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Community Feedback on Tacoma Housing Authority's Property Waitlists
THA's wait list is currently closed. We are considering some changes when we reopen the wait list.
*Policies will allow for exceptions when necessary for Reasonable Accomodation
1.
Should THA continue Property Waiting Lists?
THA uses a wait list for its property based subsidies where applicants can indicate preferred building(s) at application and their required bedrooms once they reach the top of the list. Wait lists offer an equitable opportunity for people to apply for housing, but can also increase applicant wait time.
(Required.)
Yes, but manage lists based on bedroom size rather than specific buildings/locations
No, discontinue property wait lists entirely
Yes, keep lists by building
2.
Should THA continue the consolidated wait list?
THA’s property waitlists have been consolidated into one list and sorted by bedroom count.
(Required.)
Yes, keep consolidated list
No, do not consolidate
Other (please specify)
3.
Should THA continue to offer HOP subsidies to property wait list applicants?
THA currently offers a Housing Opportunity Program (HOP) subsidy when they become available to applicants who are on the property wait list, allowing clients to rent from a private landlord. If the applicant excepts the HOP subsidy they are removed from the wait list once they are leased up.
Yes, continue to offer the HOP subsidy to property wait list applicants
No, don't offer a HOP subsidy to property wait list applicants
4.
When should THA remove someone from the waiting list because they are “housed”?
THA’s current definition of “housed” is when a resident is renting a THA unit, or is receiving a housing assistance voucher. However, a client can have a HOP subsidy and remain on the property wait list for a unit of their choice.
(Required.)
Someone is housed when they are issued a HOP voucher (no longer allowing residents to receive a HOP voucher AND remain on property list)
When they are housed in a THA property unit only, this would allow clients to be receiving a HOP subsidy & waiting for a THA unit
When they are housed/assisted by THA in any way (unit or voucher)
5.
Should THA revise its definition of 'Good Cause'?
'Good Cause' refers to a set of reasons or circumstances that THA allows applicants to use in order to turn down an offer of a property unit if necessary (such as job and child care locations). This does not include a person being in a lease that has penalties for exiting early.
Revise to include being in a lease
Leave as is
6.
Should THA revise its turn down policy?
THA currently allows households to ‘turn down’ an offer of a unit an unlimited amount of times if it's NOT the applicants desired building AND there is 'good cause',. An applicant can turn down once if it's the applicants building of choice.
Limiting the amount of times people can turn down a unit helps keep the wait lists updated and cycling.
(Required.)
Remove an applicant from the list if they decline a unit without 'good cause'
Allow applicant to decline a unit only once for 'good cause'
No, do not revise the turn down policy
7.
Should THA adopt one Occupancy Standard?
THA’s Occupancy Standard for its Housing Opportunity Program (HOP) subsidy allows for two people per bedroom, while the Occupancy Standard for property based assistance requires separate bedrooms based on age and sex of occupants. Using the HOP standard (two heartbeats per bedroom) would allow THA to house more people, and create a fair standard across THA’s programs.
(Required.)
Yes, use HOP occupancy standard for properties also
Keep property occupancy standard
No, keep standards different for each program; HOP standard & property standard
Other (please specify)
8.
Should THA require applicants to check in quarterly?
THA is currently working on a client portal that would allow applicants to easily update information and check in. It is proposed applicants will be removed from wait list if they do not check in once a quarter when the portal is active. An applicant can appeal to be reinstated if removed.
(Required.)
Yes, remove if applicant does not check in
No, do not remove due to no check in
9.
Should THA change its reinstatement policy?
THA’s current reinstatement policy allows applicants removed from wait list to appeal up to 12 months after and be reinstated back into their same spot on the waitlist. Reasons allowing for reinstatement include but are not limited to, not receiving notices from THA or not notifying THA of change in address.
THA asks applicants to update information to remain on the waitlists regularly and some applicants fail to update, resulting in an appeal and possible reinstatement.
(Required.)
Yes, change reinstatement period for appeal to up to 6 months
No, keep reinstatement period up to 12 months
10.
Additional Comments/Suggestions about THA'S Waitlists
