Compliance Policies

  • Compliance Policies

As regulations and programs evolve, OHFA makes updates to the compliance rules and procedures associated with our various projects and programs. As a manager or owner of an OHFA-funded property, it's your responsibility to ensure that your properties comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. We've provided the following forms, documents and information to help with compliance to OHFA's policies and to ensure your project's success.

If you have any questions about these updates or resources, contact your regional representative.

Additional forms can be found under our Compliance Forms page.

Tax Credits

The Internal Revenue Service and Internal Revenue Code regulate the Housing Tax Credit (HTC) program. Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) documents describe OHFA's procedures and policies for distributing Ohio's allocation and basic requirements for compliance of housing credits that support quality affordable rental housing.


Please see the Qualified Allocation Plan webpage for a QAP for a particular allocation year.

Please see the IRS & HUD Guidance webpage for more information on the HTC program.

HOME and Other Gap Financing

The goal of HUD's HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) is to provide formula grants to state housing agencies to provide financing for eligible affordable housing developments. These grants expand, preserve and improve the supply of decent, safe and affordable housing for very low- to moderate-income persons and households in Ohio. In addition to HOME funds, OHFA offers several other types of gap financing including the Ohio Housing Trust Fund (OHTF), Tax Credit Assistance (TCAP), Tax Credit Exchange (TCE), the Neighborhood Stabilization Programs (NSP) and Financial Adjustment Factor (FAF) funds.

Please see the IRS & HUD Guidance webpage for more information on the HOME program.

Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Required HUD Forms

Note: In April, 2025, HUD updated the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) forms. These forms are designed to handle transfers, certification of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. Additionally, these forms provide notice of rights and responsibilities to residents and housing providers. The forms expire on January 31, 2028.

Importantly, industry partners should continue to use the older VAWA forms since HUD nor OHFA has issued implementation guidance. The forms that have been updated include:

Utility Allowance

On July 29, 2008, the IRS issued final regulation 1.42-10 (Utility Allowances). The final regulation revises and expands the methods available for calculating utility allowances, in addition to outlining other changes. The OHFA Utility Allowance Guidelines describe how owners of Housing Tax Credit projects should implement final regulation 1.42-10.

Please submit all UA requests to uarequest@ohiohome.org or Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Attn: Compliance Operations Manager, 2600 Corporate Exchange Dr., Columbus, OH 43231

Tenant Selection Plan (TSP) Guidelines

The TSP Guidelines provide guidance for property owners/management agents on what must be included in a project's TSP. Note it is acceptable for owners to call the TSP a Resident Selection Plan or Qualifying Criteria. Compliance with the Mandatory Elements in these TSP Guidelines is a requirement for all projects funded by OHFA. The Tenant Screening Criteria section contains recommended best practices

Owners of HUD Multifamily Housing Programs such as Section 8 must update project TSPs to reflect HOTMA requirements. The TSPs must be updated by March 31, 2024 along with EIV policies/procedures. Here is a helpful link of the HUD mandated updates: MFH List of Discretionary Policies to Implement HOTMA – TSP. Note the HOTMA mandated updates apply only to projects with HUD funding. While owners of LIHTC only projects are required to have a TSP, HOTMA updates are not required to be incorporated into the TSP.

Annual Reporting

Owners and sponsors of apartment communities funded by OHFA through Housing Tax Credits, gap financing/HDAP (e.g. HOME or Ohio Housing Trust Fund), or Multifamily Bonds must annually submit certifications and reports in order to remain in compliance with these programs. Here is a summary of information you need to completely and accurately submit your reports. Don't forget to carefully read the instructions before starting the certification and reporting process.

Additional information regarding ongoing compliance can be found under the Compliance Updates Message Archive. If you have any questions or problems concerning annual owner reporting, contact the help desk.

Annual Operating Survey

Part of the normal reporting process for Housing Tax Credit projects includes completing the Annual Operating Survey. The latest survey is to be completed and submitted to the Agency by March 1 of each year. Questions regarding the Annual Operating Survey may be directed by email to Kevin Clark.

Capital Investment Program Annual Certification

Deadline for submission of the Capital Investment Program Annual Owner Certification is March 1 of each year.

E-Signature Policy

OHFA now offers the ability for partners to submit Eligible Program Documents with electronic signatures. In order to do so, Projects Sponsors and Partners must receive initial approval from OHFA and a recertification on an annual basis thereafter. Please review the E-Signature Policy below and submit the Partner Certification for Use of Electronic Signatures (Appendix A of the policy) to the OHFA e-signature mailbox at mfesignature@ohiohome.org. OHFA will notify the Participating Sponsor and Partner of its approval by email.

OHFA Help Desk

Compliance Links