The terms public housing and affordable housing are often confused, and understandably so, as both refer to rental housing established for eligible low-income families. But public housing and affordable housing are very different in terms of organization, management, and funding. 

A resident trips and falls on your sidewalk, which is in the process of being replaced. He injures his back and shoulder, racking up nearly $100,000 in medical bills. The resident then files a lawsuit, alleging the construction site was not properly marked or roped off. Who’s liable for the damages, you or your contractor?

Lawmakers should have included investments in affordable housing in the Inflation Reduction Act, says National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) CEO Mark Thiele. 

A new study commissioned by the National Apartment Association and the National Multifamily Housing Council projects the need for 4.3 million new apartments by 2035 to keep up with expected demand but notes that due to housing underproduction after the 2008 financial housing crisis, keeping new units affordable will be a challenge.

Even the best-prepared organization is vulnerable to cybercriminals seeking to hold data and systems hostage in exchange for payment. Ransomware attacks, as they’re known, impact every industry. Since 2016, the U.S. has experienced around 4,000 ransomware attacks daily.

Human trafficking, commonly regarded as one of the most severe global human rights issues of the modern day, can happen in any community and affect individuals of any age, race, gender, or nationality.

Emergency pull cords are a common feature in multifamily housing, installed throughout units as a safety precaution for residents who may need emergency assistance. But if a pull cord system is improperly maintained or monitored, it can endanger residents by providing a false sense of comfort. 

"Housing organizations should ensure that emergency pull cords are functioning, tested, and monitored by a third party with a solid contract in place so emergency services can be notified if a cord is pulled," said Elizabeth Owens, HAI Group's director of risk control and consulting. 

HAI Group’s board and committee members convene annually to determine the winners of our Risk Management Awards, developed to recognize public housing agencies that go above and beyond to address various risks to residents and staff.

Employees and residents exposed to extreme heat or who regularly work in hot environments have a high potential for experiencing heat-related illnesses. Extended exposure to extreme heat can cause severe conditions, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat rash, and sunburn.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has started enforcing a new law that requires carbon monoxide detectors in most federally-assisted housing units.