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.

Every employer aims to have a dedicated, skilled staff capable of performing their assigned tasks effectively while fostering long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with the organization. Unfortunately, this ideal isn't always achieved. Employees may not meet expectations, or their work ethic and interests may change over time. In such cases, an amicable departure is preferable. However, some employees who are terminated may file wrongful termination claims.

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”

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. 

Since taking on the role of executive director at North Providence Housing Authority in 2021, Marilee Arsenault has prioritized safety and security within the organization. She began her journey with the agency in December 2018 as a public housing coordinator before moving to the role of executive assistant. Two years after becoming executive director, Arsenault was named HAI Group’s 2023 Risk Champion of the Year.

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. 

Mechanical rooms. They are often out of sight, out of mind for many, with little foot traffic and an assumption that the machinery within the room will operate unsupervised.