April 5, 2022
Columbus, Ohio
EHS Findings
 
This is a reminder that all Exigent, Health and Safety (EHS) non-compliance items found during a physical audit are required to be corrected within 24 hours, as stated on the audit EHS notice provided by OHFA. If an owner/manager does not provide documentation that the non-compliance has been corrected, uncorrected 8823’s will be issued for the applicable BIN(s) at the project.  
Compliance Form Updates
 
OHFA has updated several required compliance forms, which will be available by mid-April. These forms will be effective on June 1st, 2022. Owner and management agents are allowed to use the updated forms as soon as they are made available, but all new versions of the required forms must implemented by June 1st. A notice will be released once the new forms are available on our website.
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization Act of 2022

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization of 2022 was signed into law on March 11, 2022. Even though the basic provisions of VAWA did not expire, authorization for funding for VAWA programs had expired in 2018. Here are some requirements you need to know about, including significant fair-housing penalties. 

  • The 2022 reauthorization provides VAWA funds for fiscal years 2023-2027.
  • The National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF) was officially added as a covered program. HUD had used its regulatory authority to apply VAWA protections to the NHTF, but the reauthorization enforces this status in the statute .
  • Prohibits retaliation or coercion against persons when they exercise their rights or participate in processes related to VAWA housing protections.
  • Protects tenant rights to report crimes from one’s home.
  • Requires HUD's Secretary to establish a Gender-based Violence Prevention Office with a Violence Against Women Act Director.
  • Expands the covered housing program to include more housing and homelessness programs.
  • Requires each federal agency carrying out covered housing to regulate and assess compliance with VAWA provisions.
  • Makes VAWA violations at covered housing essentially equivalent to Fair Housing violations.

You can read all of the 2022 reauthorization housing protection in section 601, which is Title VI- Safe Homes for Victims of the VAWA reauthorization document on our website. 
Compliance Trainings 

The 2022 LIHTC Essential Training is April 12-13

This free two-day webinar dives into details of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. This training teaches participants all federal regulations and OHFAs particular policies for LIHTC compliance. Participants can register for one or both days. Day one covers LIHTC basics while day two will cover more advanced LIHTC topics. Register for both days to complete the entire training. The first webinar dates are April 12th and 13th. Visit our website to register for the available trainings.
Compliance Policies and Regulations Training

This free, four-hour webinar focuses on OHFA's requirements for the multifamily programs it manages and will provide industry professionals with tools and knowledge of OHFA forms, policies and much more. Attendees receive four hours of continuing education units (CEUs) for HCCP and SCHM certifications. Importantly, this training meets OHFA’s biannual QAP training requirement. The next webinar is May 10th. All training sessions will be held from 12:30-4:30pm. To register for a webinar please visit our website.
Training Resources Available to Help You Stay In Compliance