Compliance With Program Rules

What is Compliance?

Compliance encompasses the conscientious effort to meet and exceed the prescribed guidelines to mitigate risks and foster a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency. Collaboration with contractors and partners ensures the overall success of developing viable communities.

Our compliance professionals are committed to providing practical guidance, performance monitoring, and effective resources to help partners meet requirements. This section discusses program rules, compliance requirements, management systems, training materials, and much more.

Featured Event

Technical Assistance Trainings

Please join us for Contract Compliance Virtual Technical Assistance training, offering an interactive platform for knowledge-sharing. These training sessions will focus on Pre-Award, Section 3, MWSBE, and Pay or Play.

PRE-AWARD
8:30 AM - 9:20 AM

Lays foundation for compliance that assesses the ability of contractors to meet program requirements to maximize performance and minimize risks.

MWSBE
10:30 AM - 11:20 AM

Strengthening Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Enterprise participation, while achieving successful compliance.

SECTION 3
9:30 AM - 10:20 AM

Debunking the complexities of complying with Section 3 and providing valuable guidance and best practices to prime contractors, subcontractors, and project managers.

Pay or Play
11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

Educating Pay or Play vendors on policies, procedures, and compliance methods to maximize program effectiveness.


Davis Bacon and Related Acts

The Davis-Bacon and Related Acts apply to contractors and subcontractors performing on federally funded or assisted contracts in excess of $2,000 for the construction, alteration, or repair (including painting and decorating) of public buildings or public works. Davis-Bacon Act and Related Acts contractors and subcontractors must pay their laborers and mechanics employed under the contract no less than the locally prevailing wages and fringe benefits for corresponding work on similar projects in the area.

HCD Policies

Document Name Use View
Federal Regulations Compliance Packet Usage View

Required Forms

Document Name Use View
General Wage Determination Request Usage View
Compliance Forms: Davis-Bacon and Federal Labor Standards Usage View

Resources

Pay or Play Program

The Pay or Play Program policy applies to all contracts that exceed $100,000 and/or all subcontracts that exceed $200,000 throughout the life of the contract.

The POP Program does not apply to:

  • Any contract in which the primary purpose (51% or more) is the procurement or purchase of property, leases, goods, supplies, and/or equipment;
  • 4.2.2. An intergovernmental contract, interlocal agreement, bulk purchasing or purchasing cooperative.
  • 4.2.3. Any contract for which the City of Houston has not expended funds, regardless of funding source.

All employees over the age of 18 who work at least 30 hours per week or any amount of time under a covered City contract or sub-contract.

Pay or Play Options

PLAY

Each covered employee must be given health insurance coverage that meets the following standards:

  • The employer contributes no less than 75% of the total premium costs per covered employee per month toward the total premium cost; and
  • The covered employee contributes, if any amount, no greater than 25% of the total monthly premium costs.
PAY
  • The contractor will have to submit workforce audits in B2GNow (https://houston.mwdbe.com/ ) that list all PAY employees' total work hours for the firm and the total hours they work each week on the City of Houston contract.
  • A fee of $1 will be assessed to the employer for each hour over 30 hours that covered employees' work until contract completion. POP invoices are generated via the B2GNow website and sent to the email address listed in the vendor's profile. Invoice payments are due within 30 days of receipt via the Chase Payment Portal in B2GNow. Checks or ACH Deposit payments are no longer accepted. For payment instructions or clarity, contact HCD Pay or Play Coordinators LaQuinta Burton or Leslie Joseph at 832-393-6200.
Pay and Play

A contractor may PAY on behalf of some covered employees and PLAY on behalf of other covered employees, including subcontractors' covered employees.

EXEMPTION

There are several means for an employee to be considered exempt from the POP program, including:

  • Under the age of 18
  • Has insurance through their spouse
  • Has Medicaid/Medicare
  • Refuses Health Insurance from their employer that meets City of Houston Requirements.
  • For each exempt employee, a POP-8 form must be filled out, and supporting documentation/ acceptable proof of insurance is required. The POP-8 forms should be signed, notarized, and completed by the employee.

A full list of required documents for the Pay or Play program are available on the City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity’s website .

Department-Specific Guides:

For more information, contact the department’s Pay or Play Coordinators, LaQuinta Burton or Leslie Joseph, at 832-393-6200.

Section 3 and MWSBE Hiring

Most projects funded by HCD will also require compliance with Section 3 and Minority- and Women-Owned Small Business Enterprises (MWSBEs).

HCD Policies

Document Name Use View
Compliance Forms: Section 3 and MWSBE Used in all stages of hiring Section 3 and MWSBE workers and business concerns View

Required Forms

Document Name Use View
Compliance Forms: Section 3 and MWSBE Used in all stages of hiring Section 3 and MWSBE workers and business concerns View
Federal Regulations Compliance Packet Used in all stages of hiring Section 3 and MWSBE workers and business concerns View
Section 3 Worker Directory Use to find and hire Section 3 Workers with relevant skills View
Section 3 Business Directory Use to find and contract with Section 3 Businesses View
MWSBE Directory Use to find and contract with MWSBEs View

Resources

Environmental Review

In order to receive federal funding, all projects must go through a thorough evaluation to assess their potential impact on the environment. This evaluation ensures that the project adheres to environmental standards set by federal, state, and local authorities and that it will not harm the surrounding environment or the health of those who will use it. The responsibility of conducting this evaluation lies with an HCD Environmental Review Officer.

Throughout the evaluation process, certain conditions may be identified that need to be met to comply with local, state, and federal requirements. These conditions, known as environmental mitigation measures, are necessary to address any potential environmental issues.

Under no circumstances can any funds be allocated to a HUD-related project that may have a negative impact on the environment or restrict the availability of reasonable alternatives. This ensures that all federally funded projects prioritize environmental sustainability and consider the best interests of the community and its surroundings.

From September 2022, agencies that do not receive direct Department funding for their project/program will be subject to a fee for the Environmental Review process. This fee will be determined by the number of hours dedicated by HCD staff to finalize the review. Once the review is finished, an invoice will be issued for payment.

For additional information, you may contact our team at hcdenvironmental@houstontx.gov.

Resources

Uniform Relocation Act

All federally funded projects administered by HCD must comply with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended (URA). The URA is applicable in cases where land acquisition, demotion, rehabilitation, and conversion of properties requires temporary relocation or permanent displacement of persons, businesses, farms, or non-profits.

Developers, agencies, and program staff should refer to our:

  • Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act of 1970, as amended URA Policy
  • Residential Anti-Displacement & Relocation Assistance Plan (RARAP)

For information and resources about the URA, please refer to the following tables:

URA Applicability Flow Chart & Fact Sheets

Acquisition and relocation activities require URA documentation. Some projects are acquisition only, involving vacant land or property with unoccupied structures. This type of project requires a minimal amount of URA compliance documentation. Projects involving the relocation of residential or nonresidential tenants require additional documentation.

URA Applicability Flowchart
Document Name Description
Acquisition & Relocation of Residential Tenant List of URA Pre-requisite requirements for Residential Tenants
Notice of Eligibility – Non-Residential Tenant, Permanent Displacement List of URA Pre-requisite requirements for Non-Residential Tenants
Site Occupant Record – Non-Residential List of URA Pre-requisite requirements for Acquisitions only
General URA Project Timeline
General URA Project Timeline

Acquisition
Document Name Description
Notice to Seller– Entities Form executed by developers assuring URA compliance
Notice to Seller - Homebuyer Only Form provided to property owners/ sellers indicating voluntary sale
Sellers Occupancy Certification Form Form used by COH staff for Harvey Homebuyer Program
URA Assurances Application
Foreclosure Residential Property Occupancy Certification Only for residential housing units that were foreclosed
Notice of Intent to Acquire Form used by COH when interested in purchasing property
Notice of Interest by Government Establishes eligibility for relocation assistance prior to commitment of federal financial assistance

Relocation
Document Name Phase Description
Guide to Develop a Relocation Plan Application Resource used to aid in developing relocation plan
General Information Notice - Nonresidential Tenant Not Displaced Application Template notification for temporary relocation of non-residential tenants
General Information Notice - Nonresidential Tenant To Be Displaced Application Template notification for permanent displaced of non-residential tenants
General Information Notice - Residential Tenant Not Displaced Application Template notification for temporary relocation of residential tenants
General Information Notice - Residential Tenant To Be Displaced Application Template notification for permanent relocation of residential tenants
Move-In Notice Application Notice provided to prospecting tenants wanting to move into a project after date of application assistance
Notice Of Non-Displacement – Residential Tenant City Council Approval/Closing Phase Template notification for temporary displaced residential tenants
Notice Of Eligibility – Residential Tenant City Council Approval/Closing Phase Template notification for residential tenants establishing assistance eligibility
Notice Of Eligibility – Nonresidential Tenant City Council Approval/Closing Phase Template notification for non- residential tenants establishing assistance eligibility
Temporary Relocation 30 Day Notice To Move City Council Approval/Closing Phase Template 30 Day notification to move
Permanent Relocation 90 Day Notice To Move City Council Approval/Closing Phase Template 90 Day notification to move
Site Occupant Record (SOR) Fillable – Residential City Council Approval/Closing Phase Fillable HUD SOR template for residential tenants
Site Occupant Record (SOR) Fillable – Non-Residential City Council Approval/Closing Phase Fillable HUD SOR template for non- residential tenants
Tenant Status Report (TSR) – Residential – 03.2021 City Council Approval/Closing Phase Template excel TSR for residential tenants
Advisory Assistance Record City Council Approval/Closing Phase Template advisory form to log communication with tenants

HUD Information Brochures
Document Name Available Languages
English Español
Section 104(d): Relocation Assistance to Tenants Displaced from their Homes View View
HUD 1042 CPD: Relocation Assistance to Tenant Displaced from their Homes View View
HUD 1043 CPD: Relocation Assistance to Displaced Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations View View

Federal Standards and Resources

URA Microlearning Modules
Document Name View
How to Determine Household Income View
Section 104(d) Rental Assistance Determination View
URA Rental Assistance Determination View

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the URA? -

A: The URA is defined as the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended. URA applies to acquisitions of real property or displacements of persons resulting from Federal or federally assisted (in whole or in part) programs or projects.

Q: What is a Program or Project? -

A: An activity or series of activities undertaken with federal financial assistance received or anticipated in any phase. When federal financial assistance is used for any activity or in any phase of a project, planned or intended, and the activities are determined to be interdepended, the statutory and regulatory requirements of the URA and the specific HUD funding source(s) are applicable. Interdependence is best determined by whether one activity would be carried out if not for another. As a result, any activity in connection with a federally funded project can be subject to all regulations of that funding source even though the activity may not be directly funded by that source. HUD projects are defined according to the program rules.

Q: What are the URA triggering activities and does the URA apply to local agencies or third parties? -

A: The URA applies to any local or third parties that will use Federal or federally assisted funds in connection with an acquisition, rehabilitation, reconstruction, or demolition. Local and third parties would be responsible for ensuring the implementation and compliance of the URA.

Q: Who is eligible to receive assistance under the URA? -

A: Eligible persons include displaced tenants and homeowner occupants who participate in a program or project in an involuntary manner. Homeowner occupants who “voluntary” sell, rehabilitate, or demolish property are not eligible to receive assistance under the URA. Eligible tenants include both residential and non-residential (businesses, nonprofits, and farms) tenants.

Q: What assistance are displaced persons eligible to receive? -

A: Tenants are entitled to receive advisory services which include referrals to comparable locations and payment for moving expenses. Residential tenants are also eligible to receive Replacement Housing Payments (RHP) where they can choose to either receive rental assistance or purchase assistance on a replacement home. Non-residential tenants are eligible to receive reestablishment expenses or receive a fixed payment (“In Lieu Of” Payment) as an alternative.

Q: How will having documented & undocumented residents affect relocation assistance eligibility? -

A: No relocation assistance shall be provided to a person who has been determined to be not lawfully present in the United States, unless such person can demonstrate that the denial of relocation assistance will result in an exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to such persons spouse, parent, or child who is a citizen of the United States , or is an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

Q: What is the meaning of the term “exceptional and extremely unusual hardship”? -

A: The final rule includes a definition of the phrase “exceptional and extremely unusual hardship,” which focuses on significant and demonstrable impacts on health, safety, or family cohesion. This phrase is intended to allow judgement on the part of the displacing agency and does not lend itself to an absolute standard applicable in all situations.

Q: Are there limits to the amount of Replacement Housing Payments (RHP) that eligible renters can receive and what is Housing of Last Resort? -

A: Although the URA regulations specify that displaced persons who rent a replacement dwelling are entitled to a payment not to exceed $7,200 for rental assistance, that is not a cap. It is often necessary to exceed the $7,200 threshold in order to re-house a displaced person. Where comparable replacement housing is not available within the monetary limits for RHPs, Housing of Last Resort must be offered. The last resort housing provisions give Agencies broad latitude in how they make housing available. Providing additional financial assistance above the threshold to make the comparable unit within the person’s financial means is often the most feasible housing of last resort option.

Q: What are other methods of providing Housing of Last Resort? -

A: Different methods of Housing of Last Resort include but are not limited to providing payments in excess of the applicable RHP monetary limits, direct provision of loans, construction of new replacement dwelling, moving and/ or rehabilitating a replacement dwelling, or removal of barriers for persons with disabilities. Estimating the cost of these methods would require evaluation on a case-by-case basis.

Q: What is excluded from household income when calculating the replacement housing payment for tenants? -

A: Household income does not include income received or earned by dependent children or full-time students under 18 years old. However, full-time students over 18 may be assumed to be a dependent, unless the person demonstrates otherwise. It also does not include benefits that are not considered income by Federal law, such as food stamps, or the Women Infants and Children (WIC) program. For a more detailed list of income exclusions, see Federally Mandated Exclusions from Income under Real Estate Topics of Special Interest on: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/real_estate/uniform_act/relocation/exclusions.cfm .

Q: What if there are multiple occupants of one displacement dwelling? -

A: In general, all of the occupants of a single dwelling unit should be considered one family for purposes of payment calculations. However, two or more occupants of a dwelling may maintain separate households within that dwelling. If they do, they have separate entitlement to relocation payments. The Agency is responsible for determining the number of households in a dwelling based on the use of the dwelling, the relationship of the occupants, and any other information that may be obtained. The payment computation for each household should be based on the part of the dwelling that the household occupies and the space that is shared with others. An attempt should be made to locate similar comparable DSS living facilities. The record should be sufficiently documented to support the decision reached.

Q: Can expectant children count as part of the displacing household? -

A: The URA regulations do not specify if children expected to be born to pregnant women are included as members of the household. It would be up to the local program to develop and follow policies to address this issue, but it would be reasonable to anticipate imminent changes in family composition.

Q: What are the requirements for temporary relocation? -

A: Sometimes a project may require persons to be relocated from their dwellings for only a short period of time. Although temporarily relocated persons do not receive the same relocation assistance and payments as persons permanently displaced under the URA, they do have certain rights and protections. Temporary relocation should not extend beyond one year before the person is returned to his or her previous unit or location. Residential tenants must be reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, moving expenses, and increased housing costs that are incurred in connection with the temporary relocation. Residential tenants who are temporarily relocated for a period beyond one year must be contacted and offered permanent relocation assistance. These expenses are in addition to any assistance a tenant has already received for temporary relocation; and may not be reduced by the amount of any temporary relocation assistance.

Q: Can an owner of a property to be acquired prevent the agency from contacting tenants of the property? -

A: An owner may not prevent authorized agency employees from notifying tenants of the benefits they may be eligible to receive under the Uniform Act. The agency should advise the owner that it is better to explain to the tenants the requirements and obligations for the eligibility for benefits and to advise them there is no rush to relocate. In situations where the owner is concerned the tenants will move and there will be loss of rental income, the agency may offer to make a payment to replace lost rent for vacancies occurring due to relocation for a reasonable period of time.

Q: Does lack of cooperation on the part of the displaced person relieve the agency of its obligation to provide required relocation advisory assistance? -

A: The agency must provide notices and advisory services to all displaced persons. All contacts and efforts to contact a displaced person must be documented in the agency files. The agency is not relieved of its responsibility regardless of cooperation. In some cases, the relocation agent should seek advice early in process from legal counsel.

Q: Will the purchase and occupancy of a motor home or a boat meet the requirements for a purchase of a replacement dwelling? -

A: A motor home or a boat capable of providing living accommodations may be considered a replacement dwelling if (a) the motor home or boat is purchased and occupied as the primary place of residence; (b) the motor home or boat is located on a purchased or leased site and connected to all necessary utilities for functioning as a housing unit on the date of the agency's inspection, and (c) the dwelling, as sited, meets all local, State, and Federal requirements for a DSS dwelling. It should be noted that the regulations of some local jurisdictions would not permit the consideration of these vehicles as DSS dwellings. A motor home or a boat designed to provide living accommodations may also meet the requirement of a rental replacement dwelling if it is occupied as the primary place of residence and qualifies under (b) and (c) above.

Q: If a business being permanently displaced decides to go out of business, what payment option is most suitable? -

A: The fixed payment is a useful option for businesses which may choose to go out of business because of relocation. It helps reduce the administrative burden for both the displaced business and the agency, since no documentation of actual moving or reestablishment expenses is required.

Q: If someone received CDBG rehabilitation assistance, can they come back and receive additional CDBG-assisted rehabilitation funding? -

A: CDBG-funds may be used more than once to rehabilitate the same housing structure. This may be necessary because the work was not performed satisfactorily the first time or there is a different problem that needs resolution. There is no time limit. If years have passed, the household should be income qualified again to ensure that the low/moderate income housing national objective is met.


If you have any questions concerning URA, please contact our URA section by calling 832-394-6200 to be connected to a staff member.

Building Standards

All projects completed by City of Houston Contractors must meet the standards of the relevant program.

Document Name Use View
Reference Floor Plan Single-Family Home Construction Download
Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide Single-Family Home Construction Download
Minimum Construction Standards for Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and New Construction Single-Family and Multifamily Construction Download
Aging-In-Place Standards Single-Family and Multifamily Construction Download
HUD Single-Family Housing Standards Single-Family Home Construction Download
Lead-Based Paint and Asbestos-Containing Materials Requirements Single-Family and Multifamily Construction Download

Property Managers

Funding from the Department comes on the condition that the development remain affordable for periods up to 40 years. In addition, the development must comply with federal standards. Our inspectors conduct onsite monitoring annually to check accuracy of rent and occupancy reports, review onsite records, and inspect units.

Department-Specific Guides:

Depending on the source that funded the project, different additional requirements go into effect.

Document Name Description Download
2023 HOME Rent Limits Maximum rents allowed for units funded through HOME Download
2023 HOME Income Limits Accepted income levels of applicants to HOME units Download
2023 Allowance for Tenant - Furnished Utilities and Other Services Allowance for tenant-furnished utilities and other services Download
Affidavit of Unemployment Statement of unemployment, filled out by unemployed residents Download
Asset Verification Statement of assets, filled out by residents who qualify for affordable units Download
Certification of Zero Income Statement of zero income, filled out by residents with zero income Download
Child Support Affidavit Statement verifying that residents are current on child support payments Download
Child Support Verification (CDBG) Verification of child support income (submitted to Attorney General) for residents in CDBG-funded properties Download
Employment Verification Verification of tenants’ employment status, filled out by employed residents Download
Income Contribution Statement of contribution that resident will make to rent Download
Intake Application (CDBG) Application for residents to live at CDBG-funded properties Download
Intake Application (HOME) Application for residents to live at HOME-funded properties Download
Lease Addendum – Revised Addendum that must be added to all lease contracts supported by the City of Houston Download
Pension Verification Statement of pension, to be filled out by residents receiving pension payments Download
Rent Schedule (Blank) Rent schedule for property Download
Social Security Benefit Verification Statement verifying that resident receives Social Security payments Download
Substandard Housing Complaint – Form 2 Form for residents wishing to file a complaint about a property Download
Sworn Assets (Under $5,000) Form documenting assets of households who have less than $5,000 in combined assets Download
Telephone Verification Form verifying an acceptable form of contact via telephone Download
Tenant Income Certification (pages 1-4) Form documenting income that resident receives and will contribute to rent Download
Tenant Release and Consent Form for tenant to release information about employment, income, and assets for the purpose of verifying information Download
Verification of Business Income Statement verifying assets and income of a resident’s business Download
Veterans Benefit Verification Statement verifying that resident receives Veterans Benefits Download

Single-Family Loan Servicing

Participants in our Single-Family programs, including our Home Repair programs and our Homebuyer Assistance Program, must comply with the affordability period specified in their contracts. Some types of assistance include a loan on the property for a duration outlined in their contract.

To fulfill the terms of the contract, the homeowner must live in the home for the entire affordability period without selling, leasing, or transferring ownership of the property. At that point, a Release of Lien can be started.

In the case that the homeowner decides to break the terms of the affordability period, they will need to repay the City some or all of their loan. For questions, please call us at 832.394.6200 and ask to speak to Loan Servicing.

Forms needed to be released from the loan can be found below:

Document Name Description Download
Release of Lien Request Form for requesting a release from the City’s loan on the property, either at the end of the affordability period or when choosing to repay the City before the end of the affordability period. View
Payoff Statement Request Form to ask for payoff statement before the end of the affordability period. View
Subordination Agreement Request Form to use when changing terms of mortgage. View