Annual Inspections & Recertifications

Being in the HCV program has its plusses and it’s minuses. The one thing that is a necessity yet a “pain in the neck” requirement of the program is HUD’s requirement of an annual inspection and recertification process. This is similar
to a standard lease renewal, yet involves a lot more. To attempt to make things easier for everyone, I would like to provide some tips to assist you in having a hassle-free inspection/recertification process. Again, feel free to copy-paste or print these ideas.

1. Go over everything in your unit—place requests for repairs, if needed, to your landlord, as soon as you receive your annual inspection/recertification notice. Even those minor non-fixed maintenance issues will most likely fail an
inspection—it happened to me.

2. Gather all necessary documents—such as award letter from SSA if you are on SSI or disability, SS if retired and so on. It is not always necessary to have a current, up-to-date one, because your PHA is usually required to obtain it from
SSA themselves. Make sure all bank statements are current and up to date. Be sure to have birth certificates and SS cards for all members of the household—including school aged  children. Most importantly, driver’s licenses or ID cards for each adult in your household.

3. Tip: You can get a reduction on your rent if you spend more than $250 a year on prescription medications and medical needs.

4. Tip: A clean and reasonably neat home always, I repeat, always, is a plus.

5. Keep your inspection appointment. Contact your PHA if the scheduled appointment does not work for you. Missed appointments result in losing your HCV assistance.

6. When your inspector arrives, or better yet, even before, arrange to have your pets—dogs, cats, any four –legged creatures—to be in a safe environment. Most inspectors are NOT comfortable entering a  home with pets—due to the risk of getting bitten. Cats, dogs, can be placed in a crate for a brief time. Your back yard will work also—providing it is fenced, gated, has shaded areas for them, along with fresh water. Service animal? Sadly, same thing. These inspectors enter thousands of homes a year. Tip: might be a good idea to inform your PHA in advance that you have a service animal and need them to remain with you, providing they are  leashed or harnessed, and remain at your side during the inspector’s visit. This way the inspector is forewarned of
the situation, and most likely will be more accepting.

That’s it. Good luck with your annual inspections and re-certifications. As always—feel free to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions. Questions will be answered individually as soon as possible - one question per blog entry please.