HUD Warns About Tenant Fraud in Assisted Housing

Fraud is a common problem faced by the housing authority in administering the Housing Choice Voucher program. The most common way that fraud is committed by assisted tenants is to have unauthorized people in the rental units who have income which is not reported to the housing authority. Fraud is also committed by the authorized tenants, who do not report their true household income as is required by program regulations. HUD has recently provided the housing authority with an Internet based computer matching system which has helped TMHA to identify household income that had been unreported to us. Landlords can also be helpful in identifying fraud by reporting to the housing authority, unauthorized tenants who are residing in their rental units. Not only is this a violation of your lease by the tenant, it is also a serious violation of TMHA rules. TMHA takes these violations very seriously and has had to pursue charges against tenants in the past. These charges have resulted in court convictions and expulsion from TMHA assistance. These kind of abuses serve to tarnish and otherwise very needed program here in the community. So, if you suspect unauthorized tenants in your rental units where fraud may be being committed, do not hesitate to contact the housing authority at (330) 308-8099.

With that in mind, here is some information HUD recently published for distribution to tenants:

If you commit fraud to obtain assisted housing from HUD, you could be:

• Evicted from your apartment or house.

• Required to repay all overpaid rental assistance you received.

• Fined up to $10,000.00

• Imprisoned for up to five years.

• Prohibited from receiving future rental assistance.

• Subject to State and local government penalties.

Do you know:

• You are committing fraud if you sign a form knowing that you provided false or misleading information.

• The information that you provide on housing assistance application and recertification forms will be checked. The local housing agency, HUD, or the Office of Inspector General will check the income and asset information you provide with other Federal, State, or local governments and with private agencies. Certifying false information is fraud.

When filling out your application and yearly recertification for assisted housing from HUD make sure your answers to the questions are accurate and honest. You MUST include:

• All sources of income and changes in income you or any members of your household receive, such as wages, welfare payments, social security and veterans’ benefits, pensions, retirement, etc.

• Any money you receive on behalf of your children, such as child support, OWF payments, and social security for children.

• Any increase in income, such as wages from a new job or an unexpected pay raise or bonus.

• All assets, such as bank accounts, savings bonds, certificates of deposit, stocks, real estate, etc., that are owned by you or any member of your household.

• All income from assets, such as interest from savings and checking accounts, stock dividends, etc.

• Any business or asset (your home) that you sold in the last two years at less than full value.

• The names of EVERYONE, adults and children, relatives and non-relatives, who are living with you and make up your household.

Report Fraud:

If you know of anyone who provided false information on a HUD housing assistance application or recertification or if anyone tells you to provide false information, report that person to the HUD Office of Inspector General Hotline. You can call the Hotline toll-free Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, at 1-800-347-3735. You can fax the information to (202) 708-4829 or e-mail it to Hotline@hudoig.gov.

 

Page 2