The Trainer

October 30, 2010

SETTING HOUSE RULES FOR GUESTS; INSPECTING BALCONIES

In this month's feature, we discussed what you need to know about complying with HUD rules on house guests and developing your own house rules on the issue. We pointed out that if HUD discovers you are letting people live at your site without certifying them and taking their income into account when calculating household rent, you could wind up paying the bill for their stay.

SETTING HOUSE RULES FOR GUESTS; INSPECTING BALCONIES

In this month's feature, we discussed what you need to know about complying with HUD rules on house guests and developing your own house rules on the issue. We pointed out that if HUD discovers you are letting people live at your site without certifying them and taking their income into account when calculating household rent, you could wind up paying the bill for their stay. In general, HUD rules require you to certify every member of a household, so you don't want to run the risk of having to repay assistance that HUD regards as overpaid because a household member was not certified.

In another article—on safety issues regarding balconies—we noted that although HUD does not provide specific guidance on inspecting balconies, you can be assessed deficiencies at inspection time for hazards found pertaining to balconies. For example, we pointed out, HUD views a loose or damaged balcony railing to be a serious health and safety violation. Conducting periodic inspections will help you catch and fix problems before they result in assessed deficiencies, resident injuries, or costly liability lawsuits.

 

TRAINER'S QUIZ

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the questions below has only one correct answer. On a separate sheet of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you have chosen—for example, (1) b, (2) a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

When it comes to house guests, HUD supports developing house rules to deal with situations that may arise. True or false?

  1. True.

  2. False.

QUESTION #2

In developing house rules, it's reasonable to be specific about procedures that:

  1. Prohibit nighttime guests.

  2. Ban all guests with nose rings.

  3. Keep track of guests who are at your site at every given time.

QUESTION #3

In general, it's a good idea to require guest registration. True or false?

  1. True.

  2. False.

QUESTION #4

Regarding guest stays, it's important to set limits on the:

  1. Number of teenagers permitted and children allowed during the stay.

  2. Length and frequency of the stay.

  3. Privacy issues and public implications of the stay.

QUESTION #5

Which one of the following is not a balcony inspection tip?

  1. Make sure the bolts that attach to the railing are solid and show no signs of rust.

  2. Check the attachment hardware between the railing and the floor of the balcony.

  3. Never rattle the railing.

QUESTION #6

Fill in the blank: Most often, wooden railings are vulnerable to rotting in places where _______________ can seep into the wood.

  1. stinkbugs

  2. water

  3. oil

QUESTION #7

In checking for hidden defects in wood railings, a hollow sound usually indicates that there is no damage to the wood. True or false?

  1. True.

  2. False.

QUESTION #8

Which level deficiency exists if the baluster or side rails are damaged?

  1. Level 1.

  2. Level 2.

  3. Level 3.

Click To Show/Hide The Quiz Answers

 

ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS

 

QUESTION #1

Correct answer: a

House rules are needed to cover aspects of the landlord-tenant relationship that the HUD lease does not address, which can include house guests. House rules must be related to the safety, care, and cleanliness of the building and the safety and comfort of the residents. In addition, such rules cannot circumvent HUD requirements and may not discriminate against any protected class of individuals.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: c

The HUD Occupancy Handbook includes among its examples of a reasonable house rule one that requires that all visitors sign in when entering the building. An example of an unreasonable house rule is one not permitting a visitor in a resident's unit during the nighttime.

QUESTION #3

Correct answer: a

It's a good practice to have guests provide their name, address, and proposed length of stay. Set a short but reasonable time minimum for requiring registration—three days, for example. You want to know how long they are at your site so you can track their stay and prevent them from becoming a “permanent” resident of a household without your knowledge.

QUESTION #4

Correct answer: b

Don't be silent or vague on this issue, or it will be presumed that guests can stay as long as they want. Instead, indicate that guests cannot overstay unless they are admitted to the site following the standard application and admission process.

QUESTION #5

Correct answer: c

When inspecting balcony railings, always give them a hard shake. Remember, a railing in proper, safe condition should not move or give at all when it is shaken.

QUESTION #6

Correct answer: b

Water can seep into the wood, so examine railings for rot, if they are wooden. Check the complete railing, end to end. Also look closely where nails or screws penetrate the wood.

QUESTION #7

Correct answer: b

To check for hidden problems in wooden railings, knock on them. A hollow sound could mean that the wood is weak inside. The wood may have rotten spots, or termites or carpenter ants could have invaded the railing.

QUESTION #8

Correct answer: c

Damages to balusters and side rails on a patio, porch, or balcony attached to a unit is recorded in Unit Patio/Porch/Balcony. There is a Level 3 deficiency if the baluster or side rails enclosing this area are loose, damaged, or missing, limiting the use of this area.

See The Lesson For This Quiz

How to Set House Rules for Guests
Protect Residents, Avoid Liability with Routine Balcony Inspections

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