Where third-party verification is not available the file must carry the efforts made and the reason it was not obtained, in the four forms paragraph 5-18.E names

s8.certification.documenting_why_third_party_verification_unavailable · v1.0.0

When third-party verification is not available, the owner must document in the file the efforts made to obtain the required verification and the reason it was not obtained. The handbook names what must be in the applicant's or tenant's file: a written note to the file explaining why third-party verification is not possible; or a copy of the date-stamped original request sent to the third party; written notes or documentation indicating follow-up efforts to reach the third party; and a written note to the file indicating that the request has been outstanding without a response. Where an applicant or tenant cannot read or sign a consent form because of a disability, the owner must provide a reasonable accommodation.

Confidence

high

Effective from

2013-08-07

Last reviewed

2026-09-01