REAC Inspections: Scoring and Deficiency Definitions

The Final Notice concerning Physical Scoring and Revised Dictionary of Deficiency Definitions was released on August 9, 2012. This lengthy notice is filled with pertinent information describing the process for issuing scores.  The changes in this notice apply to the physical condition inspection process for both multifamily and public housing properties.

The initial notice was posted on February 23, 2011  and the responses to the notice and the final notice were posted on August 9, 2012.  Some of the questions that you might have may be addressed in the comments in the final notice.

There is some good news with the changes that are being made:

• Addition of a point loss cap that will limit the amount by which a single deficiency could reduce the overall property score. This change came about after HUD reviewed complaints about situations where the reduction from a single deficiency was so severe as to be unfair.
• Dictionary of Deficiencies was changed to introduce technical modifications and clarifications to a number of deficiencies including the exterior of buildings, building systems, common areas, units, sites, and exigent health and safety issues.

Effective Date: For Multifamily housing properties, this notice is effective for all inspections conducted as of January 1, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Claudia J. Yarus, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Public and Indian Housing, Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC), 550 12^th Street SW., Suite 100, Washington, DC 20410 at 202–475–8830 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number through TTY by calling the toll free Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339.