HUD releases 60-day NSPIRE Demonstration Notice and initial standards
This week, HUD published its Notice of Demonstration to Assess the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) and Associated Protocols in the Federal Register. The release of this notice initiates a 60-day public comment period after which HUD can begin the NSPIRE Demonstration.
Starting in 2017, HUD launched a “wholesale reexamination” of REAC’s inspection process and is now in the process of modernizing its physical housing inspection model through its upcoming “National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate” (NSPIRE) demonstration.
According to HUD’s press release about the Notice, “The NSPIRE Model Demonstration will assess all aspects of REAC’s physical inspection process, including the evaluation of physical inspection data and a new scoring model. The goal is to design a new simplified inspection system that more accurately reflects the physical conditions within housing units and to place a greater emphasis on health and safety for HUD residents, especially around lead-based paint hazards and mold.”
Through the voluntary demonstration, HUD will refine processes and ensure all mechanisms are in place to facilitate the transition to a nationwide implementation. The FR notice provides background information; details on NSPIRE standards and associated protocols; and information and instructions for Public Housing Authorities and Owners/Agents who may want to participate in the Demonstration. HUD is seeking comment on the proposed demonstration until October 21, 2019. The Notice can be found online here.
This week, HUD also released the first set of NSPIRE standards for review on its NSPIRE website. HUD is seeking input about the clarity of the deficiencies, the accuracy of the rationales, and the overall usability of the standards. All feedback should be submitted directly to HUD using the agency’s link below; please also forward your comments to NAHMA for industry tracking. The initial set of standards, as well as subsequent releases, can be found here.
NAHMA is monitoring emerging changes to REAC and a NAHMAnalysis about the NSPIRE demonstration notice is forthcoming. For more info on REAC changes, please visit NAHMA’s webpage here.
Make the most of the August Recess by joining NAHMA’s Advocacy Challenge!
Participating in our August Advocacy Challenge is easier than you think! With the new fiscal year just around the corner and federal budget negotiations ongoing, the August Congressional Recess is the perfect time to reach out to lawmakers. Let your Senators and Representatives know why funding for affordable housing is important for your industry and your communities, and urge them to support timely, robust funding bills for HUD and USDA.
Don’t forget to let us know about your advocacy efforts! Participants in our August Advocacy Challenge will be recognized on social media and during NAHMA’s upcoming October Meeting in Washington, D.C. More information about the challenge and submitting your activities to earn points is available here.