Rental Assistance Demonstration Project

The Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) is a program from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that gives public housing authorities like KCHA new flexibility to preserve and improve public housing properties like yours. KCHA has to apply to HUD to participate in the program. 

If KCHA is accepted into the RAD program, then we will start a “RAD conversion.” This means that the funding for your rental assistance will change from traditional public housing to a Section 8 project-based voucher. Having a project-based voucher means that the rental assistance can only be used for a specific unit, like the one you already live in.  

Resident Meetings

Brittany Park: Monday, April 14th, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Yardley Arms: Tuesday, April 15th, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Riverton Terrace II: Wednesday, April 16th, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Munro Manor: Wednesday, April 16th, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Lake House: Friday, April 18th, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Briarwood: Friday, April 18th, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions about RAD 

Why do a RAD conversion? 

RAD conversion provides more flexible funding for KCHA’s housing programs and allows us to better care for our properties. RAD conversion will also give you more choices for housing in the future, because after 12-months you can apply for a Housing Choice Voucher.  

Can I stay in my apartment? 

Yes. If KCHA converts your building under RAD, you can stay in your current unit and you will continue to get rental assistance.  

The RAD conversion is a federal funding change and will not change your experience of living in a KCHA property. 

Will I have to pay more for rent? 

Probably not. KCHA expects that rent will stay the same for most residents. The rent you pay under RAD will be calculated in the same way as it is under the public housing program, based on adjusted annual income. 

Will a RAD conversion affect my housing assistance? 

You will keep your housing assistance, but the federal funding source of that assistance will change. The funding for your housing assistance will change from public housing to a Section 8 Project Based Voucher, but this will not change your experience of living in a KCHA property.  

You do not need to be re-screened and there are no additional eligibility requirements: With this RAD conversion, you will be eligible for housing assistance regardless of your current income. 

Do I have to move? 

No. You do not have to move.  

If anything changes and a temporary move becomes necessary, we will let you know in advance, and you will have the right to return to the same unit.   

Will management change at my building? 

No. Your property management team will remain the same. 

Will KCHA still own the properties? 

Yes. 

Can I keep my rental assistance and move in the future?  

Yes. After the RAD conversion, you must sign a 12-month lease for your current unit. After that 12-month period, you can request a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) that can be used to rent in the private market anywhere in the United States that accepts tenant-based Housing Choice Vouchers.  

When you request a Housing Choice Voucher, you may not get it right away but you will be at the top of the waiting list. 

What is the difference between a Project-Based Voucher and a Tenant-Based Voucher? 

Under the Section 8 program, Tenant-Based Housing Choice Vouchers let you rent units in the private market. A family can move to a different apartment complex or house and keep their voucher. Project-Based Vouchers are assigned to affordable housing units, cannot be used for other units, and do not move with you. 

When will the RAD conversion happen? 

First HUD has to approve KCHA’s application, and we don’t know how long that will take. After the application is approved, most conversions take between 6 to 18 months to complete. Our goal is to complete the conversion by the end of 2026. If we get approval from HUD, we will hold more resident meetings to finalize plans. 

Can I participate in the RAD planning process? 

Yes. KCHA is required to notify all residents at the property about the RAD plans and hold at least two meetings with residents. These meetings are an opportunity for you to: 

• Learn more about the proposed RAD conversion plans  
• Ask KCHA questions about the plans 
• Tell KCHA what could be repaired at your property and where there are opportunities for improvements.  

KCHA will consider this information when developing plans for your property. 

We will meet again with all residents of the property before HUD approves the final RAD conversion to keep you informed and let you comment on the plans for your property. 

More Information 

If you have questions about the changes, contact your property management office. 

We will mail you more information about RAD and future meetings in the coming months.