Feature Articles

Six Strategies to Increase Building Resilience, Reduce Vulnerability to Extreme Weather

September 7, 2017    

Hurricane Harvey, which first came ashore on Aug. 25 as the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in 50 years, has displaced more than 1 million people and damaged nearly 200,000 homes in a path of destruction stretching for more than 300 miles. Low-income and vulnerable communities located in...

Follow Five Safety Tips When Using Backup Generators After a Disaster

September 7, 2017    

Extreme weather frequently knocks over electrical lines. Owners and residents who rely on backup generators for temporary power should be aware of the danger of inhaling carbon monoxide. A 2012 review of the American Journal of Public Health identified 75 deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning...

Four Important Rights and Responsibilities of Residents and Owners

August 11, 2017    

In July 2016, HUD posted a new Resident Rights and Responsibilities brochure on its website. This brochure tells households about their rights and responsibilities as residents of assisted housing. You must give the brochure to the household head whenever a new household signs its first lease...

Follow Eight-Step Plan to Document Rehab and Repair Costs

August 11, 2017    

It may be tempting to take shortcuts when keeping records of rehabilitation and repair costs, rather than fully documenting the need for and reasonableness of these costs. But taking shortcuts could backfire, especially if you get audited.

Under HUD rules, you must be able to show that...

Ensure Building and Common Areas Comply with Federal Accessibility Requirements

July 19, 2017    

Federally assisted sites are covered by accessibility requirements for design and construction under either the Fair Housing Act (FHA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. As a site owner or manager, you must make sure that your site complies with these requirements. Because HUD and...

HUD Issues VAWA Implementation Guidance for Owners of HUD-Assisted Housing

July 19, 2017    

Following the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA) Guidance issued by HUD’s office of Public and Indian Housing in May, HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing Programs recently issued its own guidance (Notice 2017-05) to owners and management agents of HUD-assisted...

How to Request a ‘Technical Review’ to Raise REAC Inspection Score

June 16, 2017    

If you work for a PHA or own a property that’s required by HUD to undergo physical property inspections with the Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC), it’s important to keep your property safe and sanitary. Doing so will maintain and increase federal funds for your site and reduce...

Procedural Changes to HUD REAC Failed Inspections Signed into Law

June 16, 2017    

As a result of President Trump signing a new HUD appropriations bill in early May, the rules that govern what happens when a site fails its REAC inspection have changed. The appropriations bill included Section 223, which details changes to the required provisions for properties that score 59 or...

HUD Provides VAWA Guidance for PHAs and Owners Who Accept Vouchers

June 16, 2017    

HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing recently issued Notice PIH-2017-08, which provides guidance on complying with the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA 2013). The notice is directed to PHAs and owners of private housing who accept Housing Choice Vouchers.

Follow Eight Rules for Proper Handling of Security Deposits

May 18, 2017    

As an assisted site owner or manager, you must collect security deposits from all households when they move in. These security deposits protect you from losing money when residents damage your units or fail to pay rent. However, handling security deposits incorrectly can cost you.

Take Four Steps to Verify Zero-Income Status

May 18, 2017    

An applicant or household member may claim to get no income from any source. In these situations, it’s important to be skeptical. HUD management reviewers and auditors scrutinize these claims to keep HUD from overpaying assistance to household members. If it turns out that a household...

How to Verify Cash Value, Income of Foreign Bank Accounts, CDs

April 17, 2017    

In HUD-assisted programs there is no asset limit for participation. However, the definition of “annual income” includes net income from family assets. And net family assets include monies held in savings and checking accounts in the United States or abroad. As a site owner or manager...

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