The Rental Assistance Demonstration or “RAD” is a program created by HUD to convert your housing assistance subsidy from the public housing (Section 9) platform to the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV Section 8) platform.
SLHA has chosen to participate in the RAD conversion program and will be converting its public housing units to a Project-Based Voucher (PBV) system for properties it owns and manages. This means that the voucher attaches to the unit and not to the individual. While you live in your apartment you will receive rental assistance.
RAD CONVERSION TENANT RIGHTS
Rental Assistance
Each resident in good standing at the public housing property has a right to live in the property after a RAD conversion. No resident can be displaced permanently against their wishes.
Right to Information
For residents that are in a property that is undergoing RAD conversion, SLHA will send a Resident Information Notice (“RIN”) and a General Information Notice (“GIN”). These notices will be combined into one and are called a RIN-GIN. This letter will outline your rights during the process, the initial proposed plans for any redevelopment, your right to relocation assistance, and a list of frequently asked question (FAQs).
Right to Relocation Assistance
In some situations, SLHA may need to temporarily relocate you from your unit as part of a redevelopment plan. If that happens, SLHA will communicate clearly what the process will be, how long the temporary relocation is estimated to last, and what services will be provided to you. We will always ensure that you have all the information necessary.
Right to Return
If you are temporarily relocated during the RAD conversion, you have the right to return to a RAD assisted unit unless you choose to move or if you are not in good standing. In either of those cases, you would forfeit your right to return. Do not put your rights at risk. ALWAYS wait for direction from SLHA before moving. SLHA will have a plan in place for any necessary temporary moves and will communicate that plan to you well in advance of any work being done at the property.
WHAT IF I HAVE A DISABILITY?
Please contact the SLHA Section 504 Reasonable Accommodations Coordinator at:
St. Louis Housing
3520 Page Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63106
Tel: (314) 531-4770
Fax: (314) 531-0184
TDD: (314) 286-4223
Email: Section504@slha.org
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
If you or someone in your household has limited English proficiency, please know that SLHA has adopted a Language Access Plan to support residents who may need language assistance. This includes access to “I Speak” cards, created by the Department of Homeland Security, which help identify individuals who may need additional language support. Additionally, the SLHA website features a built-in translation function for your convenience.
Language Access Phone Number: 1-800-752-6096.
WILL RAD AFFECT MY RENT?
For most residents, the answer is ‘No’. However, if a resident is paying the flat rate rent, their rent could go up. If the increase to those paying flat rate rent is more than 10 percent or $25, the increase will be phased in over 3-5 years. Both the public housing and HCV programs have a $50 minimum rent established.
WILL I STILL GET UTILITY ALLOWANCE?
Utility allowances, if applicable, will be calculated and administered through the approved SLHA Administrative Plan and provided as necessary to each conversion.
WHAT IS “CHOICE MOBILITY”?
Choice Mobility is a feature of RAD that allow residents in good standing to request a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) which they can use to rent housing of their choice. Residents in project-based conversions (PBV) can request a voucher after one (1) year. Residents that are part of a project-based rental assistance (PBRA) conversion can request a voucher after two (2) years. Receiving a portable voucher is dependent on one being available. The supply of vouchers is extremely limited and residents must be in good standing.