Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Management of Rockland Place dba SpringGate Apartments posted a notice today regarding another inspection of apartments and buildings, scheduled for October 3 and Oct. 5, 2011.  Not surprisingly, one of the specific company names mentioned in the notice, Fire Alarm Systems, Inc., can not be found under Massachusetts corporate filings or even under filings for public corporate records.  This website on Spectrum Enterprises was found. 
      Did you know that State agencies may allow owners to reconstruct records when the situation warrants, consider incomplete or imperfect documentation, and accept credible oral testimony to determine the owner/taxpayer’s overall compliance with the requirements of IRC §42?  Hopefully, tenants have nothing better to do with their day because no time of day for apartment inspections was provided. Management's notice warns all residents to be prepared on Monday for a visit from the auditors as units will be chosen at random.  Potluck anyone?  On Wednesday, residents should be prepared for fire alarm testing and inspection on the third floors of each building and for access to second floor apartments too.  Though it's important to have an impartial, no conflicts of interest inspection of this subsidized property, shouldn't the fire alarm system inspection be conducted prior to the one for LIHTC?
     With more than enough time provided to Management for these inspections, they've prepared to collect on their affordable housing meal tickets once again.  Staff has spiffied up their subsidized property as if their finest china were on display.  However, with doors suddenly repaired, railings painted, and carpets shampooed, etc., handicapped units remain in non-compliance of the Fair Housing Act.  It's too bad for vulnerable tenants and taxpayers that an audit to allegedly monitor Management's compliance with the LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credits) Program will, more than likely, fail to reveal abuse of power, harassments, drug dealers, and live-ins remaining on this property.

Some policies needing immediate attention from HUD and Management:
1.  Tenant Selection Plan - A formal written policy statement, developed by the owner and available to the public, that clearly states the procedures and criteria the owner will consistently apply in drawing applicants from the waiting list, screening for suitability for tenancy, implementing income targeting requirements, and offering housing assistance and/or assisted housing units.  The Tenant Selection Plan also includes policies applied to residents of the property such as how unit transfers are carried out.
2.  Unauthorized Occupant -  A person who, with the consent of a tenant, is staying in the unit, but is not listed on the lease documents or approved by the owner to dwell in the unit.  An owner must follow State or local law regarding an unauthorized occupant and establish an equitable and consistent policy and incorporate that policy into the house rules.