A. J. Johnson Consulting Services, Inc.

Posts by A. J. Johnson

A. J. Johnson

970 posts

HUD Rescinds Prior Criminal Screening Guidance: What PHAs and Owners Need to Know

November 27, 2025

On November 25, 2025, HUD issued an important policy letter announcing a significant shift in the approach to criminal background screening for HUD-assisted housing. The Department explains that previous guidance caused “confusion” and had a “chilling effect” on owners’ and…

Avoiding Fair Housing Violations When Establishing Rules for Apartment Common Areas

November 8, 2025

Avoiding Fair Housing Violations When Establishing Rules for Apartment Common Areas Modern apartment communities often offer a variety of shared amenities — such as fitness centers, pools, lounges, co-working spaces, dog parks, and community rooms. These features enhance the resident…

No Change in HOTMA Implementation Date as of Late October 2025

October 27, 2025

HUD Holds Firm — For Now — on January 1, 2026 HOTMA Implementation Deadline As of mid-October 2025, there is no indication that HUD will postpone the January 1, 2026, compliance deadline for the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA).…

Tenant Self-Certification in Affordable Housing Programs

October 25, 2025

Tenant self-certification is a critical component of income verification in various affordable housing programs across the United States. After initial move-in, when third-party documentation may be difficult to obtain or when changes in household composition or income occur, many federal…

2026 Social Security COLA Announced

October 24, 2025

The federal government announced on October 24, 2025, that the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 will be 2.8%, somewhat higher than the 2.5% increase for 2025. This increase will provide an additional $56 per month for…

HUD Delays Key HOME Rule Provisions to April 2026

October 22, 2025

HUD Delays Key HOME Rule Provisions to April 2026 Green Building Incentives and Tenant Protections Postponed On October 22, 2025, the Department of Housing and Urban Development issued a Federal Register notice that extends the implementation of two key provisions…

Policy Guidance: Maintenance Entry When Only Minors Are Present

October 18, 2025

Policy Guidance: Maintenance Entry When Only Minors Are Present Overview Maintenance employees working in resident units must behave with the highest level of professionalism and caution. One of the most sensitive—and potentially risky—situations arises when a technician arrives for a…

A. J. Johnson to Participate in 30th Annual Mid-Atlantic AHMA Fall Conference

October 12, 2025

A. J. Johnson will participate in the Mid-Atlantic Affordable Housing Management Association (AHMA) 30th Annual Fall Conference, scheduled to take place in Richmond, VA, from November 18-2, 2025. This year marks a significant milestone: Mid-Atlantic AHMA is celebrating 30 years…

IRS Publishes Final Regulation on Average Income Set-Aside

October 4, 2025

Key Takeaway On October 7, 2025, the IRS will publish its long-awaited final regulation governing the Average Income Minimum Set-Aside Test for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The rule clarifies how owners identify and report “qualified groups” of units,…

USDA Rural Housing Service Streamlines Reserve Request Process for Multifamily Housing

October 3, 2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Office of Multifamily Housing has announced significant changes to how borrowers submit reserve request withdrawals, marking a major step toward modernizing government services. What’s Changing As part of ongoing efforts to…

Termination of Assistance in Section 8 Properties: The Impact of Homeownership

September 20, 2025

One of the lesser-known provisions in the recently revised HUD Model Lease for Subsidized Programs addresses the termination of rental assistance when a resident owns real property that could be used as a residence. Although this requirement may not arise…

USDA Issues 2026 Budget Requirements for Section 515 Multifamily Housing Projects

September 14, 2025

The USDA Rural Housing Service has issued updated guidance for multifamily housing owners and property managers preparing their 2026 operating budgets. This detailed guidance emphasizes the importance of cost-effectiveness and responsible management of taxpayer funds, while ensuring that rural residents…

Courts Provide Conflicting VAWA Decisions

September 13, 2025

VAWA Notices in Eviction Cases: Conflicting Court Interpretations and Best Practices for Owners & Managers Recent court decisions reveal conflicting interpretations of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) related to eviction and termination notices. Although the statute itself is clear,…

A. J. Johnson Partners with Mid-Atlantic AHMA for Training on Affordable Housing – October 2025

September 7, 2025

In October 2025, A. J. Johnson will partner with the Mid-Atlantic Affordable Housing Management Association for a live webinar designed for real estate professionals, particularly those in the affordable multifamily housing sector. The following session will be presented: October…

Federal Court Orders HUD to Release Withheld Fair Housing Funds

September 6, 2025

In June 2025, two national fair housing organizations—the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and the Tennessee Fair Housing Council (TFHC)—filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban…

HUD Abandons Fair Housing Enforcement

August 31, 2025

HUD Retreats from Fair Housing Enforcement: Why Compliance Still Matters The federal Fair Housing Act requires the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to enforce laws prohibiting discrimination in housing. However, by late 2025, it has become increasingly…

HUD Releases 2026 Inflationary Adjustments

August 16, 2025

HUD’s 2026 Housing Program Adjustments: Partial Release Status HUD has not yet released the major 2026 program adjustments that housing providers typically need for annual planning, including Fair Market Rents (FMRs), income limits, and payment standards. However, the department…

A. J. Johnson Partners with Mid-Atlantic AHMA for Training on Affordable Housing – September 2025

August 12, 2025

In September 2025, A. J. Johnson will partner with the MidAtlantic Affordable Housing Management Association for four live webinar training sessions for real estate professionals, particularly those in the affordable multifamily housing field. The following sessions will be presented: September…

Historic Housing Expansion in Reconciliation Act

July 14, 2025

Since being signed into law on July 4, I have read the “One Big Beautiful Bill” twice, in an effort to determine its impact on housing – especially affordable housing. What follows is my take on the impact of the…

USDA Proposes Mandatory Market Studies for Section 538 Projects

July 5, 2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Service (RHS) is tightening requirements for project feasibility under its Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program (GRRHP). In a newly proposed rule, RHS will require all applicants seeking loan guarantees for new…

RD to Implement HOTMA Income and Certification Rules on July 1, 2025

June 28, 2025

Although HUD has postponed implementation of HOTMA for its Multifamily Housing Programs until January 1, 2026, the USDA Rural Housing Service (RHS) Office of Multifamily Housing has announced that the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) will take effect on…

HUD’s Proposed Rule to Eliminate Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans: A Critical Analysis

June 7, 2025

Introduction The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has proposed eliminating the requirement for Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans (AFHMPs), a cornerstone of fair housing enforcement for decades. This proposed rule, published on June 3, 2025, represents a significant…

HUD Inspector General Reports Major Financial Recoveries and Oversight Improvements

June 5, 2025

Federal watchdog agency identifies nearly $500 million in recoveries while addressing critical housing challenges across America. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General (HUD OIG) has published its semiannual report to Congress, highlighting significant financial…

HOTMA Compliance Deadline Extended to January 1, 2026 for HUD Multifamily Housing Programs

May 30, 2025

On May 30, 2025, the Office of Multifamily Housing Programs issued a new Housing Notice extending the mandatory compliance date for the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA). The previous deadline of July 1, 2025, has now been…

A. J. Johnson Partners with Mid-Atlantic AHMA for December Training on Affordable Housing – June 2025

May 12, 2025

In June 2025, A. J. Johnson will partner with the MidAtlantic Affordable Housing Management Association for three live webinar training sessions for real estate professionals, particularly those in the affordable multifamily housing field. Following the LIHTC webinars, AJ will review…

Navigating Solicitation Bans in Apartment Communities: Religious and Political Canvassing Rights

May 7, 2025

Understanding the Legal Landscape Property managers and apartment community owners often implement solicitation bans to protect residents from unwanted disturbances. However, these policies can create complex legal scenarios when religious groups and political campaigns seek to canvas on the property.…

Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Core Affordable Housing Programs Nationwide

May 7, 2025

In its latest proposal, the White House has outlined $163 billion in reductions to nondefense discretionary spending, with housing and community development programs bearing a significant portion of the cuts. The proposed budget includes sweeping eliminations and consolidations across HUD…

Multifamily Housing Projects Subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

April 28, 2025

Introduction Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a foundational federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance (FFA). In the context of multifamily housing, Section 504…

Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact on Construction Costs

April 17, 2025

What Are Tariffs? A tariff is simply a tax imposed on imported goods. When products like building materials enter U.S. ports, paying the applicable tariff is a standard part of the customs process. Historical Context Tariffs have deep…

A. J. Johnson Partners with Mid-Atlantic AHMA for Training on Affordable Housing – May 2025

April 15, 2025

In May 2025, A. J. Johnson will partner with the MidAtlantic Affordable Housing Management Association for four live webinar training sessions for real estate professionals, particularly those in the affordable multifamily housing field. The following sessions will be presented: …

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