⚠️ Important Alert: Delay in December Housing Assistance Payments (HAP)

The Official Notice

We've received an important communication from Metro West Housing Solutions (MWHS) regarding the December Housing Assistance Payments (HAP). We are embedding the full text of the email below for your reference.

December 3, 2025RE: December Housing Assistance Payment – Housing Choice Voucher ProgramDear landlords,We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) for the tenants at your property who are receiving support through Metro West Housing Solutions (MWHS).We have been informed that our December Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is delayed. Because Congress has not yet taken the necessary vote to authorize HUD to release these funds, we cannot issue December HAP payments. Please know, MWHS does not fund the HCV program and acts only as a pass-through agency of the federal HAP funds. HUD anticipates the December HAP payments will be issued within weeks. Regrettably, we have no option other than to wait for Congress to act and approve the release of the funding already allocated to us. We will update you as soon as we have more information.We understand the impact this may have and want to assure you that we are actively working to expedite the process on our end and minimize any disruption to the program that is in our control. As a reminder, when HAP payments are delayed due to a lapse in federal funding, please note the following:* Residents remain responsible only for their portion of rent and utilities.* HCV participants are not responsible for any unpaid rent assistance resulting from a delay in receiving HAP funds from HUD.* Landlords may not assess late fees or penalties related to delayed HUD HAP payments.* Residents may be subject to late fees only if their tenant portion of rent is paid late, as permitted under the terms of the lease.* Tenants may not be evicted due to delayed or non-received HUD HAP payments.If you have thoughts you would like to share regarding this funding delay, we strongly encourage you to reach out to your representatives. You will find their contact information at: usa.gov/elected-official.We deeply appreciate your participation and remain committed to transparency, providing you with timely updates as we receive them. [cite_start]Your patience is appreciated as we navigate these challenges. Please contact your Housing Specialist or 303-987-7580 if you have any questions.Thank you for your continued partnership and support.Sincerely,Metro West Housing Solutions

What This Means for Landlords and Tenants

The message from Metro West Housing Solutions (MWHS) is a critical notification regarding the federal funding for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Payment is Delayed: The December Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is delayed because Congress has not yet voted to authorize the release of the funds.

MWHS is a Pass-Through: MWHS is an administrative agency and does not fund the HCV program itself; it is waiting for federal funding to be released.

Timeline: HUD anticipates that the December HAP payments will be issued within weeks.

⚖️ Impact on Rent Responsibility

The email clearly outlines the responsibilities of both landlords and HCV program participants during this delay:

Responsibility/Rule

Tenants/Residents

Must still pay their established, non-subsidy portion of the rent and utilities.

Tenants/Residents

Are NOT responsible for the unpaid rent assistance portion delayed by HUD.

May NOT assess late fees or penalties related to the delayed HUD HAP payments.

May only assess late fees if the tenant's own portion of the rent is paid late, as permitted by the lease.

Tenants may NOT be evicted due to delayed or non-received HUD HAP payments.

The MWHS encourages participants and landlords to reach out to their elected representatives regarding the funding delay