Fireplaces enhance homes, providing warmth and a cozy ambiance. However, ensuring the safe operation of fireplaces is crucial, particularly in affordable housing.

In 2015, during a visit to a Kroger grocery store in Atlanta, Georgia, a 26-year-old man was robbed and shot by two assailants, resulting in his paralysis. Four years later, a jury awarded the man nearly $70 million after his attorneys successfully argued that Kroger was aware of the store's location in an unsafe, high-crime area but failed to deploy security guards in the parking lot where the shooting occurred.

When a housing unit becomes vacant, a well-documented cleanout procedure is essential to guide maintenance workers or third-party contractors through standardized unit preparation for the next occupant. Proper documentation ensures a comprehensive record of tenant discussions and the steps taken to ready the unit for the incoming tenant.

In this guide, we unveil essential tips and strategies for achieving a seamless and efficient property turnover.

Understanding fire risks and hazards associated with cleaning dryer and bathroom vents may not be at the top of your to-do list, but neglecting these often-overlooked areas can pose significant fire risks and hazards to your housing organization. 

HAI Group is the proud, leading sponsor of the Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation (PAHRC), a nonprofit that researches the impact that affordable homes bring to families and communities. In this guest blog, Cate Asp, PAHRC’s Research Analyst, dives into the historical issue of veteran housing needs; how those needs have contributed to the evolution of affordable housing; and what is being done for veterans today.

Public and affordable housing organizations strive to fill vacancies as quickly as possible to fulfill community housing needs and avoid loss of rental income, but it's not always feasible. 

It's never too early or too late to ensure your housing organization is well-prepared for the challenges posed by winter weather. Taking proactive measures can make all the difference between a minor inconvenience and a full-blown disaster.

Winter storms can bring a host of challenges, including snow and ice accumulation, high winds, and frigid temperatures. These weather events can last for hours or even days, leading to power outages and communication disruptions. To ensure the safety of your properties, employees, and residents, it's crucial to be well-prepared.

Chances are, you've experienced the password struggle in the last month. For many, the struggle is weekly. 

Bed bug infestations can be tricky to handle, but you may be doing more work than you need to. We asked Jeffrey White, an entomologist and bed bug expert—White has invested hundreds of hours treating affordable housing complexes for bed bugs, advising other pest-control professionals about these critters, and lecturing public housing organizations around the globe—to give us the latest research-backed tips for tackling bed bugs in multifamily housing. Read on to see if you can separate bed bug fact from fiction, or whether it may be time to update your pest-control procedures.