Policy adjustments are outlined in the memorandum provided to 11Alive.
Atlanta – Atlanta Housing has updated the freeze of rent increases, saying there will be a possibility of adjustments “case by case”.
Policy adjustments are outlined in the memorandum provided to 11Alive. It noted that the automatic freeze remains “suspended until further notice” but said that Atlanta housing may make rent adjustments on a case-by-case basis after reviewing individual property assessments.
That's because the organization has been in potential federal funding cuts, with residents working with Atlanta Housing using federal Title 8 coupons.
Related: Atlanta Housing versus potential federal funding cuts trade-offs
Any possible rent would be “usually based on the rationality of the demand for an increase, as well as an analysis of the economic performance and operating needs of Atlanta housing for property,” the memo said.
This review must be formally requested by the landlord, who works with the organization through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
The Trump administration has floated cuts in housing and urban development funds and has imposed restrictions on how long someone can use eight vouchers to afford housing. Atlanta Housing receives over 95% of its budget of more than $450 million from HUD.
With the possibility of federal cuts, Atlanta's housing decision initially freezes any renewal of rent interest rates after July 1.
Some advocates fear that the policy could reduce the amount of property that accepts vouchers, as Housing Justice League’s Matthew Nursey told 1 Alive’s Joe Ripley this week. This, in turn, may put a greater demand on properties that accept vouchers.
Atlanta Housing’s memo released Monday said the organization would “continue to evaluate the federal landscape” and that “all policies still require ongoing review.”