A. J. Johnson Partners with Mid-Atlantic AHMA for December Training on Affordable Housing - February 2024

person A.J. Johnson today 01/09/2024

During February 2024, A. J. Johnson will be partnering with the MidAtlantic Affordable Housing Management Association for four live webinar training sessions intended for real estate professionals, particularly those in the affordable multifamily housing field. The following sessions will be presented:

February 13: HOTMA - Update on HUD Requirements - On January 9, 2023, HUD published a final rule implementing The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA),  which was signed into law on July 29, 2016.  This final rule was published in the Federal Register on February 14, 2023, and will become effective on January 1, 2024. Virtually all HUD programs are impacted by the rule, as are the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program and the Rural Development Section 515 Program. Since publishing the final rule in February 2023, HUD has provided additional guidance in the implementation of the rule. This three-hour training will explain the new HUD guidance and will cover the following areas: (1) Definitional changes relating to earned and unearned income, non-recurring income, and foster children; (2) Revised Income Exclusions; (3) New requirements relative to Student Financial Assistance; (4) Changes to the HUD permitted deductions from gross income, including a full review of the new "hardship exemptions;" (5) Brand new rules regarding assets; (6) New Interim Recertification requirements; (6); and (7) the new definition of "annual income."

This session is a must for all managers of HUD, Rural Development, and LIHTC properties, and will provide plenty of opportunity for Q & A.

February 15: The Basics of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Management -  This training is designed primarily for site managers and investment asset managers responsible for site-related asset management and is especially beneficial to those managers who are relatively inexperienced in the tax credit program. It covers all aspects of credit related to on-site management, including the applicant interview process, the determination of resident eligibility (income and student issues), handling recertification, setting rents - including a full review of utility allowance requirements - lease issues, and the importance of maintaining the property. The training includes problems and questions designed to ensure that students are fully comprehending the material.

February 20: Documentation of Lease Violations - Managers of multifamily housing properties too often find themselves in the position of not being able to enforce the terms of a lease or evict a resident for severe violations simply because of a failure to properly document the file. While failure to pay rent is the most common lease violation, other issues create the greatest challenge concerning eviction or lease enforcement.  This 90-minute session will review some of the most problematic material lease violations and discuss how to properly document those violations. Topics to be discussed will include hoarding, tenant-on-tenant harassment, assistance animal violations, smoking violations (in non-smoking buildings), unauthorized occupants, and "quiet use and enjoyment" issues.  The training is intended for site managers and leasing staff, as well as regional property managers. This session is a must for all managers of HUD, Rural Development, and LIHTC properties, and will provide plenty of opportunity for Q & A.

February 22: The Verification and Calculation of Income and Assets on Affordable Housing Properties  - This five-hour live webinar (there will be a 1.5-hour lunch break) provides concentrated instruction on the required methodology for calculating and verifying income, and for determining the value of assets and income generated by those assets. The first section of the course involves a comprehensive discussion of employment income, along with military pay, pensions/social security, self-employment income, and child support. It concludes with workshop problems designed to test what the student has learned during the discussion phase of the training and serve to reinforce HUD-required techniques for the determination of income. The second component of the training focuses on a detailed discussion of requirements related to the determination of asset value and income and applies to all federal housing programs, including the low-income housing tax credit, tax-exempt bonds, Section 8, Section 515, and HOME. Multiple types of assets are covered, both in terms of what constitutes an asset and how must they be verified. This section also concludes with a series of problems, designed to test the student’s understanding of the basic requirements relative to assets.

These sessions are part of the year-long collaboration between A. J. Johnson and MidAtlantic AHMA that is designed to provide affordable housing professionals with the knowledge needed to effectively manage the complex requirements of the various agencies overseeing these programs.

Persons interested in any (or all) of these training sessions may register by visiting either www.ajjcs.net or https://www.mid-atlanticahma.org.

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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a significant update to the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program regulations. This final rule, which will be published in the Federal Register on January 6, 2025, aims to modernize and streamline program requirements and ensure better alignment with other federal housing initiatives. Here is a detailed overview of the changes and their implications for stakeholders. Key Highlights of the Final Rule Simplification and Streamlining: The updated regulations are designed to reduce administrative burden and complexity, making it easier for participants to navigate the program requirements. Changes include clarified guidelines and updated processes to improve efficiency and accessibility. Alignment with Other Federal Housing Programs: The revisions harmonize HOME program regulations with other federal housing initiatives, such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs. This alignment facilitates cohesive and complementary use of federal housing resources. Implementation of Recent Statutory Amendments: The final rule incorporates recent amendments to the HOME statute, ensuring compliance with current legislative mandates. Applicability: The revised regulations apply to developments for which HOME funds are committed on or after 30 days following the publication date effectively starting February 5, 2025. Background on the Final Rule The final rule follows the publication of a proposed rule on May 29, 2024. HUD received and reviewed extensive feedback from stakeholders during the comment period, resulting in adjustments to ensure the regulations address both practical challenges and statutory requirements. Minor revisions were also made to CDBG and Section 8 program regulations to align with the updated HOME program rules. Implications for Affordable Housing Stakeholders For Developers: Developers planning to utilize HOME funds for projects must familiarize themselves with the updated requirements to ensure compliance. Streamlined processes may expedite project approvals and reduce administrative delays. For Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and Local Governments: Agencies administering HOME funds will benefit from more precise regulations and enhanced alignment with other federal housing programs. Training and resources may be required to adapt to the new requirements. For Tenants and Communities: The updates aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of HOME-funded projects, resulting in improved housing opportunities for low-income families. Next Steps HUD encourages all stakeholders to review the final rule in detail and assess its impact on their operations and strategies. Additional guidance and training materials are expected to be released to assist in the transition to the updated regulations. Conclusion The final rule represents a significant step forward in modernizing the HOME program and optimizing its role in addressing the nation s affordable housing needs. Stakeholders must promptly align with the updated requirements and capitalize on the improved processes. Shortly, I will post an article on the A. J. Johnson Consulting Services website outlining the most significant HOME rules changes, especially those that will impact management operations at projects utilizing HOME funds.

HUD Extends HOTMA Compliance Deadline for Community Planning and Development Programs to 2026

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Rural Development Updates Form 3560-8, Tenant Income Certification

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Trump Nominates Scott Turner as HUD Secretary

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