HUD Updates – 1) NSPIRE: Request for Comments on Proposed Scoring Notice; 2) Revisions to Chapter 9, Section 8 Renewal Policy Guidebook

CARH’S BROADCAST E-MAIL – Regulatory Alert

March 28, 2023

1) NSPIRE: Request for Comments on Proposed Scoring Notice

On March 28^th, published a Federal Register Notice entitled, Request for Comments: National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate and Associated Protocols [NSPIRE], Proposed Scoring Notice.” According to information from HUD’s Asset Management Division:

“HUD now seeks public review and comment on the proposed NSPIRE physical inspection scoring and ranking methodology for Public Housing and Multifamily Housing programs to implement the final NSPIRE rule once published. The scoring methodology converts observed defects into a numerical score and sets a threshold for HUD to perform additional administrative oversight by establishing a level for when a property fails an inspection (less than 60 points) and when an enforcement referral is automatic or required (less than or equal to 30 points). HUD will consider comments received in response to this request before publishing a final NSPIRE Scoring notice in the Federal Register.”

CARH is expecting to submit comments on the proposed notice, most likely jointly with other affordable housing groups.

2) Revisions to Chapter 9, Section 9 Renewal Policy Guidebook

On March 27^th, HUD published a press release announcing that the Office of Multifamily Housing Programs announced updated guidance for owners and properties participating in the Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance program. The updates are designed to streamline the contract renewal process by making it easier for owners to prepare and submit the Rent Comparability Studies that are used to establish contract rents. They also clarify the conditions under which such rents may reflect the value of providing services to residents. The updates go into effect on May 1, 2023.

To ensure that your organization has access to all relevant regulatory changes, Federal Register notices, and more, as they are published, CARH members should subscribe to CARH’s Electronic AN Express (click here for Subscription Form).

Please contact the CARH national office at carh@carh.org or 703-837-9001 should you have questions or concerns. For other news and information affecting the affordable rural housing industry, please visit the Newsroom on CARH’s website, www.carh.org.