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2026 - 2027 I PY27 NH Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) Procedures Manual 31 Roomers/Boarders (applicant rents room(s) from owner)

A roomer/boarder is defined for FAP purposes as an unrelated individual who lives in a specified room(s) within a boarding/rooming house or divided residence and who pays a stipulated amount for lodging, which may include kitchen privileges. The roomer/boarder must have at least one room for their own private use. A roomer/boarder must live independently without supportive services provided by the landlord or by any other member of the rooming house or divided residence. Roomers/boarders who pay for their lodging in either a commercial establishment or a private home that is their primary home may be eligible for LIHEAP benefits, including individuals staying in a hotel or motel long-term (for a minimum of one month prior to application date).

Roomers/Boarders cannot be related by blood, marriage or adoption to any member in the residence.

A roomer/boarder must provide a lease or other written agreement with the owner of the house and documentation of previously paid rent. A roomer/boarder must pay rent directly to the owner of the rooming house/divided residence. Only the number of rooms used by the roomer/boarder for private use should be included. Anyone whose name appears on a household energy account cannot be considered a roomer/boarder.

Rooming House/Divided Residence (applicant is owner who rents room or rooms)

When the owner of a rooming house/divided residence applies for fuel assistance, the following criteria will be used for determining eligibility: • In owner-occupied licensed homes, the owner will be considered self-employed. • Owner-occupied non-licensed homes will be treated as one household and income from all residents will be submitted and documented unless a resident(s) meet(s) the definition as a roomer/boarder.

A non-licensed home might be a private residence that has been divided (renting out a basement or in-law apartment, for example, or a bedroom). In a situation where the owner of the home is the applicant, the rental income must be included as income and any rooms used exclusively by the renter(s) should be excluded from total rooms on the owner’s application.

Note: Residents of institutions or community-based facilities that provide ongoing services, care, or treatment are not eligible to receive FAP benefits under either of the following circumstances: • A federal, state or local operating grant/subsidy is received by the institution or facility. • Residents do not otherwise personally experience an energy vulnerability which can be reduced by the FAP.