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Larson Cosponsors Bill to Strengthen HUD Inspections

July 16, 2019

Legislation to Prevent Housing Situations Similar to the North End of Hartford

Washington, D.C. – On Friday, the HUD Inspection Act of 2019 was introduced by Reps. Al Lawson and Alma Adams. Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) is an original cosponsor of the legislation.

"From Barbour Gardens to the Clay Arsenal Apartments, the North End of Hartford has seen firsthand what happens when HUD inspections fail. Closing loopholes and giving HUD more power to hold slumlords accountable will help prevent these mistakes from being repeated again," said Larson.

The HUD Inspection Act of 2019 does the following:

  • Establishes in law a requirement that HUD take action when properties score less than 60 on an inspection or fail to promptly address life threatening conditions;
  • Strengthens the compliance process by giving owners 15 days to respond to a notice of violation. If the problems persist, this bill directs HUD to develop a plan to bring the property into compliance within 45 days of the inspection;
  • Requires HUD to take additional enforcement action when a property continues to be in noncompliance;
  • Authorizes the Secretary to impose financial penalties on owners that fail to maintain properties according to federal, physical standards or are repeatedly referred for remediation because of tenant surveys.

*This bill is endorsed by the National Housing Law Project, National Low-Income Housing Coalition, Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation, and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio.

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Issues:Local