Sec. 05.05.05.18. Tenant Participation

A. Except as provided in §C of this regulation, as a condition of capital assistance, a sponsor shall provide a plan, acceptable to the Department, to ensure that households residing in partnership units contribute services to enhance or maintain the project or community in which the project is located, such as:

(1) Participation in a tenants association, which may be responsible for activities such as:

(a) Evaluation of tenant complaints with recommendations to project management for resolution;

(b) Participation in formulating operating policies for the project; or

(c) Organization of tenant or community activities;

(2) Project maintenance, upkeep, or management that enhances the project and reduces operating costs, such as:

(a) Snow removal from sidewalks, lawn maintenance, and exterior painting;

(b) Interior unit painting undertaken on a regular schedule with materials, supplies, and supervision provided by the project management;

(c) Community room activity scheduling and post-activity cleanup;

(d) Grounds or building decorating including flower gardens and lobby decorations;

(e) Tenant assignments to answer project management office telephones or staff a reception desk; or

(f) Minor repairs, including window and screen repairs, undertaken in conjunction with a management-sponsored training program; or

(3) Community activities that benefit the community in which the project is located on a continuing basis or on a periodic schedule, such as:

(a) Participation in recycling programs, neighborhood crime watch, or neighborhood community associations; or

(b) Participation in periodic neighborhood cleanups or fund-raising activities to benefit community charities or nonprofit activities.

B. Tenant Participation Encouragement. For a rental housing project where not all of the rental units are partnership units, the sponsor shall be encouraged to require tenants who do not reside in partnership units to participate in activities specified in the tenant participation plan.

C. Tenant participation may not be required in connection with capital assistance if:

(1) Private sector entities receive financial assistance to provide rental housing for individuals with disabilities or special needs; or

(2) Such a requirement is prohibited by a federal program applicable to the project.