HUD HCV Guidebook § 2

The Form HUD-52517, Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA), submitted by the owner and the prospective
tenant tells the PHA which utilities the tenant will pay for and which utilities are included in the rent. The RFTA
also tells the PHA whether the family or the owner is providing the stove and refrigerator. The owner must1
then incorporate these provisions into the lease. The PHA’s inspector will also confirm the fuel types used for
heating, water heating and cooking.

After ensuring that there is no conflict in utility/appliance responsibility and fuel types between the RFTA, the
lease, and the Inspection Report, the PHA incorporates the provisions into Part A of the HAP contract. The HAP
contract is the binding document between the owner and the PHA.

Any time a change is made in the responsibility for payment of utility expenses or provision of the stove or
refrigerator, the owner and the tenant must2 report the change to the PHA. Any such change requires3 a new
lease and HAP Contract as well as an adjustment in the family’s utility allowance.

A PHA is responsible for establishing and maintaining a utility allowance schedule that provides reasonable
allowances for tenant-paid utilities. The utility allowance is intended to enable participating families to pay
typical costs for utilities and services paid by energy-conserving households occupying units of similar size and
type in the same locality. Any additional utility costs incurred by the family are not the responsibility of the
PHA.

Payment of bills for tenant-paid utilities is the responsibility of the family, and any interruption or termination
of utility services because of the family’s failure to pay is considered a breach of the family’s obligations under
the HCV program. Likewise, failure to provide a working stove or refrigerator when responsible to do so is also
a breach of the family’s obligations4. PHA’s policies regarding the termination of assistance to families who
cause their unit to be in violation of HQS because of failure to pay for necessary utilities or services or failure
to provide required appliances are detailed in the PHA Administrative Plan.