Frequently Asked Questions

Replacement Reserves
 

Q: My property has multiple agency financing.  How do I know which agency (MHDC, HUD, or Rural Development) must approve my request? (10/17/07)
 

A:  The grid below explains which agency is responsible for processing the property’s reserve for replacement request.
 

Q:  How do I submit my reserve for replacement request? (10/17/07)
 

A:  Until December 31, 2007 properties should continue to submit their reserve for replacement requests by mailing the request form to MHDC with all the required supporting documentation.  Effective January 1, 2008,  all reserve for replacement requests will be required to be submitted on-line thru MHDC’s on-line system. Please log on to amrs.mhdc.com to submit your reserve for replacement request. The user name and password are the same as the user name and password used to access the budget and financial statement systems.  MHDC will not accept mailed replacement for reserve requests unless your property has 12 units or less. 
 

Q: When can I submit my reserve for replacement requests? (10/17/07)
 

A:  Reserve for replacement requests may be submitted anytime.  It is helpful if the property submits several requests at once.  MHDC will not process any reserve for replacement request when the MHDC receipt date is 1 year or older than the invoice date.
 

Q:  What is the difference between the Reimbursement Request and Advance Review boxes on the Reserve for Replacement Request form? (10/17/07)
 

A:  A Reimbursement Request is a request where work has been already completed at the property, and the property would like reimbursement for the amount they have already paid or would like MHDC to pay the vendor directly.  A property is taking a chance that the replacement item may or may not be covered.  All reimbursement requests must include copies of invoices, cancelled checks, pictures, and MHDC inspection if applicable.
 

An advance review is a request where the property is asking for MHDC approval prior to the work being completed.   MHDC requires 3 bids to be submitted with the request, and will determine if the repairs are eligible replacement cost expenditures and if the balance of the property’s account is sufficient to grant the request. If MHDC approves the advance, a check will be mailed directly to the vendor upon evidence of completion. 
 

Note: 3 bids are not necessary if costs less than $1,000.
 

Q: What are some reasons for why my reserve for replacement request may be denied/delayed? (10/17/07)
 

A:  A request may be denied/delayed for but not limited to the following reasons:

Q:  Can MHDC pay the vendor directly? (10/17/07)
 

A:  Yes – The property must indicate on the Reserve for Replacement form that MHDC is to pay the vendor directly.  The property must make sure the name, address, and phone number for the company providing the work is clearly provided.  Please do not assume this information can be found on the invoice.
 

Q:  When can I expect my request to be processed? (10/17/07)
 

A:  Reserve for Replacement requests are to be processed within 20 days from the date MHDC receives the property’s request.  This turn around time should be communicated to your vendor.  MHDC processes requests in the order they are received.  Turn around times should be considered in determining how long the property holds the request before submitting it to MHDC.
 

Q: Does MHDC require inspections to be performed on replacement reserve requests? (10/17/07)

A: Yes – All Reserve for Replacement requests that meet or exceed $2,500 per item of repair/replacement are subject to an MHDC inspection.  The inspection must be performed before funds can be released.  Management is responsible for contacting the MHDC-St. Louis office to request an inspection.  MHDC will determine if pictures will satisfy the inspection requirement. 

Q: Does MHDC require lien waivers to be submitted for funds paid directly to vendors? (10/17/07)

A: Yes – Lien waivers are required, but MHDC has eliminated the lien waiver form that was required to be sent back to MHDC.  Now, MHDC’s Loan Servicing Department stamps a lien waiver on the back of the vendor’s check, and the vendor must fill out the lien waiver prior to deposit.

Q:  Will our property’s annual Replacement Reserve payment be increased 3% again? (10/17/07)
 

A:  Yes – Beginning in 2007 and every year thereafter, MHDC will increase annual replacement reserve deposits by 3%.  All properties need to increase annual replacement reserve deposits 3% on their submitted budget.  Replacement Reserves for properties that have 12 units or less will be automatically increased 3% during MHDC’s escrow analysis period. 
 

Q:  Can I use reserve for replacement funds to cover the difference if my insurance claim check does not cover the entire replaced item? (10/17/07)
 

A:  Yes – However, the property must submit a Reserve for Replacement request form before payment can be made.  MHDC does not assume that the property wants to utilize reserve for replacement funds when differences exist.