Mark Your Calendar for an Important EIV Event

On Wednesday, June 27, 2007 and Thursday, June 28, 2007, HUD’s Office of Housing Assistance and Grant Administration will present an informational course via webcast on the 7.0 Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system for Multifamily. The two-day presentation will be conducted each day from 11:00 to 4:00 Eastern Daylight Savings Time. The course is targeted for HUD staff, property owners, management gents, and contract administrators. Topics that will be addressed are:

Background of RHIIP
Role of EIV in the Overall RHIIP Initiative
Getting Access to EIV
EIV Security Measures
Using the EIV System
EIV User Administration

The webcast link for the impending course can be found on the Multifamily EIV homepage at: www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mfh/rhiip/eiv/eivhome.cfm. If you have any further questions, please call Kevin Garner, at 202-708-3000 x2057. Thank you for your interest in HUD’s EIV system for Multifamily Housing Programs.

TRACS MAT Users Guide Updated

In our review of HUD’s web sites, we noticed that the TRACS MAT Users Guide has been updated. Appendices A through G have all been replaced with new versions dated June 11, 2007. Below are the links to the new Appendices:

Appendix A - Multifamily Housing Hub and Program Center Structure in TRACS

Appendix B - TRACS Message Formats

Appendix C - MAT Tenant and Voucher System Error Messages and Codes

Appendix D - TRACS Discrepancy Code Tables

Appendix E - TRACS Fatal Error Messages and Codes

Appendix F - TRACS Tenant Informational Message Codes

Appendix G - TRACS Voucher Acknowledgment & Status Messages and Codes

President signs H.R. 1675 into law

On Friday, June 14, President Bush signed into law H.R. 1675. As a result, Owner/Agents have the option of using the electronic APPS system or using the paper 2530. H.R. 1675 also removes the requirement for limited liability corporate investors to file 2530s at all. RBD first became aware of this news through the Nixon Peabody Affordable Housing Alert. For additional information or to sign up for their housing alert, visit the Nixon Peabody web site at http://www.nixonpeabody.com/publications.asp

HUDCAPS CONVERSION WEBCAST

A webcast providing information regarding the HUDCAPS to TRACS/PAS/LOCCS conversion is now available for viewing at the following URL. When the web page appears, go to TRACS/ELOCCS, May 17, 2007 (1 Hour) WEBCAST and view by selecting without captions or with captions. www.hud.gov/webcasts/archives/multifamily.cfm

No Social Security Number – Does Your Applicant Have An ITIN?

We continue to receive inquiries about screening applicants who don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN). Refusing to deem a household eligible because these screening processes cannot be completed can give the appearance of Fair Housing discrimination based on national origin.

An alternative is to allow prospects who don’t have a SSN to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who are required to file income taxes, but who are not eligible for a SSN. An ITIN is nine digits long, begins with a nine, and has a seven or an eight as the forth digit (for example, 9XX-7X-XXXX).

Many non-citizens who are in this country legally can get an ITIN. To get an ITIN, non-citizens must submit a Form W-7, along with either a copy of a passport or any two original or certified documents (civil birth certificate; a foreign driver’s license; a U.S. state identification card; a foreign military identification card; a visa, etc.). For additional information, visit the IRS web site at http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96287,00.html

You should check with your screening provider to see if you can use an ITIN to run consumer reports and other background checks necessary to screen prospects.

RHIIP Listserv

RBD encourages our customers to sign up for HUD’s RHIIP Listserv. Not only will this valuable tool provide your property management professionals with information about the latest multi-family housing announcements, but the Listserv regularly provides tips and clarifications regarding day-to-day operations. In addition, you can indicate your participation on two segments of the Management & Occupancy Review. The RHIIP Listserv provides continuing education and demonstrates dedication to keeping abreast of regulatory changes. This, of course, improves your ability to implement changes in policy and procedure.

Sign up today at http://www.hud.gov/subscribe/mailinglist.cfm. Scroll down to the Multifamily Housing RHIIP (Rental Housing Integrity Improvement Program) Tips. Click on that option and sign up!!

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.