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HUDBlast March 1, 2007 |
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For an archive of HUDBlasts visit RBD online at www.rbdnow.com |
Secure Systems (REAC, EIV, TRACS, etc.) URL ChangeOn February 27, 2007, HUD posted the following notice: “Secure Systems URL Change With the March 2nd 2007 release of Secure Systems, we are implementing an upgraded program for security, and have changed our URL for logging in. Please update all bookmarks to use the Secure System - Online Systems web page after 3/2/2007. Internal URL (for HUD staff): https://hudapps.hud.gov/ssmaster External URL: https://hudapps.hud.gov/HUD_Systems” Be sure to update the link in your “Favorites” settings on your web browser. Special Claims FAQsIn order to provide clarification to guidance provided in the Special Claims Guide, HUD released a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with appropriate responses. The Special Claims FAQs was updated on 2/26/07. New questions are displayed in blue. You can get a copy of the updated Special Claims FAQs from the following HUD web site: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mfh/rfp/sec8rfp.cfm New APPS Glossary PublishedHUD has posted a new “Glossary of Terms” for those of you who are using APPS to manager your 2530 information. You can access the new glossary at the following web address: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mfh/apps/glossary2007.pdf Let’s Get Started With LEPAs more and more of you start working on your Language Access Plans (LAP), we know you have questions. As with all new guides and policies, HUD has provided a resource to allow you to pose specific questions and receive clarifications. You can email questions to limitedenglishproficiency@hud.gov. In the past, HUD has posted responses to questions received from industry stakeholders. We hope they plan to do implement the same communication methodology for those of us developing Limited English Proficiency (LEP) processes. As a service to our customers, RBD is gathering resources for our customers who are in the process of implementing LEP programs. We will provide the names and locations of various resources through our HUDBlasts. HUD and LEP.gov DocumentsSome HUD documents have been translated and can be found at http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/promotingfh/leptranslated.cfm. Items available include: · Fact Sheet - "How Your Rent is Determined" (in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese) · Model Lease (in Spanish only so far) Note from RBD: HUD recommends that when leases are translated into other languages than English, the recipient only ask the tenant to sign the English lease. The translated document would be provided to the tenant but marked “For information only.” However, this recommendation in no way minimizes the need to ensure meaningful access, and therefore to take reasonable measures, such as second checks by professional translators, to ensure that the translation is accurate. · Poster - "We Do Business in Accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law" (in Arabic, Cambodian, Chinese, Creole, Hmong, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese) · Poster - Fair Housing, It's Not An Option, It's the Law (Fair Housing Month 2006, in Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese) The "I Speak" Language Identification Flashcard (PDF), written in 38 languages, is available at: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/cor/Pubs/ISpeakCards.pdf. The HUD webcast also revealed a number of additional resources, which may help. The Limited English Proficiency Training can be viewed online through the HUD archives at http://www.hud.gov/webcasts/archives/fheo.cfm and the Office of Fair Housing LEP training materials are available at: http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/promotingfh/leptraining.cfm Additional ResourcesThere are a number of tools and resources regarding Limited English Proficiency on a government sponsored website at www.lep.gov. The Interagency Working Group on LEP, involving representatives from the different federal agencies and coordinated by the DOJ Civil Rights Division, meets periodically to review efforts to coordinate implementation, review and enforcement activities and to facilitate shared resources posted on the LEP website. The LEP government website also contains links to resources including Translator and Interpreter Organizations, cultural competence guides for providing language assistance services, and guidance issued by all federal agency for recipients under their various programs. HUD’s LEP Webcast – February 28, 2007On February 28, 2007 HUD hosted a webcast in an attempt to directly address questions and concerns of Multi-family housing stakeholders. For those of you who did not get to participate, the webcast can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.hud.gov/webcasts/index.cfm. On of the key comments made during the webcast involves HUD’s definition of “vital documents”. “The HUD model lease is considered the sole “vital document” which will need to be translated.” declared Hank Williams, HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Programs. “Further, the translated models leases are to be used for informational purposes only.” HUD has translated all four standard leases into eight languages and they should be posted on HUDclips after final edits have been incorporated and approved. The eight languages are:
HUD will be adding disclaimer language clarifying that the alternative-language leases are translation of a HUD legal document provided solely as a convenience. Signature lines will not be included in the translated leases; the English language leases will be the controlling legal document and should be the only lease with a signature. Please keep in mind that this announcement does not preclude owner/agents from completing the LAP and ensuring that critical communications are provided to those residents or prospective residents who might be described as having Limited English Proficiency. A discussion of these requirements was also included in the webcast. RBD strongly recommends that you review the webcast and take advantage of the HUD email to obtain clarification to questions. RBD Class SchedulesWe will be posting our Summer and Fall 2007 calendar on our web site next week. Thanks to all of you who have contacted us about preferred locations. We sincerely appreciate your continued support. We will be scheduling MOR, TRACS and Occupancy Training. http://www.rbdnow.com/classes.htm If you would like us to schedule a class in a city near you, and we haven’t done so already, please be sure to let Larue know. Larue.marin@rbdnow.com Sign Up for RHIIP ListServWe STRONGLY recommend that you sign up for the Rental Housing Integrity Improvement Project’s ListServ. By signing up for this HUD service, you will get timely announcements about HUD changes that affect the Multi-family industry. It’s where we get a lot of our information. To sign up, visit the following web site and provide appropriate contact information. http://www.hud.gov/subscribe/signup.cfm?listname=Multifamily%20Housing%20RHIIP%20(Rental%20Housing %20Intergrity%20Improvement%20Program)%20Tips&list=MFH-RHIIP-TIPS-L
RBD does not act as a legal advisor nor as a regulatory governing agency. The recipient should understand that any materials or comments contained herein are not designed for, nor should be relied upon as a source of legal guidance or as a final authority with respect to any particular circumstance. Ross Business Development, Inc. makes no warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or any other warranty of any type. Owners and management should seek competent legal advice in developing and carrying out policies and procedures. While we have been diligent in our efforts to provide comprehensive and accurate regulatory information, Ross Business Development, Inc. shall not be responsible for errors or inaccuracies.
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