There are very few things in the life of a property manager more frustrating than the day REAC comes to visit. In theory, the idea of REAC is a noble one. Ensure that all affordable landlords that are getting money from HUD are maintaining decent, safe, and sanitary housing. The devil is in the details. Each inspector has his or her own quirks and interpretation. Each community has its own set of problems and each manager has his or her own approach. From experience, the best way to be prepared for a REAC inspection is to be inspect units on a regular basis and keep up with a preventative maintenance plan. DELAY DOESN’T WORK. There’s just no way around it.
However, I can tell you one thing that is even more frustrating than an actual REAC experience and that is a manager’s lack of response to the deficiencies. These inspections have to be taken seriously and have to be mitigated as quickly as possible. Even if you don’t agree. Even if you think they are absolutely ridiculous. There is no way around it. And there is nothing worse for a supervisor than when community personnel just don’t get it.
Let me give you some recommendations on what NOT to do:
DON’T tell me the work has been completed when in fact it has not.
DON’T rely on service technicians to tell YOU whether or not the work has been completed.
DON’T bandaid a job that clearly needs stitches…bite the bullet and just get the work done.
DON’T expect the residents to lie…they WILL tell me whether or not you have been there to make repairs.
Bottom line…affordable housing means REAC inspections. They aren’t going anywhere. Pay attention and get it write the first time rather than having to deal with a low score or even a failed score. Go out there and inspect some units today!