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West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Chapter 20

West Virginia Income Maintenance Manual Page 22 Chapter 20 Emergency and Special Assistance Programs

o It must be available to the applicant prior to the date of eviction, i.e. the landlord must agree to accept the applicant as his tenant. o It must approximate the current living quarters of the applicant as closely as possible in regard to rental costs, condition, size, utility costs, and location. o It must not be condemned or unfit for human habitation. When the above conditions exist, the Worker will negotiate with the present landlord to obtain the least possible payment to eliminate or prevent the eviction. The Worker must use care in handling this type of situation. Available alternate housing must exist before such negotiations are initiated. Factors affecting the alternate housing, particularly the cost, availability, etc., must be thoroughly evaluated. When alternate housing does exist, the Worker may add the cost of a reasonable deposit to the amount of rent to be authorized not to exceed one month’s rent. As indicated above, no limits are placed on the amount of one month's rent. If either the landlord or client refuses to make arrangements to pay the remaining balance of rent to the landlord, the application is denied. ▪ Examples Delinquent Rent Example: Mr. Geranium and his family are facing eviction. Mr. Geranium is delinquent for five months' rent at $150 per month. The landlord is demanding the total rent bill of $750 to be paid. Satisfactory alternate housing for Mr. Geranium and his family is available for $160 per month. The Worker will offer the landlord $160 toward the total delinquent rent of $750 with the remainder of the rent ($590) to be worked out between landlord and Mr. Geranium. If the landlord refuses to accept this payment, the Worker will authorize payment of $160 to the new landlord of the alternate housing. If the present landlord accepts the payment of $160 toward the delinquent rent bill, it must be understood that the landlord and Mr. Geranium will make the arrangements regarding payment of the remaining balance. Eviction Example 1: Ms. Magnolia, an applicant, has an eviction notice and was paying $50 per month for rent. She is not behind in her rent but can no longer live there. Ms. Magnolia has found an apartment for $550 a month and also needs a $550 deposit. The Worker has determined that a customary amount for rent in NOTE: When alternate housing does not exist for individuals who are more than one month delinquent in their rent payments, the Worker may offer payment to avoid the eviction up to a maximum of two month’s rent to the original landlord.