Proposed Rule on Reducing Barriers to HUD-Assisted Housing Released

This morning, HUD published its “Reducing Barriers to HUD-Assisted Housing” proposed rule. The proposed rule would revise existing regulations that govern admission for applicants with criminal records or a history of involvement with the criminal justice system and eviction or termination of assistance of persons based on illegal drug use, drug-related criminal activity, or other criminal activity. The proposed rule would impact public housing, Section 8, the Section 221 (d)(3) below market rate program, and the Section 202, Section 811, and Section 236 programs. The proposed rule would continue to allow discretion to PHAs and owners for their admissions and continued occupancy policies while providing direction on adopting and implementing “fair, effective, and comprehensive admissions and termination policies.” Comments are due on June 10. NAHRO will provide members an in-depth analysis of the proposed rule in the coming days.