What is LEP?
What is LEP?
HAP, PRAC, EIV, TRACS, and TSP are just a few of the numerous abbreviations used daily in the HUD affordable housing industry. However, there is a relatively new acronym that many are not as familiar with. LEP stands for Limited English Proficiency. LEP persons are defined as individuals who, as a result of national origin, do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to speak, read, write, or understand English.
In August 2000, Executive Order (EO) 13166 was signed, directing HUD to work to ensure LEP individuals can effectively participate in, or benefit from, federally assisted housing programs. In the spirit of this Executive Order, HUD was required to issue guidance designed to assist owners in providing meaningful access to their programs to LEP individuals. However, it wasn’t until January 2007, that HUD published Final Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons.
This guidance requires owners to conduct a four-factor analysis to:
- Identify the frequency with which LEP persons come into contact with their housing program(s); and
- To develop a Language Access Plan (LAP) to ensure access for those individuals.
HUD also established a website to provide the industry with helpful resources related to this topic, http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/lep.xml.
Despite this guidance being nearly 9 years old, many owners and agents in the affordable housing industry are not familiar with its requirements. Have you developed your property’s Language Access Plan (LAP)? If not, contact PMCS today at Solutions@pmcsinc.com to learn more about our custom LAP product offerings.