Blocked Egress
In this November edition of our HUD-REAC newsletter, I’d like to discuss HUD’s protocol on Blocked Egresses and how you can comply! General Rules Doors and doorways are ALWAYS considered primary egress If a room has 2 doors and a window – the window can be blocked as long as both doors are accessible/egressable All rooms up to the 3rd floor – if the room is designed with 2...
Read MoreCall-For-Aids
(Also known as Emergency Calls, Pull Cords, etc.) In this October edition of our HUD-REAC newsletter, I’d like to discuss HUD’s protocol on Call-For Aids and how you can comply! General Rules If you have off-site monitoring, you can supply the inspector with a certification (within 1 year of the REAC inspection) from a local authority having jurisdiction or licensed third party that ALL of the units tested...
Read MoreNSPIRE (National Standards for Physical Inspection of Real Estate)
In this September edition of our HUD-REAC newsletter, I’d like to discuss HUD’s NSPIRE Model Demonstration. NSPIRE is expected to overhaul HUD’s 20-year-old inspection process! Will allegedly be a 2-year Demonstration (most likely longer) HUD will inspect approximately 4500 properties from a pool of nationwide volunteers who are willing to adopt the new physical inspection standards. The GOAL is to design a new simplified inspection system that more accurately reflects...
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Missing Doors
In this July edition of our HUD-REAC newsletter, I’d like to discuss the “missing door” deficiency that applies to both Common Areas and Units. Many inspectors cite this defect in error so make sure you read through to the end! The following Unit and Common Area doors that are missing will always be recorded as a Level 3: Entry Fire Bathroom Any other type of door not listed above will...
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Breaker Panels
In this August edition of our HUD-REAC newsletter, I’d like to discuss breaker panels! A breaker shuts off a component (like a kitchen stove or outlets) – whereas a disconnect will shut off an area or system (like a service disconnect at the meter that shuts off the entire unit or an HVAC disconnect). If the breaker panel is secured (locked, screwed shut) at the time of inspection – you...
Read MoreNIS Defects
In this June edition of our HUD-REAC newsletter, I’d like to discuss NIS (Not Industry Standard) defects. In 2016, HUD enacted the NIS rule: “All repairs made to address UPCS deficiencies in preparation for a REAC inspection shall be made in a good and workmanlike manner with materials that are suitable for the purpose and free from defects.” “Good and workmanlike manner” is defined by HUD as: Ensuring that the...
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