Important Updates from EHA
Effective December 27, 2022: HUD requires Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors in units in accordance with the International Fire Code (IFC) 2018 standards on the installation of CO detectors.
Inspections
As a reminder, EHA will be inspecting to ensure all voucher assisted units have CO detectors during HQS inspections to ensure compliance with Washington State and HUD regulations. If a unit is found to be missing the required CO detector, a 24-hour Emergency Fail will be issued for each instance and the unit will be re-inspected or documentation of compliance will be required to be submitted the following day.

Washington State has required all rental units to have CO detectors in place since 2013. This applies even if the unit does not have a fuel burning appliance or attached garage. More information and resources can be found on the Washington State Department of Health Tenant and Landlord Resources page.
VAWA Obligations
Under VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), applicants and tenants of certain HUD rental assistance programs may not be denied housing, evicted, or have their housing assistance terminated because they have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or
stalking. Additionally, survivors must be able to access certain remedies, such as the ability to request an emergency transfer for safety reasons related to the violence. These protections apply to all victims of domestic violence, regardless of gender. If you are unclear on VAWA's protections or have questions, visit their newly launched webpage that features FAWs on VAWA housing protections, VAWA trainings, related forms and legal authorities, as well as referrals to direct services for survivors.
Public Comment: MTW Supplement and Affordable Housing Payment Standard
EHA is requesting a waiver that will implement two payment standards: a market rate payment standard, and a separate affordable housing payment standard that will apply to low-income housing tax credit units (other than those owned or controlled by a PHA) with an income set-aside of 60% AMI or less. This will only apply to tenant-based voucher tenancies, not tenancies under the project-based voucher program. For the upcoming fiscal year, EHA will set the affordable payment standard at 90% of the metro area fair market rent for each
bedroom size. EHA will review fair market rents annually in comparison to 60% area median income tax credit limits when setting the affordable housing payment standard.

View the MTW Supplement here. Send any comments and feedback by replying to this email or emailing MTW@evha.org.
Next Issue: Landlord Satisfaction Survey
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