Affordable Multifamily Housing In California
In California, there are approximately 149,000 units of privately-owned, federally-assisted multifamily rental housing plus additional tax credit and mortgage revenue bond properties, many with project-based rental assistance. These at-risk units are occupied by elderly persons and families with lower-incomes who cannot afford to pay market rate rents and who could be displaced if the projects convert. A large percentage of these units may convert to market rate as subsidy contracts or regulatory agreements expire. Potential conversion of affordable units to market rate units is an ongoing and critical statewide problem.
California Government Code Section 65863.10 requires owners of specified federally-assisted projects to provide Notices of Intent to prepay a federally-assisted mortgage, terminate mortgage insurance, or terminate rent subsidies or restrictions at twelve and six months, unless the projects are exempted. These Notices of Intent must be sent to all affected tenant households and to affected public agencies. Affected public agencies include the City or County where the project is located, the local Public Housing Authority, and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65863.11, owners of government-assisted projects cannot terminate subsidy contracts, prepay a federally-assisted mortgage, or discontinue use restrictions without first providing an exclusive Notice of Opportunity to Submit an Offer to Purchase. This Notice is required to be sent to Qualified Entities at least twelve months prior to sale or termination of use restrictions. Qualified Entities are nonprofit or for profit organizations or individuals that agree to maintain the long-term affordability of projects.
|