RAD Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is RAD?
A: The Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) allows public housing agencies and owners of HUD-assisted properties to convert units to project-based Section 8 programs, providing an opportunity to invest billions into properties at risk of being lost from the nation's affordable housing inventory.
Q: Will a RAD conversion affect my housing assistance?
A: You will not lose your housing assistance and you will not be rescreened because of a RAD conversion. Even though a RAD property can use private money to make big repairs, it will still receive money from HUD. RAD requires that converted properties be owned or controlled by a public or nonprofit entity.
Q: Will a RAD conversion affect my rent?
A: Your rent contribution will most likely be the same as it was under public housing- generally no more than 30% of your household's adjusted gross income. Since the project-based Section 8 programs also set resident rents at 30% of adjusted income, most residents will not have rent increases as a result of a RAD conversion. However, if you are paying a flat rent in public housing, you will most likely have to gradually pay slightly more in rent over time. In these limited cases, if your rent increases more than 10% and requires you to pay more than $25 per month in additional rent, your new rent will be phased in over the next 3 years.
Q: Will I have to move during the rehabilitation?
A: Yes. The rehabilitation project requires extensive renovations in each unit.
Q: Where will residents be relocated?
A: Residents will be relocated onsite, when feasible, and possibly to other public housing units during the renovations. Residents will be relocated into comparable units.
Q: Are residents required to move back after temporary relocation off-site?
A: No. If a resident decides to remain at the temporary relocation site permanently, they will be able to stay.
Q: Will DHA pay for the move?
A: Yes, the project's development budget will cover the costs for the temporary move and your return move.
Q: What percentage of people will be able to return to the renovated development?
A: All residents are eligible to return as long as they are lease compliant. Residents benefit from a right of return as part of the RAD requirements.
For more information about RAD, call 919.683.1551 ext. 7250 or email Anthony Snell, Director of Development, or visit www.hud.gov/RAD.