Posts by A. J. Johnson

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HUD Final Rule on HOME Program

On July 24, 2013, HUD published a final rule on the HOME program. Most provisions of the rule are effective for properties that receive HOME funds on or after August 23, 2013. Properties already operating under the HOME program, or…

HOME Program Rent Decreases

As you probably know by now if you are operating properties that utilize HOME funds, HUD has released the 2013 HOME rent limits. You may also be aware that due to calculation errors by HUD in earlier years, dating back…

Senate Bill Amending the Fair Housing Act Introduced

S. 1242, A Bill to Amend the Fair Housing Act, and for Other Purposes, was introduced in the Senate on June 27, 2013, and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The short title of the bill is “Housing Opportunities…

Rural Area Definition – Legislative Update (June 28, 2013)

Approximately 900 communities across the United States that are currently considered “rural” for purposes of United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs are in danger of losing their rural designation. The communities will no longer be considered rural based on…

SAVE System Code 33

SAVE System Code 33   All HUD multifamily housing managers are required to use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to check the legal background of individuals applying for housing assistance. In June 2012, the Department of Homeland…

HUD Proposed Rule on Pet Deposits for Multifamily Housing

HUD published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on May 24, 2013 that would change the requirements for owners of HUD-assisted multifamily housing relative to the collection of pet deposits on projects intended for occupancy by elderly or disabled…

UPCS Changes to Fence and Gate Inspection Standards

One significant change in the Uniform Physical Condition Standard (UPCS) that became effective on January 1, 2013 relates to the way inspectors will assess deficiencies in fencing and gates.  Such findings have been very common in REAC and State monitoring…

Processing Requests for Minimum Rent Exemption

Sequestration is resulting in considerable financial difficulty for thousands of people. In California, federal unemployment benefits have been cut for more than 400,000 people. 70,000 children in the head start program will have meals reduced, as will seniors and low-income…

HUD Provides Updated Guidance Regarding Assistance Animals

HUD Issues Notice Clarifying Service Animal Issues   On April 25, 2013, HUD issues FHEO Notice 2013-01, Service Animals and Assistance Animals for People with Disabilities in Housing and HUD-Funded Programs. This notice provides additional clarification of housing provider obligations…

New Veteran Preference for New Jersey Properties

Governor Chris Christie recently signed into law legislation that will expand access to affordable housing for New Jersey veterans.  This new program allows owners of affordable housing to give a preference for veterans by entering into a preference agreement with…

Administration Proposals to Improve the LIHTC Program

As part of its 2014 budget, the Obama Administration has made five specific proposals relative to the LIHTC Program.   Allow states to convert some of their authority relating to the issuance of tax-exempt bonds into additional tax credits. (This…

Bipartisan Policy Center Recommendations

The Bipartisan Policy Center was founded in 2007 by former Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George Mitchell for the purpose of developing and recommending sound solutions to national problems. The Center has recently issued a…

A Primer on Pre-Paid Debit Cards

Federal and State governments are rapidly moving away from cash and paper checks and going to the use of pre-paid cards. Such cards enable consumers without bank accounts to benefit from the shift to electronic transactions from cash and to…

Handling Income from Investment Accounts

As most operators of housing under HUD, Rural Development, and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Programs know, there is a considerable difference of opinion in our industry regarding the handling of investment accounts from which regular distributions are taken. This…

HUD Creates Fair Housing App for iPhone and iPad

            On February 28, 2013, HUD released a housing discrimination mobile application for iPhone and iPad. The App is designed to provide the public with a quick and easy way to file housing discrimination complaints and…

Age Verification Requirements for Senior Properties

On February 13, 2013, HUD announced that a homeowners association and managers  in Edina, MN will pay more than $40,000 under a Consent Order for refusing to allow children under the age of 18 to live at the property.  HUD…

HUD Changes Income Verification Rules for PHAs

HUD has issued Notice PIH 2013-3, establishing temporary guidelines for public housing agencies (PHAs) in fulfilling certain public housing and Housing Choice Voucher program requirements during this period of decreased resources available to PHAs. It offers PHAs four options that…

HUD Publishes Final Rule on Fair Housing Disparate Impact

 On February 15, 2013, HUD published a final rule in the Federal Register (78 Fed. Reg. 11460) regarding disparate impact liability under federal fair housing law.  Disparate impact is the theory of fair housing law that asserts that certain policies…

Violence Against Women Act

As you may know, Congress did not extend the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) at the end of 2012. However, the Congressional failure to act only terminated appropriations under the program; the Statute creating the program is still in place…
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