Why Even Top HUD Management Companies Miss Special Claims

Since working closely with special claims, one thing has become clear: many management companies simply do not file them. What is even more surprising is that some of the largest, most established players in the industry are also letting this valuable opportunity slip through the cracks.

Anyone who manages affordable housing knows how demanding it can be. Between compliance, construction, accounting, administrative work, and the constant coordination required across departments, there is never enough time in the day. Add MOR and NSPIRE inspections, layered reporting requirements, and the many other operational tasks, and it is easy to see why special claims often fall to the bottom of the list.

Even the biggest companies struggle to stay on top of them. It is not a lack of care, it is a lack of bandwidth. Claims are detailed, time consuming, and require ongoing attention. Most management companies do not receive direct compensation for the extra revenue that successful claims bring in, which makes them even harder to prioritize.

Many companies hesitate to use a third party because it can feel like admitting they need help with something they believe should be handled internally. But here is the real question. Would you rather have seventy five percent of one hundred thousand dollars, or one hundred percent of zero. That remaining twenty five percent usually costs far less than the payroll, training, and stress required to handle claims in house.

The truth is that special claims, like leasing, compliance, accounting, or administrative support, are often better handled by specialists. Outsourcing allows experts to focus on what they do best while freeing your team to concentrate on what truly drives your mission and operations.

AI and new technology are also reshaping the industry quickly. With these tools, there are smarter and more efficient ways to operate, and adapting to them will only strengthen your organization moving forward.

If you are a management company or property owner reading this, I hope it encourages you to take a fresh look at how you handle special claims. Partner with people who focus on this every day and let us help you turn those missed opportunities into real dollars, putting that money back where it belongs, in the communities that need it most.

Special claims are one of the most overlooked opportunities in HUD-Assisted Housing. Even the biggest companies miss them. Let’s talk about why, and how to fix it.