Elevators are a common feature in multistory public and affordable housing properties, offering convenience and accessibility to residents. From transporting groceries to aiding those with mobility restrictions, elevators have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. 

Property owners and managers face the challenge of interpreting and adhering to the regulations and guidelines established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Among these complexities lies the realm of non-rent fees in HUD-assisted properties. 

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program remains a cornerstone in providing affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families in the United States, offering substantial benefits to tenants and landlords. Administered by public housing agencies (PHAs), these vouchers subsidize rental costs for eligible recipients, facilitating access to decent, safe, and sanitary housing within the private rental market.

For professionals in public and affordable housing, this is a time of both tremendous need and immense opportunity. Affordable rental housing is scarce, disrupting the availability of homes for workers and families across most demographics—ranging from recent graduates embarking on their careers to working families, low-income individuals, and those reliant on fixed incomes such as senior citizens, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Effective communication is the foundation for establishing strong relationships between housing organizations and their residents. By implementing robust communication strategies, both parties can collaborate to foster an environment built on understanding, inclusivity, and transparency.

Recent settlements in Nevada and California highlight the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) strengthened enforcement authority under the latest iteration of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). According to HUD, the two settlements put housing providers "on notice" to understand and comply with the law or face serious consequences.

In the public and affordable housing industry, flexibility is key to ensuring that insurance coverage aligns with your organization’s specific needs. One way this is achieved is through endorsements.

Once upon a time, public and affordable housing providers enjoyed a certain freedom regarding wind and hail coverage—lender requirements weren’t as stringent, and coverage was readily available in most regions of the country.

Nuclear verdicts—generally considered legal verdicts exceeding $10 million—significantly contribute to social inflation, a term used in the insurance industry to describe the rising costs of insurance claims due to changing social attitudes, perceptions, and legal trends.

The Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation (PAHRC), is the research entity of HAI Group, an insurer exclusively serving public and affordable housing for more than 35 years. PAHRC’s work focuses on the impact that affordable homes bring to families and communities. In this guest blog, Kelly McElwain, PAHRC’s industry intelligence and research manager, explains how you can make your properties more resilient to natural hazards.