial owner-occupant who cannot afford to finance a replacement dwelling? Can a direct loan under the provision of §24.404(c) be provided?

If an agency determines that the relocation of a partial owner-occupant should be as an owner, the agency may provide a direct loan, lien or other financial assistance under §24.404(c) if other financing is not available to the person, in addition to the computed replacement housing payment. A partial owner-occupant who cannot afford to purchase comparable replacement housing may be relocated as a tenant and provided a rental assistance payment in accordance with §24.402.

110. §24.404(c)(iv). Can a direct loan as provided for in this section be used as a substitute for a replacement housing payment?

No. A direct loan would be provided in addition to any replacement housing payment computed for the displaced person. A direct loan may be provided under housing of last resort if financing is not otherwise available to the displaced person. It cannot be used as a substitute for a replacement housing payment.

112. §24.404(c)(iv). Can a direct loan as provided for in this section be used as a substitute for a replacement housing payment?

No. A direct loan would be provided in addition to any replacement housing payment computed for the displaced person. A direct loan may be provided under housing of last resort if financing is not otherwise available to the displaced person. It cannot be used as a substitute for a replacement housing payment.

111. §24.404(c). Are there other ways to assist displaced persons to purchase and occupy replacement housing other than the ones listed in §24.404(c)?

Yes. The agency has many options for assisting people to become owners of replacement dwellings. A first mortgage or a lien can be placed on a property that would become due and payable if the displaced person ceased to occupy the property or conveyed or sold the property to someone else. A life estate, based on the displaced person's life, could be offered in a property owned or purchased by an agency. The displaced person would have the right to occupy the property until death when the full ownership of the property would revert to the agency for other uses or sale. The agency could also "buy down" the interest or the mortgage of a property with a financing agency to make the payments affordable for the displaced person. Or the agency could initiate mortgage financing for a displaced person and then sell the mortgage to a person or institution who would become the new mortgagee. Several agencies have also assisted displaced persons in establishing credit at credit unions that then financed the mortgages for them.
It is recommended that agencies use the provisions of housing of last resort to maximize housing opportunities in a cost efficient manner.

113. §24.404(c). Are there other ways to assist displaced persons to purchase and occupy replacement housing other than the ones listed in §24.404(c)?

Yes. The agency has many options for assisting people to become owners of replacement dwellings. A first mortgage or a lien can be placed on a property that would become due and payable if the displaced person ceased to occupy the property or conveyed or sold the property to someone else. A life estate, based on the displaced person's life, could be offered in a property owned or purchased by an agency. The displaced person would have the right to occupy the property until death when the full ownership of the property would revert to the agency for other uses or sale. The agency could also "buy down" the interest or the mortgage of a property with a financing agency to make the payments affordable for the displaced person. Or the agency could initiate mortgage financing for a displaced person and then sell the mortgage to a person or institution who would become the new mortgagee. Several agencies have also assisted displaced persons in establishing credit at credit unions that then financed the mortgages for them.
It is recommended that agencies use the provisions of housing of last resort to maximize housing opportunities in a cost efficient manner.