Housing inherently involves risks. Individuals and families comprise communities, bringing unique lives, social circles, jobs, and preferences. As hubs for family gatherings, events, meals, and more, multifamily housing complexes often face heavy usage. This dynamic environment underscores the importance of proactive risk management to address issues such as pests, malfunctioning equipment, frozen pipes, and compliance with evolving federal regulations.
Cockroaches and bed bugs rank highest among the top risk management topics for 2024 on the HAI Group Blog, followed closely by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), elevator safety, and understanding the distinctions between service animals, support animals, and pets in public housing.
Want to be notified when a new blog is published? Interested in subscribing to our newsletters, providing key updates on insurance, risk management, online training, and affordable housing research? Sign up using the button below.
Here are the top risk management blogs of 2024, highlighting essential strategies to mitigate these challenges:
Is it OK to Step on a Cockroach? Our Expert Has Answers to Your Roach-Related Questions: Gain insights from Susannah Krysko, entomologist and project coordinator with Stop Pests in Housing. This blog offers expert tips and access to a webinar on managing and preventing cockroach infestations in housing agencies.
11 Bed Bug Myths Debunked: Learn the facts about bed bugs from Jeffrey White, a renowned entomologist and bed bug expert. This blog separates myth from reality and explores whether your organization’s pest-control procedures need updating.
Recent VAWA Settlements Put Affordable Housing Providers on Notice: Comply or Face Consequences: Understand the implications of the 2022 amendment to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and how the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has strengthened enforcement authority. The blog reviews case studies to help housing agencies ensure compliance.
Navigating Elevator Safety: Compliance and Requirements in Residential Buildings: Prepare your housing agency with knowledge about elevator history, types, inspection requirements, compliance standards, and additional safety measures, including fire safety considerations.
5 Things to Know: Navigating Service Animal vs. Pet Accommodations in Public Housing: Through a webinar recap with Cara Gillette, senior consultant with Nan McKay & Associates, this blog clarifies the distinctions between service animals, emotional support animals, and pets in public housing settings.
Beyond the Boiler: 3 Key Strategies for Mechanical Room Safety: Keep your mechanical rooms safe and efficient with expert tips on housekeeping, fire prevention, and security.
Preventing Frozen Pipes: Best Practices for Multifamily Housing: Explore scenarios involving frozen pipe bursts, their costly repercussions, and actionable advice for avoiding such issues during cold weather.
Let’s Talk About Meth Claims: Learn to identify signs of methamphetamine production or use, understand the importance of filing claims, and discover tips for reporting meth-related incidents.
Unveiling Hidden Dangers: The Fire Risks Lurking in Your Dryer and Bathroom Vents: Understand the fire hazards associated with dryer and bathroom vents and learn best practices for cleaning and maintenance.
Compliance Essentials: Navigating Non-Rent Fees in Public and Affordable Housing: Learn about permissible and prohibited public housing fees, their definitions, and resources for voucher and multifamily housing programs.
Bonus content
The sixth annual HAI Group Virtual Risk Management Conference had a record-breaking number of attendees and registrations, and for good reason. HAI Group and external experts discussed integrated pest management strategies, roof risks, fair housing essentials for promoting equity and inclusion, and more in great detail. In case you could not attend or wanted to look back on any of the sessions, we compiled a playlist of all the recordings for you.
Want to be the first to know about the 2025 conference? Be sure to sign up for our risk management newsletter.
Bottom line
Staying on top of risk management is essential to maintaining safe, compliant, and efficient housing environments. These risk resources garnered the most attention from housing agencies nationwide and are great tools as your agency prepares to navigate 2025 with confidence. Proactive strategies assist housing agencies in addressing challenges effectively and protecting their communities.
Be sure to visit our Resource Center for additional insurance, risk management, online training, and research blogs and resources for the multifamily affordable housing industry and beyond.
This article is for general information only. HAI Group makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy or applicability of this information for any particular use or circumstance. Your use of this information is at your own discretion and risk. HAI Group and any author or contributor identified herein assume no responsibility for your use of this information. You should consult with your attorney or subject matter advisor before adopting any risk management strategy or policy.
