As part of his ongoing work to investigate housing conditions for Georgians, Senator Jon Ossoff brought Republicans and Democrats together to require a Federal watchdog investigation of conditions at rental units receiving financial support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
This came in the form of an amendment to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) funding bill that directs HUD’s Inspector General to investigate properties with close-to-failing Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) Scores.
For context, REAC is tasked with providing information about affordable housing properties insured by the department. They handle several tasks, from analyzing the financial stability of public housing to ensuring the accuracy of income data provided for housing eligibility purposes.
REAC gives scores based on the community’s site, building exteriors, building systems, common areas, and units. Subtractions are made from the overall score based on any present health and safety deficiencies identified during the inspection.
The Inspector General’s review would include a report on the number of properties with safety and health deficiencies and how these properties compare to those with failing scores. The adequacy of HUD oversight and property management, the impact of HUD’s staffing reductions, and contract cancellations will also be reported on.
Ossoff commented on the significance of this amendment, stating, “Families deserve to feel safe in their own homes. My bipartisan amendment is an important step to ensure affordable housing in Georgia and across the country has the staffing and inspections to meet health and safety standards.”
Last month, the Senator brought both parties together to pass this amendment, and the bill is now headed to the floor for a vote. Then it will be greeted by the House of Representatives and possibly then by the President.
Ossoff has repeatedly worked to expose poor housing conditions faced by Georgians. For example, in May of this year, he heard testimony at an oversight session on the mistreatment and abuse of Georgia renters living in single-family homes owned by out-of-state companies.
