| 02/18/2025 | | Potential Impact of Recent Federal Guidance on the Housing Choice Voucher Program | | Potential Impact of Recent Federal Guidance on the Housing Choice Voucher Program
In response to the recent guidance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued on Jan. 27, 2025, regarding a temporary pause in certain federal program assistance, Opportunity Home San Antonio has received many inquiries about housing assistance payments and continued support for participating private landlords and residents in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, commonly known as Section 8.
The OMB has released a Frequently Asked Questions document indicating that "rental assistance" programs will not be affected. However, further clarification has been requested to confirm that programs like the HCV program will not be included in the federal pause. At this time, we anticipate that funding will be received on schedule, though there is a possibility of a minor temporary delay.
Opportunity Home remains committed to supporting our participating private landlords and residents receiving the HCV subsidy. February housing payments will be issued as soon as we receive the funding, which is expected between the first and third business day of February.
Historically, we have paid landlords monthly housing assistance in advance of receiving federal subsidies, based on the understanding that federal funds would be readily available. In light of this recent guidance and the direction of the new U.S. administration, we will be aligning our payment schedule with the receipt of funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Moving forward, all monthly payments to program private landlords will be issued between the 1st and 3rd of each month.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these uncertain times. We value your participation in the HCV Program and your commitment in providing affordable housing for San Antonians.
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| 02/13/2025 | | HUD NSPIRE For Voucher Webinar | | HUD NSPIRE for Vouchers Webinar February 26, 2025 // 2:00 - 4:00 PM EASTERN TIME
This HUD-provided webinar will focus specifically on what landlords need to know about NSPIRE for Vouchers. PHAs, landlords, maintenance staff, inspectors, and industry staff are welcome. Advance registration is not required. Use the provided link to join on the day of the webinar. JOIN HERE |
| 10/25/2024 | | Landlord Collaborative Meeting | | AHP LANDLORD COLLABORATIVE MEETING
November 7 // 10 a.m. // Virtual
Attend our next AHP Landlords Collaborative Meeting and share your ideas on how we can improve our partnership to provide affordable housing options for residents. Also gain insight into better serving our residents from the leasing process through the renewal process. Register to attend by clicking the link below. You will receive an email with a link to log in to the meeting. REGISTER HERE |
| 09/04/2024 | | NSPIRE | | Important Update: NSPIRE / HUD NOTICE PIH 2024-26
On August 9, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released PIH Notice 2024-26, which provides implementation guidance for the new National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) inspection standards.
While compliance for most NSPIRE regulations has been extended to October 1, 2025, standards regarding smoke alarms will go into effect on December 29, 2024. Updated smoke alarm standards include requiring smoke alarms to be hard-wired or sealed with 10-year batteries.
Please click the links below for more information on updated HUD guidelines, including NSPIRE smoke alarm standards.
PIH Notice 2024-26 // Smoke Alarm Standards
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| 04/19/2024 | | Electronic Change of Ownership / Payee | | NEW! Electronic Change of Ownership / Payee Packet
The Electronic Change of Ownership / Payee Packet is now available! To submit your change, click the link below or on the Information Bar to the left of the screen.
Change of Ownership /Payee Packet
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| 01/04/2024 | | 2024 SAFMR Payment Standards | | NEW! New Payment Standards Released: Please see the link below to access the 2024 SAFMR Payment Standards and the breakdown by zip code groups and bedroom sizes. The link will take you to the Opportunity Home webpage, once there, click "SAFMR Payment Standards."
Payment Standards
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| 12/20/2023 | | HQS Final Fail Abatement Period | | Effective February 1, 2024, the allowable abatement period for Landlord caused Housing Quality Standards (HQS) final failures has been updated from 30 to 60 days.
Landlords will continue to have the option to pay a reinspection fee after a final fail rating.
For questions about this change, please email landlords@homesa.org or call 210-477-6000. |
| 12/20/2023 | | Recertification Packet Update | | Previously, the Recertification Packet shared with residents contained inaccurate information regarding the need for a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) from residents planning to remain in their units. The Recertification Packet has been updated to remove this language from the “Things I Need To Send With My Recertification Packet.”
RTAs are only necessary when a resident plans to move and has found a new unit. Residents who will remain in their current unit are not required to resubmit an RTA.
For questions, please email landlords@homesa.org or call 210-477-6000. |
| 11/07/2023 | | Housing Assistance Payments | | As of November 2023, Opportunity Home will continue making Housing Assistance Payments for a two-month grace period while staff process Resident recertifications. Please note that in the event of a Resident's termination from the program, Opportunity Home will recoup these payments made on their behalf.
In an effort to provide better service, our staff continues to work on decreasing processing time for Resident accounts. For questions regarding this update, please email the Landlord Liaison at landlords@homesa.org. |
| 06/02/2023 | | MTW Activity 2019-2 | | In order to reduce tenant burden, Opportunity Home will apply increased payment standards between a family's recertification when a request for rental increase is approved.
Please visit Moving to Work for more information on MTW Activity 2019-2: Alternate Recertification Process (PH and HCV).
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Customer Service at (210) 477-6000. |
| 05/16/2023 | | Request For Tenancy Approval (RTA) | | Visit the Opportunity Home Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) page to learn the ins and outs of submitting an RTA via DocuSign, there you will find step-by-step video tutorials to avoid any difficulties or delays in the process.
If you have any questions, please contact Opportunity Home’s Landlord Liaison at Landlords@homesa.org or 210-477-6033. |
| 05/16/2023 | | Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection | | Pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection the first time, every time! Visit the Opportunity Home San Antonio Landlords or Voucher Resources page to watch the new “Tips For Passing An Inspection” video.
In addition, access the HQS Commonly Failed Items Inspection Checklist for a list of items to look out for before an inspection.
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