The REAC Impossible Newsletter
Volume 1, Number 11, November 2020
Head-Scratcher of the Month
REAC issues FAQ's regarding COVID Inspections

November 13, 2020, REAC issued a list of fifty-six FAQ's regarding Conducting REAC Inspections of Public Housing and Multifamily properties during the COVID National Emergency 2020 which supplements REAC's Notice 2020-01 titled Coronavirus (COVID-19) Inspection Protocol.

It is unclear if these FAQ's supersede, are in addition, or supplement the Questions and Answers for Office of Multifamily Housing Stakeholders issued by the HUD, FHA, Office of Multifamily Housing Programs October 14, 2020.

Of note the new FAQ #38 in the new FAQ's grants appeals extensions for Public Housing properties inspections and not for Multifamily properties. This is a change from the earlier July 16, 2020 FAQs.

Questions #OC33 of the earlier FAQ reads: Is REAC granting an extension of time for filing appeals due to COVID-19? Answer: Yes. REAC will extend the deadline for submission of inspection appeals (Technical Reviews and Database Adjustments), and Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) appeals. That appears to no longer be the case. I've asked REAC if this is in fact the case and am still waiting for an answer.

If it is true that PHAS are allowed leniency, why would not the same curtesy be extended to MF's? Aren't Multifamily properties experiencing the same difficulties with managing under the COIVD National Emergency as Public Housing properties?

The new FAQs also mandate that property personnel wear mask and gloves when a REAC inspector shows up for an inspection. Yet, this is not a requirement in the earlier FAQs. Additionally, REAC has no authority for this kind of mandate. When asked for the authority REAC responded the answer would be in the FAQ's. The FAQ's were issued without the answer.

More about the FAQs and what defects REAC is providing remedial training for its inspectors (having difficulty applying) will be presented in a 60 minute Webinar December 3, 2020 at 1:00PM EST. More info about the Webinar can be found at www.WebinarPlanet.com by searching on Vanderbeek or here.

Hank Vanderbeek
The REAC Inspection Handbook 2020 Edition
You may have been a big proponent of having a REAC consultant come in and inspect the property, but not all properties can afford that luxury.

Having this up-to-date 198 page book as a resource guide, you will know what the inspector knows, or should know. And you can self-inspect your properties, thus saving you a lot of money!

This book makes your job easier and is easy to use. It has over 200 pictures, charts and diagrams. For most, pictures tell the story.

More importantly, It's current! The rules and guidelines are fully cross-referenced to every reg, rule, policy including many that have not been published. It includes a massively detailed table of contents for very fast lookup. 

This is a great book! It will make your Pre-REAC preparation a no brainer!

Buy either the Kindle and/or the paperback versions. The buy button below goes to the buy page at the REAC Property Consultants web site

REAC Impossible 2020 Webinars
Purchase REAC Inspection Boot Camp 3 hour Webinar

The webinar theme is the state of the planned NSPIRE Inspection Standards, is it good for you! And REAC UPCS rule changes and interpretations effective in 2020, especially NIS. REAC is constantly changing Non-Industry Standards (NIS), do not be caught unaware! The NIS rules have blown up Inspection Standards. The 3-hour webinar looks at the most current NIS Rules interpretations.
News Throughout the Industry
Call Us:
603-867-REAC (7322)