You’re at your desk when the familiar tone of a new email sounds on your computer.

Public housing authorities (PHAs) have an obligation to affirmatively further fair housing by combatting discrimination and taking steps to create safe and inclusive communities. Often, specific communities get left behind in efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals face hurdles to accessing safe, fair, and affordable housing. Yet, discussions to further fair housing often do not include them.

In October 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rolled out NSPIRE, a new model for conducting and processing physical inspections of HUD-assisted housing.

As temperatures rise, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is taking action to ensure public housing residents can stay cool during the scorching summer months. In a June 13, 2024 notice, HUD reminded public housing authorities (PHAs) that they can utilize capital and operating funds to help residents beat the heat. Additionally, HUD clarified that PHAs may establish a policy to provide individual relief and immediately start granting relief requests from air conditioning or cooling-related surcharges or utility supplier billings based on severe or extreme heat.

As a housing professional, you juggle various responsibilities, including customer service, mitigation, mediation, transportation, and maintenance. Mastering these skills and ensuring resident safety and satisfaction doesn't happen overnight—it requires dedicated training.

Property claims related to methamphetamine are on the rise. While they’re not the most frequently reported claim—as of this writing, that distinction belongs to fire—HAI Group has seen a noticeable uptick in meth claims in recent months. Perhaps it’s because meth is relatively inexpensive to buy compared to other illicit drugs, or because meth has become more widely available, thanks in part to super labs operated by drug cartels that can produce meth in large quantities. The rise in claims may also be due to the fact that some housing authorities have begun testing for meth when units turn over, regardless of whether they suspect contamination.

Whatever the reason, if you have a meth-related claim at your housing organization, here’s what you need to know.

The sooner you file, the better

“The biggest mistake housing organizations make after discovering meth is waiting too long to file a claim,” said Alkis Liopiros, AIC-M, ACP, CRIS, a senior property claims examiner at HAI Group. “If tests confirm that you’re dealing with methamphetamine contamination, file a claim as soon as you can. Notifying us while the incident is fresh in your mind helps your insurance company and its adjusters investigate the claim more thoroughly. It can also help us close the claim more quickly, so you can get the affected units back in service faster.”

Telltale signs of meth production or use

If your housing organization isn’t testing for meth, it’s important that your maintenance workers know what to look for during routine inspections. Common signs of meth production or use include:

• Unexplained chemical smells, often described as “sweet”

Completing a certificate program offers many benefits for employees, including gaining industry-relevant experience, expanding their knowledge and skill set, and boosting their productivity.

As housing agencies increasingly rely on digital systems and data management, the importance of cyber insurance cannot be overstated.

Health initiatives are an important strategy for public housing authorities (PHAs) to support residents who wish to age in place, improve their overall health and wellness, manage chronic conditions, and much more.

Green roofs are gaining in popularity. Cities want them, tenants love them, and they do great things for the environment. But green roofs cost more to install than traditional roofs, and they carry some risks that are worth a closer look.