§ 1715z-1b. Tenant participation in multifamily housing projects
(a)
Purpose; definitions
The purpose of this section is to recognize the importance and benefits of cooperation and participation of tenants in creating a suitable living environment in multifamily housing projects and in contributing to the successful operation of such projects, including their good physical condition, proper maintenance, security, energy efficiency, and control of operating costs. For the purpose of this section, the term “multifamily housing project” means a project which is eligible for assistance as described in section
1715z–1a
(c) of this title or section
1701q of this title, or a project which receives project-based assistance under section
1437f of title
42 or enhanced vouchers under the Low-Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act of 1990 [12 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.], the provisions of the Emergency Low Income Housing Preservation Act of 1987, or the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997.
(b)
Rights of tenants
The Secretary shall assure that—
(1)
where the Secretary’s written approval is required with respect to an owner’s request for rent increase, conversion of residential rental units to any other use (including commercial use or use as a unit in any condominium or cooperative project), partial release of security, or major physical alterations or where the Secretary proposes to sell a mortgage secured by a multifamily housing project, tenants have adequate notice of, reasonable access to relevant information about, and an opportunity to comment on such actions (and in the case of a project owned by the Secretary, any proposed disposition of the project) and that such comments are taken into consideration by the Secretary;
(2)
project owners not interfere with the efforts of tenants to obtain rent subsidies or other public assistance;
(c)
Regulations
The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of this section not later than 90 days after October 31, 1978.