Mastering HUD Compliance: NSPIRE, Recertifications, and VAWA

Session 1 - National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) Overview

Speaker - Rhanda McKown

With the sunset of Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS), things can get confusing. These have been replaced by National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE). Understanding the changes and new areas of focus will be essential to passing the new NSPIRE standards in future inspections. This webinar will provide an overview of the changes and new items in the Final Rule (FR). This FR implemented new scoring standards and new focuses for inspectors when on site. This webinar will explore these changes as well. Additionally, we will cover non-scored deficiencies and how Health & Safety (H&S) items are determined.

Webinar Objectives

This session will cover an overview of various changes for inspection standards as a result of moving from HQS and UPCS to NSPIRE.

Webinar Agenda

Understanding the NSPIRE Final Rule standards that are changing from the now expires HQS and UPCS inspection standards for HUD properties.

Webinar Highlights

• Understanding new items under NSPIRE standards
• Changes between UPCS (old) to NSPIRE (new) protocols
• Determine inspectable vs. non-inspectable items under NSPIRE
• Identifying what the NSPIRE Administrative Notice includes
• Understanding the NSPIRE Scoring Notice
• Identifying Health and Safety (H&S) items under NSPIRE
• Identifying non-scored items under NSPIRE
• Understand how inspectors select unit for the inspection sample

Session 2 - HUD Multifamily Recertifications: Annual and Interim (does not include HOTMA)

Speaker - Rhanda McKown

Navigating the complexities of HUD Multifamily certifications doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to refine your processes, this training session is designed to guide you through the essentials of Annual (AR) and Interim Recertifications (IR). With clear, step-by-step instructions, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to handle certifications effectively and avoid findings during Management and Occupancy Reviews (MORs).

This session is perfect for both industry newcomers and seasoned professionals aiming to sharpen their skills. You’ll learn how to manage the timing and content of notices, ensure compliance with verification requirements, and handle deductions and non-compliance issues with ease. From understanding the intricacies of income and asset re-examinations to mastering the actions needed when an interim is triggered, this training will equip you with everything you need to succeed.

While HOTMA won’t be addressed during this webinar, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to streamline your processes and ensure accuracy at every step. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your expertise and take your HUD certifications to the next level.

Webinar Objectives

The objective of this session is the discuss the proper way to process Annual and Interim Recertification to avoid findings at Management and Occupancy Reviews (MOR’s) and reduce errors in tenant files and voucher mis payments.

Webinar Agenda

• Introduction to certification types
• Identifying timing and contents of notices to tenants
• Proper verification techniques and common errors
• The tenant interview process
• Consequences for non-compliance

Webinar Highlights

What you'll learn:

• Timing and scheduling for certifications
• How to handle verifications and notices effectively
• Key details for vouchering and compliance
• Proven best practices to streamline your certification process
• Tenant file compliance tips
• Mastering the tenant interview process
• Consequences for tenant non-compliance

Session 3 - Fair Housing Compliance for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Domestic Violence, Crime Free and Nuisance Laws

Speaker - Doug Chasick

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal law originally enacted in 1994 which was reauthorized last year, and today protects individuals who are survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It includes protections for survivors who are applying for or residing in covered housing programs.

Reauthorized in 2022, the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office of HUD now accepts and investigates complaints alleging violation of VAWA using it’s Fair Housing Act complaint processes. In addition to FHEO, HUDs Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) agency partners also accept VAWA complaints.

In this session we’ll explore what is a covered housing program, what the compliance requirements are and how to avoid compliance pitfalls.

Webinar Objectives

• Which properties are subject to VAWA
• Learn the requirements of VAWA compliance.
• Identify the protections afforded to victims of domestic violence.
• Identify strategies for VAWA compliance.
• Identify outside resources for supporting victims of domestic violence.
• Review the most common issues raised regarding VAWA compliance and how to address them.
• Review so-called “crime free” and “nuisance” laws and how they can create a discriminatory effect.

Webinar Highlights

• What is VAWA?
• What is a “Covered Housing Program”?
• What are the compliance requirements?
• What are common compliance missteps?
• What are the responsibilities regarding domestic violence on housing programs that are not covered?
• What are “crime free” and “nuisance” laws?

Who Should Attend

Maintenance staff at HUD funded properties, Managers or other staff who oversee or interact with maintenance staff at HUD funded properties, Anyone who needs to implement or oversee NSPIRE inspection standards, Property Managers, Regional/Area Managers, Community Managers, Service Managers/Supervisors, Training and HR Professionals, On-site and multi-site personnel including Regional/Area Managers, Community Managers, All on-site and multi-site personnel including Regional/Area Managers, Community Managers, Leasing Managers