Dos & Don'ts
July 14, 2020
As the pandemic continues, Internet connectivity for information and services has become increasingly important. From virtual doctor’ visits to virtual learning as schools delay openings, these critical services have underscored the importance of Internet connectivity during this time. But,...
Feature
June 12, 2020
Restricting visitors may be a legitimate health measure—as long as the restrictions are reasonable.
Q & A
June 12, 2020
SITUATION: You just found out that Ann Smith, one of your residents, has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in self-isolation for 14 days. You immediately report the case to the local health authorities. You post signs and notices in common areas alerting other residents that a building...
Compliance
June 12, 2020
U.S.-style federalism allows for federal and state laws to exist side by side. In the context of federally assisted housing, leases and landlord-tenant relations are governed by HUD rules even though they’re located on property subject to state regulation. Nevertheless, it can also get...
Dos & Don'ts
June 12, 2020
Showing that residents committed a substantial or material lease violation isn’t enough to evict them from federally assisted housing. You must also furnish a proper lease pre-termination notice letting residents know exactly what they did wrong. If the notice isn’t clear and specific...
Recent Court Rulings
June 12, 2020
Facts: Ignoring repeated written warnings, a resident continued to smoke in her Section 8 unit and allow her guests to do likewise. And while the multiple complaints from neighbors about her screaming did little to gain the owner’s affections, the last straw was her arrest for attacking a...
Recent Court Rulings
June 12, 2020
Facts: An owner claimed that over a course of four years, a Section 8 resident was a major nuisance, harassing the neighbors, stealing packages, making excessive noise, and getting into fights. But all the while it accepted her rent. In November 2018, she was arrested on the premises and charged...
Feature
May 29, 2020
For victims of domestic violence, staying at home during the pandemic may not be the safest option.
Compliance
May 29, 2020
In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, HUD made certain limited electronic signing and document delivery options available to help reduce virus exposure for important resident interactions such as income recertifications and applicant processing. In a new notice issued by HUD’s Office...
Compliance
May 29, 2020
In May, HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing Programs, which oversees contracts with private owners of HUD-assisted properties, made a fifth and sixth update to its “Questions and Answers for Office of Multifamily Housing Stakeholders: Coronavirus (COVID-19).” HUD has been using...
