HUD REAC COVID Inspection Guidelines

The notice establishes guidance for all UPCS inspectors and will remain effective until amended, superseded or rescinded.

Items of note:

• REAC will not inspect properties that are designed for the elderly or serve a tenant population consisting of at least 51% elderly.
• All REAC inspectors must be COVID-19 tested every 30 days (and maintain proof of negative results).
• During the 14-day notification phone call, inspectors will inquire if there are any COVID-19 cases at the property or if the property is designated for the elderly (or serve a majority elderly population) – if so, the inspection will be canceled.
• Inspector will call again 2 days before inspection and make a second inquiry to reconfirm there are no cases of COVID-19 – if there are, the inspection will be canceled (or if agreed to by all parties, an inspection of the other 4 inspectable areas – site, exterior, system, common areas – can occur).
• REAC will continue using the county level heat map to determine when it’s safe to conduct inspections in particular counties (county must remain "green" for 6 consecutive weeks). If a county drops to a different color, even after being scheduled, the inspection cannot occur.
• Inspector must wear, at a minimum, gloves and masks and use sanitizer between unit inspections.
• Only one property escort is allowed during the inspection and must be properly masked and gloved (if escort refuses, the inspection will be stopped and uploaded as "unsuccessful").
• Social distancing will be maintained. In smaller units, escorts should ask residents to step outside if feasible. If distancing isn’t possible, inspector can select an alternate unit for inspection.

[end]