The authority is in the paper work.

Carefully understand the rules of your local housing authority.  

I am going to go on vacation for 10 days and I want to be clear on when I should authorize calling a plumber or electrician after business hours to address an issue. 

The landlord, or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on his or her behalf, shall disclose to the tenant in writing at or before the commencement of the tenancy: (a) The name and address of: (1) The persons authorized to manage the premises; (2) A person within this State authorized to act for and on behalf of the landlord for the purpose of service of process and receiving notices and demands; and (3) The principal or corporate owner.

Because the judgment puts the tenant in such risk of homelessness, they can almost always find a charity to donate the money they owe.Also, while the HCV is a federal program, the HAs do have some authority to oversee their budgets.  

If you guys are brave, consider that the King County Housing Authority pays rates in some areas that are well above market.

the Detroit Housing Authority is special. 

Tax records is what is authorized for bed room count.

THAT is the point of the article you posted thinking it's proof that email doesn't count...The author even explained it IN the article....The emails were forensically traced on the military servers.

Now take the scenario where you are handling everything and have decision authority.