The Trainer

Complying with TRACS, Building Strong Resident-Management Relationship

In this month's feature, we discussed how to comply with the Tenant Rental Assistance Certification System (TRACS), which HUD designed to help improve financial controls over assisted housing programs through automation. Under TRACS 202C, which was implemented from December 2008 to March 31, 2009, HUD clarified instructions on several certification issues, including dual subsidy and move-in/move-out date, mid-month change in household composition, and voucher payments for late certifications.

In our article on working with residents, we stressed that establishing a suitable living environment for your residents involves building and maintaining an excellent cooperative relationship at your site. We noted that HUD recommends that you:

• Promote enhanced communications. Residents should be given the opportunity to voice their views and concerns.
• Increase resident access to management. Easy access can prevent problems from escalating.
• Ensure proper consideration and acknowledgement of resident output. Don't just give lip service to ideas put forth by residents—follow up.

TRAINER'S QUIZ

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the questions below has only one correct answer. On a separate sheet of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you have chosen—for example, (1) b, (2) a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

Fill in the blank: If you receive a notice from your contract administrator that one of your residents has moved to another subsidized site, you should _______________.

1. contact the manager of the other site.

2. wait for a month to determine whether the resident really has moved.

3. investigate immediately.

QUESTION #2

For mid-month changes in household composition involving household swaps, you should process only one interim certification. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #3

Fill in the blank: Under the latest HUD rules, when a sole household member dies, assistance must be prorated to _______________.

1. the day the unit is vacated.

2. 14 days after the date of death.

3. the day the unit is vacated or 14 days after the date of death, whichever is sooner.

QUESTION #4

HUD has clarified that the GR 59-A transactions can be sent together, on one voucher, even if all signatures have not been obtained. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #5

Fill in the blank: HUD regulations stipulate that owners must notify residents if they are proposing to _______________.

1. increase maximum permissible rents.

2. convert from project-paid utilities to resident-paid utilities.

3. convert residential units to nonresident use.

4. All of the above.

QUESTION #6

Fill in the blank: The Right to Organize regulations concern the right of tenants to _______________.

1. engage in activities such as leafleting.

2. apply for certification with the National Labor Relations Board.

3. block the entrance to the site to prevent residents from entering.

QUESTION #7

As an owner or manager, you don't have to deal with tenant associations unless you choose to. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #8

There is little need any more to train frontline managers on the rights of residents. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.