Sec.17b-812-2. Program administration

(a) The commissioner shall implement and administer a non-entitlement program that provides rental assistance for low-income families living in privately owned rental housing, allowing eligible families to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing.

(b) The commissioner or the commissioner's agent shall limit the issuance of rental assistance certificates to eligible families based upon the availability of funds. A certificate does not guarantee a family the right to participate in the program. The commissioner or the commissioner's agent may suspend or cancel an issued certificate if a change in an applicant's circumstances results in ineligibility prior to execution of the rental assistance contract. The commissioner may suspend or cancel issued certificates based on lack of funds.

(c) The department shall administer and oversee the rental assistance program. The department may directly administer the financial assistance provided or may designate one or more agents to administer the program.

(d) Administrative responsibilities for this program, whether undertaken by the department or its agent, shall include: Tenant selection, tenant and landlord briefings, landlord and tenant outreach, mobility counseling, promotion of housing choice, encouragement of racial and economic integration, annual unit inspection for compliance with housing and health codes, initial and annual re-examination of tenant income and rent adjustments, maintenance of records, and other duties as required by the commissioner.

(e) The commissioner may designate a portion of available rental assistance funding under the rental assistance program for supportive housing units. To the extent practicable, rental assistance for supportive housing shall adhere to the requirements of the federal Housing Choice Voucher program, set forth in subsection (o) of 42 USC 1437f, relative to the tenant's share of the rent to be paid. Selection for tenant-based and project-based rental assistance shall be in accordance with subsection (a) of section 17b-812-5 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies or subject to a tenant selection plan approved by the commissioner that designates rental assistance to eligible families who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, and who would benefit from the support services provided. Such services are provided by programs other than the rental assistance program and include those intended to address mental health disorders, substance use disorders, AIDS and AIDS related disorders and other factors contributing to homelessness. The availability of support services shall be a factor considered by the commissioner for the purposes of tenant selection and site location.

(Effective March 21, 1996; Amended February 9, 2000; Amended May 31, 2007; Amended December 28, 2012)