The first step in monitoring Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (or TBRA) is to understand the types of activities and costs
that are eligible under this HOPWA component. There are two main eligible costs under TBRA:
First, payment of rental assistance on behalf of eligible participants; and Second, direct staff costs to implement TBRA services.
Examples of direct staff costs for TBRA include staff time to conduct income certification for TBRA participants receiving assistance,
or staff time to inspect units for HOPWA habitability standards before the tenant moves in. There are a few basic facts about TBRA to keep in mind. First, assistance is not time-limited, but should be based on need
with the goal of maintaining permanent housing. Second, assistance is always paid directly to the landlord, not the client.
Third, the assistance can move with the client if the client moves to a different unit that is also in the grantee’s service area.
The client must continue to meet eligibility criteria for the program and not be terminated for any other reason.