A. J. Johnson Consulting Services, Inc.

Posts by A. J. Johnson

A. J. Johnson

949 posts

HUD’s Proposed Rule to Eliminate Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans: A Critical Analysis

June 7, 2025

Introduction The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has proposed eliminating the requirement for Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans (AFHMPs), a cornerstone of fair housing enforcement for decades. This proposed rule, published on June 3, 2025, represents a significant…

HUD Inspector General Reports Major Financial Recoveries and Oversight Improvements

June 5, 2025

Federal watchdog agency identifies nearly $500 million in recoveries while addressing critical housing challenges across America. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG) has published its semiannual report to Congress, highlighting significant financial…

HOTMA Compliance Deadline Extended to January 1, 2026 for HUD Multifamily Housing Programs

May 30, 2025

On May 30, 2025, the Office of Multifamily Housing Programs issued a new Housing Notice extending the mandatory compliance date for the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA). The previous deadline of July 1, 2025, has now been…

A. J. Johnson Partners with Mid-Atlantic AHMA for December Training on Affordable Housing – June 2025

May 12, 2025

In June 2025, A. J. Johnson will partner with the MidAtlantic Affordable Housing Management Association for three live webinar training sessions for real estate professionals, particularly those in the affordable multifamily housing field. Following the LIHTC webinars, AJ will review…

Navigating Solicitation Bans in Apartment Communities: Religious and Political Canvassing Rights

May 7, 2025

Understanding the Legal Landscape Property managers and apartment community owners often implement solicitation bans to protect residents from unwanted disturbances. However, these policies can create complex legal scenarios when religious groups and political campaigns seek to canvas on the property.…

Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Core Affordable Housing Programs Nationwide

May 7, 2025

In its latest proposal, the White House has outlined $163 billion in reductions to nondefense discretionary spending, with housing and community development programs bearing a significant portion of the cuts. The proposed budget includes sweeping eliminations and consolidations across HUD…

Multifamily Housing Projects Subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

April 28, 2025

Introduction Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a foundational federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance (FFA). In the context of multifamily housing, Section 504…

Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact on Construction Costs

April 17, 2025

What Are Tariffs? A tariff is simply a tax imposed on imported goods. When products like building materials enter U.S. ports, paying the applicable tariff is a standard part of the customs process. Historical Context Tariffs have deep…

A. J. Johnson Partners with Mid-Atlantic AHMA for Training on Affordable Housing – May 2025

April 15, 2025

In May 2025, A. J. Johnson will partner with the MidAtlantic Affordable Housing Management Association for four live webinar training sessions for real estate professionals, particularly those in the affordable multifamily housing field. The following sessions will be presented: …

Crime-Free Ordinances: When Local Laws Conflict with Federal Fair Housing Protections

April 13, 2025

In August 2024, the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice issued a critical warning: municipal “crime-free” rental housing and “nuisance” property ordinances may violate federal fair housing laws. These ordinances—effective in nearly 2,000 cities across 48 states until…

HUD Publishes 2025 Income Limits

April 1, 2025

On April 1, 2025, HUD published the 2025 income limits for HUD programs and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and Tax-Exempt Bond programs. The limits are effective on April 1, 2025. The limits for the LIHTC and Bond projects are…

Effects of Potential Staffing Cuts on HUD Programs

March 14, 2025

As the Trump administration moves forward with plans to reduce the federal workforce dramatically, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), according to recent reporting by the Associated Press, could face potential cuts that could eliminate half of its…

A. J. Johnson Partners with Mid-Atlantic AHMA for December Training on Affordable Housing—April 2025

March 10, 2025

In April 2025, A. J. Johnson will partner with the MidAtlantic Affordable Housing Management Association for four live webinar training sessions for real estate professionals, particularly those in the affordable multifamily housing field. The following sessions will be presented: April…

Impact of Trump Administration’s Regulatory Restructuring on HUD and IRS

March 8, 2025

The Trump administration’s recent executive order on federal regulations, “Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Deregulatory Initiative,” signals significant changes for federal agencies. The order has particularly notable implications for the Department of Housing and…

Understanding the HOTMA Educational Assistance Rules

March 8, 2025

Under the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA), specific rules govern how educational assistance is treated as income for Section 8 residents. HOTMA Educational Assistance Rule Overview HOTMA clarified and simplified the treatment of educational assistance in determining a household’s…

Executive Order Establishes English as Official U.S. Language: Impact on HUD Programs

March 3, 2025

President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order on March 1, 2025, establishing English as the official language of the United States. This move has significant implications for federal agencies and their communication policies, especially for the Department of Housing and…

HUD Extends NSPIRE Affirmative Standards Compliance Deadline to October 2025

February 22, 2025

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) has announced an extension of the compliance deadline for the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) affirmative requirements. Initially planned for earlier…

HUD Delays Implementation of Final Rule Updating HOME Investment Partnerships Program

February 20, 2025

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a significant update to the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program regulations. This final rule, which was originally set to take effect on February 5, 2025, has now been delayed…

Understanding Medicare Advantage Flex Card Benefits in HUD Housing Income Determinations

February 16, 2025

In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) clarified how Medicare Advantage (MA) supplemental benefits, particularly those administered through Flex Cards, should be treated when calculating income for HUD-assisted housing residents. This guidance helps housing providers…

A. J. Johnson Partners with Mid-Atlantic AHMA for December Training on Affordable Housing – March 2025

February 10, 2025

In March 2025, A. J. Johnson will partner with the MidAtlantic Affordable Housing Management Association for three live webinar training sessions for real estate professionals, particularly those in the affordable multifamily housing field. The following sessions will be presented: March…

Dealing with Federal Immigration Agents at Apartment Communities

February 2, 2025

Not surprisingly, we are starting to receive inquiries from property managers about how they should respond if federal immigration officials enter a property searching for individuals without legal immigration documents. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids at apartment communities are…

Rent Rules Under Final HOME Rule

January 28, 2025

The final HOME rule changes the HOME Program rent determination rules. One change permits the use of a PHA utility allowance for HOME units. The second and more significant change allows owners to collect more than the HOME rent for…

Understanding Security Deposits and Fees in HOME Rental Projects

January 24, 2025

The Final Rule for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), effective February 5, 2025, establishes specific rules regarding security deposits and fees that property owners and managers must follow. These regulations are designed to protect tenants while maintaining fair housing…

Understanding Income Determination Methods in the HOME Program Final Regulation

January 16, 2025

Understanding Income Determination Methods in the HOME Program The new final HOME regulation maintains specific income targeting requirements that necessitate accurate income determination for participating families. This article outlines the various methods and requirements for determining annual income under the…

Navigating the HOME Final Rule- Key Updates on Property Standards and Inspections

January 12, 2025

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently updated the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) Final Rule, emphasizing enhanced property standards and inspection requirements for participating jurisdictions (PJs). These updates aim to improve safety, accessibility, energy efficiency, and…

A. J. Johnson Partners with Mid-Atlantic AHMA for December Training on Affordable Housing – February 2025

January 9, 2025

In February 2025, A. J. Johnson will partner with the MidAtlantic Affordable Housing Management Association for four live webinar training sessions for real estate professionals, particularly those in the affordable multifamily housing field. The following sessions will be presented: February…

HUD Strengthens Tenant Protections in New HOME Rule

January 8, 2025

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has published the Final Rule for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which will take effect on February 5, 2025. The new rule significantly enhances tenant protections and lease requirements, establishing a…

HUD Publishes Final Rule Updating HOME Regulations

January 5, 2025

HUD’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program (also known as the HOME program or HOME) provides formula grants to states and local government units to support various activities to produce and maintain affordable rental and homeownership housing. The program also offers tenant-based…

USDA Updates Audit Requirements for Rural Housing and Community Facilities Programs

January 4, 2025

On December 6, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service (RHS) issued a final rule updating audit and financial statement requirements for its Multi-Family Housing and Community Facilities programs. These changes align the agency’s regulations with recent revisions…

HUD Issues Final Rule Updating HOME Investment Partnerships Program

January 3, 2025

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a significant update to the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program regulations. This final rule, which will be published in the Federal Register on January 6, 2025, aims to modernize…

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