2011 Rental Guidelines

 

Public & Subsidized Housing

Housing Application

Pride housing applications may be printed and dropped off at Pride, Inc. or returned by mail to P.O. Box 4086, Bismarck, ND 58504.

Managed & Owned Properties

Pride, Inc. is involved in the direct and indirect management and operation of HUD Conventional Low Income Housing, Section 8, Market Rate, New Construction, and the Tax Credit Affordable Housing Program.

Conventional Low Income Housing

Pride, Inc. provides housing units for individuals receiving services and individuals with low income. Where possible, buildings are integrated with individuals who receive services and those who do not.

Section 8

Pride, Inc. manages 4 group homes for NODAK Homes. The homes are used to serve individuals with developmental disabilities.

Tax Credit Affordable Housing

Pride, Inc. owns and manages Tax Credit rental units. The program is for households with low to moderate incomes. Individuals residing in this program must meet the income limit.

Single Family Housing

Pride, Inc. provides single family housing; some at market rates and others at subsidized rates.

 

1. We are an equal opportunity housing provider.

We fully comply with the Federal Fair Housing Act. We do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. We also comply with all state and local fair housing laws.

2. Housing Availability Policy

Rental units become available when they are ready to rent. A vacant unit will not be deemed available until it has been cleaned and prepared for a new resident.

3. Occupancy Guidelines

In determining these restrictions, we adhere to all applicable fair housing laws. We allow two persons per bedroom and no more than four unrelated persons per rental unit. For example, a two-bedroom rental unit could house four people, and a three-bedroom unit could house as many as six people if they are related.

4. Application Process

4.1  Application for Housing and Tenant Income Certification

4.2  Rental Application

4.3  Criminal Background and Credit Checks

4.4  Asset Verification

4.5  Employment Verification

4.6  Student Certification

4.7  Below $5,000 in Assets Certification

If your application is accepted, you must complete:

4.8  Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards

4.9  Universal Lease

We will check your credit report and employment/rental references to confirm that they meet our rental criteria. If you meet our criteria, we will approve your application. This process can take up to 5 business days. If you are interested in renting a property that has an application pending on it, we will accept back-up applications.

5. Rental Criteria

5.1 Income

Your combined monthly income must meet the income guidelines for the county in which the facility is located, as set forth by HUD. Each property location could have separate income guidelines. We may require full-time students to have their lease guaranteed. Not all properties are eligible to students. If you are unemployed, you must provide proof of a source of income. If you have a housing voucher you must also have funds attached to that voucher to make the rent payment.

5.2 Rental History

You must have satisfactory rental references from at least two prior landlords or for at least the last two years. If you have ever been evicted or sued for any lease violaton, we may reject your application.

5.3 Credit History

Your credit record must currently be satisfactory. Pride will consider extenuating circumstances when screening applicants with disabilities or medical bankruptcy.

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5.4 Guarantors

If you are a student and require a guarantor, the guarantor must pass the same application and screening process that you've passed.

5.5 Criminal History

We may reject your application if:

• You have ever been convicted of a felony
• You have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving dishonesty or violence within the past 5 years
• Any household member is currently engaging in illegal drug use, or if the owner has reasonable cause to believe that a member's pattern of illegal use of a drug may interfere with the health, safety, and right to peaceful enjoyment of the property by other residents
• Any household member is in the sex offender registration program
• Any household member is currently engaging in or has engaged in violent criminal activity, or other criminal activity that would threaten the health and safety of other tenants.

5.6 Citizenship Requirements

Verification of Citizenship or Eligible Non-Citizen Status (Section 8):  The citizenship / eligible non-citizen status of each family member must be determined, regardless of age. Prior to being admitted, all citizens and nationals will be required to sign a declaration under penalty of perjury. (They will be required to show proof of their status by such means as a social security card, birth certificate, military ID, or military DD 214 form.)

Upon application, all eligible non-citizens must sign a declaration of their status and a verification consent form, and provide their original INS documentation. Pride, Inc. will make a copy of the INS documentation and keep it on file. Pride will then verify the applicant's status through the INS SAVE system. If the system cannot confirm eligibility, then Pride will mail information to the INS so a manual check can be performed.

Family members who do not claim to be citizens, nationals, or eligible non-citizens, or whose status cannot be confirmed, must be listed on a statement of non-eligible members and the list must be signed by the head of the household.

Non-citizen students on student visas, though in the country legally, are not eligible to be admitted to the Section 8 program.

Any family member who does not choose to declare their status must be listed on the statement of non-eligible members.

If no family member is determined to be eligible under this Section, the family's admission will be denied.

If Pride determines that a family member has knowingly permitted an ineligible non-citizen (other than any eligible non-citizens listed on the lease) to permanently reside in their Section 8 unit, the family's assistance will be terminated. Such a family will not be eligible to be readmitted to Section 8 for a period of 24 months from the date of termination.

5.7 Citizenship / Eligible Immigrant Status

To be eligible, each member of the family must be a citizen, national, or a non-citizen who has eligible immigration status under one of the categories set forth in Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 (see 43 U.S.C. 1436a(a)).

5.8 Family Eligibility for Assistance

A family shall not be eligible for assistance unless every member of the family residing in the unit is determined to be eligible, with the following exception:

Despite the ineligibility of one or more family members, a mixed family may still be eligible for assistance.

5.9 Verification of Social Security Numbers

Prior to admission, each family member who has a Social Security Number (SSN) and is at least 6 years of age must provide verification of his or her SSN. New family members at least 6 years of age must provide verification before being added to the lease. Children in assisted households must provide this verification at the first regular examination after turning 6 years old.

The best verfication of the SSN is the original Social Security Card. If the card is not available, Pride will accept letters from Social Security that verify the SSN. Documentation from other government agencies may also be accepted if the SSN is stated within. Driver's licenses, Military IDs, Passports, and other official documents are also acceptable.

If an individual states that he or she does not have an SSN, the applicant will be required to sign a statement to this effect. Pride, Inc. will not require any applicant to obtain an SSN.

If a member of an applicant family indicates they have an SSN but cannot readily verify it, the family cannot be assisted until proper verification is provided.

If a member of a tenant family indicates they have an SSN but cannot readily verify it, he or she will be given up to 60 days to provide the verification needed. If the individual is at leat 62 years of age, he or she will be given 120 days for verification. If the tenant fails to provide verification within the time allowed, the family will be denied assistance or will have their assistance terminated.

5.10 Veterans

There is no preference given to veterans under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. They will be considered in the date order in which they apply like any other applicant.

5.11 Age 62 or Older

Under the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, there is no preference given to applicants aged 62 or older. They will be considered in the date order in which they apply like any other applicant.

6. Wait List Procedures

Pride does not maintain a waiting list. As individuals inquire about the different properties, the administrator(s) for that property will request their name and phone number. The administrator will send them the appropriate forms and contact them as openings occur according to the priority ranking.

7. Priority Ranking will be determined as follows:

7.1  Presently receiving services from Pride or in the process of applying for services

7.2  Presently receiving services from another service provider

7.3  Homeless

7.4  Low to very low income as defined by HUD

7.5  Compatibility with potential housemates

If the person is interested, he or she will have 24 hours to determine if they want to rent the unit. If the person rejects the unit, their information will not be saved.

8. Lease Term

The initial lease must be for 12 months. After the initial lease, the lease term will be month-to-month.

9. Rent Price

Rents will be established each year using the HUD rental rates as a guideline. Pride can choose to charge less than the HUD rate, taking into consideration the financial viability of the building and the needs of the renter. In other cases, Pride may choose to charge the renter the HUD amount and collect less. In these cases the difference will be written off as charity care. This decision should be made by the management team and can be reversed at their discretion, based on individual(s) income changes. If the individual(s) are moving from another location and paying more than the HUD established rate, they may be asked to continue at that same rate at the new location.

10. Security Deposit

Pride, Inc. may require a security deposit equal to the first month's rent. Pride may choose to collect this payment up front or over a period of months. The administrator may waive any security payment. The amount of the security deposit may be different for each unit depending of the individual(s) income and/or services received.

11. Vacancy

All vacancies will be advertised and administrators will review applications as they are received.

11.1  If a property has restrictions placed on it by a funding source, those restrictions will be followed and given priority.

11.2  If no restrictions are in place, the unit will be made available according to the priority ranking described above.

12. Files

The administrator for the housing project (unit) is responsible for maintaining and storing files.

All files will be kept until 7 years after the move-out date.

13. Pet Policy

Pet Policy (hereinafter "policy") is to establish rules and guidelines regulating the keeping of "common household pets" in property owned and or managed by Pride, Inc. Pride leases do not allow pets except fish or turtles. Examples of a "common household pet" include domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, and gerbils. A monkey, small horse, spiders, and/or snakes are examples of animals that are not a "common household pet".

Housing Administrators must approve of any exceptions. A service animal that is specially trained to assist an individual with a disability in specific activities of daily living (for example, a dog guiding individuals with impaired vision or alerting individuals with impaired hearing) is not considered a pet for which permission to keep is required. When it is kept in a safe and sanitary manner by an individual with a disability to whom the animal gives necessary assistance in activities of daily living. A service animal shall be considered a pet in computing the number of pets kept in each building.

This policy is deemed to be an addendum to the resident's lease when and if a resident obtains a pet.

13.1  Ownership of Pets

13.1.1  Because of the threat to personal safety and sanitary conditions, dogs will not be permitted as pets unless they have received specific training as a therapeutic dog or Assistive Animals and such training can be certified.

13.1.2  Each pet kept in a dwelling unit must be licensed and immunized to the extent required by state or local law. The pet must be restrained while in any common area of the development.

13.1.3  Cats or dogs that are kept in dwelling units must be spayed or neutered and certified clean by a veterinarian.

13.2  Number and Size of Pets

13.2.1  A resident may only have one (1) pet at a time.

13.2.2  No pet may exceed 30 pounds in weight. Animals used to assist the disabled are excluded from this size limitation.

13.2.3  Any pet other than a cat or dog must be kept in a cage when in a dwelling unit. No rodents are allowed unless in a cage. Fish and turtle tanks are limited to 20 gallons.

13.3  Financial Obligation for Pet Care

13.3.1  Each pet owner must provide adequate daily care to maintain the pet in good health including immunization.

13.3.2  Damage to any property within the dwelling unit or common areas that is the direct result of a pet's behavior is the financial responsibility of the pet owner.

13.3.3  If an owner is incapacitated to the extent that they cannot provide daily care for the pet, the owner will arrange to provide for the pet's care, either on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the individual circumstances.

13.3.4  The owner must have liability or other insurance to cover damages caused by the pet.

13.4  Pet Registration

All pets must be registered annually with the Housing Administrator. Registration must include the following:

13.4.1  For cats and dogs - veterinary certificate of inoculation.

13.4.2  For cats and dogs - license information about the pet.

13.4.3  The name of the person who will care for the pet if the owner dies or becomes incapacitated.

13.4.4  The designated pet caretaker and the pet owner must sign the lease addendum for pets (Form __), indicating that they have read the Pet Policy and agree to comply with it.

13.4.5  Pride may refuse to register a pet if Pride reasonably determines that the pet owner, because of practices, habits, or physical condition, is unable to keep the pet according to the rules, or if the pet temperament is such that the rules will not be followed. Pride will notify the pet owner in writing within ten (10) business days if registrations of pet are refused. The notice will state the basis for the refusal.

13.4.6  A resident keeping an unregistered pet is violating Policy rules and will be treated accordingly and may be evicted.

13.5  Pet Deposit

The pet deposit is $50.00. A pet owner unable to pay this deposit in full may request a payment agreement. A down payment of $10.00 will be required for the payment agreement. The pet deposit is refundable when the dwelling unit is vacated or upon removal of the pet. Pet damage includes, but is not limited to, grounds cleanup, carpet cleaning and/or replacement if stained, carpet deodorizing, and scratching or clawing damage to any surfaces.

13.6  Pet Restraints

13.6.1  Pets must be restrained at all times when not in the dwelling unit.

13.6.2  A pet may not roam loose and must be attended when outside the dwelling unit.

13.6.3  Tethering of unattended pets is not allowed.

13.6.4  Pets are not allowed in any common areas unless entering or exiting the dwelling unit.

13.7  Disposal of Pet Waste

13.7.1  Each pet owner is responsible for the immediate removal of all pet waste in a sanitary manner. Disposal must be in waterproof containers to avoid leakage and odor and must be in the manner prescribed by Pride for each property.

13.7.2  The owner of cats and other pets using litter boxes must change litter box twice each week. The owner must dispose of pet waste by placing it in a plastic bag, tying the bag and placing the plastic bag in the dumpster. The bag should not have holes.

13.7.3  Pet owners who fail to remove pet waste will be charged a cleanup fee of $15.00 per occurrence. Repeated failures (two or more) to remove pet waste and/or pay cleanup fees are grounds for eviction.

13.8  Pet Behavior

13.8.1  Each pet owner is responsible for the behavior of his/her pet and must control behavior such as noisiness to ensure the peaceful enjoyment of the premises.

13.8.2  If there are pet-related disturbances or damages, a notice of lease violation will be issued to the pet owner by Pride. If the pet owner fails to correct the condition or permits its reoccurence after notification, Pride may terminate the resident's lease for good cause.

13.8.3  In an emergency, when it is necessary for the protection of the pet, other residents, or resident's guests, Pride may immediately remove the pet.

13.8.4  Dogs may not be left unattended inside a dwelling unit for more than eight (8) hours. All other pets may not be left unattended for more than twelve (12) hours.

13.8.5  In the event of an animal bite or attack on another tenant or pet, the pet owner is solely responsible for any costs arising from the incident.

13.8.6  All pets must be house-trained.

13.9  Visiting Pets

Pride will not allow visiting pets in any dwelling unit for any period of time unless expressly approved in advance by the Housing Administrator.

13.10  Pet Rule Violation Procedures

If Pride determines that an owner has violated a provision of the Policy, a lease violation will be issued. Failure to correct any identified problems within ten (10) days, or a repetition of a similar violation occurring within six (6) months, will constitute grounds for eviction. Failure to correct violations of the policy or pay for pet damages will result in removal of the pet and/or termination of the resident's lease.

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14. Administrator's Responsibilities

14.1  Complete all paperwork outlined in section 4

14.2  Ensure applicants meet all requirements to live in the unit

14.3  Advertise vacant units

14.4  Arrange for all maintenance work to be completed

14.5  Inspect each unit as tenants move in and out

14.6  Visit the properties at least once a month to ensure they are in good repair

14.7  Establish a maintenance plan

14.8  Evict tenants when appropriate and secure the unit(s) as needed

14.9  Communicate all move-ins and move-outs to the Business Office using the Tenant Information Sheet

 

 

Rents for 2012

(Updated  as new limits are set by HUD and the Home Program)

 

HUD Rent Limits [Tenant pays lights]
Bed	Burleigh Co.	Heritage	S 3rd St.	Bozeman Dr.	E Bowen	W Bowen	Shirley Ave.	411 Sunset	448 Sunset	508 Sunset	512 Sunset	Sweet Ave.	E Ave. E
0	484	265											464*
1	509	465	465	465									486*
2	616		545	540			650						604*
3	914				770	721		808	808	808	808
4	926
5	1065
6	1204											800

            * Rents are set by funding (grant) source

HUD Rent Limits [Tenant pays lights]
Bedrooms	Morton Co.	WestWinds	18th Street
0	450
1	470
2	596	596
3	872	740
4	900
5	930		930
6	N/A