HUD Publishes NSPIRE Final Rule Sets Implementation Timeline for 2023

In May 2016, responding to the instructions of Congress, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) initiated an effort to consolidate, update, and enhance the Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and the Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS).

The aim was to establish a unified inspection protocol for public housing and voucher units. After dedicating seven years to this goal, HUD has published the NSPIRE Final Rule, titled the Economic Growth Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act: Implementation of National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate. This rule introduces HUD's modern approach to defining and evaluating housing quality while aiming to reduce regulatory burdens. The overarching objective is to ensure residents have safer and healthier homes.

The NSPIRE Final Rule will be implemented in two phases. Starting on July 1, 2023, Public Housing will transition to NSPIRE, followed by the Multifamily Housing programs, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Project Based Voucher (PBV) programs, and the Community Planning and Development programs on October 1, 2023.

To learn more about the NSPIRE Final Rule, read this blog post at NCHM.org.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: Project Based Voucher Program

Response Submission Deadline: Request for Proposals will remain open until capacity is reached.

Through this Request for Proposals RIHousing seeks proposals from qualified property owners interested in participating in the Section 8 Project-Based Voucher Program, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

RIHousing expects to make rental assistance available for up to 18 units under this RFP.

All for-profit and non-profit owners are eligible to apply under this RFP. Only existing housing will be funded and units must be available for occupancy as of the date of PBV contract execution. Projects proposed to be or under construction are not eligible.

Eligible PBV projects must be either located within the jurisdiction of RIHousing or be accompanied by a letter from the local housing authority (or other applicable municipal authority) agreeing to allow RIHousing to project-base and administer vouchers within its jurisdiction

Click here to view RIHousing's juridcition and the full RFP.

Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) Resources

The effective date of the HOTMA provisions will be January 1, 2024. Owners may not implement these provisions prior to their effective dates.

The Offices of Multifamily Housing and Public and Indian Housing will publish a joint supplemental notice in Spring/Summer 2023 to provide comprehensive implementation instructions to Multifamily Owners and Public Housing Agencies (PHAs).  

Resources:

• A one-page summary of the key HOTMA changes to Multifamily Housing programs can be found here
• HOTMA Talking Points and Q&A for Multifamily Programs can be found here
• For more HOTMA Resources click here

Information to Share with Your Residents

Rhode Island Energy Utility Assistance Options

Rhode Island Energy has several assistance options for residents that are having trouble paying their utility bills.  Customer Advocates can assist residents with Discount Rates, Shut-off Protection, Payment Options & Payment Agreements.

View the Brochure in English and Spanish here.

Releases & Reminders

• NEW FY2023 Income Limits can be found here
• NEW FY2023 Tax Subsidy Income Limits (LIHTC) can be found here
• FY2023 OCAF can be found here

• FY2023 Utility Allowance Factors can be found here

• FY2023 Fair Market Rents can be found here

• HUD's updated 9250 form for reserve requests can be found here

• Section 8 Contract Administration Program Forms & Manuals can be found here

• RIHousing has several open positions – learn more here

• Not sure who your Asset Manager is - find out here

Site Contact Information

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We'd love to hear from you!

To provide suggestions for information you would you like to see in future Property Matters E-News, please email Karen Slavin at kslavin@rihousing.com.