HUD Assist Newsletters

May 2026: Click here to check out free, downloadable REAC Resources including the new NSPIRE Self-Inspection Checklist! New Training Dates TBD due to NSPIRE Standard Updates this Summer! In this May Newsletter, I am going to go over some over-looked markings on outlet receptacles and how they can impact your NSPIRE inspection. Outdoor Weather-Resistant (WR) Receptacles: Under NSPIRE, ALL receptacles located Outside must be GFCI-protected (regardless of when the property...

April 2026: The Triple I Rule: Inaccessible Inspectable Items Click here to check out free, downloadable REAC Resources including the new NSPIRE Self-Inspection Checklist! New Training Dates TBD due to NSPIRE Standard Updates this Summer!   In this April Newsletter, I need to explain what I like to call “The Triple I Rule”: Inaccessible Inspectable Items. Under the UPCS protocol, if inspectors could not physically test an inspectable item –...

March 2026: “Loose” Outlet Receptacles? Click here to check out free, downloadable REAC Resources In this March Newsletter, I am going to show you when a “loose” outlet receptacle is or isn’t a deficiency as well as specifically which deficiency as defined by the NSPIRE Standards. There has been a marked increase in citations of “loose” outlet receptacles which, by that description, is difficult to appeal. There is a huge...

In honor of a short month, this will be a short Newsletter! HUD created a checklist for the Voucher program, but it neglected to include the parameters that must be met in order for a deficiency to be cited! Short of working with NSPIRE Standards daily, it is very difficult to remember the minimum measurements, percentages, and additional conditions that must exist to qualify as a deficiency under NSPIRE. NSPIRE...

Electric Heater Clearance…the Truth 2026 NSPIRE WEBINAR TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT! HUD-NSPIRE Demystified: A Deep Dive into the New Inspection Process 4-Part Series starts February 4th, 2026 Last chance to register – Click here: C4N6 Webinar Training Click here to check out free, downloadable REAC Resources   I have to start the year by correcting the misinformation on a video that has been circulating alleging that HUD claims electric heaters are exempt...

I am combining November and December into one long Newsletter because it focuses on a topic that needs a lot of discussion – the Egress Standard. In 2022, a terrible tragedy occurred at a rowhouse in the Fairmount neighborhood of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.  12 people perished (9 of them children) when a Christmas tree caught fire.  Of the 7 smoke alarms present, only 1 worked…in the basement.  Fire safety...