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2. The Administrative Agent shall certify a household as eligible for a restricted rental unit when the household is a very low-income, low-income or moderate-income household, as applicable to the unit, and the rent proposed for the unit does not exceed 35% (40% for age-restricted units) of the household’s eligible monthly income as determined pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:80-26.17, as may be amended and supplemented; provided, however, that this limit may be exceeded if one or more of the following circumstances exists:

a. The household currently pays more than 35% (40% for households eligible for age-restricted units) of its gross household income for rent, and the proposed rent will reduce its housing costs;

b. The household has consistently paid more than 35% (40% for households eligible for age-restricted units) of eligible monthly income for rent in the past and has proven its ability to pay;

c. The household is currently in substandard or overcrowded living conditions;

d. The household documents the existence of assets with which the household proposes to supplement the rent payments; or

e. The household documents reliable anticipated third-party assistance from an outside source such as a family member in a form acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the owner of the unit.

3. The applicant shall file documentation sufficient to establish the existence of any of the circumstances in 2.a. through 2.e. above with the Administrative Agent, who shall counsel the household on budgeting.

R. Municipal Housing Liaison.

1. The Municipal Housing Liaison shall be approved by municipal resolution.

2. The Municipal Housing Liaison shall be approved by the Division, or is in the process of getting approval, and fully or conditionally meets the requirements for qualifications, including initial and periodic training as set forth in in N.J.A.C. 5:99-1 et seq.

3. The Municipal Housing Liaison shall be responsible for oversight and administration of the affordable housing program, including the following responsibilities, which may not be contracted out to the Administrative Agent:

a. Serving as the primary point of contact for all inquiries from the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program, the State, affordable housing providers, administrative agents and interested households.

b. The oversight of the Affirmative Marketing Plan and affordability controls.

c. When applicable, overseeing and monitoring any contracting Administrative Agent.

d. Overseeing the monitoring of the status of all restricted units listed in the Fair Share Plan.

e. Verifying, certifying and providing annual information within AHMS at such time and in such form as required by the Division.