Don’t risk your chances for Federally assisted housing by providing false, incomplete, or inaccurate information on your application and recertification forms.

Suspected Fraud or Abuse

The Lakewood Housing Authority places a high priority on preventing fraud and assuring that public funds are paid only on behalf of qualified and eligible participants. The Lakewood Housing staff investigates any suspected program abuse or misconduct.

Housing Authority staff conducts investigations into program abuse and conferences are conducted with participants suspected of violating program requirements. These conferences reinforce the participant’s obligation to comply with all program requirements.

The Lakewood Housing Authority also conducts independent inspections and random audits of housing assistance files. Confirmation and verification of participant information and housing quality are obtained by visual inspection and file examination.

Beware of Fraud

You should be aware of the following fraud schemes:

• Do not pay any money to file an application for housing assistance.
• Do not pay money to move up on the waiting list.
• Do not pay for anything not covered by your lease.
• Get a receipt for any money you pay.
• Get a written explanation if you are required to pay any money other than rent (such as maintenance charges).

Penalties for Committing Fraud

• Evicted from your apartment or house;
• Required to repay all overpaid rental assistance you received;
• Fined up to $10,000;
• Imprisoned for up to five (5) years; and/or
• Prohibited from receiving future assistance.

Your state and local government may have other laws and penalties as well.

Owner Participation

The owners and landlords that participate in the Section 8 Program are also subject to review to verify that they are following the terms of the Housing Assistance Payments Contract. The contract requires that assisted tenants not be charged more than non-assisted tenants. The rent that is charged must also be certified as reasonable when other similarly located and equipped units are considered. The contract also requires that the unit be maintained properly and that the owners check endorsement indicates that the correct family still lives there. These items are also reviewed by the Lakewood Housing Authority staff.

Reporting Fraud or Abuse in the Assisted Housing Programs

If you wish to report a participating tenant or owner that you believe is not correctly reporting their circumstances or that you believe is committing fraud with regard to the Housing Assistance Programs please call (303) 987-7599. You may also write to the HUD HOTLINE, Room 8254, 451 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20410.

When reporting suspected fraudulent activity, please be sure to give the full name and address of the person or persons you are reporting. All information will be kept confidential.

The Lakewood Housing Authority will review each reasonable accommodation request on a case-by-case basis. The Lakewood Housing Authority, however, is not required to take any action that would result in fundamental alteration in the nature of the program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. Requests for reasonable accommodations may be obtained from the Lakewood Housing office at 480 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood, Colorado 80226 or by calling 303-987-7599 (Voice/TDD). The Lakewood Housing Authority reserves the right to verify any claimed disability.

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