The Office of Multifamily Housing has published a revision to Housing Notice 2020-04, “Electronic Signature, Transmission, and Storage – Guidance for Multifamily Assisted Housing Industry Partners.” The revised notice, H 2020-10, is now posted on HUDCLIPS, and provides updates to the following two sections:

• Section II.A – Added another assisted Multifamily Housing program
• Section VII.B.5 – Revised the language regarding Independent Public Auditors

This notice provides guidance on acceptable procedures for use of electronic signatures and the transmission and storage of documents and files.  With the issuance of this notice, HUD’s multifamily industry partners are permitted (but not required) to use electronic signatures and electronic file transmission and retention, and must do so in compliance with federal, state, and local laws.

HUD has received numerous COVID-19 inquiries from owners and agents asking about signatures, in-person meetings, and income verifications.  The notice may address many of those questions. Please note that Housing Notice 2020-04 is now obsolete and is replaced entirely by Housing Notice 2020-10.