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DOCUMENT SISUME
01956 - [A1112132]
The Need for HOD to gore Fairly Treat Homeownel Claims for
Defects in Existing Insured Homes. April 15, 1977. 12 pp.
Testimony before the House Committee o ft-ernment Operations:
ManpoweL and Housing Subcommittee; by lilbur D. Campbell,
Associate Director, Community and Economic Development Div.
Issue Area: Domestic Housing and Community Development (2100).
Contact: Community and Economic Development Div.
Budget Function: Commerce and Transportation: Other Advancemant
and Regulation of Commerce (#03).
Organizaticn concerned: Department of Housing and Urban
Development; Department of Housing and Urban Development%
Chicago Area Office, It.
Congressional Relevance: House Committee on Governmont
Operations: Manpcwer and Housing Subcommittee. Rep. Ralph H.
Metcalfe.
Authority: National Dousing Act, sec. 518(b). National Housing
Act, sec. 203. National Housing Act, sec. 221. National
Housing Act, sec. 235. Housing Authorization Act of 1976,
sec 518(d).
At the nequest of Rep. Ralph H. Metcalfe, the
Department of Housing and Urban Developmentls Section 518(b)
Homeowner Assistance Program operated by the Chicago Area Office
was reviewed. Criteria used to evaluate claim applications for
defectz in existing insured homes vere identified, and the
appeals process for the applicants was assessed.
Findings/Conclusions: Procedures for processing the claims
require a determination as to (1) the eligibility of the claim
based on statutory requirements, and (2) the validity of the
claim based on inspection results or other applicable criteria.
Due to vague criteria, homeowners in the Chicago area who have
submitted claims have not been treated consistently in a fair
and equitable manner. Recommendations: The secretary of Housing
and Urban Development should direct that more clearly defined
criteria be developed as to what constitutes a serious defect;
direct that inspectors get improved guidance; and obtain
assurance that other field offices are making payments for
claims in accordance with established procedures. The Chicago
Area Office should be directed to discontinue using a fixed time
limit criterion only; be fair and objective; resolve serious
doubts in favor of the homeowner; reevaluate all claims it has
rejected on the basis of inappropriate criteria; and pay future
claims in accordance with established procedures. (SC)](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.gao/gaobadxtw0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)