Annual and Interim Rent Recertification
Rent Recertification is an annual review of your household’s income and household composition and is used to set and/or revise your rent. The process begins about three to four months prior to the anniversary of when you first moved into Boston Housing Authority (BHA) public housing. BHA staff conduct the recertification three to four months in advance of the move-in anniversary because income sources must be verified with employers and banks. BHA is responsible to provide a 30-day advance notice of any rent increase.
Rent Recertification is required by both state and federal law. If you don’t complete your annual recertification, BHA can start an eviction process against you.
In order to begin the Rent Recertification process, BHA will send you a list of the information you should bring with you to your appointment. This includes information about employment income for any adult household member (ages 18 and older), public assistance received for any family member (TAFDC, EAEDC, Social Security or SSI), unemployment, workers' compensation, child support and any others. You will also need to provide information about any income earned on assets (interest on bank accounts, etc.). You must also sign releases so BHA can verify your income.
During Rent Recertification, you should let BHA know about any changes to your household composition. This includes any minors (children under 18 years old) added to the household or family members who may have moved out since the last report. You should also report any members over 18 years of age that are full time students. BHA will ask for verification of the full-time student status.
If you have child-care expenses for children under the age of 13, or medical/dental expenses (including medical premiums, prescription drug costs, co-pays or other costs), you should report this to BHA.
Reporting these changes in household composition may help you to lower your rent. Make sure to report any changes during Rent Recertification!