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Resident Rights

The DC Housing Authority (DCHA) is committed to maintaining the rights of our public housing residents. DCHA may reposition – or change – a community’s HUD subsidy from public housing to vouchers to support the preservation of affordable housing units.  

When a specific community’s subsidy changes, DCHA secures a more predictable and stable income stream. It also allows DCHA to better access funds necessary to address a property’s capital needs.  

The subsidy change is essential for DCHA to access funds to redevelop, renovate, rehabilitate and/or modernize our public housing portfolio.  

Regardless of the method for changing subsidy, the rights of the residents will remain the same.  

Right to Quality Housing
Residents have a right to high quality housing when the HUD subsidy changes. This means that the properties will be preserved long-term and meet safety standards.

Your Right to Return
If your home is part of a HUD subsidy change, your family has the right to return to a rehabilitated unit at your property. While your building is being fixed or modernized, you may have to move temporarily to a different unit on-site or elsewhere. DCHA will not rescreen current residents when they return to their property.

Your Rent
After the HUD subsidy change, you will pay about 30% of your household income for rent. If your new monthly rent is either 10% (or $25) more than your current rent, you will not pay your new rent immediately. The new rent will be phased in over five years.

Your Right to Know
DCHA will share information and updates during this process. DCHA will hold resident meetings. DCHA will share documents for these meetings at least seven days before the meeting or 48 hours before an emergency meeting.

You Have a Say
You have a voice in what’s happening. As DCHA keeps residents informed about the changes at your property, we want your feedback and input, too. Our residents are our partners in this process! Residents can organize into groups so that they can better voice their feedback, raise issues, and take part in meetings.

No Discrimination
During the HUD subsidy change, you cannot be treated unfairly because of your race, color, religion, sex, family status, disability, or where you’re from. Everyone has equal rights under the law. 

Help During Moves
If you need to move as part of the subsidy change to your property, DCHA will pay for moving costs. Your family may return to the property when the work is done. 

These rights are required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

 

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