HUD
Senate Escapes Rider to Pass HUD Spending Bill, Pressuring House to Follow Suit
While it is far from perfect in the eyes of affordable housing advocates, it would expand several key programs and is seen as a tepid victory in the current spending climate.
HUD Will Resume Conducting MORs on a Limited Basis
MORs property inspections will be conducted by the 42 existing Project-Based Contract Administrators as part of their amended interim contracts with HUD, mostly likely starting on a limited number of properties.
HUD Makes First National Housing Trust Fund Allocations to States
For the first time ever, HUD allocated nearly $174 million through the nation’s Housing Trust Fund. By law, each state is allocated a minimum of $3 million.
HUD Issues Criteria States Must Use to Select HTF Recipients
If the State plans to select applications submitted by eligible recipients, the HTF allocation plan must include the application requirements and the criteria for the selection of applicants to meet the specified required funding priorities.
HUD Publishes FY-2016 Annual Adjustment Factors for Section 8
HUD published Annual Adjustment Factors, which are used to adjust contract rents for units assisted in certain Section 8 housing assistance payment programs during the initial term of the HAP contract.
Massachusetts Case Reveals Impact of Last Summer’s Disparate Impact Decision
Tenants at Burbank Apartments in Massachusetts sued when the building’s owner decided not to renew a Section 8 contract with HUD, arguing that it would disproportionately impact people of color. The court’s final decision was made after careful consideration of last summer’s Supreme Court ruling on disparate impact and the Fair Housing Act.
HUD Solicits Applications for $30 Million in CNI Implementation Grants
HUD is soliciting applications for the FY2016 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants program. The maximum grant award is $30 million. Applications are due on June 28, 2016.
Upcoming Workshops Aim to Improve Affordable Housing Access to Renewable Energy
HUD is holding a series of three regional workshops to discuss affordable housing and solar. These workshops will help providers and owners understand the tools and resources available via HUD’s RENEW300 initiative.
Utility Allowance Guide for Owners of Affordable Rental Housing
The California Housing Partnership and National Housing Law Project have jointly published a guide to assist owners of affordable housing in understanding the implications of recent changes to federal program utility allowance requirements, and to provide tips for assessing whether utility allowance adjustments can be used as a resource to finance or pay back the […]
HUD Publishes Guide to Preserving Section 236 Properties
All Section 236 loans will mature in the next 3 years and HUD is encouraging all owners and managers of Section 236 projects to take action in 2016 to preserve their properties as affordable housing. A new step-by-step guide to preservation explains key financial issues and guidance.
First-Ever National Housing Trust Fund Allocations Total $174 Million
HUD expects to make individual allocations to States later this spring and anticipates these funds can be drawn upon as early as this summer. The Fund is capitalized through contributions by government sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Housing Providers’ Tenant Criminal Record Policies Could Violate Fair Housing
Having a criminal record is not a protected characteristic under the Fair Housing Act, but race is. African Americans and Hispanics are arrested, convicted and incarcerated at rates disproportionate to their share of the general population. Many face significant barriers to securing housing because of their criminal history.