Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)

Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)

Preserving Affordable Housing for the Future

The Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Program is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) initiative designed to help public housing agencies preserve and improve affordable housing communities.

Through RAD, housing authorities can access additional funding sources to make critical repairs, modernize aging properties, and ensure affordable housing remains available for future generations.

For residents, the goal is simple:

Maintain affordable housing, improve living conditions, and protect resident rights.

Why Is HAKC Participating in RAD?

Across the country, public housing communities face growing maintenance and repair needs while traditional public housing funding continues to decline.

RAD provides housing authorities with additional tools to:

Preserve affordable housing communities
Address long-term maintenance needs
Modernize aging properties
Improve living conditions for residents
Ensure housing remains affordable for years to come
Secure additional financing for property improvements

By participating in RAD, HAKC can invest in housing today while protecting affordability for future generations.

Resident Participation Matters

HAKC believes residents should have a voice throughout the RAD process.

Residents continue to have the right to:

Participate in resident organizations
Attend meetings and information sessions
Provide feedback during planning and redevelopment efforts
Receive updates regarding their community

We are committed to maintaining open communication and ensuring residents remain informed every step of the way.

What Does RAD Mean for Residents?

For most residents, the transition to RAD does not significantly change day-to-day life. Residents continue to receive housing assistance and maintain many of the same rights and protections they had under the Public Housing Program. Most importantly: You Cannot Be Permanently Displaced.

Residents cannot be involuntarily displaced as a result of a RAD conversion. If temporary relocation is necessary due to construction or rehabilitation activities, residents have the right to return once work is complete.

You Have the Right to Return – If repairs require temporary relocation, residents maintain the right to return to their community after construction is completed.

Existing Residents Will Not Be Rescreened – Current residents will not be required to go through a new screening process because of a RAD conversion.

Affordable Housing Protections Remain – RAD helps preserve affordable housing for the long term. Federal housing assistance contracts remain in place to ensure that housing continues to be affordable for eligible residents.

Resident Rights Continue – Residents continue to receive important protections under federal housing laws, including:

Lease protections
Grievance procedures
Due process rights
Resident participation opportunities
Resident organization rights

Goals of the RAD Program

The RAD Program was created to help housing authorities:

Preserve Affordable Housing

Protect housing resources for current and future residents.

Improve Housing Communities

Address long-term maintenance, rehabilitation, and modernization needs.

Strengthen Financial Stability

Provide housing authorities with additional funding and financing opportunities to support community improvements.

Protect Resident Rights

Ensure residents continue receiving affordable housing assistance and federal protections.

Will My Rent Change?

Most residents will continue to pay approximately 30% of their adjusted household income toward rent and utilities. Some households currently paying flat rent may experience changes. If a rent increase is required, federal regulations provide protections that may allow increases to be phased in over time. If your property is participating in a RAD conversion, HAKC will provide detailed information specific to your situation.

Additional Resources

HUD RAD Program Information
HUD Resident Fact Sheets
Frequently Asked Questions
Property-Specific Updates

Questions About a RAD Conversion?

If you have received notification that your property may be participating in a RAD conversion and have questions about how the process may affect you, our team is here to help. Please contact HAKC’s Planning and Development Department for additional information and assistance.