Assessing Capital Needs of Public Housing

Assessing Capital Needs of Public Housing

HUD has released Capital Needs in the Public Housing Program, a study that estimates the nation’s 1.2 million public housing units need $25.6 billion in large-scale capital improvements to make the housing decent and economically sustainable. This study updates a 1998 analysis and covers the costs of addressing overdue repairs, accessibility improvements for disabled residents, lead abatement, and water and energy conservation that would make the homes more cost and energy efficient. The capital needs estimates included two types of measures: 1) existing or “backlog” needs for repairs and replacements beyond ordinary maintenance, such as roof replacements or building and mechanical systems to increase energy efficiency, and 2) accrual needs for ongoing repairs and replacements beyond usual maintenance requirements once existing needs are met.