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Homeownership Opportunities
The Mutual Help Program & Homeownership Program provides opportunity to purchase affordable housing for lower income families in this area. Qualifications have been established for each program.
Required Monthly Payments
All monthly payments are due on or before the first day of the month. Five working days are allowed before late charges are assessed. Late charges in the amount of $15.00 will be added beginning the 6th working day of the month.
Inspections
Inspections of all homes under management by the Housing Authority are conducted on an annual basis. Maintenance for Mutual Help/Homeownership units is the responsibility of the Homebuyer. Rental units are maintained by the Housing Authority.
Policy is established to enforce the terms of the Mutual Help and Occupancy Agreement (MHOA) and the requirements of the Eligibility, Admission, Occupancy and Payment Policy as it relates to maintenance of the home.
Inspections of Mutual Help Homes are a HUD requirement under Public Law 104-330, Sec 403 (b) of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996. The Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority shall enforce those provisions of the MHOA under which the homebuyer is responsible for maintenance of the home. The Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority has overall responsibility to HUD for assuring that the house is being kept in a decent, safe and sanitary condition and that the home and grounds are maintained in a manner that will preserve their condition, normal wear and tear excepted. Accordingly, the Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority shall conduct a complete interior and exterior examination of each Mutual Help home at least once a year and shall furnish a copy of the inspection report to the homebuyer.
The Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority shall take appropriate action, as needed, to remedy conditions shown by the inspection, including steps to assure performance of the homebuyer's obligations under the MHOA/ Homeownership Agreement. Inspections shall be on an annual basis.
Homebuyer Maintenance
Homebuyers are responsible to perform all maintenance of their home. The Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority shall not be obligated to pay for or to provide any maintenance of the home other than the correction of warranty items reported during the applicable warranty period.
Use of Homebuyer MEPA Funds (Mutual Help/Homeownership Program
Homebuyer payments are computed according to income received into the household. Amounts exceeding the administrative fee are placed in the Monthly Equity Payments Account (MEPA). If all qualifications are met, these funds may be accessed for repairs/improvements, etc. You may contact the Housing Management Dept. for further information.
Rental Units
The Rental Program provides low income families with good quality housing at an affordable cost. Participants pay no more than 22% of their adjusted monthly income for rent.
Ceiling rents are established as follows:
1 Bedroom $216
2 Bedroom $281
3 Bedroom $390
4 Bedroom $436
Normal maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of ASHA.
Required Monthly Payments
All monthly payments are due on or before the first day of the month. Five working days are allowed before late charges are assessed. Late charges in the amount of $15.00 will be added beginning the 6th working day of the month.
Allowances for Pets in Rental Units
All elderly and disabled residents will be permitted to keep one pet under the Pet Policy. All residents must submit an application for approval along with a non-refundable deposit. These are updated annually. Compliance with all city codes and restrictions are necessary, as well as all Housing Authority rules and regulations.
Other Programs Available:
Housing Counseling Programs
The Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority recognizes the need to give participants the life skills necessary for successful homeownership. Therefore, ASHA has put together workshops that will equip existing participants and future homebuyers with the necessary skills to succeed in homeownership.
Homebuyer Education
This workshop addresses the responsibilities of homeownership; making payments (budgeting), upkeep and care of the home (maintenance), financing and loan program (what you need to know about predatory lending and mortgage loans). This is a requirement for participation in some of the Homeownership Programs.
Maintenance Workshop
This workshop addresses the responsibilities of homeownership with maintenance and care of the home to include: preventative maintenance; emergency action and repair; pest prevention; and cleaning tips, etc.
Budgeting Workshop
This workshop equips the participants with the tools needed to succeed in budgeting, planning for the unplanned and saving for a rainy day.
Down Payment/Closing Costs
The Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority is planning to offer a Down Payment/Closing Costs Assistance to Native American families that have the credit history and financial potential to acquire loans through private lending institutions, but do not have the accumulated cash for loan closing. Requirements are being established for this program.
Maintenance Repair Program for Elderly/Disabled
ASHA is offering Maintenance Repairs to Homeowners or Homebuyers who are in need of minor repairs but do not have the physical or financial capabilities to make those repairs. No cosmetic repairs will be made. Only repairs pertaining to infrastructure, weatherization, or repairs needed to bring the home to a decent, safe and sanitary condition will be allowed. Contact Housing Management for more information.
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