HUD is Asking Residents to Report Crime—Here’s Why
The HUD crime hotline is now in the spotlight. Why? HUD says it wants residents to help report serious crime in federally funded housing. This hotline isn’t new. But it’s now part of a larger push: the Memphis Safe and D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Forces, both launched under President Trump’s executive orders. HUD wants to crack down on violent crime, gang activity, drugs, and fraud in subsidized housing.
What the HUD Crime Hotline Actually Does
- Call: 1‑800‑347‑3735
- Online: HUDOIG.gov/hotline
This hotline goes directly to HUD’s Office of Inspector General (OIG)—not your property manager.
Use the hotline for:
- Drug or gang activity
- Human trafficking
- Fraud in HUD programs
- Serious threats to resident safety
Don’t use the hotline for:
- Maintenance issues
- Noise complaints
- Routine lease disputes
In an emergency? Call 911. The HUD hotline is for tips, not emergencies.
Why It Matters for Residents
Safety is not a luxury. It’s a right. This hotline gives residents a direct way to report threats that put their families at risk.
But there are boundaries:
- Don’t report people based on how they look or where they’re from.
- Report behavior, not assumptions.
- Discrimination is illegal—and reportable too.
If you face bias or retaliation, file a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing:
- hud.gov/reporthousingdiscrimination
- Or check Navigate’s Resident Concerns Page
What Owners and Managers Should Do Now
This initiative brings more visibility—and accountability. Here’s how to get ahead of it:
1. Review your safety policy
Make sure staff know when to call 911, when to document, and when to escalate serious concerns.
2. Talk to your residents
Be proactive. Explain the hotline’s purpose and remind them: it’s for serious crime, not everyday complaints.
3. Train your team
Enforcement bias is a fair housing risk. Invest in bias, trauma-informed, and compliance training.
Navigate offers training support here.
4. Document everything
Continue to enforce house rules fairly. Use internal systems first—but understand that HUD may now hear about issues directly.
5. Stay informed
This is part of a broader federal strategy. Expect more updates. Follow Navigate’s blog to stay in the loop.
