Feature Articles

Is Your Site Prepared for the COVID-19 Pandemic?

March 30, 2020

We'll review the best practices for operating a housing site during a public health crisis.

Whether or not cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in your area, you should review your site’s emergency response plans and update them accordingly as a...

HUD Holds National Multifamily Conference Call, Issues Q&A Guidance

March 30, 2020

On March 18, HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing held a national conference call updating stakeholders on their COVID-19 response and operations. HUD staff who spoke on the conference call included Deputy Assistant Secretary Lamar Seats, Assistant Deputy Assistant Secretary Jeff Little,...

Take Extra COVID-19 Precautions at Section 202 Elderly Housing Sites

March 30, 2020

HUD’s Section 202 program is focused on expanding the supply of affordable housing with supportive services for the elderly. Occupancy in Section 202 housing is open to any very low-income household comprised of at least one person who is at least 62 years old at the time of initial...

Use Same HUD Passbook Savings Rate Despite Fed Rate Cut

March 30, 2020

Recently, the Federal Reserve Bank cut its benchmark federal funds rate by 1 percent in an effort to stimulate the economy as it takes a major hit from the coronavirus pandemic. The decrease was the central bank’s second emergency rate cut in a month.

When the Fed cuts interest...

Minimize Tenant Fraud by Following HUD's SSN Rules

February 28, 2020

Tenant fraud occurs when an applicant or household member deliberately provides false or misleading information or omits key facts to obtain or increase the amount of assistance provided, and then signs or declares that the lies or omissions are true.

Prepare for REAC's New Quality Assurance Re-Inspection Protocol

February 28, 2020

In line with its ongoing process of increasing quality control procedures on REAC inspections, HUD recently implemented a new Quality Assurance Inspection (QAI) process, which may be done within five days of the REAC inspection. Generally, within two business days of the contract inspection, a...

HUD's New Guidance on Assistance Animals: What You Need to Know

February 28, 2020

HUD recently issued new guidelines relating to assistance animals under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Notice FHEO-2020-01, referred to as the “Assistance Animals Notice,” replaces prior HUD guidelines from 2013 and can be found at...

The Risk of the Incomplete Lease

January 29, 2020

Leases that don't have the required attachments will raise red flags for auditors.

HUD Addresses Noncompliance with Lead Safe Housing Rule

January 29, 2020

A few months ago, HUD and its Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report identifying the top management challenges facing the Department in 2020 and beyond. One of the broad categories identified was ensuring the availability of affordable housing that’s decent, safe, sanitary, and...

Keep 2020 Mileage Rates in Mind When Deducting Medical Expenses

January 29, 2020

Some of your households may have unreimbursed medical expenses that include travel expenses to and from treatment. And if any of these households are classified as elderly or disabled, HUD permits a medical expense deduction to be used to calculate their adjusted annual income. So be sure these...

New Resident Engagement Initiative Added to NSPIRE Demonstration

January 29, 2020

HUD is in the process of overhauling its Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) physical inspection protocol. Last year, HUD drastically reduced the notice it would give managers of public and subsidized rental housing before REAC inspections to 14 calendar days. And HUD will eventually replace...

How to Execute a Repayment Agreement Properly

December 13, 2019

HUD expects owners to enforce program requirements set forth in the HUD Handbook and the HUD model lease. In fact, HUD requires owners to investigate and research discrepancies and possible errors to promote income and rent integrity [HUD Handbook 4350.3, par. 8-18(A)]. Likewise, HUD expects...