PUBLIC HOUSING LEASE


1  PARTIES AND DWELLING UNIT: 
The parties to this Lease are The Poughkeepsie Housing Authority, referred to as Landlord, and, the occupying family, referred to as the Resident. The Landlord leases to the Resident the premises located at__________________________________________________________________

The premises leased are for the exclusive use and occupancy of the Resident and the Resident’s household consisting of the following named persons who will live in the dwelling unit:

 
Name  Date of Birth  Social Security Number
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
Any additions to the household members listed above require the advance written approval of the Landlord. This includes Live-in Aides and foster children or adults, but excludes natural births. The Landlord shall approve the additions if they pass the screening and an appropriate size unit is available. Deletions from the household shall be reported to the Landlord within ten (10) days.
If the Resident is incapable of complying with this Lease, the Landlord should contact 
the following person:         ________________________________
address is                         ________________________________
phone number                  ________________________________

 
2  LEASE TERM:
This Lease shall begin on___________. The term shall be one year and shall renew automatically for another year, unless terminated as provided by this Lease.
3  RENTAL PAYMENT:
Resident shall pay monthly rent of $__________ . 
If this Lease begins on a day other than the first day of the month, the first month's rent shall be $________.

___This rent is based on the Authority-determined flat rent for this unit.
___This rent is based on the income and other information reported by the Resident.
(Check one)

Families may change rent calculation methods at any recertification. Families who have chosen the flat rent option may request a reexamination and change to the formula-based method at any time if the family’s income has decreased, their on-going expenses for such purposes as child care and medical care have changed or any other circumstances that create a hardship for the family that would be alleviated by a change. The flat rent option is available only in accordance with and subject to the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998.

This amount is due on the first day of each month at the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority office and shall remain in effect until adjusted in accordance with the provisions of this lease. If a reasonable accommodation on where to pay rent is needed, other arrangements can be made. Cash payments are not acceptable.

If Resident fails to make the rent payment by the fifth day of the month, a notice to vacate will be issued to the Resident. A $25 late charge will be assessed to cover the added costs of a rent payment received after the fifth day of the month. At any time during the lease the family security deposit will be equal to the total tenant payment, the Flat Rent, or $100.00. A check returned for non-sufficient funds shall be considered non-payment of rent and in addition to the late charge a $20 returned check fee will be charged.

If a family is paying the minimum rent and its circumstances change creating an inability to pay the rent, the family may request suspension of the minimum rent because of a recognized hardship. This only applies to federal housing programs operated by the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority, and only applies in accordance with federal regulations.

In the event legal proceedings are required to recover possession of the premises, the Resident will be charged with the actual cost of such proceedings.
4  SECURITY DEPOSIT: The Resident has paid the amount of $_________to the Landlord as a Security Deposit.

With the approval of the Landlord, the Security Deposit may be made in three payments -- one third in advance, one third with their second rent payment, and one third with their third rent payment. The Landlord will hold this security deposit for the period the Resident occupies the dwelling unit. The Landlord shall not use the Security Deposit for rent or other charges while the Resident is living in the dwelling unit.

Within 30 days after the Resident has permanently moved out of the dwelling unit, the Landlord shall return the Security Deposit with interest at the rate provided by State law after deducting whatever amount is needed to pay the cost of:
 
a. unpaid rent;
b.  repair of damages that exceed normal wear and tear; and
c. other charges due under the Lease.

Interest begins to accrue on the first day of the month following the full payment of the Security Deposit.

The Landlord shall provide the Resident with a written list of any charges made against the Security Deposit. If the Resident disagrees with the amounts deducted, the Landlord will meet with the Resident to discuss the charges.
5  OCCUPANCY: The Resident shall use the premises as a private dwelling for himself or herself and the persons named in this Lease, with the exception of minor children born into the household during this tenancy, and shall not permit its use for any other purpose without the written permission of the Landlord.

The Resident shall not:
a. permit any persons other than those listed above and minor children which are born into the household during this tenancy, to reside in the dwelling unit for more than fourteen (14) days each year without obtaining the prior written approval of the Landlord;
b. sublet or assign the unit, or any part of the unit;
c. engage in or permit unlawful activities in the unit, in the common areas, or on the property grounds;
d. act or allow household members or guests to act in a manner that will disturb the rights or comfort of neighbors;
e. permit any member of the household, a guest, or another person under the Resident’s control to engage in any criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents or Authority employees;
f. permit any member of the household, a guest, or another person under the Resident’s control to engage in any violent or drug-related criminal activity on or off the premises.

With the written permission of the Landlord, the Resident can incidentally use the premises for legally permissible income producing purposes so long as the business does not infringe on the rights of other Residents. All such business-related uses of the premises must meet all zoning requirements and the Resident must have the proper business licenses.

The Resident has the right to exclusive use and occupancy of the dwelling unit, which includes reasonable accommodation of the Resident's guests, visitors and, with the consent of the Landlord, foster children and/or adults and the live-in care giver of the Resident's family.
6  CONDITION OF DWELLING: By signing this Lease and the Unit Inspection Report, the Resident acknowledges that the dwelling unit is safe, clean and in good condition, and that all appliances and equipment supplied by the landlord in the dwelling unit are in good working order as described on the Move-in Unit Inspection Report. This report, signed by both the Resident and Landlord, is attached to this Lease.

At the time of move out, the Landlord shall complete another inspection of the dwelling unit. When the Resident notifies the Landlord of his or her intent to vacate, the Landlord shall advise the Resident of their opportunity to participate in the move-out inspection.
7  UTILITIES: Landlord agrees to furnish the following utilities as reasonably necessary: Heat, hot and cold running water, gas and/or electricity for cooking, and electricity for lighting and general household appliances. No charge will be imposed for providing these utilities, except that Landlord has the right to impose charges for consumption of excess utilities resulting from use of major tenant-supplied appliances or where said charges are determined by an individual check meter servicing the leased unit. Schedules for special charges for utilities shall be posted in the Project Office and shall be furnished upon request. Amounts billed for excess utility consumption shall be due and payable to Landlord on the first day of the second month following the month in which the charge is incurred. Landlord will not be responsible for failure to furnish utilities by reason of any cause beyond its control.

In the event the Authority converts to individual utility metering the Tenant herein will be given a monthly utility allowance on the leased premises in the sum of $ subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter specified:
 
a  The Tenant will be individually billed for all utility charges consumed on the leased apartment, and agrees to pay his/her own utility bill directly to the utility company concurrently with the payment of the rent to the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority.
b The Landlord agrees to credit the amount of the utility allowance, upon proof of payment of the monthly utility bill, toward the partial payment of the monthly rent, and the Tenant agrees to pay the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority the balance of the monthly rent due and owing after said utility allowance credit.
c It is understood and agreed between the parties that any monthly utility charge, in excess of the stated utility allowance, is the sole and direct responsibility of the Tenant.
d In the event the Tenant fails to pay the billed utility charge for any month, the amount so unpaid will become a rent payment arrear, and will due and payable by the Tenant to the Landlord on the first day of the month following the due date of any unpaid utility billing.
e Any unpaid utility billing will be deemed to be unpaid rent, or a portion thereof, and the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority reserves the right to evict said Tenant for non-payment of same.
f  The amount set forth herein and designated as "utility allowance" is based upon professional estimates. Since utility usage is subject to many variables, some within the control of the user and some beyond such control, it may become necessary from time to time, to modify the said utility allowance. The Poughkeepsie Housing Authority specifically reserves the right to increase or decrease such allowance upon a thirty (30) day written notice to the Tenant. In the event the utility allowance is decreased, the Tenant, upon a thirty (30) day written notice to the Landlord, may terminate the lease agreement.

 
8  RENT RECERTIFICATIONS: 
 
Each year, by the date specified by the Landlord, Residents who are paying rent based on their income shall provide updated information regarding income, assets, expenses, and family composition. The Landlord shall verify the information supplied by the Resident and use the verified information to establish the amount of the Resident's rent for the next year. At the time of the annual review, the landlord shall advise the Resident of any income that will be excluded from consideration. Increased earnings due to employment shall be excluded during the twelve month period following hire for families whose income has increased because of the employment of a family member who was previously unemployed for one or more years, because of participation in a self-sufficiency program or was assisted by a State TANF program within the last six months.
Income reviews will be held every third year for Residents choosing the flat rent option. Residents who have chosen this option will be notified at the appropriate time for their recertification.

At the time of the review appointment the Resident may elect to change his or her rent choice option.

 In cases where annual income cannot be projected for a twelve-month period or the Resident is reporting no income and Resident has chosen the percentage of income rent option, the Landlord will schedule special rent reviews every sixty (60) days. In addition, the Resident may request a change in the rent choice option before the date of the review if the family experiences a decrease in income; their circumstances have changed increasing their expenses for child care, medical, etc.; or other circumstances create a hardship on the family such that the formula method would be more financially feasible for the family.

Residents paying rent based on income may meet with the Landlord to discuss any change in rent resulting from the recertification process; and, if the Resident does not agree with the determination of Resident rent, the Resident may request a hearing in accordance with the landlord's grievance procedures.
9  INTERIM RENT ADJUSTMENTS: 
Residents must promptly report to the Landlord any of the following changes in household circumstances when they occur between Annual Rent Recertifications:
a. A member has been added to the family through birth, adoption, or court-awarded custody.
b. A household member is leaving or has left the family unit.

In addition, Residents paying rent based on a percentage of income may report the following activities that occur between Annual Rent Recertifications:
a. A decrease in annual income;
b. Childcare expenses for children under the age of 13 that are necessary to enable a member of the household to be employed or to go to school;
c. Handicapped assistance expenses, which enable a family member to work;
d. Medical expenses of elderly, disabled, or handicapped headed households that are not covered by insurance; or
e. Other family changes that impact their adjusted income.

Notwithstanding the provisions listed above, a Resident’s rent shall not be reduced if the decrease in the family’s annual income is caused by a reduction in the welfare or public assistance benefits received by the family that is a result of the Resident’s failure to comply with the conditions of the assistance program requiring participation in an economic self-sufficiency program or other work activities. In addition, if the decrease in the family’s annual income is caused by a reduction in welfare or public assistance benefits received by the family that is the result of an act of fraud, such decrease in income shall not result in a rent reduction. In such cases, the amount of income to be attributed to the family shall include what the family would have received had they complied with the welfare requirements or had not committed an act of fraud.

For purposes of rent adjustments, the reduction of welfare or public assistance benefits to a family that occurs as a result of the expiration of a time limit for the receipt of assistance will not be considered a failure to comply with program requirements. Accordingly, a Resident’s rent will be reduced as a result of such a decrease.

The Landlord shall verify the information provided by the Resident to determine if a decrease in the rent is warranted.

If the Resident receives a letter or notice from HUD concerning the amount or verification of family income, the communication shall be brought to the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority within 30 calendar days.
10 EFFECTIVE DATE OF RENT CHANGE: The Landlord shall give the Resident written notice of any change in the Resident's rent. The notice shall be signed by the Landlord, state the new amount the Resident is required to pay, and the effective date of the new rental amount.
 
a. Rent Decreases:
The Landlord shall process rent decreases so that the lowered rent amount becomes effective on the first day of the month after the Resident reports the change in household circumstances. This rent change may be made retroactive to the appropriate date if less than five (5) working days have been given to the Landlord to process this change.
b. Rent Increases:
The Landlord shall process rent increases so that the Resident is given no less than 30 days advance written notice of the amount due.  Once the rental rate is established, it shall remain in effect until the effective date of the next annual review, unless another interim review and change is warranted or the Resident elects to change to or from flat rent calculation method.

 
11 RESIDENT OBLIGATION TO REPAY:
Residents who pay rent based on income shall reimburse the Landlord for the difference between the rent that was paid and the rent that should have been charged if proper notice of income change had been given and if the following circumstances occur:
 
a. Resident does not submit rent review information by the date specified in the Landlord's request; or
b. Resident submits false information at Admission or at annual, special, or interim review.

Resident is not required to reimburse the Landlord for undercharges caused solely by the Landlord's failure to follow U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's procedures for computing rent.
12 MAINTENANCE:
The Resident Agrees To:
 
a. keep the dwelling unit and any other areas assigned for the Resident's exclusive use in a clean and safe condition;
b. use all appliances, fixtures and equipment in a safe manner and only for the purposes for which they are intended;
c. not litter the grounds or common areas of the property;
d. not undertake, or permit his or her family or guests to undertake any hazardous acts or do anything that will damage the property;
e. not destroy, deface, damage or remove any part of the dwelling unit, common areas, or property grounds;
f. give the Landlord prompt notice of any defects in the plumbing, fixtures, appliances, heating equipment or any other part of the unit or related facilities;
g. not park unregistered or un-inspected vehicles on the property or park any vehicle in an unauthorized location;
h. remove garbage and other waste from the dwelling unit in a clean and safe manner; and
i. pay reasonable charges for the repair of damages other than normal wear and tear to the premises, development buildings, facilities or common areas caused by the Resident, his or her household or guests, and to do so within 30 days after the receipt of the Landlord's itemized statement of the repair charges. The Damage and Service Charge Schedule is posted in the Landlord's office. If the item is not listed on the Schedule, the Resident shall be charged the actual cost the Landlord incurred.

The Landlord Agrees To:
 
a. maintain the premises and the property in decent and safe condition;
b. comply with requirements of applicable building codes, housing codes materially affecting health and safety, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations;
c. make necessary repairs to the premises;
d. keep property buildings, facilities and common areas, not otherwise assigned to the Resident for maintenance and upkeep, in a clean and safe condition;
e. maintain in good and safe working order and condition electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by the Landlord;
f. provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and facilities for the deposit of garbage, rubbish, and other waste removed from the premises by the Resident; and
g.. supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water and heat at appropriate times of the year (according to local customs and usage) except where heat or hot water is generated by an installation within the exclusive control of the Resident and supplied by a direct utility connection.

If the dwelling unit is rendered uninhabitable, regardless of cause:
 
a. The Resident shall immediately notify the Landlord;
b. The Landlord shall be responsible for repair of the unit within a reasonable time. If the Resident, household members or guests caused the damage, the reasonable cost of the repairs shall be charged to the Resident.
c. The Landlord shall offer standard alternative accommodations, if available, when necessary repairs cannot be made within a reasonable time.
d. The Landlord shall make a provision for rent abatement in proportion to the seriousness of the damage and loss in value if repairs are not made within a reasonable time. No abatement of rent shall occur if the Resident rejects the alternative accommodations or if the Resident, Resident's household, or guests caused the damage.

 
13 RESTRICTION ON ALTERATIONS: The Resident shall not do any of the following without first obtaining the Landlord's written permission:
a.  dismantle, change or remove any part of the appliances, fixtures or equipment in the dwelling unit;
b.  paint or install wallpaper or contact paper in the dwelling unit;
c.  attach awnings or window guards in the dwelling unit;
d.  attach or place any fixtures, signs, or fences on the building(s), the common areas, or the property grounds;
e.  attach any shelves, screen doors, or other permanent improvements in the dwelling unit;
f.  install or alter carpeting, resurface floors or alter woodwork;
g.  install washing machines, dryers, fans, heaters, or air conditioners in a dwelling unit;
h.  place any aerials, antennas or other electrical connections on the dwelling unit;
i.  install additional or different locks or gates on any doors or windows of the dwelling unit;
j.  operate a business as an incidental use in the dwelling unit; or
k.  in anyway alter remove, destroy, damage, demolish, and add to or change the dwelling unit.
 
14 ACCESS-BY-LANDLORD: The Landlord shall provide 24 hours written advance notice to the Resident of his or her intent to enter the dwelling unit for the purpose of performing routine inspections and preventive maintenance, extermination or to show the dwelling unit for re-renting. The notice shall specify the date, and approximate time, and purpose for the entry. The Resident shall permit the Landlord, his or her agents, or other persons, when accompanied by the Landlord, to enter the dwelling unit for these purposes. In the event that the Resident and all adult members of the household are absent from the dwelling unit at the time of entry, the Landlord shall leave a card stating the date, time and name of the person entering the dwelling unit and the purpose of the visit.

The Landlord may enter the dwelling unit at any time without advance notice when there is reasonable cause to believe an emergency exists.
 
15 SIZE-OF-DWELLING: The Resident understands that the Landlord assigns dwelling units according to the Occupancy Standards published in its Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP). The Standards consider the type (such as dwelling units designed for the elderly or handicapped) and size of the dwelling unit required by the number of household members. If the Resident is or becomes eligible for a different type or size dwelling unit and an appropriate dwelling unit under this program and the Landlord's transfer policy becomes available, the Resident shall be given a reasonable period of time to move. If the Resident fails to move to the designated dwelling unit within the notice period specified by the Landlord, the Landlord may terminate this lease.

If the Landlord determines that a Resident must transfer to another unit based on family composition, the Landlord shall notify the Resident. The Resident may ask for an explanation stating the specific grounds of the determination, and if the Resident does not agree with the determination, the Resident may request a hearing in accordance with the Landlord's grievance procedures.
16 LEASE-TERMINATION-BY-LANDLORD: Any termination of this Lease shall be carried out in accordance with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations, State and local law, and the terms of this Lease.

The Landlord shall not terminate or refuse to renew the Lease other than for serious or repeated violation of material terms of the Lease. Each of the following when committed by the Resident, or a member of the Resident’s household is agreed to be a serious violation of a material term of this lease:

  • nonpayment of rent or other charges due under the Lease (i.e. utilities), or repeated chronic late payment of rent (four times in a twelve month period);
  • failure to provide timely and accurate statements of income, assets, expenses and family composition at Admission, Interim, Special or Annual Rent Recertifications, to attend scheduled reexamination interviews or to cooperate in the verification process if the Resident has chosen to pay rent based on a percentage of income;
  • furnishing false or misleading information during the application or review process;
  • assignment or subleasing of the premises or providing accommodation for boarders or lodgers;
  • use of the premises for purposes other than solely as a dwelling unit for the Resident and Resident's household as identified in this Lease, or permitting its use for any other purpose without the written permission of the Landlord;
  • failure to abide by necessary and reasonable rules made by the Landlord for the benefit and well being of the housing development and the Residents;
  • failure to abide by applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health or safety;
  • failure to dispose of garbage, waste and rubbish in a safe and sanitary manner;
  • failure to use electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other equipment, including elevators, in a safe manner;
  • acts of destruction, defacement or removal of any part of the premises, or failure to cause guests to refrain from such acts;
  • failure to pay reasonable charges for the repair of damages to the premises, property buildings, facilities or common areas;
  • any activity regardless of conviction thereon, committed by Resident or members of the Resident’s household or a guest of same that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other Residents or employees of the Authority;
  • any violent or drug-related criminal activity on or off the premises, not just on or near the premises;
  • alcohol abuse that the Landlord determines interferes with the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents;
  • failure to perform required community service or be exempted therefrom:
  • failure to allow inspection of the dwelling unit;
  • determination that a family member has knowingly permitted an ineligible non-citizen not listed on the lease to reside in their public housing unit;
  • determination that a family member has knowingly permitted any person not listed on the lease to reside in their public housing unit;
  • determination or discovery that a resident is a registered sex offender; or
  • the unlawful trade, manufacture, distribution, storage and/or sale of marijuana or any controlled substance as more specifically defined and set forth in Section 3306 of the Public Health Law, and Section 220 of the Penal Law of the State of New York, or the possession of a controlled substance such as would constitute a violation of Section 220.16, Section 220.18 or Section 220.21 of the Penal Law of the State of New York, in the apartment or in the common areas of the building or anywhere on the grounds of the project by a tenant or a member of a tenant's family or by any guest or other person invited or permitted into the apartment or common areas of the building or onto the grounds of the project by a tenant or by a member of the tenant's family in occupancy with the tenant; provided that the tenant or such family member shall have actual knowledge of or shall have permitted such guest or other person to engage in such unlawful possession, trade, manufacture, distribution, storage and/or sale; or the unlawful possession, use or display of a "weapon" as defined in Section 265.00 of the Penal Law of the State of New York, in the apartment or in the common areas of the building or anywhere else upon the grounds of the project by a tenant or member of a tenant's family or by any guest or other person invited or permitted into the apartment or common areas of the building or onto the grounds of the project by a tenant or a member of a tenant's family in occupance with the tenant, provided that the tenant or such family member shall have actual knowledge of or shall have permitted such guest or other person to engage in such unlawful possession, use, or display.

    • any other good cause not specifically set forth herein.
    17 NOTICE-OF-LEASE-TERMINATION: If the Landlord proposes to terminate this Lease, the Resident shall be given written notice of the proposed termination, as listed below: a. for failure to pay rent, at least 3 days;

    b. for creation or maintenance of a threat to health or safety of other Residents or Landlord's employees, a reasonable time based on the urgency of the situation; or

    c. for all other cases, thirty (30) days, unless State law permits a shorter period.
     
     

     The Notice to Vacate required by State or local law may be combined with or run concurrently with a Notice of Lease Termination required by this lease.

    The Notice of Lease Termination from the Landlord shall be either personally delivered to the Resident or to a person of suitable age and discretion found at Resident’s dwelling unit, and sent to the Resident by First Class Mail and Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested properly addressed, postage pre-paid. The notice shall:

    a. specify the date the Lease shall be terminated;

    b. state the grounds for termination with enough detail for the Resident to prepare a defense;

    c. advise the Resident of the right to reply as he or she may wish, to examine the Landlord's documents directly relevant to the termination or eviction, to use the Grievance Policy to contest the termination if applicable, and/or to defend the action in court.
    18 LEASE-TERMINATION-BY-RESIDENT: The Resident shall give the Landlord 30 days written notice before moving from the dwelling unit. If the Resident does not give the full notice, the Resident shall be liable for rent to the end of the notice period or to the date the dwelling unit is re-rented, whichever date comes first.
     
    19 TERMINATION-OF-LEASE-UPON-DEATH-OR-INCAPACITY-OF-RESIDENT: Upon the death of the Resident, or if there is more than one Resident, upon the death of all Residents, either the Landlord or the personal representative of the Resident's estate may terminate this Lease upon 30 days written notice, to be effective on the last day of a calendar month. If full notice is not given, the Resident's estate shall be liable for rent to the end of the notice period or to the date the unit is re-rented, whichever date comes first. The termination of a Lease under this section shall not relieve the Resident's estate from liability either for payment of rent or other amounts owed prior to or during the notice period, or for the payment of amounts necessary to restore the premises to their condition at the beginning of the Resident's occupancy, normal wear and tear excepted. Any personal property found within the dwelling unit shall be dealt with in accordance with Section 20 below.
    If during the term of this Lease the Resident, by reason of physical or mental impairment, is no longer able to comply with the material provisions of this Lease and the Landlord cannot make a reasonable accommodation to enable the Resident to comply with the Lease; then action shall be taken. The Landlord will assist the Resident or designated member(s) of the Resident's family to move the Resident to more suitable housing. If there are no family members, the Landlord will work with appropriate agencies to secure suitable housing. This Lease will terminate upon the Resident moving from the unit.
     
    20 PROPERTY-ABANDONMENT: If a Resident abandons the dwelling unit, the Landlord shall take possession of the Resident's personal property remaining on the premises, and shall store and care for the property. The landlord will consider the unit to be abandoned when a resident has fallen behind in rent and has clearly indicated by words and actions an intention not to continue living in the unit. The Landlord has a claim against the Resident for reasonable costs and expenses incurred in removing the property, in storing and caring for the property, and in selling the property. The Landlord can collect from the Resident all these costs.

    The Landlord may sell or otherwise dispose of the property 60 days after the Landlord receives actual notice of abandonment or 60 days after it reasonably appears to the Landlord that the Resident has abandoned the premises, whichever date occurs last. At least 14 days prior to the sale, the Landlord agrees to make reasonable efforts to notify the Resident of the sale by sending written notice of the sale by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Resident's last known address or likely living quarters if that is known by the Landlord. The Landlord shall also post a notice of sale in a clearly visible place on the premises for at least two weeks before the sale. The Landlord may use the money from the sale to pay off any debts the Resident owes the Landlord. Any amount above this belongs to the Resident, if the Resident has written and asked for it.
     
    21 DELIVERY-OF-NOTICES: Notice by Landlord: Any notice from the Landlord shall be in writing and either personally delivered to the Resident or to a person of suitable age and discretion found at the Resident’s dwelling unit, or sent to the Resident by First Class Mail properly addressed, postage pre-paid.

    Notice by Resident: Any notice to the Landlord shall be in writing, and either personally delivered to the Landlord at the Landlord's Office, or sent to Landlord by first-class mail, postage pre-paid and addressed to: The Poughkeepsie Housing Authority.
     
    22 GRIEVANCES: All individual grievances or appeals shall be processed under the Grievance Policy. This policy is posted in the Landlord's Office where copies are available upon request.

    No Grievance Hearing shall be required or held in the following instances:
    a. termination of tenancy for non-payment of rent;
    b. termination of tenancy for creation of maintenance of a threat to health, safety or rights to peaceful enjoyment of other Residents or Landlord’s employees;
    c. termination of tenancy for violent or drug-related criminal activity by the Resident, members of the Resident’s household, or guests of the Resident.

    Before the Landlord shall schedule a Grievance Hearing for any grievance concerning the amount of rent the Landlord claims is due, the Resident must first bring his or her rent account current by paying to the Landlord an amount equal to the amount of rent due and payable as of the first of the month preceding the month in which the act or failure to act took place. After the hearing is scheduled, the Resident shall continue to deposit this same monthly rent amount into the Landlord's escrow account until the complaint is resolved by the decision of the hearing officer or panel.

    When the Housing Authority is required to afford the Resident the opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the authority's grievance procedure for a grievance concerning the Lease termination, the tenancy shall not terminate (even if any notice to vacate under State or local law has expired) until the time for the Resident to request a grievance hearing has expired, and (if a hearing was timely requested by the Resident) the grievance process has been completed.
     
    23 HOUSE-RULES:The Resident agrees to obey any House Rules, which are reasonably related to the safety, care and cleanliness of the building and the safety, comfort and convenience of the Residents. Such rules may be modified by the Landlord from time to time provided that the Resident receives written notice of the proposed change, reasons for the change and an opportunity to submit written comments during a 30 day comment period at least 30 days before the proposed effective date of the change in the Rule. Existing House Rules, if any, are posted at the Administrative Office and will accompany the Lease.
     
    24 ADDED-RENT: Any time this lease requires the Resident to pay a sum of money to the Landlord, that sum shall be added to the Rent owed by the Resident for the month following the month in which the sum became due and owing. This sum of money shall then be known as Added Rent. Added Rent shall be collected in the same manner as Rent, and the non-payment of Added Rent may be the basis of termination of the lease and eviction from the dwelling unit, the same as non-payment of Rent.
     
    25 DISCRIMINATION-PROHIBITED: The Landlord shall not discriminate based upon race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, martial status, age, handicap or disability, familial status, or recipients of public assistance and shall comply with all nondiscrimination requirements of Federal, State and local law.
     
    26 This lease is subject to all of the rules and regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in conjunction with its program of Public Housing, and it is also subject to the provisions of the Annual Contributions Contract between the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Poughkeepsie Housing Authority. This provision only applies to the Federal Developments.
     
    27 ATTACHMENTS TO THE LEASE: The Resident certifies that he/she has received a copy of this Lease and the following Attachments to this Lease, and understands that these Attachments are part of this Lease.

    Attachments:

     
    Signatures:

    RESIDENT: 1) _____________________ _____________
                                                                        Date

                           2)_____________________ _____________
                                                                        Date

    LANDLORD: _____________________  ____________ 
                                                                        Date
    Adopted 2/28/1999