FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER (FTHB) PROGRAM

COUNTY OF PRINCE WILLIAM
Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building
OFFICE OF HOUSING AND
15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Suite 112,
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Woodbridge, Virginia 22191-4217
(703) 792-7530 FAX: (703) 792 7393 TTY (703) 792-4364
Elijah T. Johnson
Director
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER (FTHB) PROGRAM
Phase I
Dear Applicant:
The Prince William County Office of Housing and Community Development is pleased
to provide this First-Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Application Packet. The FTHB Program
provides financial assistance for downpayment and closing costs for income eligible
First-Time Homebuyers living or working in the Prince William Area (Prince William
County, the City of Manassas or Manassas Park). The FTHB Program funds are
secured for thirty years through a 2nd Deed of Trust against the property that has been
purchased.
Enclosed are items necessary should you wish to apply to the FTHB Program.
1. FTHB Readiness Self Check
2. FTHB Application Checklist
3. Pre-Qualification Lender Information Form
4. Steps to FTHB Program
5. FTHB Application
Based on the information provided, your application will be screened for preliminary
eligibility requirements. If all requirements are met you and all adults in your household
along with your Lender and Realtor [Team] will be scheduled to attend a mandatory
FTHB Program Informational Session.
You must not write a contract to purchase until after the Informational Session where
specific program requirements will be explained.
Only completed FTHB Program Application Packets will be processed. No FAX or
electronic submissions will be accepted.
Sincerely,
Joan Duckett
CPD Specialist
An Equal Opportunity Employer
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER (FTHB) PROGRAM
Readiness Self Check
Please take this simple self check before you register for the required Homebuyer Education or submit a FTHB
Program Application. This will help you determine if you meet some of the basic eligibility criteria. If you
U
U
U
encounter
as you proceed through the checklist, you are not ready to submit an FTHB Program Application.
U
U
1.
Are all household members or persons anticipated to occupy the proposed FTHB Property a U.S. Citizens or qualified alien legally
admitted to the U.S. with valid USCIS documents and currently working or living in Prince William County, City of Manassas or
2.
Has anyone in the household or persons anticipated to occupy the proposed FTHB Property had ownership (within the past 3
years) or currently has interest in residential property anywhere in the United States, foreign land or country? If no, proceed to
3.
Has any adult household member filed bankruptcy in the past and if so has it been at least 2 years since the discharge of that
Manassas Park? If yes, proceed to question 2. If no,
question 3. If yes,
STOP here because you do not meet this basic eligibility criterion.
STOP here because you do not meet this basic eligibility criterion.
bankruptcy? If yes, proceed to question 4. If no, it has not been at least 2 years since the bankruptcy was discharged,
STOP here because you do not meet this basic eligibility criterion.
4.
Has any adult household member had a foreclosure or short sale of real property? If no, proceed to questions 5. If yes,
STOP here because you do not meet this basic eligibility criterion.
5.
Is your total gross household income, based upon household size, at or below the HUD established Prince William Area Median
Income standards at 80% (see Attachment)
For purposes of determining eligibility the income, assets and circumstances of all individuals, persons, families or households
currently residing together (whether related by blood, marriage, adoption, or unrelated), and others anticipated to occupy the FTHB
Property must be considered. Gross income is defined as all sources of income (before taxes and other deductions) of all
household members. Income includes, but is not limited to the following: annual income from employment, plus bonuses,
overtime, pay differential, self employment, dividends, interest, pensions, sick pay, disability payments, Social Security benefits,
Veterans Benefits, Alimony, Child Support, Public Assistance, Unemployment Benefits, income from Trusts. Interest from assets is
added to income in determining eligibility. Interest on assets over $5,000 is imputed @ the HUD determined passbook rate
currently 2%. For assets over $5,000, the greater of the actual interest earned, or interest imputed at the passbook rate is included
as income. Gross household annual income is projected forward for one year from date of settlement. Actual or anticipated
increases in income such as cost of living, merit increases which can be verified must be included.
If your answer to question 5 is yes, proceed to question 6. If no,
criterion.
6.
STOP here because you do not meet this basic eligibility
Can you provide verification of a minimum 1% borrower contribution towards your maximum sales price as determined by your
Lender? If your answer to question 6 is yes, proceed to question 7. If no,
eligibility criterion.
7.
STOP here because you do not meet this basic
The FTHB Program provides between 23% and 33% of the approved Sales Price as determined by OHCD and Lender for
downpayment and closing cost assistance, based upon gross household income. You must be able to qualify for a first trust
loan from a VHDA approved Lender in order to apply for the FTHB Program. Contact a Virginia Housing Development
Authority (VHDA) approved Lender to determine if you have sufficient income and credit to qualify for a First Trust loan at interest
rate within 1% of VHDA’s current market rate? VHDA approved lenders can be located at www.vhda.com click on “Find a Lender”.
Ask the VDHA lender to complete the attached Pre Qualification Lender Information Form and submit along with a Good Faith
Estimate with your FTHB Program Application Packet. If the VHDA approved Lender determines you have sufficient income and
credit to qualify for First Trust financing within the FTHB Program Guidelines proceed to question 7.
HTU
If you are not able to qualify for a First Trust Loan,
U
8.
UTH
STOP here because you do not meet this basic eligibility criterion.
U
Do all household adults who will legally share the financial responsibility for the 1st Trust financing and who will occupy the
proposed FTHB Property have a “Certificate of Completion” for the required Financial Education and Housing Counseling issued
by the Prince William Virginia Cooperative Extension?
If you do not have a “Certificate of Completion” for the Financial Education and Housing Counseling issued by the Prince William
U
U
U
U
Virginia Cooperative Extension,
STOP here because you do not meet this basic eligibility criterion.
For appointments and to schedule required Financial Education and Housing Counseling contact Prince William Virginia
Cooperative Extension at www.pwcgov.org/vce/fined or call 703-792-6287.
HTU
UTH
If you were able to proceed through all of the questions successfully you are ready to submit your FTHB Program
Application Packet available at www.pwcgov.org/housing
HTU
UTH
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER (FTHB) PROGRAM
Application Checklist
Read Application Instructions carefully. Incomplete Applications will not be processed.
Your Application Packet contains the following:





FTHB Readiness Self Check to Include Income Limits
Program Guidelines
Application Checklist
FTHB Application
Pre-Qualification Lender Information Form – this form must be completed by your Loan Officer
Complete the FTHB Application for each person currently residing together to include those persons anticipated
occupying the proposed First-Time Homebuyer Property. The FTHB Program Application Packet must be signed
and dated and submit copies of all required documents for each household member to OHCD.

















Copy of Birth Certificates or USCIS Documents to verify legal residency for each person currently residing in
the household or others anticipated to occupy the housing unit that may be purchased through the program
Copy of Social Security Cards for all household members
Copy of Valid Driver’s license, or other legally acceptable picture ID for all adult household members
Copy of current Rental Lease Agreement
Copy of Deed of Trust for each property owned and real estate tax statement
Copies of 3 months recent consecutive pay stubs for each job, and each person employed, or Employment
Contract for the current year
Self-employed Applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years of self-employment with the same company
and in the same line of work. In addition, the following information is required:
o Federal income tax returns (personal, partnership or corporate if applicable) for the most two recent
years including all schedules and
o Balance sheets and current profit and loss statements covering the period since the most recent tax
return
Current Verification of other household income (child support, alimony, benefits, Social Security, disability,
Workman’s Comp, Veterans, Military, Retirement, Pension, Unemployment, etc.) which cannot be older than
6 months
Recent Bank Statements for checking, savings, mutual funds, retirement accounts, stocks, bonds, etc. (3
months consecutive statements or last quarterly which must include verification of minimum 1% borrower
contribution of funds)
Copy of Federal Tax returns and W-2s for the previous three (3) tax years for each adult
Copies of current tri merge Credit Report(s) which must include all 3 scores for all applicants, spouse or other
household member(s) who will legally share the financial responsibility for the 1st trust financing Credit
Reports may be no older than 30 days
Copy of Bankruptcy Discharge Documents
Copy of Satisfied Collections/Judgments and satisfactory letters of explanation
Pre-Qualification Lender Information Form From First Trust Lender completed by Loan Officer
Good Faith Estimate completed by Loan Officer
Certificate of Completion of Financial Education and Housing Counseling Program issued by Prince William
Virginia Cooperative Extension for Applicant, spouse or other household member(s) who will legally share the
financial responsibility for the 1st trust financing
Completed Homeownership Assistance Program Application Form
The FTHB Program Application Packet must be mailed or hand delivered (Fax not accepted) to:
Prince William County
Office of Housing and Community Development
15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Suite 112
Woodbridge, VA 22191
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER (FTHB) PROGRAM
Pre-Qualification Lender Information Form
This form must be completed along with a Good Faith Estimate and return to the Office of Housing and
Community Development as part of the FTHB Program Application Packet.
Purchaser(s) Name:
Loan Type:
Check Loan Type - First trust financing must be fixed rate or buydown. NO ARM’s, balloons or interest
only loans will be approved in conjunction with FTHB Program Loans. Loan Officers should estimate sales price based
on the Loan amount the Purchaser pre-qualifies for using FTHB Program Maximum Pre-Qualifying Ratios of 32/37. At
Final Loan approval the Qualification Ratios are 32/40.
VHDA
Fixed
Conventional
Buydown
Sales Price $
Rate
FHA
VA
Loan Amount $
Origination Fee $
Base Loan $
Discount Points
FTHB Program Funds Requested:
Gross Annual Household Income Limits at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI see attached chart) FTHB Program
Assistance cannot exceed 33% of the Approved Sales Price
Gross Annual Household Income Limits above 60% of Area Median Income (AMI see attached chart) FTHB Program
Assistance cannot exceed 23% of the Approved Sales Price
FTHB recipients are required to obtain the Maximum First Trust Loan subject to the FTHB Maximum Qualifying Ratios
Downpayment
Closing Costs
Total FTHB Assistance
$
$
$
(Can not exceed 20% to 30% of Approved Sales Price)
(Can not exceed 3% of the Approved Sales Price)
Purchaser’s Gross Total Household Income Used for Qualification:
(please state if other household members have qualifying income)
$
gross monthly Name
Source of Income
$
gross monthly Name
Source of Income
$
Total Gross Household Income
Ratios used for Qualification
Desktop Underwriting Ratios:
/
FTHB Ratios:
/
Desktop underwriting ratios do not apply to FTHB Program
underwriting guidelines.
Credit Score:
PI
Taxes
Insurance
MIP/PMI
HOA/Condo
Total Housing
+Debt.
Total Debt
$
$
(Includes PITI + monthly debt)
***Maximum FTHB Ratios 32/40, expanded ratios 32/45 may be considered for approval on a case by case basis, only if
purchaser demonstrates ability to pay or save at the higher level. Explain in comments section below.
Other Comments:
Completed by
Date
Phone Number
Name of Lending Institution
FAX
Email
Application and
Purchase Process
Purchaser makes formal loan application with
Lender. Upon final loan approval and issuance of
Lender Loan Commitment OHCD will be notified
and provided required documentation to include
the Purchaser Under Contract Lender Form
necessary to determine final FTHB Program
eligibility. If the first trust loan terms are
acceptable to the FTHB Program a final Approval
letter will be issued.
OHCD issues Closing Instructions to the
Lender and Settlement Agency. OHCD must
review a final HUD 1 Settlement Statement 7-10
days prior to closing so FTHB funds can be
requisitioned .
An Attorney or Settlement Agency prepares
all of the necessary legal documents for the 1st
Trust Loan and OHCD will prepare all of the
necessary legal documents for the 2nd Trust
Lien. These documents are signed at the
settlement and complete the transfer of the
property from the seller to the purchaser.
After settlement you are the
official owner of the property
and can move into your own
home!
This Publication is the property of
Prince William County and may be
reproduced only in it’s original form
09-01-2013
Housing and Community Development
Dr. A. J. Ferlazzo Building
15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Suite 112
Woodbridge, Virginia 22191-4217
FTHB/JD
Settlement
Office of Housing
&
Community Development
Dr. A. J. Ferlazzo Building
15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Suite 112
Woodbridge, Virginia 22191-4217
(703) 492-2301
(703) 492-0499 FAX
(703) 792-4364 TTY
www.pwcgov.org/housing
First-Time Homebuyer Program
Phase IV: Ratified Contract through Settlement
(continued)
First-Time Homebuyer
Program
First-Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Program
provides homeownership opportunities for low and
moderate-income persons living or working in the
Prince William Area (Prince William County, City of
Manassas or City of Manassas Park) with incomes
at or below 80% of Area Median Income through the
use of federal funding. The Program provides
assistance to eligible households for downpayment
and closing cost assistance, with maximum assistance between 23% -33% of the approved sales
price as determined by OHCD and Lender subject to
income limits. Escalation Clauses are not permitted
under the FTHB Program. All financial assistance is
made available to eligible households on a nondiscrimination basis subject to the availability of
funds.
Open Application Period
During the Open Application Period the First-Time
Homebuyer Application Packet will be available on
the Prince William County website www.pwcgov.org/
housing or call 703-492-2301. Only completed FTHB
Program Application Packets will be processed. No
FAX or electronic submissions will be accepted.
To begin the process review the Readiness Self
Check to determine if you and your household meet
the basic eligibility criteria. The application will be
screened for preliminary eligibility requirements. If all
requirements are met you and all adults in your
household along with your Lender and Realtor [Team]
will be required to attend a mandatory FTHB Program
Informational Session.
Sales Contracts written prior to FTHB Approval
are not eligible for funding.
Loan Qualification
Application and
Purchase Process
FTHB Program Applicants are free to work with the
lender of their choice provided the lending institution
meets Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA)
lender requirements, and are actively on VHDA’s
Approved Lender List, with office located in Virginia.
Phase I: Application Process
Applicant must complete the FTHB Program
Application and submit all required documentation,
including Certificate of Completion for the Financial
Education and Housing Counseling and Pre-Qualification
Lender Information Form along with a Good Faith
Estimate. Only completed applications with all required
documentation will be reviewed. Applications will be
screened for income and program eligibility by OHCD
Staff and provide evidence of 1% borrower contribution.
Purchaser will make formal loan application with
Lender to obtain the maximum First Trust Loan for
which they can qualify with income/debt ratios not to
exceed 32/40. The First Trust Loan must be a VHDA,
FHA, Conventional or VA product with No Adjustable
Rate Mortgages (ARMs), Balloons or Interest Only.
Sufficient income and good
credit are essential in order to
qualify for the First-Time
Homebuyer Program and a First
Trust Mortgage Loan.
Before You Apply
First: Complete the FTHB Application Readiness Self
Check.
Second: Applicant, spouse or other household
member(s) who will legally share the financial
responsibility for the 1st trust financing must have a
Certificate of Completion of Financial Education and
Housing Counseling issued by Prince William Virginia
Cooperative Extension. Go to www.pwcgov.org/vce/
fined for class schedules and Financial Assessment
appointment process.
Third: Make formal loan application with a VHDA
Approved Lender to obtain the maximum First Trust
Loan for which you can qualify. Lender must complete
the Pre-Qualification Lender Information Form and a
Good Faith Estimate.
Fourth: Submit complete FTHB Application along
copies of all required documentation.
Phase II: Information Session
If all requirements are met you and all
adults in your household along with your
Lender and Realtor [Team] will be
required to attend a mandatory FTHB
Program Informational Session. A
Certificate of Readiness Agreement will be issued and
signed to outline program terms, conditions and authorize
search for the home of your choice.
Phase III: Property Selection
Based on the Pre-Qualification Lender Information
Form you will be advised of the maximum 1st Trust Loan
amount based upon your households income and ability
to repay. With the assistance of a Realtor you can now
locate and write a Sales Contract for a property located in
Prince William County or the City of Manassas. Sales
Contracts must be in compliance with FTHB Program
requirements.
Phase IV: Ratified Contract through Settlement
The Ratified Sales Contract, Good Faith Estimate
(including 2nd Trust Cost), Purchaser Under Contract
Lender Form , Professional Home Inspection and HUD
Housing Quality Inspection (HQS) and Amendments
pertaining to failed inspection items is submitted to OHCD
for review of compliance. Based upon these items OHCD
will make a Reservation of FTHB Program funds based
upon availability of funds.
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER (FTHB) PROGRAM
APPLICATION
Please print all information clearly, in ink. If an item does not apply to your situation, print
"N/A". Make sure you attach copies of all documents requested on the FTHB Application
Checklist. Incomplete Applications will be returned. Mail application to OHCD, 15941 Donald
Curtis Drive, Suite 112, Woodbridge, VA 22191
For purposes of determining eligibility for the FTHB Program the income, assets and
circumstances of all individuals, persons, families or households currently residing together
(whether related by blood, marriage, adoption, or unrelated), and others anticipated to occupy
the housing unit will be considered, and must meet all program requirements. Therefore, you
must list all persons currently residing together and others anticipated to occupy the housing
unit which may be purchased through the FTHB Program. All information requested on this
form must be reported for each person listed if applicable to their circumstances.
Name(s) and Personal Data for Each Person Currently Residing Together and Those Persons
Anticipated Occupying the Proposed First-Time Homebuyer Property:
NAME
Last
First
RELATIONSHIP
Middle
DATE OF
BIRTH
AGE
SOCIAL SECURITY
NUMBER
RACE*
HISPANIC
use codes
below
Yes/No
Head of Household
11-White 12-Black/African American 18-Black/African American & White 13-Asian 17-Asian & White 14-American Indian/Alaskan Native
16-American Indian/Alaskan Native & White 19-American Indian/ Alaskan Native & Black/African American & White 15-Native
Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 20-Other
Current Information
Check One:
Rent $
Own $
Live with Relatives/Friends
Address
Phone
Street
City
Zip
Have you, or any person, individual, family or household member listed on this application had ownership interest
(own, purchase, co-sign on a loan, inherit, etc. regardless of whether they lived there) in a home or other residential
property within the last 3 years anywhere in the United States, foreign land or country?
Yes
No
For Official Use Only
OHCD Date and Time Stamp
Approved
Denied
Incomplete Application
Returned Date ___________
Page 1 of 6
Income/Employment Information
Provide information for each person currently residing together and those persons anticipated occupying the proposed
First-Time Homebuyer Property. Attach copies of 3 months recent consecutive pay stubs for each job and each person
employed. Copies of Federal Tax returns and W-2’s for previous 3 years for each adult.
Name of Household Member
Position Title
Full Time
Employer’s Name
Phone
Part Time
Employer’s FAX
Employer’s Address
Street
City
Zip
Work Site Address if different from Employer’s
Street
$
Monthly
Semi-Monthly
City
Bi-Weekly
Zip
Weekly
Income/Employment Information
Name of Household Member
Position Title
Full Time
Employer’s Name
Phone
Part Time
Employer’s FAX
Employer’s Address
Street
City
Zip
Work Site Address if different from Employer’s
Street
$
Monthly
Semi-Monthly
City
Bi-Weekly
Zip
Weekly
Income/Employment Information
Name of Household Member
Position Title
Full Time
Employer’s Name
Phone
Part Time
Employer’s FAX
Employer’s Address
Street
City
Zip
Work Site Address if different from Employer’s
Street
$
Monthly
Semi-Monthly
City
Bi-Weekly
Page 2 of 6
Weekly
Zip
Other Income
Attach copies of income verification. Provide information for each person currently residing together and those persons
anticipated occupying the proposed First-Time Homebuyer Property. Attach additional sheet if additional space is needed.
Specify Source Child support received Unemployment Benefits, Alimony, Regular Gifts or Payments, Social Security,
SSI, Veteran’s Benefits, Disability, Pension/Retirement, or Other.
Source
Person Receiving
Annual Gross Amount $
(before tax)
Source
Person Receiving
Annual Gross Amount $
(before tax)
Source
Person Receiving
Annual Gross Amount $
(before tax)
Source
Person Receiving
Annual Gross Amount $
(before tax)
Assets
Assets are cash or non cash items which can be converted to cash. Provide information for each person currently residing
together and those persons anticipated occupying the proposed First-Time Homebuyer Property. Attach copy of recent
statements (Attach additional sheet if needed)
Specify Type Cash on hand, Checking, Savings, Employer Retirement Account, 457, 401, IRA, Stocks, Mutual Funds,
Bonds, or Other.
$
Name on Account
Bank/Account Name & #
Type (Checking/savings)
Name on Account
Bank/Account Name & #
Type (Checking/savings)
Name on Account
Bank/Account Name & #
Type (Checking/savings)
Name on Account
Bank/Account Name & #
Type (Checking/savings)
Name on Account
Bank/Account Name & #
Type (Checking/savings)
Current Balance
$
Current Balance
$
Current Balance
$
Current Balance
$
Current Balance
Life Insurance Policies
$
Name on Policy
Company
Name on Policy
Company
Name on Policy
Company
Face Value
$
Face Value
$
Face Value
Property Owned This includes Time Shares and all real estate of all types Attach copies of Property Tax Statements, Deed of
Trust and Legal Documents for time shares.
Name of Owners
Type of Property
Address Street
City
Zip
$
Current Value
Name of Owners
Type of Property
Address Street
City
Zip
$
Current Value
Name of Owners
Type of Property
Address Street
City
Zip
$
Current Value
Page 3 of 6
Liabilities
Provide information for each person currently residing together and those persons anticipated occupying the proposed
First-Time Homebuyer Property.
Installment Accounts ( credit cards, auto loans, etc)
Type of Account
Balance
Owed
Account Number
Monthly
Payment
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
DO YOU PAY ALIMONY OR CHILD SUPPORT?
If yes, list monthly amounts
$
Other –Explain
$
Rent Payment
$
$
Declarations
The following questions refer to each person currently residing together and those persons anticipated occupying the
proposed First-Time Homebuyer Property. Check appropriate answer.
Are persons listed on this form U.S. citizen, U.S.
IF NO, explain:
non-citizen nationals, or qualified legally
Yes
No
admitted aliens with valid USCIS documents?
Attach copies of birth certificates and USCIS
documents.
Is anyone currently delinquent on any
Has anyone filed bankruptcy in the past seven
Yes
No
Federal debt or any other loan?
Yes
No
years? IF YES, attach copy of discharge
documents, and letter of explanation.
Is anyone obligated to pay alimony,
Are there any outstanding judgments or
Yes
No
child support? Who?
Yes
No
collections against anyone? IF YES, attach
copy of judgments, and letter of explanation.
Has anyone disposed of any property
Has anyone had property foreclosed upon?
Yes
No
at less than fair market value in the
Yes
If yes, who?
When
past two years?
No
Are you currently on the Section 8
Is anyone a co-maker or endorser on a note?
Yes
No
Rental Assistance Program?
Yes
No
Have you already written a contract
Is anyone a party to a lawsuit?
Yes
No
on a house to purchase?
Yes
No
Have you listed all occupants currently residing with you, and others anticipated to occupy the housing unit, and
Yes
No
(If no please explain why?)
their income?
If only one of the listed adults will be responsible for the first trust financing, please explain why.
Page 4 of 6
Certifications for the First-Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Program
Each adult listed on the Application must read, sign and date certifying the following:
The signatures below certify our understanding that for purposes of determining eligibility for the FirstTime Homebuyer (FTHB) Program the income, assets and circumstances for all individuals, persons,
families, household currently residing together (whether related by blood, marriage, adoption, or
unrelated), and others anticipated to occupy the housing unit will be considered, and must meet all
program requirements. We certify that we have listed all persons currently residing together, and
others anticipated to occupy the housing unit which may be purchased through the FTHB Program.
We certify that we have provided all information requested on this application form for each person
listed as applicable to their circumstances.
The signatures below certify that all information provided on this application form, and all information
furnished in support of this application, is given for the purpose of obtaining assistance through the
FTHB Program, and is true and complete to the best of our knowledge and belief.
The signatures below further certify our understanding that any intentional misrepresentation of
information provided on this application form, or in support of this application is a Federal crime
punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both under the provisions of Title 18, U. S. Code and will result
in denial of assistance through the FTHB Program, or repayment of assistance received through the
program.
The signatures below acknowledge that this application is a request for assistance through the FTHB
Program, and does not constitute approval or acceptance by the Prince William County Office of
Housing and Community Development.
The signatures below hereby authorize employees of the Office of Housing and Community
Development, or it's agents to contact any person, business, employers or organizations listed in this
application for purposes of determining eligibility for the FTHB Program.
The signatures below hereby authorize employees of the Office of Housing and Community
Development, or its agents, to discuss and provide all documentation of Applicant’s information with
agents of lending institutions participating in the FTHB Program for purposes of obtaining a mortgage
loan.
The signatures below certify our understanding that if awarded, The FTHB Program will not be
subordinated at anytime during the deferral period to a Home Equity Loan, other loan, or refinances of
the first loan that result in removal of equity from the property for any reason (i.e. cash, loan
consolidation, debt repayment, home improvements, education expenses, etc.)
The signatures below certify our understanding that the household must be income eligible up to and
including the day of settlement. We agree to report all changes in our incomes within five days of our
notification of any change. When determining eligibility, OHCD projects income forward which means
pay raises, bonuses, overtime, and pay differential, may result in ineligibility as this is updated until
date of settlement of the property. Interest from assets is added to income in determining eligibility.
Interest on assets over $5,000 is imputed @ the HUD determined passbook rate. For assets over
$5,000, the greater of the actual interest earned, or interest imputed at the passbook rate is included
as income.
The signature below certifies our understanding that if approved for purchase through the FTHB
Program the property will be maintained as the households’ primary and exclusive place of residence
and that the property may not be rented to a third party. Therefore the property must be owner
occupied at all times.
Page 5 of 6
The signature below certifies our understanding that if the property purchased through the FTHB
Program is not longer used as the primary residence; transfer or change of ownership, sale of
property, property rented to third party, refinanced for cash out or other violations of the Deed of Trust
then the full amount of the FTHB Program Lien will become due and payable plus a Shared Market
Appreciation.
ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS WITH ALL VERIFICATIONS REQUESTED & CREDIT REPORTS
WILL BE REVIEWED - INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE RETURNED.
Confirm that you have included copies (do not send originals) of all documents required in connection with this
application by completing the List Application Checklist.
All Adults are required to review the contents of this application for accuracy and completeness and sign and date:
Head of Household
Date
Other Adult Household Members
Date
Other Adult Household Members
Date
Other Adult Household Members
Date
Other Adult Household Members
Date
FTHB Application 7-1-11
Page 6 of 6
PRINCE WILLIAM AREA
2014 MEDIAN INCOME TABLES
Effective December 12, 2013
Extremely Low Income - Gross household income 30% area median income (AMI), adjusted for
household size per the following table:
1 Person
$22,500
2 Person
$25,700
3 Person
$28,900
4 Person
$32,100
5 Person
$34,700
6 Person
$37,250
7 Person
$39,850
8 Person
$42,400
Low Income - Gross household income 50% area median income (AMI), adjusted for household size
per the following table:
1 Person
$37,450
2 Person
$42,800
3 Person
$48,150
4 Person
$53,500
5 Person
$57,800
6 Person
$62,100
7 Person
$66,350
8 Person
$70,650
60% Income - Gross household income 60% area median income (AMI), adjusted for household size
per the following table: HUD levels 1-22-14
1 Person
$44,940
2 Person
$51,360
3 Person
$57,780
4 Person
$64,200
5 Person
$69,360
6 Person
$74,520
7 Person
$79,620
8 Person
$84,780
Moderate Income - Gross household income 80% area median income (AMI), adjusted for household
size per the following table:
1 Person
$47,950
2 Person
$54,800
3 Person
$61,650
4 Person
$68,500
5 Person
$74,000
6 Person
$79,500
7 Person
$84,950
8 Person
$90,450
Jurisdictions covered by these income limits include the following: Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun,
Prince William, Spotsylvania, and Stafford County, and the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church,
Fredericksburg, Manassas and Manassas Park in Virginia; Washington, D.C.; and Calvert, Charles,
Frederick, Montgomery, and Prince George's County in the State of Maryland.
Median family income estimates are available at HUD’s internet site:
http://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/il/il2014/2014summary.odn
Median Family Income for Washington Metropolitan Area is $107,000.
Income Levels
WHAT IS THE VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE
EXTENSION (VCE) FINANCIAL
EDUCATION & HOUSING COUNSELING
PROGRAM?
Whether you are thinking about buying your
first home, are experiencing financial
hardship, need information about tenant
rights, or you just want to learn how to
manage your money better, VCE has an
opportunity for you. Monthly workshops in
personal finance and first-time homebuyer
education seminars are available throughout
the county. An individual financial assessment
can get you started on the road to effective
money management. Foreclosure prevention
and reverse mortgage services are provided in
confidential sessions with a Certified Housing
Counselor.
VCE is a joint program of Virginia Tech,
Virginia State University, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and state and local governments.
VCE programs, activities, and employment
opportunities are available to all people
regardless of race, color, sex, disability, age,
veteran status, national origin, religion, or
political affiliation. We are an equal
opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Help us go GREEN and save more than just a tree!
To receive eNotifications by electronic mail
register at www.pwcgov.org/eServices/eNotifications
VCE Financial Education
and Housing
Counseling Program
Valuing integrity, people,
and the delivery of
quality services!
VCE Prince William is an approved Local Housing
Counseling Agency through the Office of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD). VCE is affiliated
with the Virginia Housing Development Authority
(VHDA) and the Prince William County Office of
Housing and Community Development.
VCE
formally adopted the National Industry Standards
for Homeownership Education and Counseling.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If Prince William County
Schools close due to weather or other events, VCE
activities will be cancelled. Visit www.pwcs.edu for
notice of closures or cancellations. Inclement weather
postings will be made the day of class @ 703-792-8082.
REFERRING AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
If you are attending an event to meet partner agency
requirements, please bring the notice of completion
from the referring agency for the Instructor to sign.
First-time Home Buyer or Housing Assistance Program
certificates will be issued upon completion of all
required activities.
If you are a person with a disability and require
auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations to
participate in any of these workshops, please notify
VCE five days before an event.
Call: 703-792-4765 / TDD PC 1-800-828-1120
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of
race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital, family, or veteran status, or any other basis protected
by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State
University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director,
Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Jewel E. Hairston, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.
Note: Meetings with VCE staff are never reported to credit
bureaus or other credit reporting agencies. We have an
established policy on confidentiality. We do not sell or
endorse any products or services.
Financial
Education
and Housing
Counseling
Program
January 2014
PLAN
ET
BUDG
EDUCATION
HOME
COU
NSEL
I
NG
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Prince William
8033 Ashton Avenue, Suite 105
Manassas, Virginia 20109-8202
Interested in volunteering?
VCE is able to offer many of its activities due to the
tireless contributions of our volunteers. If you would
like to join the VCE team, call 703
703--792
792--4765 or email
[email protected]. Training is provided.
Financial Education & Housing Counseling Program
SMART MONEY MANAGEMENT
RENTAL WORKSHOP
Get back to basics and improve your money
management skills. During this workshop you will:
 Examine your spending habits
 Realize the importance of setting financial goals
 Learn how to determine net worth and cash flow
 Understand how to manage credit and debt
 Discover the steps involved in establishing a
spending plan
Learn about your rights and responsibilities under the
Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act. Protect your
rights by becoming educated about the legal eviction
process. This workshop will highlight:
 Tenant rights
 Tenant responsibilities
 Landlord responsibilities
 Lease agreements
 Lease violations
 The eviction process
 Tenant remedies
Am I Ready to Buy a House?
Learn what’s really involved in buying a house and
whether you’re ready for the responsibility. This
workshop will help you discover:
 The importance of establishing a spending plan
 The monthly payment that fits into your budget
 The sales price that’s affordable for you
 The costs associated with pre-approval
 The effect of your credit history on your ability to
qualify for a loan
A VHDA certificate is issued at the completion of the
Home Ownership Seminar.
HOMEBUYER CLUB
If you’re serious about buying a house but have
some barriers to overcome, join the Homebuyer
Club. Each month, industry professionals from
your community will provide information related
to homeownership with the goal of obtaining
loan approval within 14 months. You will also
have the opportunity to meet individually with a
Housing Counselor to work on specific issues.




REGISTRATION
Select a convenient class and location
Email your name and selection to:
[email protected] or
Call 703-792-8082 to leave a message with your
registration information
Enjoy a meal, share ideas with others in the club,
play games and win door prizes as you become
an informed homebuyer!
Except where noted, locations are as follows:
SUDLEY NORTH
HOME OWNERSHIP SEMINAR
Make your first-time home buying experience
successful by being informed about the process and
responsibilities of homeownership. Examine the home
buying process starting with pre-purchase planning and
understanding credit. Learn how to choose the right
mortgage type, find a real estate agent you can trust,
benefit from a home inspection and select a closing
agent.
Seminars are held on Saturday; lunch break included;
feel free to bring snack/drink.
FINANCIAL ASSESSMENT CLINIC
Find out where your money goes, plan for significant
life changes, compute your net worth and determine
your cash flow. Meet one-on-one with a counselor to
examine your income, expenses, assets and debt. Together, you will develop a plan of action to reach your
goals.
Financial Assessments are conducted by appointment on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. Call 703-7924765 to schedule an appointment
McCoy Conference Room
7987 Ashton Avenue
Manassas, VA 20109
FERLAZZO
Leesylvania Conference Room
15941 Donald Curtis Drive
Woodbridge, VA 22192




ATTENDANCE POLICY
Please be courteous and arrive on time
If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the start of
an activity, you may not receive credit for
attendance
If you are unable to attend, please notify VCE
No-shows may be subject to a 30-day wait to
register for additional activities




HOUSING COUNSELING
Individual counseling is available in conjunction
with workshops and seminars.
Foreclosure prevention services assist borrowers
with loan modification, repayment plan, short sale
or deed in lieu of foreclosure.
Certified Home Equity Conversion Mortgage
(HECM) Counselor on staff to provide reverse
mortgage counseling.
Post-purchase counseling available to new home
buyers.
For Housing Counseling call:
703-792-4713 or email:
[email protected]
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Fair Housing
Equal Opportunity for All
Please visit our website: www.hud.gov/fairhousing
Fair Housing – Equal Opportunity for All
The rich diversity of our people, coupled with the unity of spirit upon which this nation
was founded, is America’s true strength. We are a nation that celebrates equality of
opportunity, which makes it all the more disturbing when new immigrants, minorities,
families with children, and people with disabilities are denied housing because of
unfair housing discrimination.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development enforces the Fair Housing Act
and the other federal laws that prohibit discrimination and the intimidation of people
in their homes. These laws cover virtually all housing in the United States – private
homes, apartment buildings, and condominium developments – and nearly all
housing transactions, including the rental and sale of housing and the provision
of mortgage loans.
Equal access to rental housing and homeownership opportunities is the cornerstone
of this nation’s federal housing policy. Landlords who refuse to rent or sell homes to
people based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability
are violating federal law, and HUD will vigorously pursue them.
Housing discrimination is not only illegal, it contradicts in every way the
principles of freedom and opportunity we treasure as Americans. The
Department of Housing and Urban Development is committed to ensuring that for
everyone seeking a place to live, all housing is Fair Housing.
Mel Martinez
Secretary
Contents
The Fair Housing Act ...................................... 1
What Housing Is Covered? ............................... 1
What Is Prohibited? ........................................ 1
Additional Protection If You Have A Disability ......... 3
Housing Opportunities for Families ..................... 5
If You Think Your Rights Have Been Violated .......... 6
What Happens When You File A Complaint? ........ 10
Does the U.S. Department of Justice
Play A Role? ............................................... 11
What Happens After A Complaint Investigation? ... 12
In Addition ................................................. 13
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary Mel Martinez
451 7th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20410-2000
The Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act prohibits
discrimination in housing because of:
• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Familial status (including children under
the age of 18 living with parents or legal
custodians; pregnant women and people
securing custody of children under 18)
• Handicap (Disability)
What Housing Is Covered?
What Is Prohibited?
The Fair Housing Act covers most housing.
In some circumstances, the Act exempts
owner-occupied buildings with no more than
four units, single-family housing sold or
rented without the use of a broker and
housing operated by organizations and
private clubs that limit occupancy to
members.
In the Sale and Rental of Housing: No one
may take any of the following actions based
on race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
familial status or handicap (disability):
• Refuse to rent or sell housing
• Refuse to negotiate for housing
• Make housing unavailable
• Deny a dwelling
• Set different terms, conditions or
privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
• Provide different housing services
or facilities
• Falsely deny that housing is available for
inspection, sale or rental
• For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent
(blockbusting) or
• Deny anyone access to or membership
in a facility or service (such as a multiple
listing service) related to the sale or
rental of housing.
1
In Mortgage Lending: No one may take any
of the following actions based on race, color,
national origin, religion, sex, familial status or
handicap (disability):
• Refuse to make a mortgage loan
• Refuse to provide information
regarding loans
• Impose different terms or conditions on
a loan, such as different interest rates,
points, or fees
• Discriminate in appraising property
• Refuse to purchase a loan or
• Set different terms or conditions for
purchasing a loan
In Addition: It is illegal for anyone to:
• Threaten, coerce, intimidate or interfere
with anyone exercising a fair housing right
or assisting others who exercise that right
• Advertise or make any statement that
indicates a limitation or preference based
on race, color, national origin, religion,
sex, familial status or handicap (disability).
This prohibition against discriminatory
advertising applies to single-family and
owner-occupied housing that is otherwise
exempt from the Fair Housing Act.
2
Additional Protection
If You Have A Disability
If you or someone associated with you:
• Have a physical or mental disability
(including hearing, mobility and visual
impairments, cancer, chronic mental
illness, AIDS, AIDS Related Complex and
mental retardation) that substantially
limits one or more major life activities
• Have a record of such a disability or
• Are regarded as having such a disability
your landlord may not:
• Refuse to let you make reasonable
modifications to your dwelling or common
use areas, at your expense, if necessary
for the disabled person to use the housing.
(Where reasonable, the landlord may
permit changes only if you agree to restore
the property to its original condition when
you move.)
• Refuse to make reasonable accommodations
in rules, policies, practices or services if
necessary for the disabled person to use
the housing
Example: A building with a “no pets” policy
must allow a visually impaired tenant to keep
a guide dog.
Example: An apartment complex that offers
tenants ample, unassigned parking must honor
a request from a mobility-impaired tenant
for a reserved space near her apartment if
necessary to assure that she can have access
to her apartment.
However, housing need not be made available
to a person who is a direct threat to the health
or safety of others or who currently uses
illegal drugs.
3
Requirements for New Buildings: In buildings
that are ready for first occupancy after
March 13, 1991, and have an elevator
or four or more units:
• Public and common areas must be
accessible to persons with disabilities
• Doors and hallways must be wide enough
for wheelchairs
• All units must have:
– An accessible route into and through
the unit
– Accessible light switches, electrical
outlets, thermostats and other
environmental controls
– Reinforced bathroom walls to allow later
installation of grab bars and
– Kitchen and bathrooms that can be used
by people in wheelchairs
If a building with four or more units has no
elevator and will be ready for first occupancy
after March 13, 1991, these standards apply to
ground floor units.
These requirements for new buildings do not
replace any more stringent standards in State
or local law.
4
Housing Opportunities
for Families
Unless a building or community qualifies
as housing for older persons, it may not
discriminate based on familial status. That is,
it may not discriminate against families in
which one or more children under 18 live with:
• A parent
• A person who has legal custody of the child
or children or
• The designee of the parent or legal
custodian, with the parent or custodian’s
written permission.
Familial status protection also applies to
pregnant women and anyone securing legal
custody of a child under 18.
Exemption: Housing for older persons is
exempt from the prohibition against familial
status discrimination if:
• The HUD Secretary has determined that it is
specifically designed for and occupied by
elderly persons under a Federal, State or
local government program or
• It is occupied solely by persons who are
62 or older or
• It houses at least one person who is 55 or
older in at least 80 percent of the occupied
units, and adheres to a policy that
demonstrates an intent to house persons
who are 55 or older.
A transition period permits residents on or
before September 13, 1988 to continue living
in the housing, regardless of their age, without
interfering with the exemption.
5
If You Think Your Rights
Have Been Violated
HUD is ready to help with any problem of
housing discrimination. If you think your
rights have been violated, you may write a
letter or telephone the HUD office nearest you.
You have one year after an alleged violation
to file a complaint with HUD, but you should
file it as soon as possible.
What to Tell HUD
• Your name and address
• The name and address of the person
your complaint is against (the
respondent)
• The address or other identification of the
housing involved
• A short description of the alleged violation
(the event that caused you to believe your
rights were violated)
• The date(s) of the alleged violation
Where to Write or Call: Send a letter to the
fair housing office nearest you, or if you wish,
you may call that office directly. (The direct dial
and TTY numbers for the deaf/hard of hearing
users are not toll free.)
For Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont:
NEW ENGLAND OFFICE
([email protected])
Fair Housing Enforcement Center
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr. Federal Building
10 Causeway Street, Room 321
Boston, MA 02222-1092
Telephone (617) 994-8300 or 1-800-827-5005
Fax (617) 565-7313 • TTY (617) 565-5453
For New Jersey and New York:
NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY OFFICE
([email protected])
Fair Housing Enforcement Center
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
26 Federal Plaza, Room 3532
New York, NY 10278-0068
Telephone (212) 264-1290 or 1-800-496-4294
Fax (212) 264-9829 • TTY (212) 264-0927
6
For Delaware, District of Columbia,
Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia:
MID-ATLANTIC OFFICE
([email protected])
Fair Housing Enforcement Center
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
The Wanamaker Building
100 Penn Square East
Philadelphia, PA 19107-9344
Telephone (215) 656-0662 or 1-888-799-2085
Fax (215) 656-3419 • TTY (215) 656-3450
For Alabama, the Caribbean, Florida, Georgia,
Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina,
South Carolina, and Tennessee:
SOUTHEAST/CARIBBEAN OFFICE
([email protected])
Fair Housing Enforcement Center
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
Five Points Plaza
40 Marietta Street, 16th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303-2808
Telephone (404) 331-5140 or 1-800-440-8091
Fax (404) 331-1021 • TTY (404) 730-2654
For Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota,
Ohio, and Wisconsin:
MIDWEST OFFICE
([email protected])
Fair Housing Enforcement Center
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building
77 West Jackson Boulevard, Room 2101
Chicago, IL 60604-3507
Telephone (312) 353-6236 or 1-800-765-9372
Fax (312) 886-2837 • TTY (312) 353-7143
7
For Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico,
Oklahoma, and Texas:
SOUTHWEST OFFICE
Fair Housing Enforcement Center
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
801 North Cherry, 27th Floor
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Telephone (817) 978-5900 or 1-888-560-8913
Fax (817) 978-5876 or 5851 • TTY (817) 978-5595
For Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska:
GREAT PLAINS OFFICE
([email protected])
Fair Housing Enforcement Center
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
Gateway Tower II
400 State Avenue, Room 200, 4th Floor
Kansas City, KS 66101-2406
Telephone (913) 551-6958 or 1-800-743-5323
Fax (913) 551-6856 • TTY (913) 551-6972
For Colorado, Montana, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming:
ROCKY MOUNTAINS OFFICE
Fair Housing Enforcement Center
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
633 17th Street
Denver, CO 80202-3607
Telephone (303) 672-5437 or 1-800-877-7353
Fax (303) 672-5026 • TTY (303) 672-5248
8
For Arizona, California, Hawaii, and
Nevada:
PACIFIC/HAWAII OFFICE
([email protected])
Fair Housing Enforcement Center
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
Phillip Burton Federal Building
and U.S. Courthouse
450 Golden Gate Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102-3448
Telephone (415) 436-8400 or 1-800-347-3739
Fax (415) 436-8537 • TTY (415) 436-6594
For Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington:
NORTHWEST/ALASKA OFFICE
([email protected])
Fair Housing Enforcement Center
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
Seattle Federal Office Building
909 First Avenue, Room 205
Seattle, WA 98104-1000
Telephone (206) 220-5170 or 1-800-877-0246
Fax (206) 220-5447 • TTY (206) 220-5185
If after contacting the local office nearest you,
you still have questions – you may contact HUD
further at:
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
451 7th Street, S.W., Room 5204
Washington, DC 20410-2000
Telephone (202) 708-0836 or 1-800-669-9777
Fax (202) 708-1425 • TTY 1-800-927-9275
9
If You Are Disabled: HUD also provides:
• A TTY phone for the deaf/hard of hearing
users; see above list for the HUD office
nearest you.
• Interpreters
• Tapes and braille materials
• Assistance in reading and
completing forms
What Happens When You
File A Complaint?
HUD will notify you when it receives your
complaint. Normally, HUD also will:
• Notify the alleged violator of your complaint
and permit that person to submit an answer
• Investigate your complaint and determine
whether there is reasonable cause to believe
the Fair Housing Act has been violated
• Notify you if it cannot complete an
investigation within 100 days of receiving
your complaint
Conciliation: HUD will try to reach an
agreement with the person your complaint
is against (the respondent). A conciliation
agreement must protect both you and the
public interest. If an agreement is signed,
HUD will take no further action on your
complaint. However, if HUD has reasonable
cause to believe that a conciliation agreement
is breached, HUD will recommend that the
Attorney General file suit.
Complaint Referrals: If HUD has determined
that your State or local agency has the same
fair housing powers as HUD, HUD will refer
your complaint to that agency for investigation
and notify you of the referral. That agency
must begin work on your complaint within
30 days or HUD may take it back.
10
Does the
U.S. Department
of Justice
Play A Role?
If you need immediate help to stop a serious
problem that is being caused by a Fair Housing
Act violation, HUD may be able to assist you
as soon as you file a complaint. HUD may
authorize the United States Attorney General
to go to court to seek temporary or preliminary
relief, pending the outcome of your complaint,
if:
• Irreparable harm is likely to occur without
HUD’s intervention
• There is substantial evidence that a violation
of the Fair Housing Act occurred
Example: A builder agrees to sell a house
but, after learning the buyer is black, fails
to keep the agreement. The buyer files a
complaint with HUD. HUD may authorize the
Attorney General to go to court to prevent a
sale to any other buyer until HUD investigates
the complaint.
11
What Happens After
A Complaint Investigation?
If, after investigating your complaint, HUD
finds reasonable cause to believe that
discrimination occurred, it will inform you.
Your case will be heard in an administrative
hearing within 120 days, unless you or the
respondent want the case to be heard in
Federal district court. Either way, there is no
cost to you.
The Administrative Hearing: If your case
goes to an administrative hearing HUD
attorneys will litigate the case on your
behalf. You may intervene in the case and
be represented by your own attorney if you
wish. An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
will consider evidence from you and the
respondent. If the ALJ decides that
discrimination occurred, the respondent
can be ordered:
• To compensate you for actual damages,
including humiliation, pain and suffering.
• To provide injunctive or other equitable
relief, for example, to make the housing
available to you.
• To pay the Federal Government a civil
penalty to vindicate the public interest. The
maximum penalties are $11,000 for a first
violation, $27,500 for a previous violation
within the preceding five year period and
$55,000 for two or more previous violations
within the preceding seven years.
• To pay reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
Federal District Court: If you or the
respondent choose to have your case decided
in Federal District Court, the Attorney General
will file a suit and litigate it on your behalf.
Like the ALJ, the District Court can order relief,
and award actual damages, attorney’s fees
and costs. In addition, the court can award
punitive damages.
12
In Addition
You May File Suit: You may file suit, at your
expense, in Federal District Court or State
Court within two years of an alleged violation.
If you cannot afford an attorney, the court may
appoint one for you. You may bring suit even
after filing a complaint, if you have not signed
a conciliation agreement and an Administrative
Law Judge has not started a hearing. A court
may award actual and punitive damages and
attorney’s fees and costs.
Other Tools to Combat Housing
Discrimination:
• If there is noncompliance with the order of
an Administrative Law Judge, HUD may
seek temporary relief, enforcement of the
order or a restraining order in a United
States Court of Appeals.
• The Attorney General may file a suit in
Federal District Court if there is reasonable
cause to believe a pattern or practice of
housing discrimination is occurring.
For Further Information:
The purpose of this brochure is to summarize
your right to fair housing. The Fair Housing Act
and HUD’s regulations contain more detail
and technical information. If you need a copy
of the law or regulations, contact the HUD fair
housing office nearest you. See the list of Fair
Housing Enforcement Centers on page 6-9.
13
U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
Room 5204
Washington, D.C. 20410-2000
HUD-1686-FHEO
January 2002