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Rent Collection Policy

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(Updated March 11, 2024, Resolution #24-10)

It is the policy of the Authority to establish rents based on family status, income, and medical deductions calculated individually for each resident. Rents will be adjusted when a resident reports within (10) ten days unforeseen changes in family circumstances, Given these conditions, the Authority is required to collect promptly all rents and charges thus owed by its Resident.

  1. All rent and charges are due and payable in advance without notice on the first day of each month. Rent is delinquent after the 5th day of the month in which they are due.
  2. Rent unpaid by the 6th day of each month is delinquent and a $25.00 late charge will be assessed on the Resident's account. A 30-Day Notice of Termination of Lease will be issued. If at the end of 30 days, the balance remains unpaid, eviction proceedings will begin as required by law.
  3. Residents who receive more than four Notices of Lease Termination during any calendar year may be required to vacate the premises.
  4. In the event of unusual hardship beyond the control of the Resident, the Resident can request a repayment agreement with the Authority. Twenty-five percent of the balance must be paid at that time and amounts due on repayment agreement must be paid along with the current rent. Non-payment of the repayment agreement will result in the Resident being required to vacate. (See Repayment Agreement Policy for more information.)
  5. None of the above will be construed as limiting a Resident right to dispute amounts of rent owed under the adopted grievance procedure. In the case of a grievance procedure, disputed amounts will be deposited in an escrow account.
  6. None of the above will be construed to limit the tenant's right to challenge an action by the Authority in a judicial proceeding.
  7. Rent payments are accepted in the following manner:
    1. Rent may be paid by check or money order via mail to the following address, 203 13th Street NW, Fort Payne, AL 35967.
    2. Rent may be paid by placing a check or money order in the secure drop box located outside the Administrative Office at 203 13th Street NW, Fort Payne, AL.
    3. Residents may also make a payment by credit/debit card or ACH payment online at https://www.govcard.org/fort-payne. Standard processing fees do apply.
    4. In Person at 203 13th Street NW, Fort Payne, AL 35967, Monday - Thursday, between the hours of 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
  8. An Insufficient Fund fee of $35.00 will be charged to the residents account by FPHA for a returned check or returned direct ACH payment. Returned checks and ACH payments must be paid within 10 days following Alabama State law, Act No. 80-200, S. 317, Regular Session of the Legislature of Alabama of 1980.
  9. Other charges may be assessed to the tenants 'account for damages to the dwelling unit or common areas caused by the tenant or guests. Residents will be notified in writing of such other miscellaneous charges and the right and procedure to request a grievance hearing to contest the charges. Tenants will be given 14 days to pay such charges or sign a repayment agreement for charges.
  10. FPHA reserves the right to pursue collection of all amounts properly due from residents evicted or voluntarily vacating FPHA premises. FPHA currently sends an itemized statement to all vacated residents. If the debt owed is not paid in full after 60 days the debt is then reported to Municipal Intercept Services for possible collection. Tenant debts are also reported to the HUD Enterprise Income Verification System. (See MIS and EIV Policies for more information.)