In this May issue of our HUD-REAC Newsletter, I am going to break down the most important changes to HUD’s COVID-19 protocol that directly impact you. HUD recently sent out 2 notices that have a few points that are contradictory, but the conference call on 5/5/21 with HUD clarified the discrepancies. All of the information provided to you in this Newsletter was obtained via the notices and the conference call.
CLICK HERE for a copy of Inspector Notice 2021-01 or the REAC Updated FAQs
Inspections will resume on June 1, 2021 – the earliest you can expect a phone call (for Public Housing and Project Based Section 8) is May 4th.
Details:
- Public Housing, IRP (Interest Reduction Payment) contracts, RAP (Rental Assistance Payment), and Project-Based Section 8:
- 28-Day Notice (instead of 14 days) is now in effect!
- Your REAC Inspector is required to give you a minimum of 28 days notice of the inspection.’
- The inspector will call or email 14 days prior to the inspection to reconfirm.
- The inspector will call or email 2 days prior to check on COVID-19 positive cases at your property.
- Positive COVID-19 cases will NOT cancel your inspection. Alternate units will be selected.
- HUD Loans and Insured Properties:
- If you have a HUD loan or HUD-insured property, your inspection date is still negotiated to a mutually agreed date and time +/- 90 days from your IFD (Ideal Future Date)…but no later than the end of the calendar year.
- The IFD is determined by the date of your last inspection and score. For example, if you scored an 82 (2-year break) on your inspection May 5, 2019 – then your IFD is May 5, 2021 and your inspection can be scheduled +/- 90 days from this date.
- That all being said, due to the backlog and continued COVID-19 struggles – extensions will be granted.
Who Will Be Inspected First?
- HUD intends to release “High-Priority” inspections and “Filler Inspections” throughout 2021
- Only HUD determines who is high priority and factors considered are:
- Insured/Non-insured status
- Time elapsed since previous inspection
- Risk indicators
- Filed office inquiries
- Ideal future inspection date (IFD)
- Public Housing requested inspections
- Historic physical inspection scores
- There is a planned auction with 596 “High-Priority” inspections scheduled May 15, 2021
- The “Filler Inspections” are considered non-priority and are just to aid inspectors/contractors with travel – meaning, instead of the inspector inspecting 1 property, he/she would have 2 or 3 in that area to offset trip costs. These inspections cannot take the place of a Priority Inspection.
- Only HUD determines who is high priority and factors considered are:
Has the number of inspectable units changed?
- No. You can find out how many of your units will be selected for inspection by clicking here: Sample Size Chart
- If all the alternate units have been exhausted due to COVID-19 or tenant refusal, and the Sample is short – HUD may determine the inspection as unsuccessful and reschedule for a later date. (See Question 23 on the FAQ document).
What if I don’t want to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?
- If you do not wear PPE, the inspector is to call TAC (HUD’s Technical Assistance Center) and they will deal with the situation on a case-by-case basis.
- The inspector is required to: wear a mask and gloves and sanitize equipment and gloves before entering each unit.
- If the property is 51% or more elderly, a face shield must be worn IN ADDITION to the mask and gloves.
Will the inspectors be vaccinated?
- Inspectors are not mandated to be vaccinated.
- If unvaccinated, inspectors must test for COVID-19 prior to their first inspection and every 30-days thereafter until otherwise directed by HUD.
“Get REAC Ready” is a comprehensive webinar that offers an overview of the high-scoring deficiencies in the 5 inspectable areas, Health and Safety deficiencies, the latest changes in the UPCS Protocol, the scoring system, and how to successfully prepare for a REAC inspection. Click here to register for the series and get REAC ready!