COVID-19: Is there any guidance on how to deal with rent-assisted housing - including Housing Choice Voucher; Project-Based Voucher (PBV); public housing; and Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) - residents that may be asked to stay home if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs and they then cannot meet their rent obligations due to a loss of income? What eviction prevention measures can be taken?

Assisted families in public housing – including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Project-Based Voucher programs, and Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program – currently have the ability to report decreases in income. Public Housing Authorities (PHA) may adjust the family share of the rent and grant hardship exemptions consistent with applicable regulations and the PHA’s policies. A decrease in family income is not the basis for a termination of tenancy action (HCV program) or eviction from public housing.

Considering these extraordinary circumstances, HUD encourages PHAs and Property Owners to prevent the displacement of families through eviction, which significantly increases the risk of homelessness and overcrowding.
 
Tribes and the Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE) administering the IHBG program are encouraged to use their discretion and best judgment to provide relief to residents who cannot meet their rent obligations under these circumstances.

Additional guidance related to Public and Indian Housing (PIH) and the COVID-19 pandemic is available at: 
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/covid_19_resources#5
 
If you are looking to see if your apartment is covered under the CARES Act eviction moratorium, you can search for FHA-insured or Multifamily Assisted properties at the following website: 
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/hsgrent/mfhpropertysearch
A HUD Multifamily Assisted property includes properties that receive HUD project-based assistance through its Section 8 rental assistance program; Section 202 Housing for Low-income Elderly; or Section 811 Housing for Persons with Disabilities programs; and formerly assisted Multifamily properties with continuing use restrictions.  Properties that are part of HUD’s Public and Indian Housing programs, including Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers, or Public Housing, or are participating in Community Development Block Grant programs, are not part of this database and will not appear in search results.
 
To locate your local Public Housing Agency, please visit the PHA Contact Information web page at: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts

The Public and Indian Housing (PIH) Information and Resource Center can answer questions regarding public housing and housing choice voucher programs and regulations.  The PIH Information and Resource Center can be reached at 1-800-955-2232.
 
If you’re among those financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you might be concerned about how to pay your mortgage or rent. Federal and state governments have announced plans to help struggling homeowners during this time. For more information, visit: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/guide-coronavirus-mortgage-relief-options/  
 
Benefits.gov is an online resource to help you find federal benefits you may be eligible for in the United States.  Visit https://www.benefits.gov/ for more information and a link to the Benefit Finder, to find information on government benefits you may be eligible to receive.
 

All policy information contained in this knowledge base article is based upon the referenced HUD policy document. Any lending or insuring decisions should adhere to the specific information contained in that underlying policy document.


Topic Number: KA-05451
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