Sessions 1–7, including the exam, are required to earn your Public Housing Basic Occupancy Certification.
1. Public Housing Admissions & Occupancy Basics Part 1: Eligibility Determination & Denial of Assistance
Description:
This session will provide a detailed overview of the eligibility criteria for housing program applicants, including income limits, documentation requirements, and screening processes. Participants will also explore the proper procedures for denying assistance — from notice requirements to documentation.
Trainer: Cristi LaJeunesse, Executive Director, Kenedy Housing Authority et al
2. Public Housing Admissions & Occupancy Basics Part 2: Eligibility Determination & Denial of Assistance continued and Waiting List & Tenant Selection
Description:
This session will complete the overview of eligibility determination and the proper procedures for denying assistance. This continuation will dive deeper into the next steps of the admissions process, focusing on managing waiting lists and selecting tenants in compliance with HUD requirements.
Trainer: Cristi LaJeunesse, Executive Director, Kenedy Housing Authority et al
3. Public Housing Admissions & Occupancy Basics Part 3: Income Determination & Over Income Families
Description:
This session will offer a overview of HUD requirements concerning income and deductions for various family types. It will also address the new definitions that came into effect on July 1 of this year. Additionally, the session will cover guidelines for over-income families, including required notices, lease adjustments, and policy changes.
Trainer: Cristi LaJeunesse, Executive Director, Kenedy Housing Authority et al
4. Public Housing Admissions & Occupancy Basics Part 4: Re-examinations & Interims
Description:
This session will cover the essential requirements for conducting annual reexaminations and processing interim changes. Learn how to manage income and household composition changes throughout the year, ensure timely and accurate adjustments, and maintain compliance with HUD regulations.
Trainer: Cristi LaJeunesse, Executive Director, Kenedy Housing Authority et al
5. Public Housing Admissions & Occupancy Basics Part 5: Lease Requirements
Description:
This session will walk through the key elements of HUD-approved leases, including mandatory provisions, prohibited language, lease terms, renewals, and terminations.
Trainer: Cristi LaJeunesse, Executive Director, Kenedy Housing Authority et al
6. Public Housing Admissions & Occupancy Basics Part 6: Grievance Procedure, Transfers, & Utilities
Description:
This session will provide an in-depth look at three critical areas of housing authority operations: grievance procedures, resident transfers, and utility responsibilities. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of HUD requirements for handling resident complaints and appeals through formal grievance processes. We’ll also cover the different types of transfers—emergency, administrative, and resident-requested—and how to manage them in a fair and efficient manner. Finally, the session will address utility allowances, billing responsibilities, and how to communicate these expectations clearly to residents.
Trainer: Cristi LaJeunesse, Executive Director, Kenedy Housing Authority et al
7. Public Housing Admissions & Occupancy Basics Part 7: Pet Ownership and Community Service & Self-Sufficiency Requirement
Description:
This session will explore two important aspects of housing authority policies that impact resident life and program compliance. Participants will review HUD guidelines and local policies regarding pet ownership, including allowable pet types, documentation, and reasonable accommodations. The session will also cover the Community Service and Self-Sufficiency (CSS) requirement, discussing eligibility, exemptions, tracking, and strategies to support resident participation.
Trainer: Cristi LaJeunesse, Executive Director, Kenedy Housing Authority et al
8. Evictions After the Legislative Storm: What Changed and What It Means for You
Description:
A look at the major changes in the eviction process passed in the recent Texas 89th Legislative Session.
Learn about the updated notice rules and eviction appeals process. This session gives you a clear roadmap of what’s new, what’s enforceable now, and how to align your procedures accordingly. Walk away with concrete takeaways and policy suggestions to be in compliance with the new laws.
Presenter: Kevin Fulton, Fulton Law Group