Subsidized Housing Laws and Regulations

Find out which laws and regulations affect a subsidized housing provider

By B. Lumadue

Subsidized housing laws and regulations affect landlords, tenants and those involved with the construction, conversion or maintenance of government housing programs. There are several subsidized housing programs available from the federal government. These programs are administered by state and local agencies.

The most well known is the Section 8 program from the Office of Housing and Urban Development. In this program, eligible tenants pay a portion of monthly rental fees and the government pays the difference. Other subsidized programs include the rural equivalent of Section 8 housing and multi-family housing projects. Subsidized housing information and regulations can affect you if you are:

1. A landlord listing rental spaces in a subsidized housing directory;

2. A manufacturer of government subsidized housing or a contractor seeking work with the government;

3. An investor or owner of multi-family housing projects.

Find subsidized housing laws

Subsidized housing began with the Housing Act of 1937, also known as the Wagner-Steagle Act. The goal of the act was to create safe and affordable housing to low-income citizens and replace slums and poor housing conditions. Numerous other laws and regulations have been passed since the initial act. These programs are regulated by a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Try: Historical information about the Housing Act of 1937 is available from the Trustees of Hamilton College website. The National Housing Law Project lists recent regulations and legislation that affects subsidized housing tenants and landlords. The U.S. Department of Agriculture details eligibility and other regulations of the Section 515 Rural Housing program.

Get a subsidized housing list of landlord obligations and rights

Landlords in subsidized housing generally have the same obligations and rights as private landlords. They may evict tenants for unpaid rent, damages or illegal usage, as long as they notify the local housing authority and give the tenant written notice and follow local eviction laws. They are responsible for inspection and repairs to the properties and for screening applicants. While they are encouraged to offer fair market rent, they can charge higher rent, but the lessee will have to pay the difference in rental fees.
Try: The National Landlord Tenant Guide lists landlord and tenant obligations for subsidized housing. HUD User lists fair market rents nationwide. Landlord responsibilities and rights are detailed on the Affordable Housing Network and GPO Access websites.

Get information on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit for a subsidized housing provider or investor

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program allows companies that invest in low-income housing to receive tax credits. The first step for an agency developing a qualified project is to check with state and local officials or experienced consultants.
Try: The National Association of Realtors provides articles and information about the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. See Danter and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials websites for more information about regulations and requirements.

Find subsidized housing regulations for manufacturers and contractors

Companies and individuals involved in subsidized housing services are subject to specific regulations and requirements. This includes those who contract with the government to build or provide services and those who provide manufactured houses.
Try: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development specifies methods for building compliant manufactured homes based on the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. State or local requirements may supersede these standards if they are more stringent. Contractors that wish to work on housing construction projects for the federal government must register at the Central Contractor Registration website before responding to proposals.