Q and A – Rules Regarding Car Registration

Question:

I have a tenant that moved here 3 years ago, from another state, that has yet to get her car registered locally. I have told her that is a violation of our parking rules. She is asking me to provide evidence that a local car registration is a HUD requirement and says she has always maintained the car registration in the other state because she has two addresses – one here and another at her daughter’s address.

How should I respond?

Betty – New Jersey

Answer:

HUD does not provide specific guidance regarding car registration. However, your House Rules can reference state requirements, related to car registration, that must be followed at the property, per HUD Handbook 4350.3, Rev-1, Change 4, 6-9 B.1.f. Failure to follow the House Rules would be a lease violation and you can proceed with termination of tenancy, as appropriate.

A second concern is the fact that she says she maintains two addresses. HUD Handbook 4350.3, Rev-1, Change 4, 3-10 states that a family is eligible for assistance only if the unit will be the family’s only residence. If she is indicating she has dual residences, she is violating a program eligibility requirement.