In this series of #TuesdayTips, Corporate Trainer Vickie Bell shares what Relationship Managers with Navigate will look for in Tenant Selection Plans during Management and Occupancy Reviews.

First, Vickie recommends owners and agents consult Chapter 4 of the HUD handbook *BEFORE* you begin updating Tenant Selection Plans.

After consulting the handbook, these are the following topics owners and agents should consider including:

• Program Type- Plans should designate what type of program your property is listed.
• Citizenship- Plans should clearly outline citizenship requirements for eligibility.
• Social Security Requirements- These mandates have been updated. Plans should reflect the updates.
• Student Eligibility- Plans should include updates regarding student eligibility.
• Income Limits- These are released each year by HUD. Plans should include the most up to date income limits.

Moreover, updates should include specific language about Income Targeting. Owners and Agents waiting lists and applications will both likely require some tweaks as well.

Applications & Waiting Lists

• Applications and Waiting Lists will likely require some updates.
• The process for application acceptance needs to be detailed in TSP updates. For example, what order applications are accepted. Also, detail how applicants are placed on waiting lists on property.
• Owners and Agents: Make sure all applications are dated and timed.
• In addition, HUD requires TSP’s to include property preference.
• Applications must ask for every state applicants have lived in.
• Existing Tenant Search is still required.

Finally, Tenant Selection Plans should detail the application rejection process.

In order to stay HOTMA compliant, owners and agents will need to rewrite rejection letters. As you update your plan, be ready to explicitly detail the unit transfer process. This section should clearly explain to applicants that in house residents have priority over those on waiting lists. Next, thoroughly explain reasonable accommodations vs. pets on property.