The Available Unit Rule comes into effect when:

The Available Unit Rule is a key component in affordable housing programs that helps to ensure compliance with income restrictions. This rule is triggered when a tenant's income exceeds a certain threshold, specifically when their income rises over 140% of the current income limit. This situation indicates that the tenant may no longer qualify for the benefits associated with that specific housing arrangement, which could prompt a reassessment of the unit's availability for other qualified tenants.

The importance of this threshold is rooted in the need for units to remain accessible to those who meet the income requirements stipulated by the housing program. By adhering to the Available Unit Rule, housing authorities can efficiently manage the allocation of affordable housing units and serve individuals and families who genuinely need housing assistance. When tenants exceed the income limits, it opens the possibility for them to transition out while allowing new eligible tenants to fill the vacant unit, thereby maintaining the integrity of the program.

Options regarding job loss, lease termination requests, or a unit being vacant for a specific duration do not directly activate the Available Unit Rule in the same regulatory context, as these situations pertain to different aspects of tenant management and housing authority operations.