Policies & Plans
Public Housing Policies and Handbooks
ICHC provides tenants and applicants with the following documents outlining program requirements and rights:
- Public Housing Handbook
- Payment and Utility Standards / FMRs
- VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) Forms
- Fair Housing Information and HUD Form 903.1
- Informal Hearing Procedures
- No Smoking Policy
- Pet Policy
- Apartment Inspection Checklist
Admissions and Occupancy
Applicants must meet criteria established by the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP), including:
- Verification of income and family composition
- Citizenship or eligible immigration status
- Background screening for all household members age 15 and older
- Compliance with lease and program rules
Applications are entered on the waiting list in order received, and applicants are contacted based on unit size and preferences.
Background Screening Policy
ICHC follows HUD’s “One Strike and You’re Out” guidelines (PIH Notice 96-16). Background checks are conducted:
- At initial briefing to ensure eligibility
- Annually during recertification
By signing the screening form, applicants and adult household members grant ICHC permission to obtain:
- Criminal records
- Drug-related activity records
- Credit reports
Failure to comply with this process will result in denial of housing assistance.
Utility Verification
ICHC may contact the applicant’s utility providers to confirm:
- Service history
- Payment record
- Disconnections for nonpayment
- Ability to obtain future service
Applicants must sign an authorization for release of this information.