Effective October 1, 2006
Since October 1, 2006, RACB has verified the ownership of all properties when a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) is submitted.
We are taking this step to ensure the communication of timely and correct information.
Ownership claimed on an RTA will be checked against the City of Buffalo’s records (www.ci.buffalo.ny.us). If there is a conflict, the RTA will not be processed until a deed, closing statement, or letter from an attorney verifies the claimed ownership.
Given that the City of Buffalo’s information may not be current, it would expedite matters if ownership documentation on property that has changed hands is submitted with an RTA.
In filling out an RTA, the ownership must be correctly stated on the RTA and the W-9. We cannot accept document that do not agree. In other words, if the property is owned by a corporation but the W-9 has an individual’s name (or vice versa), the paperwork will be held until clarified.
Please be sure that the relationship of owner and agent is clearly stated to us. The agent should not be filling out the paperwork so that it appears the agent is the owner. The owner should complete the paperwork and specify to us what responsibilities the agent has in relation to the Housing Voucher Program. Who gets the repair list? Where should the check be mailed? (Direct Deposit is the best option!) Remember there may be tax implications to the person whose name is on the check. The owner is ultimately responsible for the property, being informed may prevent the loss of payments due to an abatement.
