1. Know the Requirements
Every repositioning strategy comes with specific resident engagement requirements. RAD and Section 18 both require PHAs to meet with residents and provide information, but the timing and number of meetings differ.
Failure to meet these requirements can result in HUD disapproving an application, making early preparation essential. If your PHA has questions, consulting experts like D3G’s Affordable Housing Consulting Team can ensure that all regulatory requirements are understood and met.
2. Start Early & Communicate Often
For many residents, repositioning can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Questions about relocation, rent, and property changes are common. By engaging residents early and maintaining consistent communication, PHAs can ease fears, correct misinformation, and help residents feel more comfortable with the transition.
Frequent updates build trust, give residents a sense of inclusion, and allow housing authorities to control the narrative with accurate information.
3. Prioritize Accessibility
Resident engagement must be inclusive. Accessibility will vary depending on your community:
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Provide translation services or multilingual notices for residents who speak languages other than English.
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Ensure meeting locations are ADA-compliant.
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Offer sign-language interpreters or large-print materials when needed.
By making engagement opportunities accessible to all residents, PHAs create a more equitable and transparent process.
4. Create a Resident FAQ
Many residents share the same concerns: “Will I have to move? When will it happen? Will my rent change?”
Creating a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document with clear answers saves staff time and helps residents feel informed. Distribute the FAQ at meetings, in property lobbies, and online. A centralized resource supports transparency and ensures residents have consistent information.
5. Offer Multiple Engagement Options
In-person meetings are important, but they shouldn’t be the only option. To reach more residents:
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Provide virtual meeting options for those unable to attend in person.
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Share materials on your PHA website and social media channels.
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Make meeting recordings or handouts available for review at residents’ own pace.
Multiple communication channels allow residents to stay informed in the best way.
Moving Forward with Resident Engagement
Successful repositioning requires more than regulatory compliance; it requires trust, transparency, and consistent communication. By understanding requirements, prioritizing accessibility, and creating multiple pathways for engagement, PHAs can build stronger relationships with residents and ease the repositioning process.
If your PHA has questions about resident engagement requirements or needs guidance throughout the repositioning process, D3G’s Affordable Housing Consulting Team is here to help. We provide expertise in RAD, Section 18, and other HUD repositioning strategies, ensuring compliance while supporting your community.
