HUD REAC Training on New Rules, Updates, and NSPIRE | Online, On-Demand, In-Person. Your Choice.

Now, more than ever, it is time for HUD REAC Training. REAC is changing, which is bringing new challenges and more thorough inspections. For instance, there are current initiatives, which include improving the training and oversight of REAC Inspectors and tightening the rules on current inspections.  And now, there are proposed reforms to the system, which is to be called NSPIRE.  As a result of the multitude of notices released from 2018 to 2019, many in the industry are now confused by the proposed rules for NSPIRE – mixing the messages from the pilot program with the current rules.

This HUD REAC Training workshop includes a high-level review of the UPCS Inspection Code and REAC Scoring, as well as the NSPIRE demonstration program, and current REAC rule changes and updates.   We clarify what the NSPIRE pilot program is and is not, and what managers need to know to succeed at REAC Inspections. Most importantly, we discuss the best way to understand the REAC rules, and the best ways to ensure properties remain prepared at all times.

A New Direction for HUD REAC Inspection Requirements

In 2018, HUD stated that there would be a new direction for REAC – one that places focus on everyday compliance. As a result of the bad practices of some owners and managers, the REAC process became an unreliable metric for good living conditions. Now, HUD wants inspections that can accurately portray the condition of a property an average day, not just after a maintenance fire drill.  In other words, proper maintenance on properties needs to be a vigilant process, one that is continuously in motion and always striving to be better.

New REAC NPSIRE – An Inspection Protocol and Process for HUD Properties

HUD has indicated a new series of changes to the inspection process, which will create a new inspection protocol – NSPIRE.  This new protocol promises to be more than just a new list of inspection items. Instead, it is a reinvention of the inspection process. Firstly, NPSIRE changes the inspection process to focus on liveability and health and safety standards. Secondly, NSPIRE will change HUD’s inspection regiment to be about the safety and quality of resident’s homes. Lastly, this inspection process aims to coordinate a single protocol for all funding programs.

The new NSPIRE changes will require so much more than a new inspection checklist. These changes will present new challenges for organizations, including new demands for leadership and teamwork. In this workshop, we will review both what the future will bring and what needs to do during the transition to NSPIRE.

Who Should Attend Our REAC Workshop?

This course is much more than just a maintenance course. For example, we discuss regulatory changes and requirements. Next, we discuss effective methods for oversight and daily planning to ensure full compliance. Lastly, we review all of the new rules, regulations, and ways to empower staff to do effective day to day oversight. Above all, we talk about what it is that we can all do to create better-living environments and reduce the stress of deferred maintenance.

Understanding the Current REAC Rules and Preparing Properties to be Ready Everyday

Understanding REAC Compliance is about understanding that rules for physical compliance are different from other assisted housing standards. For instance, most rules for assisted housing provide specific steps, procedures, and expectations to follow for processing such as leasing, income verification, and so on. However, rules for REAC Inspections only provide the minimum standard for failure.  HUD expects owners to do much more than meet the minimum standards. Because there is a big difference between not-failing and succeeding.

In a sense, the only way to correctly follow REAC standards is to exceed them. You have to set a higher standard.  In essence, you have to have a discerning eye for issues at all times, and set processes in place to double-check your standards. During this workshop, we discuss how you can best prepare your properties for REAC Inspections by creating effective internal procedures.

How to Prepare for REAC with 14-Day Notice for Inspections

How do you prepare your properties for REAC inspections with the new 14-day notice reality?  Now, inspections can occur with limited notice and incredibly limited ability to modify the inspection date.

• Non-Industry Standard Repairs: Understand the requirements for non-industry repairs and how you can best ensure that all repairs meet these standards. Similarly, understand how to perform proper oversight of ongoing repairs.
• Essential UPCS/REAC Deficiencies: We will review the UPCS Inspection Code and discuss common high-scoring items. Additionally, we will discuss the current significant deficiencies, repairs within industry standards, and best practices for preparing for inspections.

“Scott Precourt – my REAC guy. I would not go to anyone else for guidance regarding REAC rules.”
–Mary Ross, RBD Business Development