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Preparing For a REAC Inspection

HUD (U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development) has a special program for apartment communities called the REAC, which stands for Real Estate Assessment Center. This program conducts inspections on affordable and market-rate HUD-insured multifamily apartment communities. In a REAC inspection, a HUD inspector reviews certain areas of a property — such as a roof and building structure, mechanical systems, and plumbing — to assess the condition of the building and the utilities and systems within it. The purpose of the inspection is to identify deficiencies in the housing management of the property.

 

HUD holds two types of inspection: 

  1. Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspections, and 
  2. Property Condition Inspections (PCI). 

 

For HUD HQS Inspections, the inspection crews conduct superficial visual assessments of the exterior and interior of the building and then conduct a small number of more detailed assessments (usually no more than two) inside individual units. For PCI, the inspection crews conduct a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the entire building and then conduct a small number of more detailed assessments (usually no more than two) inside individual units.

 

REAC Inspection Checklist

 

The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) is an independent office within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The REAC supports HUD’s mission to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing for all citizens. The goal of the REAC is to provide objective, independent assessments of properties that are HUD-assisted. The REAC’s inspections are conducted to determine the extent of suitable housing conditions in HUD-assisted properties. The REAC conducts its inspections according to HUD’s inspection manual, which is the culmination of years of research by HUD’s Office of Housing and Urban Development.

 

Because of the Affordable Housing programs, many communities across the country are required to conduct an inspection of their properties. Among other things, this inspection includes the maintenance of the building’s exterior, maintenance of the building’s common areas, and maintenance of all grounds.

 

Here is a list of common deficiencies incorporated on the HUD website:

 

  • Water Heater
  • Chimney
  • HVAC Covers
  • Electrical Panel Access 
  • Electrical Panel Covers
  • Open Breaker/Fuse Ports
  • Door Seals 
  • Door Hardware
  • Security Doors 
  • Kitchen 
  • Plumbing 
  • Damaged Sinks/Showers 
  • Clothes Dryers
  • Storm Water Sewers
  • Sanitary Sewer Covers
  • Trash Chutes 
  • Trash Receptacles
  • Auxiliary Lighting
  • Leaking Domestic Water
  • Outlet and Switch Plate Covers

 

Final Words

 

Fortunately, the inspection checklist is available on HUD’s website, which allows property owners to prepare their property for the REAC inspection. This checklist includes the most common items to expect, such as laundry area, lighting, safety features, maintenance areas, and more. By completing this checklist, you can ensure that your property is ready to pass inspection.

If you are running a multifamily property, it is important to have systems in place to ensure the safety of your residents. Fines are costly, so it is also important to have a quickly identified maintenance issue. Attend the Compliance Prime webinar to learn more about HUD REAC inspection.

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