COS COS File Documentation & Recertification Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary HUD form used to document a tenant's certification or recertification in multifamily programs?
- HUD-50058
- HUD-50059 (Correct answer)
- HUD-9887
- HUD-52641
Correct answer: HUD-50059
The HUD-50059 is the Owner's Certification of Compliance with HUD's Tenant Eligibility and Rent Procedures, used for all move-in and recertification documentation.
Question 2: How long must owners retain tenant files after a tenant vacates in HUD multifamily programs?
- 1 year
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 6 years
- 10 years
Correct answer: 3 years
HUD regulations generally require owners to retain tenant files for at least 3 years after the tenant vacates the unit.
Question 3: What type of recertification is triggered by a significant change in a tenant's income or family composition between annual recertifications?
- Special Claim Recertification
- Interim Recertification (Correct answer)
- Move-In Certification
- Emergency Recertification
Correct answer: Interim Recertification
An Interim Recertification is conducted when there is a significant change in a tenant's income or household composition between scheduled annual recertifications.
Question 4: What minimum notice must owners provide tenants before the annual recertification interview or deadline?
- 30 days (Correct answer)
- 60 days
- 90 days
- 120 days
Correct answer: 30 days
Owners must provide tenants with at least 30 days' notice before the annual recertification interview or submission deadline.
Question 5: In HUD tenant files, what does 'third-party verification' mean?
- Verification provided by the tenant's family member
- Verification obtained directly from an independent source such as an employer or bank (Correct answer)
- A third internal review of the tenant's application documents
- Verification signed off by three HUD staff members
Correct answer: Verification obtained directly from an independent source such as an employer or bank
Third-party verification is income or asset documentation obtained directly from an independent source (employer, bank, Social Security Administration) rather than from the tenant.
Question 6: When EIV data is used for income verification, what must be included in the tenant's file?
- Only a printed copy of the EIV report
- The EIV report along with documentation of how any discrepancies were resolved (Correct answer)
- Just a written note that EIV was reviewed
- The tenant's signed consent to EIV data use only
Correct answer: The EIV report along with documentation of how any discrepancies were resolved
The tenant file must contain the EIV report and documentation showing how income discrepancies between EIV data and tenant-reported income were investigated and resolved.
COS COS File Documentation & Recertification Procedures 1
What is the primary HUD form used to document a tenant's certification or recertification in multifamily programs?