The Housing Authority - Remote Video Inspection Process

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

The housing choice voucher (HCV) program provides assistance to very low-income families to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing. Housing can include single-family homes, townhouses and apartments and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing projects. HCVs are administered locally by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) including the Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA). The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided PHAs the option to conduct Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspections remotely through a process called the Remote Video Inspection (RVI). Although, HUD provided basic guidance, housing authorities were responsible for creating procedures, drafting and implementing certification forms, letters, informational notices, conducting training for staff, etc. The (OCHA) participated in a study conducted by HUD on this alternative method, sharing experiences, forms, information sheets and processes with HUD consultants. Through the implementation of the RVI process, the OCHA is able to continue to ensure HCV participants can reside in decent, safe, and sanitary housing, and meet HQS requirements without compromising the health and safety of the individuals.