Q&A: Utility Checks as Repayment Agreement Payments?

Question:  I have a tenant who has a Repayment Agreement, and should be paying $5 a month on it.  This tenant gets a utility reimbursement check every month for $37.  Sometimes he tells me he doesn’t have enough money to make the payment.  Can I deduct it from his utility check?  ~ Marian in Georgia

Answer: A utility reimbursement check must be given to the tenant (or the utility company) within 5 days of receiving your voucher funds.  It can’t be used for anything else, such as a payment toward a Repayment Agreement.  If there’s been a change in household income, the payment amount can be re-negotiated.  If the tenant stops his Repayment Agreement payments, eviction proceedings should begin.