HUD reply to comment received

From: Masucci, Justin C
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 10:39 AM
To: 'sheila@nlihc.org'
Cc: Schulhof, Mary T; Deitzer, Lillian L
Subject: FR-5194-N-06 Study of Rents and Rent Flexibility

Dear Ms. Crowley:

 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development would like to take to the opportunity to thank you for your insightful comments on the study of rents and rent flexibility in your letter dated April 28, 2008. 

 

You appear to have three main concerns with the study.  The first concern is the failure to collect data from current and perspective private market landlords.  The study calls for 25 site visits which will include interviews with housing authority representatives, local housing experts and actual households.  We agree that it is important that the perspectives of current and prospective landlords be heard as any alternative rent structures will have an impact on their participation.  Each site visit will interview a landlord as one of the local experts. 

 

A second concern was the exclusion of longer term residents.  The rationale for interviewing waiting list members and recent admissions was the limitation of the sample size.  Given this limitation, we wanted to focus the interviews on the individuals with the most recent experience with the administration of the program.  We intend to use HUD longitudinal data systems to study tenants of all lengths of tenure so longer term tenants will be represented in the study.  Additionally, there is an option year on the contract.  If the option year is executed, we will review the types of households sampled and the criteria and priorities associated with sampling.  Finally, for housing authorities with long-standing alternative rent structures, we probably will interview longer term tenants. 

  

A final concern is about publishing results beyond an internal report to HUD staff.  In the context of the Paperwork Reduction Act submittal, the contractor will submit a report to HUD.  After review, HUD will provide the appropriate publication and be sure interested parties have an opportunity to learn about the results of the study.              

 

In closing, we would like to once again thank you for your insightful comments.  

 

If you would like to further discuss, please do not hesitate to contact Robert Benjamin at 202.402.4111 or 301.652.0534.

 

Best,

 

Justin Masucci