NAHMA Member Question of the Month -January 2012

NAHMA wants to know what you think - please take a minute to complete a short survey on an important current topic. Survey results will be posted to the NAHMA Member Entrance Webpage the first of the month.

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NAHMA Member Question of the Month -October 2011 Results

1. Have you ever treated an affordable property in your portfolio for bed bugs?
Yes	83%
No	17%
2. Do you have any market-rate rental units in your company’s portfolio?
Yes	64%
No	36%
3. Have you treated any of those market-rate rental units for a bed bug infestation?
Yes	37%
No	33%
I do not have market-rate units in my company’s portfolio	30%
4. In your experience, what is the average cost per unit per treatment of bed bugs to eliminate an infestation at a property (this treatment includes initial visits and subsequent treatment(s) [as determined by a pest control company] to eradicate an infestation)?
$0-250	0%
$250-500	26%
$500-750	24%
$750-$1000	21%
$1000-1500	13%
$1500-$1750	5%
$1750+	11%
5. On average, how many units (including the infested unit) are treated for each bed bug treatment for an infestation at a property (this treatment includes initial visits and subsequent treatment(s) [as determined by a pest control company] to eradicate an infestation)?
1	5%
2	11%
3	24%
4	29%
5	11%
6	5%
7	0%
8	0%
9+	16%
6. On average, how many total treatment(s) (including initial visits and subsequent treatment(s)) were necessary to eliminate an infestation?
1	13%
2	24%
3	50%
4	5%
5+	8%
Total	100%
7. What treatment options were used on your property to eliminate bed bug infestations?  Please select all that apply.
Heat treatment	68%
Cold treatment	8%
Steam treatment	16%
Furniture and mattress encasement	71%
Chemical pesticides	82%
Non-chemical options (i.e. diatomaceous earth/silicon dioxide)	21%
Vacuuming	47%
Sealing cracks and crevasses	24%
8. Has your property experienced re-infestations of units which were successfully treated and determined to be free of bed bugs by a pest control professional?
Yes	71%
No	29%
9. If you answered “Yes” to Question 8, have you been able to conclusively determine what caused the re-infestation? Please check all that apply.
Unsuccessful or ineffective method used in pest control treatment of the infestation	29%
Tenant non-compliance with treatment instructions/protocols	89%
Property staff non-compliance with treatment instructions/protocols	0%
Infested second-hand furniture (including mattresses, etc.) brought on to the property after the treatment	64%
Infested second-hand items (including rugs, clothing, etc.) brought on to the property after the treatment	43%
We have been unable to conclusively determine what caused the re-infestation	21%
No, we have not had any reinfestations at the property	0%
Other	4%
10. What steps has your property taken in the past prior to the effective date of HUD’s bed bug Notice H 2011-20 (August 16, 2011) to help prevent bed bug infestations?  Please check all that apply.
Developed and implemented an integrated pest management (IPM) plan	54%
Require inspection of furniture and other tenant items at move-in	15%
Require inspection of furniture and other tenant items after move-in	15%
Offer voluntary inspection services of furniture and tenant items at or after move-in	22%
Provide educational information to tenants and staff on identifying bed bugs and provide information on next steps for treatment	83%
Provide encasements for mattresses, pillows, and furniture	33%
Require treatment (non-chemical or chemical) of furniture and other tenant items at move-in	4%
Require treatment (non-chemical or chemical) of furniture and other tenant items after move-in	9%
Offer treatment (non-chemical or chemical) services of furniture and tenant items at or after move-in	11%
Require tenants to remove excess clutter from their units	57%
Require tenants to sign a lease addendum agreeing to the control and prevention of bed bugs	35%
Keeping records of previous infestations	78%
Providing inspections of common areas and units to look for infestations	76%
My property has not taken any preventative measures for bed bug infestations at this time	2%
Other	11%
11. What steps does your property plan to take in the future to help prevent bed bug infestations?  Please check all that apply.
Developed and implemented an integrated pest management (IPM) plan	62%
Require inspection of furniture at move-in	26%
Voluntary inspection of furniture after move-in	31%
Provide educational information to tenants and staff on identifying bed bugs and provide information on next steps for treatment	62%
Provide encasements for mattresses, pillows, and furniture	18%
Require treatment (non-chemical or chemical) of furniture at move-in	5%
Voluntary treatment (non-chemical or chemical) of furniture after move-in	13%
Require tenants to remove excess clutter from their units	54%
Require tenants to sign a lease addendum agreeing to the control and prevention of bed bugs	33%
Keeping records of previous infestations	64%
Providing inspections of common areas and units to look for infestations	62%
My property does not plan to taken any preventative measures for bed bug infestations at this time	3%
Other	10%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month -September 2011 Results

1. Have you, your property, or your company used any of the vital documents translated by HUD?
Yes	67%
No	33%
2. If you answered “Yes” to Question 1, which HUD translated vital documents have you used?  Please check all that apply:
Annual Recertification Notices	43%
Notice Of Termination	7%
EIV and You brochure	86%
One of the Four Model leases	86%
Model Form of Notification of Rent Increase Resulting From Recertification Processing	7%
Interim Adjustment Initial Notice	7%
Interim Adjustment Termination of Assistance	0%
Resident Rights Responsibilities brochure	100%
How Your Rent is Determined Fact Sheets	79%
Lease Addendum - Violence Against Women and Justice Department Reauthorization Act of 2005	29%
Supplement to Application for Federally Assisted Housing	21%
Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence or Stalking	14%
Document Package for Applicants/Tenants Consent to the Release of Information.	50%
3. If you answered “Yes” to Question 1, which languages of HUD translated documents have you used?  Please check all that apply:
Amharic	14%
Arabic	36%
Armenian	14%
Creole	7%
Cambodian	7%
Chinese	50%
Farsi	29%
French	7%
Hmong	0%
Korean	50%
Portuguese	0%
Russian	64%
Spanish	100%
Tagalog	7%
Vietnamese	14%
4. Do you believe there are other vital documents, other than the documents listed in Question 2, that should be translated by HUD?  If so, what other documents, such as official HUD forms and/or property level documents, should those be?
AR Reminder Notices
Mandatory IR Notices
Program Fact Sheet
Race-Ethnic Data Form
Applicant Declaration
HUD Form 50059
Reasonable Accommodation information sheets
5. Do you believe there are other languages, other than the languages listed in Question 3, that HUD should be considering translating vital documents into?  If so, which languages?
Bosnian, Somalian, Croatian, Serbian, Pashto, Kunama, and Ethiopian
6. Do you believe there are any oral interpretation needs for LEP persons that HUD is not providing?  If so, what are they and why are they needed?  Examples may include a 1-800 oral translation hotline, better connections to resources in the community, etc.
Yes, 1-800 Oral Interpretation hotline	100%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month -August 2011 Results

Questions 1-5 reference an ownership and management company’s affordable housing portfolio.  Questions 6-9 refer to individual properties.
1. Do any of your company’s properties (that the company owns or manages) currently experience consistent vacancies, aside from regular unit turn-over?
Yes	38%
No	61%
I do not know	1%
2. What percentage of properties in your portfolio experience consistent vacancies, aside from regular unit turn-over, on a regular basis?
0-1%	18%
1-2%	16%
2-3%	11%
3-4%	16%
4-5%	5%
5-7%	3%
7-10%	21%
Greater than 10 %	11%
3. What is the average percentage of units experiencing consistent vacancies, aside from regular unit turn-over, per property in your portfolio?
0-1%	21%
1-2%	16%
2-3%	5%
3-4%	13%
4-5%	5%
5-7%	3%
7-10%	26%
Greater than 10 %	13%
4. What is the largest percentage of consistent vacancies, aside from regular unit turn-over, a property in your portfolio has experienced in the last three years?
0-1%	16%
1-2%	8%
2-3%	5%
3-4%	8%
4-5%	8%
5-7%	0%
7-10%	5%
10-20 %	24%
Greater than 20%	26%
5. Have you sought a waiver to address these ongoing vacancy issues?
Yes, I sought a waiver and received it.	18%
Yes, I sought a waiver and did not receive it.	21%
No, I did not seek a waiver	58%
I do not know	3%
6. What state is your property located in?
AZ	4%
CA	4%
CT	11%
KS	7%
LA	4%
MA	22%
ME	15%
MI	7%
MO	11%
OH	7%
RI	7%
7. What type of government assistance does/did your property receive? Please select all that apply.
LIHTC 9 percent credit	29%
LIHTC 4 percent credit (bonds)	9%
Project-based Section 8	57%
Housing choice vouchers (Tenant-Based Section 8)	9%
Section 202 PRAC	19%
Section 202 capital advance	7%
Section 811 PRAC	7%
Section 811 vouchers	0%
Section 811 capital advance	2%
HOME Program	12%
CDBG	2%
HOPE VI	2%
Section 221(d)(3)	3%
Section 221(d)(4)	2%
Section 236	19%
RAP	2%
Rent Supp	0%
Mod Rehab	0%
Section 515	7%
Section 538	0%
Rural rental assistance (Section 521)	5%
Rural preservation voucher	0%
Multifamily Preservation and Revitalization Grant	0%
Other preservation voucher (maturing mortgage, enhanced voucher, etc).	2%
Other	17%
8. Has your property been experiencing consistent, ongoing vacancy issues, outside of regular unit turnover, during the last three years?
Yes	57%
No	43%
I do not know	0%
9. If you answered “Yes” to Question 8, what percentage of your property's units are experiencing consistent, ongoing vacancy issues, outside of regular unit turnover, over the last three years?
0-1%	12%
1-2%	8%
2-3%	2%
3-4%	8%
4-5%	10%
5-7%	12%
7-10%	22%
10-20 %	2%
Greater than 20%	12%
My property is not experiencing ongoing vacancy issues	10%
I do not know if my property is experiencing ongoing vacancy issues	0%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month -July 2011 Results

1. Does you property receive a HUD subsidy (project-based Section 8, housing choice voucher, Section 202 PRAC, Section 811 PRAC, etc.)?
Yes		100%
2. How often do you conduct utility allowance analyses for the properties your company/organization owns or manages?
Twice a year or more		6%
Every year		74%
Every two years		3%
Every three years		6%
Every four years or more		6%
I do not know how often my company/organization conducts utility allowance analyses		3%
3. Different state agencies require utility allowance analyses to be completed in different periods.  How often does your state agency require a utility allowance analysis/utility consumption report for your property?
Twice a year or more		0%
Every year		81%
Every two years		3%
Every three years		6%
Every four years or more		3%
I do not know how often my company/organization conducts utility allowance analyses		6%
4. What is the source of the information you use to calculate utility allowances? Please select all that apply.
Utility companies		81%
Tenants and their utility bills		58%
I do not know		0%
Other, please specify		19%
5. On average, how much time does it typically take to get the utility information back from local utility companies and/or your property’s tenants for the analysis?
Under 48 hours		10%
Within 1 week		6%
Within 2 weeks		6%
Within 3 weeks		10%
Within 1 month		32%
Within 2 months		10%
Within 4 months		3%
It takes 4 months or longer to get the relevant utility information		13%
I do not know		10%
6. Once you have the utility information from the utility company or other source, how long does it take you to complete the utility allowance analysis per property?
0-2 hours		13%
2-4 hours		33%
4-6 hours		13%
6-12 hours		23%
Less than 24 hours		7%
More than 48 hours		7%
I do not know		3%
7. If you conduct utility allowance analyses or utility consumption reports annually, have you noticed a significant change (if you account for inflation rates) from year to year costs of utilities over the last 5 year period?
Yes, the costs (including the rate of inflation) have increased		50%
Yes, the costs (including the rate of inflation) have decreased		10%
No, the costs (including the rate of inflation) have remained the same		37%
I do not know		0%
My property does not conduct annual utility allowance analyses or utility consumption reports		3%
8. What are the biggest hurdles your property experiences when completing a utility allowance analysis or utility consumption report? Please check all that apply.
Delays in receiving utility information from utility companies in a timely manner		72%
Delays in receiving utility information from tenants in a timely manner		62%
Incorrect utility information received		17%
Lack of staff time to collect the utility information		34%
Lack of staff time to complete the utility allowance analysis or utility consumption report		34%
Too many utility companies to contact for the utility information		31%
Tenants or O/As must pay a fee to receive utility use summaries from utility companies.		17%
Unanticipated costs associated with procuring the utility information		10%
Unanticipated paperwork associated with procuring the utility information		31%
Unanticipated costs associated with completing the utility allowance analysis or utility consumption report		10%
Unanticipated paperwork associated with completing the utility allowance analysis or utility consumption report		14%
Inconsistency in state housing agency requirements for completing the utility allowance analysis or utility consumption report		28%
Other, please specify		21%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - June 2011 Results

1. Does your company own or manage any properties that have received HOME funding?
Yes, own and manage	50%
Yes, own only	0%
Yes, manage only	17%
No	33%
2. What state is your HOME property located in?
California	16%
Pennsylvania	8%
South Carolina	8%
Tennessee	8%
Nebraska	16%
Iowa	16%
Oklahoma	8%
Ohio	16%
Oregon	16%
Virginia	8%
3. Were the construction or renovations that utilized HOME funding completed on time?
Yes	100%
No, the work was completed a few weeks late (less than 4 weeks)	0%
No, the work was completed a few months late (1-6 months)	0%
No, the work was completed 6 or more months late	0%
No, the work was never completed	0%
4. Were the construction or renovations that utilized HOME funding completed on budget?
Yes	100%
No, the project was over budget up to 5 percent	0%
No, the project was over budget between 5-15 percent	0%
No, the project was over budget between 15-30 percent	0%
No, the project was over budget beyond 30 percent	0%
No, the project was never completed	0%
5. Does your HOME project provide any amenities to residents (Pools, fitness facilities, energy star appliances, resident service programs, after-school programs, health and wellness programs, community gardens, playgrounds, community rooms, etc.)?
Yes	45%
No	55%
6. Does your HOME project provide any amenities to the surrounding community (meeting areas, community programs, etc.)
Yes	27%
No	73%
7. Has your HOME project won any awards?
Yes	8%
No	92%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - May 2011 Results

1. On average, do you believe your property operating costs have been impacted by the change in the price of oil and gas in the last year?
Yes, operating costs have gone up because of the change in price.	100%
Yes, operating costs have decreased because of the change in price.	0%
No, operating costs have remained the same despite the change in price.	0%
2. Do you believe you will see a change in property operating costs in the following expenses due to the change in oil and gas prices this summer? Please select all that apply.
Site visits	68%
Work travel outside of site visits	61%
Inspections	39%
Electricity	54%
Oil/gas	79%
Sewer	11%
Water	14%
Trash	71%
Other utilities	25%
I do not believe our property operating costs will be impacted by changes in oil and gas prices	4%
Other, please specify	29%
3. How do you or your company plan to control operating costs impacted by changes in oil and gas prices this summer?  Please select all that apply.
Energy efficiency improvements and retrofits at the property	71%
Encouraging tenants to reduce utility use	82%
Encouraging employees to reduce utility use	79%
Reduce long-distance work travel	50%
Encourage carpools	21%
I do not believe our property operating costs will be impacted by changes in oil and gas prices	0%
Other, please specify	11%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - April 2011 Results

Are you a NAHMA member?
Yes	86%
No	14%
Total	100%
How would you rate NAHMA’s current membership recruitment and/or retention activities?
Superior	17%
Above average	33%
Average	44%
Below average	6%
Poor	0%
How would you rate NAHMA’s program marketing/management activities?
Superior	11%
Above average	44%
Average	44%
Below average	0%
Poor	0%
What AHMA do you belong to?
Washington AHMA	0%
Oregon AHMA	5%
Idaho AHMA	0%
AHMA NCNH	9%
AHMA-PSW	9%
Alaska AHMA	0%
Rocky AHMA	0%
SWAHMA	0%
East Texas AHMA	0%
IA/NE AHMA	0%
HAHMA	0%
LAHMA	0%
MAHMA	0%
PAHMA	0%
SAHMA	0%
Mid-Atlantic AHMA	0%
PennDel AHMA	0%
JAHMA	5%
NY AHMA	5%
NEAHMA	64%
I do not belong to an AHMA.	5%
How would you rate your AHMA’s current membership recruitment and/or retention activities?
Superior	12%
Above average	53%
Average	29%
Below average	0%
Poor	6%
How would you rate your AHMA’s program marketing/management activities?
Superior	20%
Above average	40%
Average	33%
Below average	0%
Poor	7%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - March 2011 Results

1. Do you own or manage a Project-Based Section 8, Section 202, or Section 811 property?
Yes	88%
No	12%
2. Had a DUNS Number or CCR registration been obtained for the properties you own/manage before Notice H 2011-01 was released on January 5, 2011
Yes, as part of our attempt to comply with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act reporting requirements	47%
Yes	13%
No	33%
I do not know	7%
3. Have you obtained DUNS Numbers or CCR registrations between January 5, 2011-March 4, 2011 for your properties?
I already registered all my properties prior to January 5, 2011	0%
Yes, I successfully registered all my properties before the March 4, 2011 deadline	40%
No, I have tried to comply but run into problems getting my registration and certification of compliance completed in a timely manner	53%
I do not know	7%
4. At any time during the registration process, did you experience (please check all that apply):
Technological difficulties with D-U-N-S registration	67%
Technological difficulties with CCR registration	67%
Technological difficulties sending in certification of registration to HUD	7%
More than 1-7 business days to obtain D-U-N-S number	40%
More than 1-7 business to activate registration for CCR	67%
I have completed my registrations but I have not received a confirmation of my compliance for HUD	27%
Conflicting information between IRS and either Dun and Bradstreet and/or CCR	67%
Difficulty understanding the information required to complete registrations and reporting requirements	20%
Difficulty meeting the timeframe for compliance outside delays from Dun and Bradstreet and CCR	20%
None	7%
Other, please specify	20%
5. At any time during the registration process, were you asked for information outside of the: Legal company name; Headquarters company name and address; Trade-style or DBA company name; Physical address: including city, state and zip code; Mailing address; Telephone number; Contact name and title; and Number of employees at the companies physical location?
Yes	47%
No	27%
I do not know/remember	27%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - January 2011 Results

Do you own/manage a Section 202 property?
Yes	74%
No	26%
If you do own/manage a Section 202 property, do you currently have any vacant units that you are finding it difficult to fill with age and income qualified residents?
Yes	33%
No	64%
I do not know	3%
If you answered yes to the previous question, what percentage of the property is vacant?
0-10%	35%
11-25%	13%
26-50%	9%
51-75%	0%
75% +	0%
I do not know	0%
I have not found it difficult to fill vacancies	43%
If you do own/manage a Section 202 property, did you have any vacant units in the last few years that you had difficulty filling?
Yes	39%
No	61%
I do not know	0%
If you answered yes to the previous question, what is the average percentage of the property has been vacant?
0-10%	35%
11-25%	26%
26-50%	0%
51-75%	0%
75% +	0%
I do not know	0%
I have not found it difficult to fill vacancies	39%
Why do you believe your Section 202 property have had difficulty filling units?  Please select all that apply.
Lack of individuals over 62	21%
Lack of income qualified individuals over 62	26%
Lack of individuals over 62 that want to live in a Section 202 property	12%
Surplus inventory of assisted and/or LIHTC units in the market area	9%
Surplus inventory of rental units in general	9%
I have not found it difficult to fill vacancies	47%
I do not know	0%
Other, please specify	15%
Has the Section 202 property you own/manage ever sought an age or income waiver to fill a vacancy?
Yes, age and income waivers	11%
Yes, age waivers only	8%
Yes, income waivers only	0%
No waivers sought, but the property has had difficulty filling vacancies	17%
I do not know	6%
I have not found it difficult to fill vacancies	58%
If you have sought an age waiver to fill a Section 202 unit vacancy, what percentage of your units in that property have you sought an age waiver for?
0-10%	7%
11-25%	7%
26-50%	0%
51-75%	0%
75% +	11%
I do not know	7%
I have not found it difficult to fill vacancies	68%
If you have sought an age waiver to fill a Section 202 unit vacancy, where was the property located?
Urban area	7%
Suburban area	4%
Rural Area	14%
I have not found it difficult to fill vacancies	71%
Other, please specify	4%
If you have sought an income waiver to fill a Section 202 unit vacancy, what percentage of your units in that property have you sought an income waiver for?
0-10%	7%
11-25%	7%
26-50%	0%
51-75%	4%
75% +	11%
I do not know	7%
I have not found it difficult to fill vacancies	64%
If you have sought an income waiver to fill a Section 202 unit vacancy, where was the property located?
Urban area	5%
Suburban area	5%
Rural Area	19%
I have not found it difficult to fill vacancies	67%
Other, please specify	5%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - December 2010 Results

1. Have you implemented smoke-free policies, consistent with HUD Notice H 2010-21  “Optional Smoke-Free Housing Policy Implementation” (September 15, 2010), in any of your buildings?  A copy of the notice can be found here: http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/program_offices/administration/hudclips/notices/hsg/files/10-21hsgn.pdf
Yes	39%
No	58%
I do not know	3%
2. What percentage of the buildings in your portfolio have smoke-free policies?
0-20 percent	28%
21-40 percent	6%
41-60 percent	6%
61-80 percent	6%
81-100 percent	50%
We do not have smoke-free policies at our buildings	6%
I do not know	0%
3. What have been the biggest challenge(s) to implementing a smoke-free policy? Please check all that apply.
Tenant compliance	60%
Lease modifications/addendums	20%
Tenant education	13%
Difficulty enforcing the policy	33%
Lack of alternative location to smoke	13%
We do not have smoke-free policies at our buildings	7%
I do not know	0%
Other, please specify	27%
4. What factor(s) do you believe have contributed to the success of smoke-free policies at your properties? Please check all that apply.
Tenant compliance	38%
Lease modifications/addendums	31%
Tenant education	62%
An alternative location to smoke	31%
We do not have smoke-free policies at our buildings	6%
I do not know	6%
Other, please specify	6%
5. If you have not implemented smoke-free policies in some or all of your properties, what are the reasons you have not? Please check all that apply.
Cannot obtain tenant compliance	23%
Increased administrative burdens	37%
Increased cost burdens	13%
Difficulty enforcing the policy	47%
Cannot provide an alternative smoking location	17%
No opportunities to educate tenants	0%
We have smoke-free policies at our buildings	17%
I do not know	10%
Other, please specify	30%
6. If you have not implemented smoke-free policies in some or all of your properties, do you plan to do so in the future?
Yes	27%
No	19%
I do not know	54%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - November 2010 Results

1. What do you believe will be the main House of Representatives policy priorities in 2011?  Please select up to three topics.
Affordable Housing	4%
Economy/Finances	68%
Education	0%
Energy	4%
Environment	4%
Foreclosure crisis	8%
Foreign Policy	4%
Government spending	44%
Health Care	40%
Human rights	0%
Immigration	12%
Morality in American politics and government	4%
Poverty	4%
Social Security	8%
Taxes	40%
Terrorism	0%
Unemployment	44%
Wars in Iraq and/or Afghanistan	4%
2. What importance do you believe the House of Representatives will give to affordable housing issues?
High	0%
Above Average	4%
Average	32%
Below Average	44%
Low	20%
3. What do you believe will be the main Senate policy priorities in 2011?  Please select up to three topics.
Affordable Housing	0%
Economy/Finances	64%
Education	4%
Energy	4%
Environment	4%
Foreclosure crisis	20%
Foreign Policy	0%
Government spending	16%
Health Care	48%
Human rights	0%
Immigration	12%
Morality in American politics and government	4%
Poverty	4%
Social Security	8%
Taxes	48%
Terrorism	4%
Unemployment	28%
Wars in Iraq and/or Afghanistan	8%
4. What importance do you believe the Senate will give to affordable housing issues?
High	0%
Above Average	4%
Average	46%
Below Average	33%
Low	17%
5. Do you believe Congress (both the House and the Senate) will be successful at passing legislation that impacts affordable housing, including overhauling the affordable housing finance system (Government Sponsored Entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), in 2011?
Yes	8%
No	48%
Maybe	36%
I do not know	8%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - October 2010 Results

1. Do you plan to vote on November 2 in the mid-term elections?
Yes	100%
No	0%
I don’t know	0%
2. If you responded "no" or "I don’t know" to Question 1, why not?
0 Responses
3. What are the top issues you are concerned with going into the November elections?  Please select up to three.
Affordable Housing	40%
Economy/Finances	60%
Education	16%
Energy	14%
Environment	12%
Foreclosure crisis	2%
Foreign Policy	8%
Government spending	36%
Health Care	34%
Human rights	10%
Immigration	20%
Morality in American politics and government	12%
Poverty	4%
Social Security	16%
Taxes	34%
Terrorism	8%
Unemployment	36%
Wars in Iraq and/or Afghanistan	20%
Other, please specify	2%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - September 2010 Results

1. If you own or manage one of these properties, on average over the years, are you paying more or less on the Mortgage Restructuring Note than was projected?
More	18%
Less	15%
No change from what was projected	18%
I do not know	18%
N/A	36%
2. If more, on average how much more?
0-10% more	8%
11-20% more	0%
21-50% more	0%
51-75% more	4%
76-100% more	4%
N/A	75%
Other, please specify	8%
3. If less, on average how much less?
0-10% less	0%
11-20% less	0%
21-50% less	4%
51-75% less	4%
76-100% less	9%
N/A	78%
Other, please specify	4%
4. Would you consider your Reserves for Replacements for your restructured property currently to be:
Overfunded	16%
Underfunded	23%
Adequately funded	32%
N/A	29%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - August 2010 Results

1. Have you ever contacted a government official to discuss an issue of importance to you (does not have to be affordable housing)?  Please check all that apply.
Local government official (City Council Member, Mayor’s office, etc.)	59%
State government official (State Senator or other representative, Governor’s office, etc.)	52%
U.S. House of Representatives (Congressman/Representative)	57%
U.S. Senate (Senator)	57%
Federal Agency (HUD, IRS/Treasury, USDA-RHS, etc.)	62%
White House (Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, etc.)	9%
I have not contacted a government official before	21%
2. If you have not contacted a government official to discuss your views on important issues before, why not?  Do you plan to contact them in the future?
Do not plan to contact	66%
Do plan to contact	33%
3. Have you ever contacted a Federal government official to discuss affordable housing issues?  Please check all that apply.
U.S. House of Representatives (Congressman/Representative)	54%
U.S. Senate (Senator)	52%
Federal Agency (HUD, IRS/Treasury, USDA-RHS, etc.)	62%
White House (Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget, etc.)	7%
I have not contacted a government official to discuss affordable housing issues	30%
Please answer questions 4 and 5 if you have contacted a Federal government official from the U.S. House of Representatives or Senate on affordable housing issues before.
4. How have you contacted your Congressman or Senator to discuss affordable housing issues?  Please check all that apply.
Email	63%
Mail	39%
Fax	7%
Phone call	46%
Met with official/staff in person in Washington, D.C.	39%
Met with official/staff in person in a local district office	33%
Not Applicable	28%
5. When you contacted your Congressman or Senator to discuss affordable housing issues, did you use any of the following sources of information?  Please check all that apply.
NAHMA staff	28%
NAHMA handouts (NAHMAnalysis, NAHMA one page issue briefs, NAHMA letters)	46%
NAHMA Maps Database	4%
NAHMA’s grassroots advocacy best-practices tips	24%
Information from other NAHMA members	24%
Other industry member information, handouts, contacts, etc.	46%
I have not used any outside information in my discussion	13%
Not applicable	26%
Other, please specify	4%
6. What additional information do you feel it would be helpful for NAHMA to provide our members to help you in your grassroots advocacy contacts with government officials?  Please check all that apply.
Additional hand-outs detailing grassroots advocacy best practices	31%
A power-point highlighting why grassroots advocacy is important and how to make contact with government officials	26%
A video highlighting why grassroots advocacy is important and how to make contact with government officials	15%
I do not need any additional information for my grassroots advocacy contacts	37%
Other, please specify	13%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - July 2010 Results

What kind of services do properties owned or managed by NAHMA members make available to tenants in their communities? These activities can be free or available for a fee.  They do not need to be offered directly by the owner or management agent.  If you have a property that provides one of the following services, please check each type of property (Family, Senior, Disabled, Tax credit, Rural, Other) that applies to that amenity.  If none of your properties provide that amenity please click "Not applicable."
1. Activities clubs/groups (arts and crafts, special interests, etc.)?
Family	52%
Senior	71%
Disabled	43%
Tax credit	41%
Rural	12%
Not Applicable	10%
Other, please specify	10%
2. Assisted living (for elderly and/or special needs)?
Family	3%
Senior	7%
Disabled	9%
Tax credit	7%
Rural	0%
Not Applicable	84%
Other, please specify	0%
3. Community centers?
Family	55%
Senior	64%
Disabled	38%
Tax credit	35%
Rural	7%
Not Applicable	22%
Other, please specify	3%
4. Computer/internet access?
Family	48%
Senior	64%
Disabled	36%
Tax credit	31%
Rural	3%
Not Applicable	25%
Other, please specify	1%
5. Day care?
Family	5%
Senior	3%
Disabled	2%
Tax credit	3%
Rural	0%
Not Applicable	92%
Other, please specify	2%
6. Education (classes, job training, etc.)?
Family	41%
Senior	30%
Disabled	23%
Tax credit	23%
Rural	3%
Not Applicable	39%
Other, please specify	8%
7. Fitness (gym, aerobics classes, etc.)?
Family	20%
Senior	40%
Disabled	9%
Tax credit	18%
Rural	2%
Not Applicable	49%
Other, please specify	2%
8. Food programs?
Family	25%
Senior	47%
Disabled	22%
Tax credit	18%
Rural	4%
Not Applicable	41%
Other, please specify	9%
9. Health care?
Family	10%
Senior	28%
Disabled	21%
Tax credit	7%
Rural	1%
Not Applicable	64%
Other, please specify	4%
10. Libraries?
Family	27%
Senior	63%
Disabled	30%
Tax credit	22%
Rural	7%
Not Applicable	33%
Other, please specify	1%
11. Meeting rooms?
Family	51%
Senior	72%
Disabled	45%
Tax credit	39%
Rural	10%
Not Applicable	22%
Other, please specify	1%
12. Philanthropic events?
Family	14%
Senior	27%
Disabled	11%
Tax credit	11%
Rural	3%
Not Applicable	70%
Other, please specify	2%
13. Recreation areas (playgrounds, pools, picnic areas, etc.)?
Family	62%
Senior	55%
Disabled	36%
Tax credit	41%
Rural	13%
Not Applicable	13%
Other, please specify	3%
14. Recreation rooms (pool tables, ping pong, etc.)?
Family	33%
Senior	48%
Disabled	27%
Tax credit	21%
Rural	8%
Not Applicable	44%
Other, please specify	2%
15. Religious services?
Family	12%
Senior	36%
Disabled	14%
Tax credit	8%
Rural	2%
Not Applicable	58%
Other, please specify	3%
16. Service coordinators?
Family	41%
Senior	64%
Disabled	36%
Tax credit	23%
Rural	2%
Not Applicable	27%
Other, please specify	3%
17. Social services (support groups, counseling services, personal issue assistance, etc.)?
Family	30%
Senior	49%
Disabled	36%
Tax credit	21%
Rural	6%
Not Applicable	39%
Other, please specify	7%
18. Special events (holidays, ice cream socials, BBQs, bingo)?
Family	57%
Senior	79%
Disabled	53%
Tax credit	43%
Rural	15%
Not Applicable	4%
Other, please specify	4%
19. Transportation services?
Family	11%
Senior	42%
Disabled	26%
Tax credit	17%
Rural	2%
Not Applicable	54%
Other, please specify	0%
20. Youth programs?
Family	51%
Senior	3%
Disabled	8%
Tax credit	26%
Rural	8%
Not Applicable	46%
Other, please specify	2%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - June 2010 Results

1. Do you currently hold a credential, designation or certification signifying professional development or experience gained or courses passed within the affordable housing industry?
Yes	100%
No	0%
2. If yes, please check all of the designations you hold:
CPO – Certified Professional of Occupancy (NAHMA)	40%
FHC – Fair Housing Compliance (NAHMA)	27%
NAHP – National Affordable Housing Professional (NAHMA)	12%
NAHP-e - National Affordable Housing Professional – Executive (NAHMA)	42%
SHCM –Specialist in Housing Credit Management (NAHMA)	62%
HCCP – Housing Credit Certified Professional (NAHB)	41%
C3P -Certified Credit Compliance Professional (Spectrum)	23%
NCP – National Compliance Professional (Elizabeth Moreland)	3%
NCP-e - National Compliance Professional - Executive (Elizabeth Moreland)	1%
TaCCs –Tax Credit Compliance (Quadel)	5%
RAM – Registered in Apartment Management (NAHB)	10%
CAM – Certified Apartment Manager (NAA)	4%
ARM -Accredited Residential Manager (IREM)	7%
CPM – Certified Property Manager (IREM)	16%
AHM - Assisted Housing Manager (Quadel)	11%
COS– Certified Occupancy Specialist (NCHM)	26%
CAPS - Certified Apartment Property Supervisor (NAA)	5%
CAMT - Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (NAA)	0%
S.T.A.R. – Spectrum Training Award Recipient (Spectrum)	7%
CGPM- Credential for Green Property Management (NAHMA)	4%
NAHMS- National Affordable Housing Maintenance Supervisor (NAHMA)	0%
NAHMT- National Affordable Housing Maintenance Technician (NAHMA)	0%
Not applicable/no credential	0%
Other, please specify	8%
3. Do you think an additional designation or credential signifying professional development or experience gained or courses passed specifically for managing properties that have multiple layers of financing or that participate in more than one affordable program (i.e., HUD, RD, Tax Credit, Bonds, etc.) would be beneficial to your career?
Yes	62%
No	38%
4. If a designation or credential for managing multi-finance or multi-program properties were available, would you pursue achieving it?
Yes	64%
No	36%
5. If yes, why?  Please check all that apply.
To maintain compliance at my property	55%
To develop a firm understanding of the rules that complement or conflict with one another from the different programs	75%
To enhance my marketability	49%
Not applicable	6%
Other, please specify	12%
6. If no, why? Please check all that apply.
I do not need additional credentials	36%
My existing credentials provide me sufficient knowledge on this area	33%
I do not have the financial means to pay for another credential	12%
My company will not pay for another credential renewal fee	21%
I do not think it is necessary	36%
Not applicable	21%
Other, please specify	9%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - April 2010 Results

1. Have you visited the NAHMA Maps database at nahma.apartmentsmart.com?
Yes		58%
No		42%
2. Have you used NAHMA Maps to search for properties in a zip code, city, Congressional District, or state?
Yes		33%
No		67%
3. Have you discussed the NAHMA Maps database in your correspondence with (please check all that apply):
Federal elected Representatives		8%
State and local elected Representatives		4%
State and local government officials and staff		8%
Federal government agencies		12%
No one		50%
I have not used NAHMA Maps		25%
Other, please specify		4%
4. Have you found the NAHMA Maps database useful in (please check all that apply):
Corresponding with elected Representatives and government officials and staff		8%
Promoting your properties in the community		21%
Promoting NAHMA membership and the Communities of Quality Program		12%
Recruiting potential tenants		8%
None of the above		54%
I have not found the database useful		8%
Other, please specify		12%
5. Has your property/company sent in their free basic property listing to NAHMA Maps?  Or if you are an affiliate member, have you encouraged your clients to submit their property information for a free basic listing?
Yes		58%
No		38%
I do not know		4%
Not applicable		0%
6. If you have sent in a free basic listing, have you searched for your property/properties on NAHMA Maps?
Yes		43%
No		26%
I do not know		9%
Not applicable		22%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - March 2010 Results

Within the past three years, has HUD ever challenged any of your practices in the following areas?  Please check all that apply for questions 1 through 4.
1. Allocation of labor costs between properties.
No		75%
Not Applicable		10%
Yes, please specify what was challenged		15%
2. Determinations that the cost of front-line activities (for example, bookkeeping, janitorial or service coordinators) are at or below market rate.
No		82%
Not Applicable		7%
Yes, please specify what was challenged		11%
3. Use of group purchasing services.
No		82%
Not Applicable		12%
Yes, please specify what was challenged		6%
4. Use of fixed fee contracts to provide services.
No		74%
Not Applicable		26%
5. If you utilize fixed fee contracts at any of your properties, which of the following types of services are under fixed fee contract arrangements? (Please check all that apply.)
Maintenance		10%
Janitorial		18%
Service Coordinators		15%
Landscape Maintenance		46%
Equipment Servicing (i.e., elevator repair)		36%
On-Site Front-Line Staff		10%
Not Applicable		36%
Other, please specify		7%
6. How do you allocate labor costs at your properties?
Hourly Basis		35%
Per Unit Basis		20%
Mix of both		39%
Other, please specify		6%
7. For product or service contracts costing between $5,000 and $9,999 per year, has HUD ever required you to obtain three written bids, or required documentation that three oral bids were obtained?
Yes		59%
No		38%
Not Applicable		3%
8. For product or service contracts costing under $5,000 per year, has HUD ever required you to obtain three written bids, or required documentation that three oral bids were obtained?
Yes		28%
No		69%
Not Applicable		3%
Total		100%
Questions 9 and 10 apply to OMB Circular A-122 (see 2 CFR Part 230), which sets forth principles for non-profit organizations to follow when accounting for and allocating specific changes made to federal awards (grants, contracts, other agreements, etc.).
9. Has HUD ever challenged your business practices based on this memo?
Yes		7%
No		56%
Not Applicable		37%
10. Have HUD staff ever referred to or cited this memo in written or verbal communication to provide guidance on business practices?
Yes		10%
No		58%
Not Applicable		32%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - January 2010 Results

1. Does your company offer health insurance to your employees?
Yes	96%
No	4%
2. If your company offers health insurance, does your company cover:
All of the costs	23%
Most of the costs (50% or more)	54%
Some of the costs (0-50%)	15%
None of the costs	0%
I do not know	4%
We do not offer a health insurance plan	4%
3. In 2009, did you see your company's health insurance costs (in comparison to 2008):
Increase significantly (20% or more)	29%
Increase (0-20%)	63%
Remain the same	0%
Decrease (0-20%)	0%
Decrease significantly (20% or more)	0%
I do not know	4%
We do not offer a health insurance plan	4%
4. In 2009, did you see your general health care costs (in comparison to 2008):
Increase significantly (20% or more)	18%
Increase (0-20%)	53%
Remain the same	10%
Decrease (0-20%)	2%
Decrease significantly (20% or more)	0%
I do not know	14%
Prefer not to answer	2%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - December 2009 Results

1. Have you applied for funding for HUD’s Green Retrofit Program (GRP)?
Yes	24%
No	70%
I do not know	6%
2. If you applied for funding for the GRP, were you approved for the program grant/loan?
Yes, a grant	10%
Yes, a loan	2%
I do not know	12%
Neither	14%
I did not apply for GRP funding	63%
3. If you received an allotment from GRP, how much did you receive?
Yes. $0-1000/unit	0%
Yes. $1000-5000/unit	0%
Yes. $5000-10000/unit	2%
Yes. $10000-$15000/unit	6%
I do not know	10%
I did not receive a grant/loan	12%
I did not apply for GRP funding	69%
4. Do you have current plans for a green and/or energy efficiency retrofit at your property or properties that does not involve HUD’s Green Retrofit Program?
Yes	56%
No	22%
I do not know	22%
5. What additional types of federal programs would you be interested in for green and/or energy efficiency improvements to affordable housing properties?  Please check all that apply.
Increased funding for the existing GRP	30%
Grants	61%
Loans	13%
Loans from existing reserves or residual receipts	9%
More flexibility in using existing reserves or residual receipts for green and/or energy efficient purposes	54%
Additional incentives for undertaking green and energy efficiency improvements in properties (i.e. tax credits, etc).	44%
A dividends program providing an annual distribution equal to a percentage of the annual energy cost savings for energy consumption reduction	31%
A dividends program that would reimburse reasonable costs incurred due to energy consumption reduction	41%
I do not know	15%
I would not like to see additional federal programs for green and/or energy efficiency improvements	15%
Other	4%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - November 2009 Results

1. Have any of your multi-family properties been subject to additional or excessive fees from local governments for (Please check all that apply):
Ambulance Services (where applicable)	10%
Police Services	14%
Waste Management/Trash (where applicable)	24%
Water (where applicable)	24%
Sewer (where applicable)	38%
Fire Department Services	19%
None of the above	29%
Other, please specify	19%
2. Are single-family callers in your area charged similar or comparable fees?
Yes.	14%
No.	33%
I do not know.	52%
3. Are you most often charged:
By the number of calls	10%
By the number of calls in excess of a predetermined number	0%
Monthly	43%
Annually	5%
Unsure	10%
Not charged for services	33%
4. What is the average charge per service?
$0-50	6%
$50-100	17%
$100-$150	11%
$150-$200	17%
$200-$300	0%
$300 +	17%
Not charged for services	33%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - October 2009 Results

1. Did your Project-Based Section 8 property receive ARRA funding?
Yes	83%
No	9%
I do not own/manage a Project-Based Section 8 property	6%
I do not know	2%
2. How many properties that you own/manage have received ARRA funding?
1-5	40%
5-10	4%
10-20	26%
20-50	9%
50-100	4%
100+	0%
I did not receive ARRA funding	15%
I do not know	2%
3. Did you experience any problems filing your report?  Please check all that apply.
Technological difficulties with D-U-N-S registration	39%
Technological difficulties with CCR registration	48%
Technological difficulties with federal reporting.gov registration	46%
Registration activation took more than 2 days for D-U-N-S	37%
Registration activation took more than 2 days for CCR	46%
Registration activation took more than 2 days for federalreporting.gov	26%
Understanding the information required to complete registrations and reporting requirements	52%
Meeting the timeframe for reporting	59%
None	4%
I am not subject to the reporting requirements	11%
Other, please specify	22%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - September 2009 Results

1. Have you experienced late housing assistance payments (HAP) in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009?
Yes	29%
We have been told by HUD or our CA we will be receiving a late HAP, but it has not occured yet.	1%
No	70%
2. If you are experiencing a late HAP for the fourth quarter of FY 2009, when did it (or will it) occur?
Jul-09	20%
Aug-09	20%
Sep-09	15%
I have not received a late HAP.	65%
3. If you have experienced a late HAP, how long did you wait to receive the HAP from HUD?
1 week	1%
2 weeks	5%
3-4 weeks	13%
2 months	6%
Still waiting	10%
The late HAP has not occured yet.	3%
I have not received a late HAP.	62%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - July 2009 Results

1. Are you currently using EIV?
Yes		84%
No		16%
2. If you are currently using EIV, have you detected and discrepancies/fraud in your tenant files?
Yes.  Fraud.		19%
Yes.  Discrepancies.		54%
No.		12%
I do not use EIV.		16%
3. If you have detected any discrepancies/fraud, what actions are you taking when discrepancy/fraud is discovered?  Check all that apply.
Discuss the conflict with the tenant.		73%
Verify the EIV data through a third party and/or employer.		74%
Correct the tenant's rent.		65%
Create a repayment plan/agreement.		59%
Terminate the tenancy for material non-compliance of the lease.		16%
Take civil action against the tenant for repayment.		7%
No Action.		8%
I do not use EIV.		17%
Other, please specify		6%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - June 2009 Results

1. What is the overall impact of the new HUD audit requirements in terms of added costs and/or staff resources?  Please check all that apply.
Increased added costs.	62%
Increased staff resources.	69%
Costs have remained the same.	23%
Staff resources have remained the same.	12%
Decreased added costs.	0%
Decreased staff resources.	0%
We have seen additional changes, please specify	15%
2. If you have seen an increase in costs related to the new audit requirements, by how much have they increased?
Decrease	0%
No change	33%
$0-50k	54%
$50-100k	8%
$100-200k	0%
$200-350k	0%
$350-500k	4%
$500k+	0%
3. If you have seen an increase in staff resources related to the new audit requirements, by how much have they increased?
Decrease	0%
No change	19%
0-5 hrs/week	50%
5-10 hrs/week	19%
10-20 hrs/week	8%
20+ hrs/week	4%

NAHMA Member Question of the Month - May 2009 Results

1. How has the economic recession affected your affordable multifamily housing management company? (Please select all that apply.)
Staff salary freeze	34%
No effect	28%
Reduction in staff attendance at industry training events	25%
Reduction in staff attendance at industry meetings	23%
Other, please specify	20%
Staff hiring freeze	18%
Encouragement to attend training or meetings online or by phone instead	18%
Staff layoffs	13%
Increase in staff co-payment for employee benefits	13%
Reduction in employee benefits	10%
Staff salary reductions	7%
Staff travel freeze	7%
Reduction in staff memberships in local AHMAs	5%
Reduction in staff memberships in NAHMA	5%
Reduction in staff memberships in other industry organizations	5%
Did not renew some industry certification(s) this year	5%
Staff furloughs	2%
Did not renew any industry certification(s) this year	0%

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