Factors for 2017 will be release at the same time as the FY 2017 OCAF. Multifamily Housing recognizes the difficulties associated with obtaining utility data from utility companies and tenant households. Regulations also require owners to request a utility allowance adjustment when an analysis indicates that utility rate changes would result in a 10% increase in the utility allowance. In addition, HUD may allow a management add-on fee when an O/A collects and reports data. FOIA | The webcast covers: The HOME regulatory requirements for calculating a utility allowance at 24 CFR 92.252(d)(1) and the guidance in HOMEfires Vol. NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF APPROVED CHANGE IN UTILITY ALLOWANCE . HUD 92273-E . Date of Notice . The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Housing permits owners/agents to use Utility Allowance Factors (UAFs) for projects subject to the requirements found in Housing’s Utility Analysis Notice. Currently HUD has annual utility outlays exceeding $6 billion per year. Currently, a new utility allowance baseline must be set every third year. The fee is limited to $1 per unit per month up to $1,000 per property. Baseline Analysis Owners/Agents (O/A) are required to submit documentation… Answer:Utility allowance phase-in eligibility is determined at the time of the first baseline analysis after implementation of Housing Notice 2015-04 only. 2. A factor-based utility analysis entails adjusting the utility allowance during those two years using a state-specific increase factor called the Utility Allowance Factor (UAF) provided by HUD. LeadingAge 2519 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008 • 202-783-2242 • info@leadingage.org • Privacy Policy The FY 2021 Multifamily Utility Allowance Factors, used to adjust baseline utility allowances prepared in accordance with Housing Notice 2015-04, are also now available. This option is based on guidance established by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 42 Utility Allowance Regulations Update. HUD recognizes that utility data may be impossible to obtain as part of a required UA baseline. Owners/Agents can use HUD-5381 as a model to develop their own Emergency Transfer Plan. This analysis is also used for the USDA Rural Housing Service program and allowed for LIHTC projects per IRS regulations at 26 CFR 1.42-10(b)(3). The notice describes when owners/agents of Multifamily Housing properties that receive a utility allowance may use the published UAFs to adjust these allowances. Accessibility | SAMPLE NOTICE TO TENANTS OF INTENTION TO SUBMIT A REQUEST TO HUD FOR APPROVAL OF A DECREASE IN THE TENANT UTILITY ALLOWANCE . Reference: PROPERTY Date of Notice: DATE. In other words, if the cost of water increases by more than 10% that increase in combination with another utility, i.e., electricity or gas, might not result in a utility allowance increase greater than 10%. Annual Adjustment Factor (AAF) Notice – H2002-10 14. The regulations include utility costs as a component of housing cost. For the most updated Utility Allowance Factors, visit HUD’s Data Set Website HERE. 36. Web Management and Web Policies | As already required by regulation, households must provide utility documentation requested by the O/A. If a utility allowance decrease is greater than 15% of the most recent utility allowance, and that decrease is equal to or greater than $10, the decrease must be phased-in so that no one-year decrease is greater than 15%. Also, the UAF will not automatically be applied to the prior year UA. Going forward, Utility Allowance Factors (UAF) will be effective on the same date as the OCAF, which is typically February 11 of each year. HUD's Section 8 Renewal Guidebook. The dataset is based on information published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. O/As must request utility data from either the utility company or tenants for at least the number of units required by the sample size methodology. The FY 2021 Multifamily Utility Allowance Factors, which may be used to adjust baseline utility allowances prepared in accordance with Housing Notice 2015-04, are also now available on HUDUser. The current HUSM is a web application that uses correlations and regression techniques to calculate allowances for end-uses, as specified on form HUD-52667 (Allowances for Tenant-Furnished Utilities and Other Services). Households must disclose whether they are receiving utility assistance from non-HUD sources. Deputy Assistant Secretary Metcalf’s Memorandum is at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=Memo_on_UA_Notice.pdf, Utility Allowance Analysis Guidance at HUD-assisted Multifamily Properties, Campaign for Housing and Community Development Funding, http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=15-04hsgn.pdf, http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=Attach_A_Sample_Workbook.pdf, http://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/AttachmentB_Tenant-Utility-Information_070615.pdf, http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=Memo_on_UA_Notice.pdf. This add-on fee is available only in the year when the new utility allowance methodology described in the Notice is first implemented. For the two years after the baseline utility allowance is established, O/As have the option to again obtain data from utilities or tenants to determine utility allowances, or to perform a factor-based utility analysis. Notice H-2015-04: Methodology for Completing a Multifamily Housing Utility Analysis : Attachment A : Sample Utility Analysis Submission Workbook : Attachment B : Sample Release of Tenant Utility Information: FAQ : HUD NOTICE 2015-04: SAMPLE LETTER : SAMPLE UA 30 Decrease notice to Tenants: Owner Certification: When an adjustment to the utility allowance results in a decrease, an owner must follow existing regulations regarding notice to tenants. 13, No. P.O. (1) The PHA must maintain a utility allowance schedule for all tenant-paid utilities (except telephone), for cost of tenant-supplied refrigerators and ranges, and for other tenant-paid housing services (e.g., trash collection (disposal of waste and refuse)). The latest version of Attachment A is at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=Attach_A_Sample_Workbook.pdf, and the latest version of Attachment B is at http://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/AttachmentB_Tenant-Utility-Information_070615.pdf. Overview of HUD Notice H-2015-04 At this time, the total decrease should be examined to determine if the decrease is more than 15% or $10 from the last utility allowance provided. Contact Info | The additional information relates to six areas of the original HUD Notice. Owners/agents will determine their utility and state specific UAF and apply the published UAF to their existing allowance for the utility allowance they are adjusting. These guidelines will aid HUD in exploring methods to decrease utility spending and property operating costs, as well as improve water and energy efficiency in multifamily affordable housing (most notably, project-based Section 8). The notice describes when owners/agents of Multifamily Housing properties that receive a utility allowance may use the published UAFs to adjust these allowances. The Notice states that HUD’s annual outlay for utilities is greater than $6 billion. To that end, HUD notes that accurate utility data collection and analysis is important, offering O/As an opportunity to reevaluate property energy use and make efforts to conserve. Therefore, HUD is exploring ways to make the HUD Multifamily portfolio more energy and water efficient, in order to reduce O/A’s operating costs and thus HUD outlays. Also released was a memorandum from Deputy Assistant Secretary Benjamin Metcalf announcing two means for compensating O/As for collecting and reporting utility data. Privacy Policy | Notice H-2015-04 provides the requested standards and tools. This webcast demonstrates how to use the HUD Utility Schedule Model to calculate utility allowances for HOME-assisted rental projects. After subtracting out any phased reduction in the utility allowance, the resulting figure is multiplied by the UAF during years two and three of the three-year cycle. HUD Guidance . HUD modified Attachments A and B after issuing the Notice. Methodology for Completing a Multifamily Housing Utility Analysis H 2015-04 (June 22, 2015) ... calculated the new utility allowances. HUD Notice 2015-04 - Methodology for Completing a Multifamily Housing Utility Analysis Frequently Asked Questions for New Methodology A – Sample Utility Analysis Submission Workbook B – Sample Release of Tenant Utility Information ... this is the case, these unit types should be considered individually. 1 Housing Notice 2015-04 requires annual adjustments of property utility allowances based on a utility analysis, requires notice to tenants for any utility allowance decrease and a phase-in of certain decreases, and provides instruction for properties undergoing new construction or substantial rehabilitation to establish initial utility allowances based on an energy consumption model to be … The Notice has a sample tenant release form. Toll Free: 1-800-245-2691    TDD: 1-800-927-7589 HUD has provided updated information to HUD Notice H-2015-04, Methodology for Completing a Multifamily Housing Utility Allowance. The notice describes when owners/agents of Multifamily Housing properties that receive a utility allowance may use the published UAFs to adjust these allowances. Guidance documents are intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies. This Notice provides guidance to HUD multifamily assisted housing industry partners on electronic signatures, electronic transmission, and electronic storage of documents as … This Notice provides a national standard/methodology for an HUD Utility Allowance Methodology issued June 2015 Background In September 2014, HUD issued a notice containing new draft methodology for completing a multifamily housing utility analysis (UA). Please select and read the below memorandum for a summary of the important changes outlined in the Notice. Although the guidance is for owners and O/As, residents of multifamily-assisted properties and advocates should be aware of the key features. “Cumulatively” means all utilities for a unit. Multifamily Housing Utility Analysis: In 2015, HUD published Multifamily Notice H-2015-4 to provide instructions to owners and management agents for completing the required utility analysis. On November 6, 2020, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued Notice H-2020-10, Electronic Signature, Transmission, and Storage – Guidance for Multifamily Assisted Housing Industry Partners. The dataset is updated once per year and is published with an effective date. Therefore, when residents pay their own utilities, the owner must establish, with HUD approval, a utility allowance amount that is deducted from the residents’ rent payment to the owner. Tenants have important interests in what energy-related efficiency measures or renewables are provided and their actual impact on utility allowances and total rent and utility expenses. (a) Maintaining schedule. Utility Allowance Analysis Housing Notice H-2015-04 FAQ 15-Day Notice to Tenants of Proposed Rent Increase Repost Download this document for free using the button below. Under statute, residents of Project-based Section 8 properties must not pay more than 30% of their adjusted income for housing. An owner may require a tenant to sign a release for utility data in certain situations, for example, if the utility company requires tenant release of the tenant’s data. The notice provided instruction to owners and agents (O/As) for completing the utility allowance analysis required at the time of the annual or special adjustment of contract rents and when a utility rate change results in a ... Multifamily/PBRA. The dataset is updated once per year and is published with an effective date. This version of the model is primarily based on the 2009 Residential Energy Consumpti… Model form contains only general provisions and any adoption of this plan must contain all required elements. HUD Handbook 4350.1 REV-1, Chapter 7 – Budget Based Rent Increase processing guidance. HUD Notice H-2015-04 - Methodology for Completing a Multifamily Housing Utility Analysis. UTILITY ALLOWANCE MATERIALS. Local: 1-202-708-3178    Fax: 1-202-708-9981, PD&R Field Economist Organizational Chart, International and Philanthropic Affairs Division (IPAD), A Consumer's Guide to Energy-Efficient and Healthy Homes, Housing and Supportive Services for People with Special Needs and the Homeless, Sustainable Construction in Indian Country, Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) Data, The Components of Inventory Change (CINCH), A Consumer Guide to Energy-Efficient and Healthy Homes, Guidelines for Preparing a Report for Publication, International and Philanthropic Affairs Division, The Office of University Partnerships (OUP), Peer Review of Highly Influential Scientific Information, Qualified Census Tracts and Difficult Development Areas, Government Sponsored Enterprise Data (1993-2007), Housing Discrimination Against Racial And Ethnic Minorities (2012), PHA Homelessness Preferences: Web Census Survey Data, Manufactured Home and Subprime Lender List (1993-2005), State of the Cities Data Systems (1970-2009), Delegations of Authority and Order of Succession. Box 23268, Washington, DC 20026-3268 Properties undergoing new construction or substantial rehabilitation may establish initial utility allowances based on analysis completed at underwriting though an energy consumption model, including an HFA-approved utility allowance calculator. (2) The PHA must give HUD a copy of the utility allowance schedule. * HUD 5382 HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing Programs issued Notice H-2015-04 on June 22, which  provides instructions to owners and management agents (O/As) for completing the utility analysis required with annual rent adjustments, as well as when a utility rate change results in a cumulative increase of 10% or more from the most recently approved utility allowance. In June 2011, HUD issued a memorandum providing clarifications to existing statutes, regulations, and policies regarding utility allowances in Multifamily Housing properties, but did not identify a methodology to be used to complete a utility analysis and determine utility allowances. Owners must submit documentation and a request for an increase in utility allowances when changes in utility rates result in a cumulative increase in utility allowances of 10% or more from the most recently approved utility allowance. However, the memorandum did not identify a methodology for completing a utility analysis to determine utility allowances. The Factor-Based Utility Allowance Analysis . Inspector General | (Revised Model Posted on 8/23/16) The Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) has developed the HUD Utility Schedule Model to provide a consistent basis for calculating utility schedules. HUD Answers FAQs on Multifamily Housing Utility Analysis September 15, 2015 | Federal / Agency News , General News , Sustainable Development The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released answers to frequently asked questions about a recent notice that outlines a new methodology for completing a multifamily housing utility allowance. Take notice that on . referring to HUD’s “Multifamily Housing Utility Analysis” as described in “Multifamily Notice H-2015-4”. Multifamily property owners must use the new sampling methodology detailed in the Notice to establish baseline utility allowances for each bedroom size once every third year. Notice H-2015-04, “Methodology for Completing a Multifamily Housing Utility Analysis” is at  http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=15-04hsgn.pdf. This is the method used for the normal Project Based Section 8 Program, and many other HUD programs, but it is important to note that the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program does not use this method on the units it “Project Bases”. On June 20, 2011, then-Deputy Assistant Secretary Carol Galante issued a memorandum providing clarification of utility allowance policy in statute and regulations (see Memo, 7/8/11). [date] we plan to submit a request for approval of a decrease in the tenant utility allowance for [name of apartment complex] to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) via the Contract … These data are used to determine the average utility cost for each bedroom size unit. The Deputy Assistant Secretary’s memorandum allows owners to request a one-time release from a property’s Reserve for Replacement account of up to $1,000 to fund acquisition, installation, and use of energy data benchmarking and/or reporting software. On June 22, 2015, HUD released Notice H-2015-04: Methodology for Completing a Multifamily Housing Utility Allowance. Industry groups requested a national standard and tools for conducting a reliable utility analysis. (a) Applicability. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development | 451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410 Telephone: (202) 708-1112 TTY: (202) 708-1455