HUD will begin REAC inspections during the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will “substantially increase housing inspections” starting June 1, 2021. HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge sent a letter to Executive Directors, multifamily owners and property managers last week.

HUD suspended Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) inspections and Management and Occupancy Reviews (MOR) in March 2020. MORs resumed last year, and Navigate Affordable Housing Partners announced its new COVID-19 Protocol for in-person review last summer.

Sec. Fudge says resuming REAC inspections during the pandemic is out of “utmost concern for the overall health and well-being of HUD-assisted households.” Here’s what you can expect:

• Formal notification from HUD to begin scheduling inspections
• REAC will follow Centers for Disease Control guidance for inspection protocol
  • They will inspect high priority/risk properties first
  • They will evaluate known “property-specific health conditions” before conducing REAC inspections during the pandemic
  • HUD will facilitate regular COVID-19 testing for inspectors
  • HUD will implement travel and quarantine guidelines for inspectors
  • The CDC will review operational protocols for pre-inspection, the inspection, and post-inspection
  • Residents can opt-out of unit inspections even after inspectors arrive on site
• Additional advance notice to PHAs, owners, and property managers.
• Extended current alternative requirements for Housing Choice Voucher program “around housing quality standards inspections for properties and units under this program that balance our goal of helping households obtain housing quickly while ensuring that units meet quality standards.”

“The last year has shown just how important housing is to our health and safety,” says Secretary Fudge. “More than a year since the pandemic began and with every person over the age of 16 now being eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccination, we must take steps to ensure the whole health and well-being of the households we serve—including the conditions and quality of housing. We look forward to working with residents to ensure safe and successful inspections.”

Sec. Fudge also says HUD will facilitate COVID-19 vaccine access for inspectors, PHA staff and residents. The inspectors will use REAC and not the new NSPIRE system.