Normal costs of turning over an apartment after a tenant vacates may not be included on a claim to HUD for tenant damages. The costs an owner incurs for the basic cleaning and repairing of such items necessary to make a unit ready for occupancy by the next tenant are part of the costs of doing business. When reviewing Special Claims for Damages, SHCC will only approve incorporation of those charges that are for damages that were beyond normal wear and tear. SHCC adheres to general guidelines established in HUD’s Special Claims Processing Guide Appendix 5C. The following is a list of items typically attributable to routine use or “normal wear and tear”. Tenant damages usually require more extensive repair, and at greater cost than “normal wear and tear”, and are often the result of a tenant’s abuse or negligence that is above and beyond normal wear and tear. Examples include: SHCC also references Appendix 5D, which provides a sample life expectancy chart for features of the unit: SHCC is tasked with ensuring the owner has made a reasonable effort to recover money from the vacating tenant for non-compliance with rental payments and care of the unit. Therefore, SHCC requires the owner to submit the following: SHCC asks that you provide a copy of the waiting list covering a period beginning 3 months before the earliest claim through the end of the latest claim. SHCC reviews the wait list to ensure management has been responsible in updating/managing the list so as to minimize administrative delays in filling vacant units. SHCC is also tasked with ensuring listed applicants have not been incorrectly skipped in the process of assigning vacant units.Why did SHCC not approve all of my damage charges on my special claim?
Hot Water Heaters
10 years
All units
Plush Carpeting
5 years
Family
7 years
Elderly
Air Conditioning Units
10 years
All units
Ranges
20 years
All units
Refrigerators
10 years
All units
Interior Painting – Enamel
5 years
Family
7 years
Elderly
Interior Painting – Flat
3 years
Family
5 years
Elderly
Tiles/Linoleum
5 years
Family
7 years
Elderly
Window shades, screens, blinds
3 years
Family, Elderly
Why does SHCC ask for evidence of collection efforts when submitting a special claim for unpaid rent and damages? What does this entail?
Why does SHCC require me to submit a copy of my property’s waiting list with each Special Claim for Vacancy Loss?
If you have additional questions, please contact the Special Claims staff.