The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has updated guidance for Electronic Signature, Transmission and Storage. HUD released Housing Notice H 2020-10 on November 6, 2020.
HUD wrote the new guidance for owners of HUD multifamily assisted properties, management agents & services providers, as well as HUD & Contract Administrator staff.
It should be noted the Notice does not require industry partners to use electronic signature, but it is permitted.
“The Notice also permits industry partners to electronically transmit and electronically store files. Industry partners choosing to use electronic signatures, electronic transmission, and/or storage of electronic documents must do so in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.”
Owner/Agents who use electronic signature must give applicants and residents the option “to utilize wet (i.e. original) signatures and paper documents upon request. When feasible, industry partners, applicants, and tenants should have the option of providing signatures and documents in wet or paper form.”
This notice applies to “all HUD forms and O/A created documents related to:”
- OAMPO’s asset management
- Section 8 contract renewal
- Occupancy policies
You can find examples of the types of forms impacted by the electronic signature notice within H 2020-10 here in Section IIB.
The notice also addresses electronic transmission and storage.
The guidance remains in effect until HUD amends, revokes or supersedes the most current notice. If you have any questions, the notice instructs you to contact your Account Executive.
