FAQ

I am trying to find out HUD’s definitions of low-income, very low-income, and extremely low-income and to determine if I will qualify for HUD’s housing assistance programs. Can you either tell me how HUD determines if someone’s income is low enough or give me some guidance as to where I can find that information?

Income limits are shown on the HUD User website (https://www.huduser.gov) broken down by year and by county. To view the income limits for a particular county, click on the following link: datasets/il.html. Once open, select the year for which you would like to see the Income Limits, and choose “Click Here for FY 2023 IL Documentation.” Then, choose your state and county or select your MSA to view the Income Limits for each area. However, to determine whether you are eligible for HUD’s housing assistance programs, we recommend that you contact your local Public Housing Agency using the contact information found here: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts.

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What is the approval procedure for a multi-unit residential property that wishes to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program / accept HCV tenants?

The HCV program is managed by your local public housing authority. You need to contact them directly to inquire about their process for becoming an HCV-qualified property. To contact your local public housing agency select your state from this list: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts. The following link will provide more detailed information about the HCV program: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/about/fact_sheet, and the following page will offer more information about the process of becoming a landlord under the HCV program: https://www.hud.gov/groups/landlords.

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I am trying to find median family incomes for my state. Can you help me?

To obtain information on median family incomes, please go to datasets/il.html. Select the year for which you would like to see the median family incomes, open the Documents tab, and under the header “Median Family Incomes,” click on the PDF file that starts with “Notice on Median Family Incomes.”

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We are in the process of preparing a rent survey for an affordable housing complex in our area. Please provide HUD’s guidelines for a rent comparison analysis.

The following link provides information on the type of data that is collected and the instruments that may be used: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html#survey_info.

I need the Federal Register notice regarding the public comment period for proposed changes to multifamily housing regulations.

You can find the Federal Register on either https://www.federalregister.gov/ or https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/FR/. Once you’re on one of those sites, you can perform a search for your particular topic.

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I need to get HUD form X-XXX (form number).

You can find HUD forms on http://www.hud.gov/hudclips. Once you’re on the site, you can search for the particular form number you’re seeking.

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When I try to find the Valuation Analysis for Home Mortgage 41.50.2 Handbook on the HUD User Website no titles come up when I enter "evaluation analysis".

HUD handbooks and notices can be accessed through HUDCLIPS, HUD’s online document library. The HUDCLIPS link is http://www.hud.gov/hudclips.

I was wondering if you could provide me with a list of low-income housing in my area, and possibly within a 45-mile radius of where I live.

The website resources.hud.gov may be of assistance by allowing you to search for nearby affordable housing opportunities. HUD also has local offices around the country and they are a good source of information about HUD’s programs and local efforts. Each state has a least one office, and some states have more than one. Please contact your state’s field office to obtain the information you need. You can find the contact information for local HUD offices on the HUD website at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/field_policy_mgt/localoffices.

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Can you tell me what types of housing your program allows for a single, 58-year-old disabled woman? I would like to locate a small 1-bedroom with a small yard.

You can find information on HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program here: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/about/fact_sheet and HUD's Section 811 program for people with disabilities here: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/mfh/grants/section811ptl.

Another resource you may find useful is your local housing counseling agency. You can locate your local counseling agency by visiting: https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm or by calling toll-free: 1-800-569-4287. These are HUD-approved organizations that can give you advice on buying, renting, defaults and foreclosures, reverse mortgages, etc.

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I am a single parent with two young children, and am currently renting in a low-income apartment with two bedrooms and with electric heat. The rent is very high and the apartment is too small for the three of us. I’m interested in buying a home, something that would be cheaper and that belongs to me. Can you help me?

HUD’s FHA Resource Center is equipped to answer questions about buying a home, qualifying for a loan, FHA loans, downpayment assistance, and HUD homes. You may contact the FHA Resource Center by phone at 1-800-225-5342 or by email at: answers@hud.gov. To assist people in finding homes, HUD also funds housing counseling agencies throughout the country. You can locate a counseling agency near you by looking at the following website: https://apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm or by calling toll-free: 1-800-569-4287.

You may also wish to visit the following website for information on HUD's Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/homeownership. HUD's HOME Program also has a homeownership component, which you can read about at: https://www.hudexchange.info/home/topics/homeownership/.

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Is there a website that lists foreclosed HUD properties? How can I get the listing?

The following website will provide you with the information on HUD Homes for sale: https://www.hud.gov/topics/homes_for_sale. The HUD Homestore, which will allow you to search for HUD Homes in your area, may be found here: https://www.hudhomestore.gov/Home/Index.aspx. Simply click on the state in which you are located or want to buy a HUD foreclosed property.

What is the source of the data used in the quarterly National Housing Market Summaries found on the U.S. Housing Market Conditions website?

The National Housing Market Summaries use data from the U.S. Census Bureau, as well as from other organizations. You may view the sources of the data by selecting “Sources” in the dropdown menus for Supply Data, Demand Data, Finance and Investment Data, and Ownership and Vacancy Data on this page: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/quarterly_commentary.html.

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Does the U.S. Housing Market Conditions website have information on homeownership rates based on race?

You may create a table showing homeownership rates based on race, as well as for metro areas and by household age, household type, and by region, on the USHMC website here: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/hi_HOR.html.

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I am looking for data on minority homeownership rates by state and by city. Can you refer me to a source?

We recommend you review the Housing Vacancies and Homeownership statistics, available from the U.S. Census Bureau at https://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/index.html.

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Is there a list of future Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis available? Is there a method for requesting such an analysis?

Currently, there is no Comprehensive Marketing Analysis Report list or timeframe for completing any reports. These reports are generated when funding is available, on an as-needed basis. You can submit a request for an analysis to HUD User at helpdesk@huduser.gov. We will forward your request to the appropriate office within HUD.

I have found a document that’s listed on the HUD website as a publication, but cannot find it listed on HUD User. How can I obtain a printed copy?

To order a publication or to inquire if one is available from HUD User, you can visit the HUD User Webstore here: https://webstore.huduser.gov/catalog/index.php. Additionally, you can contact the HUD User Clearinghouse at 1 (800) 245-2691 to inquire about and order publications. There may be a fee for the publication to cover shipping and handling, which you can securely pay using your Visa or MasterCard.

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Is there a link or printed material available showing the minimum foundation requirements for manufactured homes? We are looking for something to illustrate the requirements (or processes) to realtors.

HUD User has a publication, Permanent Foundations Guide to Manufactured Housing available that may provide you with the information you seek. To order that publication, please contact our Clearinghouse toll-free at 1(800) 245-2691. There will be a nominal fee for the publication to cover shipping and production, which you can pay using your Visa or MasterCard. You may also order this publication online at: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/destech/permfound.html by clicking the order icon on that page. For additional information please visit the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs’ website at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/rmra/mhs/mhshome, and their frequently asked questions page at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/rmra/mhs/faqs. You can contact this office by phone at 1-800-927-2891 or by email at mhs@hud.gov.

I am a real estate broker. How do I become approved to sell HUD Homes?

You can find information on becoming qualified to sell HUD Homes under the “Who Can Sell Homes?” section found here: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/reo/hwtosell#Selling%20HUD%20Homes.

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I am a mortgage lender and am looking for your FHA Standards book and underwriting guidelines for FHA loans. Can you please help me find one or tell me where I can order one?

To obtain the information you are seeking, please use the link below and contact the FHA Resource Center.
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/fharesourcectr.

I am looking for some rules and regulations that govern the actions of HUD renters.

For rules and regulations regarding tenant rights and responsibilities, please visit: https://www.hud.gov/groups/tenants.

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Our bank is interested in learning about any programs that provide benefits for persons with disabilities who are beneficiaries of a Special Needs Trust. We have learned of possible HUD benefits (mainly rental assistance) when the beneficiary “rents” the residential property owned by the Special Needs Trust. Can you please direct me to any available programs?

HUD has local offices around the country and they are a good source of information about HUD’s programs and local efforts. Each state has a least one office, and some states have more than one. Please contact your state’s field office to obtain the information you need. You can find the contact information for local HUD offices on the HUD website at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/field_policy_mgt/localoffices.

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