Insurance News
Regulatory updates in plain English
Stay current with the latest from CMS, state departments of insurance, NAIC, the Federal Register, and Congress — rewritten so you can actually understand what it means for your practice.
Annual Indexing of Basic Statutory Mortgage Limits for Multifamily Housing Programs
HUD has announced changes to the basic mortgage limits for multifamily housing programs for the year 2026. This adjustment is part of the requirements set by the National Housing Act. Insurance agents should be aware of these new limits as they may impact mortgage insurance policies and client advic...
Rescission of Final Determination: Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA Financed Housing
The government has canceled the recent decision that set new energy efficiency standards for new homes financed by HUD and USDA. This change affects builders and developers who were preparing to follow these standards. Agents should stay informed about any future updates regarding energy efficiency ...
Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Revisions
The proposed rule changes how housing programs under HUD treat gender. It will replace references to 'gender' and 'gender identity' with 'sex,' based on biological classification as male or female. This means that facilities like shelters can require proof of a person's sex to ensure safety in share...
Removal of Regulations for the Shelter Plus Care and the Supportive Housing Programs
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has officially removed the regulations for the Shelter Plus Care and Supportive Housing Programs. These programs have been combined into the new Continuum of Care (CoC) Program, following a law passed in 2009 aimed at improving housing assis...
Changes Related to Insurance Requirements in Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Direct Loan and Grant Programs
The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is changing the insurance requirements for its Multi-Family Housing Direct Loan and Grant programs. These changes will make insurance coverage types, amounts, and deductibles easier to understand and more in line with what is commonly used in affordable housing. This ...
Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program-Limited Party Concessions
The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is changing the rules for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. This change means that real estate commission fees will no longer count against the limits on what interested parties can contribute to a homebuyer’s costs. This update affects agents involve...
Revisions to the Calculation of Annual Household Income and Net Family Assets in the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing Programs
The Rural Housing Service (RHS) has updated its rules for calculating annual household income and family assets for certain housing programs. This affects properties funded under the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing programs. The changes aim to make income repo...
Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program-Income Producing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Provisions
The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is changing rules for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. These changes will allow borrowers to finance homes that include one or more income-producing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The updates also clarify that homes can have features for running a ...
Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
The Rural Housing Service has updated its rules to allow certain lenders in the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program to approve loans and get guarantees after the loan has closed. This change means that these lenders can use automated systems to handle the loan approval and closing process ...
Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Rental Housing Fee Practices
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is looking to create new rules to stop unfair or misleading practices in rental housing fees. This affects landlords and property managers who advertise rental prices and charge fees. The FTC wants to hear from the public about these practices, especially regarding...