Tips from Sharon:
– Answer all questions as truthfully as possible, especially income. The recertification paperwork gets crosschecked with multiple databases. If it is found that a member incorrectly estimated their income, the member will have to pay the federal government back for their underestimated rent costs. Moving out of the co-op won’t resolve this problem, because the debt is to the federal government, not the co-op. Ask probing questions about any side jobs, SSI, or pensions (no matter what size) a member may have.
– Prospective members with criminal records can apply, so long as their conviction was 10+ years previous. However, they will not be accepted if it was a sex crime.
– Family members or roommates must be on the lease. A single family member can move in post occupancy, but receives greater scrutiny in their application than they would if they were on the lease from the beginning.
– Garnishment for child support or alimony is not considered when calculating rent.
– If a member is away or in the hospital when their recertification papers arrive, upon their return you should communicate to them (if they are your client) that they should call their certification specialist and ask for an extension.
– If a member misses the deadline for submitting their recertification paperwork, their rent goes up to market rate. This can be rectified, but will take some time.
– If you assist a member with their recertification paperwork, you need to ask them to sign a Consent to Release information to CSI (valid for 5 working days), even if you never talk with the certification specialist.
– Most Important: Find out when the recertification paperwork for your co-op is mailed to the members. It is different for each co-op. You will have a swell in clients coming to see you, so be prepared! An excellent time to enroll members you have not yet met.
