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.

In an increasingly digitized world, where data breaches and cyber threats have become pervasive, the need for robust cybersecurity measures extends to all sectors. Public housing agencies (PHAs), entrusted with sensitive information and critical operations, are no exception. Yet, despite the growing threat landscape, many PHAs may overlook the importance of cybersecurity coverage.

Unlike traditional property and general liability insurance policies, which lack the specificity to address cyber risks and often explicitly exclude coverage for such incidents, cybersecurity coverage offers tailored protection against the evolving threats public housing agencies face. This article explores the imperative for public housing agencies to prioritize cybersecurity coverage as a fundamental component of their risk management strategy, safeguarding their operations and residents and their hard-earned reputation in the community.

This article delves into why cybersecurity coverage is essential for public housing agencies to safeguard their operations, residents, and reputation.

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.

Kechelle Jones entered HAI Group’s Mid-Atlantic Risk Control Collaborative in early August 2023 with uncertainty about what awaited her. Upon leaving the event, equipped with newly acquired policies, procedures, and best practices, she promptly initiated transformative changes within her housing organization.

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.

As we say goodbye to another transformative year, join us in exploring HAI Group's most popular blog posts, risk management resources, and HAI Group Online Training courses of 2023. These resources serve as essential tools for housing professionals navigating an ever-evolving landscape.