UNDERSTANDING VAWA IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Each October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month brings renewed attention to the impact of domestic violence and the importance of ensuring survivors have access to safety, support, and stable housing. For affordable housing professionals, that commitment extends throughout the year through the proper implementation of the Violence Against Women Act’s housing protections.

The Violence Against Women Act’s housing protections are a critical part of maintaining safe, compliant, and responsive affordable housing communities. Owners, management agents, and housing professionals must understand how VAWA requirements affect applicant screening, tenancy decisions, lease enforcement, emergency transfers, documentation, confidentiality, and communication with residents.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS TRAINING

In this 2.5 hour webinar, US Housing Consultants will explain the current VAWA statutory and regulatory framework for HUD-covered housing programs, including relevant provisions of the 2022 reauthorization. Participants will learn how to recognize situations in which VAWA protections may apply, respond appropriately and consistently, and implement policies and procedures that protect survivors while supporting property compliance.

Topics to be discussed include, but are not limited to:

• Legislative and regulatory history
• Key terminology and covered forms of violence
• Protections involving the denial of admission, tenancy, or assistance
• Termination of assistance or tenancy
• Lease bifurcation
• Emergency transfer plans and requests
• Required notices, certifications, and alternate documentation
• Confidentiality and recordkeeping requirements
• Anti-retaliation protections and the right to seek emergency assistance
• Practical compliance considerations for owners, agents, and site staff

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This training is designed for, though not limited to, the following participants:

• Affordable housing owners and developers
• Management agents and regional managers
• Property and community managers
• Compliance and occupancy professionals
• Leasing and applicant-screening staff
• Public housing agency personnel
• Resident services coordinators
• Policy, training, and human resources professionals
• Attorneys and consultants advising affordable housing organizations

WHAT YOU WILL TAKEAWAY

• Instructor: Randy McCall, Senior Compliance Trainer
• Type of Instruction: Virtual Presentation
• Certificate of Attendance: Provided within 7 business days after the training.
• Continuing Education Hours (CE Hours): 2.5 Hours, which can be applied to US Housing Consultants ACE Designations
• Reference Manual Provided: A PDF Reference Manual will be provided 24 hours prior to the training event.