Chapter 1: General Policies and Objectives

1. Introduction

The Public Housing Program was created by the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 and is monitored and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) administration of the Public Housing Program will meet the requirements of federal law and HUD as outlined in this Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP). These requirements include Public Housing Regulations, Handbooks, and applicable Notices. All applicable federal, state, and local laws, including Fair Housing Laws and regulations, also apply. Changes in federal laws or regulations supersede provisions in conflict with this policy. Federal regulations include those found in Volume 24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 1, 5, 8, 100, and 900-966.

2. Key Acronyms

• • ACOP: Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy
  • CFR: Code of Federal Regulations
  • HUD: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • NYCHA: New York City Housing Authority
  • PH: Low Income Public Housing Program

3. Purpose and Overview of the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP)

1. 1. 1. Purpose

The purpose of this ACOP is to define the policy guidelines to be used in determining eligibility for Low Income Public Housing (PH) admission and continued occupancy at NYCHA. These guidelines are governed by the requirements of HUD and by local policies and procedures where allowable. These policies and procedures for admission and continued occupancy apply to PH applicants, residents, and NYCHA.

The ACOP is a compilation of policies from various documents, including the NYCHA Management Manual, Applications and Tenancy Administration Department Manual, and Tenant Selection and Assignment Plan. In the event of inconsistencies between policies as stated in the ACOP and other policies as stated in other NYCHA documents, the ACOP controls.

Residents in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments may be subject to additional programmatic requirements beyond those listed in this ACOP for public housing residents.

1. 1. 2. Mandatory and Discretionary Policies

HUD requires NYCHA to identify both mandatory (non-discretionary) and discretionary policies. Mandatory policies must comply with HUD and other regulations and must be included in the ACOP. Discretionary policies are areas where NYCHA has flexibility to define policies, typically within a given set of parameters. The policies may be unique to NYCHA or based on industry best practices. These policies comply with federal, state, and local laws as well as HUD guidance.

1. 1. 3. Updating and Revising the ACOP

NYCHA will post the ACOP for public review and comment for 45 calendar days. After taking public comments into consideration, NYCHA will finalize the ACOP prior to implementation. NYCHA will revise the ACOP from time to time as necessary.

4. NYCHA’s Mission

1. 1. 1. Mission Statement

NYCHA’s mission is to provide quality housing for New Yorkers that is sustainable, inclusive, and safe, while fostering opportunities for economic mobility.

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