Md. Code Regs. 07.03.17.37

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 07.03.17.37 - Shelter Costs

A. Shelter costs are limited to the following:

(1) Continuing charges for the shelter occupied by the household, which include rent or mortgage, condominium fees, association fees, or other continuing charges leading to or resulting from the ownership of the shelter, including interest paid on a mortgage;

(2) Property taxes;

(3) State and local assessments;

(4) Premiums for insurance on the structure itself, but not the separate cost for insuring furniture or personal belongings; and

(5) Utility costs, which include:

(a) Heating,

(b) Cooling,

(c) Cooking fuel,

(d) Electricity,

(e) Water and sewerage charges,

(f) Garbage and trash collection fees,

(g) Telephone allowance as described Schedule I in Regulation .45 of this chapter,

(h) Fees charged by a utility provider for initial installation of a utility, and

(i) Well and septic tank system installation and maintenance.

B. The local department may not include as shelter costs:

(1) The amount paid for a security deposit; or

(2) Any amount considered as payment for meals.

C. Allowing Shelter Costs for a Home Temporarily Unoccupied.

(1) The local department shall allow shelter costs for a home if temporarily not occupied by the household because of:

(a) Illness;

(b) Employment or training away from home; or

(c) Abandonment caused by a natural disaster or casualty loss.

(2) To include the costs of a home vacated by the household:

(a) The household must intend to return to the home;

(b) The current occupants of the home, if any, may not be claiming the shelter costs for Program purposes; and

(c) The home may not be rented during the absence of the household.

D. The local department shall allow charges for repair of a home that was substantially damaged or destroyed due to a natural disaster such as a fire or flood but may not include charges for repair of the home that have been or will be reimbursed by private or public relief agencies, insurance companies, or another source.

Md. Code Regs. 07.03.17.37

Regulations .37 adopted effective December 25, 2000 (27:25 Md. R. 2280)