HUD Handbook 4350.3 § 4-19

A.       The owner should update the waiting lists annually or semi-annually to ensure
                 that applicant information is current and that any names that should no longer be
                 on the list are removed.

        B.       If the household composition changes, the owner must update the waiting list
                 information and decide whether the household needs the same or a different unit
                 size. The owner’s written policy will determine if the family maintains the original
                 application date or if the place on the waiting list is based on the date of the new
                 determination of family composition.

        C.       The owner must establish occupancy standards as part of the property’s tenant
                 selection plan and consistently apply those standards in assigning unit size to
                 applicants. (See paragraph 3-23 for more information about occupancy
                 standards.)

                      Example - Applicant Change in Household Composition
             The Chiu family applied to the Dogwood Apartments project on 5/12/01. They
             have been assigned to the two-bedroom waiting list. The family includes Liang
             and Jun Chiu and a 3-year-old daughter. On 2/21/02, Jun Chiu gives birth to
             twins. The family notifies Dogwood of this change in family composition on
             2/25/02. The family is now in need of a three-bedroom unit.

             The owner's policy in the tenant selection plan for the property allows a family to
             have as many as two-persons per bedroom, but permits larger units based on the
             age differences between children and the relationships of adults.

             Because the family size now results in more than two persons per bedroom in a
             two-bedroom unit, the owner must now move the family to the three-bedroom
             waiting list, with an application date of 5/12/01. The owner’s written policy allows
             the applicant to retain the original application date.

             If there are no three-bedroom units in the property, the family must be notified that
             they are not eligible for the property and removed from further consideration on
             the waiting list. This action must be documented on the waiting list, and proper
             written notification must be provided to the family.

D.       If the applicant contact information changes, such as the address or phone
                 number, the owner must note the new information and the date it was received

on the application submitted by the family and must ensure that the waiting list
                 (either manual or electronic) is accurately updated.