Housing Voucher Programs - Policy and Procedures Manual

Chapter XIII Sections

1. Definitions
2. Reporting Absences to MSHDA
3. Absence from the Unit
   1. Absences in Excess of Three Weeks but less than Three Months
   2. Absences between Three and Six Months
   3. Absences in excess of 180 calendar days (Six months)
4. Absences Due to Death
5. Absence Due to Medical Reasons
6. Absence Due to Full-Time Student Status
7. Absence Due to Incarceration
8. Absence Due to Military Service
9. Absence of Child(ren) Due to Foster Care Placement
10. Absence of Entire Family
11. Caretaker for Children
12. Verification of Permanent Absence of a Family Member
13. Applicable Forms List

Chapter XIII: Absences From Unit

Section C: Absence from the Unit

MSHDA will allow a family to be absent from the unit for brief periods of time (up to three weeks) without notifying either the owner or MSHDA.

1. Absences in Excess of Three Weeks but less than Three Months

The family must provide written notice to the owner and MSHDA that the unit will be temporarily vacant. The notice must include the beginning and ending dates of the vacancy. The temporary vacancy notice must be placed in the tenant file to confirm family compliance with policy.

MSHDA approval is NOT required for the family to temporarily vacate the unit for up to three months.

2. Absences between Three and Six Months

The family must provide written notice to the owner and MSHDA that the unit will be temporarily vacant. The notice must include the beginning and ending dates of the vacancy.

Written approval is required for temporary absences in excess of three months. Each circumstance will be individually evaluated and authorized by the HA. Written documentation should be placed in the file. Examples of circumstances where approval may be appropriate include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Hospitalization;
• Temporary placement in a nursing home or similar facility;
• Temporary placement of child(ren) in a foster care situation;
• Family emergency such as serious illness, or death;
• Incarceration (for non-drug related criminal activity);
• Other individual circumstances.

3. Absences in excess of 180 calendar days (Six months)

The family cannot be absent from the unit for more than 180 consecutive calendar days (six months) for any reason. The unit is considered vacated and the rental assistance must be terminated. 24 CFR 982.312