On or after August 1, 2021, Housing Counseling that is required under, or provided in connection with, HUD programs must be performed by HUD certified housing counselors working for a Participating Agency. Housing Counseling, as defined in 24 CFR 5.100, is “independent, expert advice customized to the need of the consumer to address the consumer’s housing barriers and to help achieve their housing goals and must include the following processes: Intake; financial and housing affordability analysis; an action plan, except for reverse mortgage counseling; and a reasonable effort to have follow-up communication with the client when possible”. A counselor who is not HUD certified cannot perform Housing Counseling on or after August 1, 2021.
For additional information, see: HUD's Interim final rule in the Federal Register at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/05/2020-17138/housing-counseling-program-revision-of-the-certification-timeline
For additional information, see: HUD's Interim final rule in the Federal Register at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/08/05/2020-17138/housing-counseling-program-revision-of-the-certification-timeline