Comments due on HUD "utility benchmarking" proposal

HUD has proposed utility benchmarking of water and energy in its portfolio of public and assisted, as well as newly-insured, multifamily housing. This new "utility benchmarking" initiative would apply to approximately 2.2 million units across several categories of HUD-assisted affordable housing: developments with Project Rental Assistance Contracts, multifamily properties with mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), and Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) with more than 250 public housing units. Notice of the proposal has been sent to owners of multifamily properties and public housing authorities and published at 81 FR 68446 in the Federal Register. Comments are due by December 5, 2016.