HUD's regulations governing resident participation in multifamily housing projects are found in the Code of Federal Regulations at 24 CFR Part 245. The regulations reflect HUD's commitment to resident participation, individually and through legitimate resident organizations. HUD has...
Requesting photo identification from prospects before taking them to tour a vacant unit is a sound practice for safeguarding your staff, say security consultants. At the same time, fair housing experts caution that, unless you request photo identification from every prospect—not just those...
Your staff members deal with various types of requests from residents every day. Occasionally, a resident may feel that his or her issue has not been properly acknowledged, is not being followed up on, or that things are just taking too long. Very quickly, the request can turn into a complaint....
Unit kitchens can be a hot spot for deficiencies when inspection time rolls around. REAC inspectors check for an array of problems in the kitchen, both large and small, from missing or damaged countertops to leaking faucets to inoperable range hood exhaust fans. But you can minimize deficiencies...
Although HUD's “One Strike” rule was announced in 1996 by the Clinton administration and took effect in its final form nearly a decade ago, it has been a controversial and confusing regulation.
The rule is intended to help sites screen applicants for drug abuse and other...
As you work with families and individuals who apply to live at your site, you may give preference to certain categories of applicants. HUD says that it's okay to establish preferences, as long as you follow certain rules. HUD views the process of assigning preferences to applicants who meet...
The REAC Reverse Auction Program (RAP) published revised Guidelines for Scheduling REAC Inspections on Oct. 20, 2010, for inspections of multifamily and public housing sites that are awarded through the RAP. There are two exceptions: the Puerto Rico and New York Housing Authorities, which are...
It's natural for your residents to have guests for short visits. Even guests who come and stay for an extended period of time are not uncommon. But if your residents think their guests are not really your concern, or if you think it's no big deal if a guest comes now and then, you need...
While balconies are a welcome feature that can add to the appeal of units at your site, they do require extra attention to be sure they are maintained in a safe condition and to limit your liability if an accident occurs. If any of your units have balconies, your maintenance staff should inspect...
Both HUD and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have taken steps to require the use of practices that minimize lead hazards when you undertake renovation, repair, or painting projects at your site. In general, the requirements work together, but there are some differences.
Individuals with AIDS, or the HIV virus that causes AIDS, continue to battle stereotypes and misconceptions. The idea that having such individuals at your site could threaten the health and safety of other residents and your staff is unfounded. Yet it persists.
With a majority of the original 20-year Section 8 contracts maturing, many site owners are facing the future with a different rental income situation than they've been accustomed to. For years, Section 8 owners received automatic annual rent increases. These increases, in many cases, put...
