Verification of Priority, Preference, Eligibility and Qualification

(1) Verification of Local Resident Preference. In accordance with 760 CMR 5.05(4)(a), upon a claim by an applicant of Local Resident preference, the LHA or CSO, as applicable, shall request the applicant provide access to reliable and reasonably obtainable documentation verifying the accuracyof information provided by applicant in connection with applicant's Local Resident preference claim. (2) Verification of Veteran Preference. In accordance with 760 CMR 5.05(4)(b), upon a claim by an applicant of Veteran Preference, the LHA or CSO, as applicable, shall request the applicant provide access to reliable and reasonably obtainable documentation verifying the accuracy of information provided by applicant in connection with applicant's Veteran preference claim. (3) Verification of Priority. In accordance with 760 CMR 5.05(4)(c), upon a claim by an applicant of a priority, the CSO shall request the applicant provide access to reliable and reasonablyobtainable documentation verifying the accuracyof information provided byapplicant in connection with applicant's priority claim. (4) Verification of Eligibility and Qualification. In accordance with 760 CMR 5.05(4)(d), the LHA shall request the applicant provide access to reliable and reasonably obtainable documentation verifying the accuracy of information provided by applicant on applicant's application. Timelines for responses and completing verification of eligibility and qualification shall be in accordance with guidance issued by EOHLC. Such reliable and reasonably obtainable documentation includes the following: (a) Landlord Verification. The LHA shall require an applicant to provide the names and current addresses of all landlords (or housing providers) for applicant during the period three years prior to the date of the LHA's eligibility and qualifications screening request through the date of the final determination. If, after request, the LHA has failed to receive a reference from a landlord (or housing provider) it shall notify applicant of nonreceipt, and the LHA shall request that applicant use best efforts to cause the landlord (or housing provider) to submit the reference to the LHA. In the event the applicant uses best efforts but is unsuccessful, the applicant shall cooperate with the LHA in securing information from other sources about the tenancy. (b) Criminal Offender and Sex Offender Verification. The LHA shall check Criminal Offender Record Information and Sex Offender Registration Information and make reasonable efforts to check available records of out-of-state criminal convictions. (c) Income Verification. Income of applicants shall be verified by the procedure specified for rent determination contained in 760 CMR 6.04: Rent Determination. Information relied upon in verifying applicant's income shall not be more than 90 days old. Nonreceipt of requested documentation, without good cause established by applicant, shall be cause for determining applicant unqualified. (d) Other Verification. The LHA may, but is not required to, also check public records, other sources of public information, and other reliable sources. Information regarding eligibility and qualification may be obtained by the LHA from interviews with the applicant and with others, from telephone conversations, letters, or other documents, and from other oral or written materials. All such information received shall be recorded in the applicant's file in the Statewide Online Application System, including the date of its receipt, the identity of the source, and the person receiving the information. (5) Timelines for Verification. Timelines for responses and completing verification shall be in accordance with guidance issued by EOHLC.