Earlier today, HUD sent an email announcing that the initial chapters of a New Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Guidebook have been published. As the email states, guidebooks consolidate “into one document the requirements outlined in several publications: regulatory requirements, PIH Notices, Federal Register Notices, and other forms of guidance issued by HUD.” Given the complexity of navigating between several layers of regulation and guidance, having a single place to view all of a program’s rules and requirements is essential.

The three chapters that have been completed and can be read online are the following:

• “Eligibility Determination and Denial of Assistance“;
• “Moves and Portability“; and
• “Rent Reasonableness.”

Chapters still being worked on include the following:

• “Fair Housing Requirements”;
• “Waiting List & Tenant Selection”;
• “Housing Search and Leasing”;
• “HAP Contracts”;
• “Payment Standards”;
• “Calculating Rent & Housing Assistance Payments (HAP)”;
• “Utility Allowance”;
• “Terminations”;
• “Informal Hearings & Reviews”; and
• “Special Housing Type.”

NAHRO applauds HUD updating their Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook. During the summer of 2018, NAHRO sent a letter to HUD noting the importance of the guidebooks and urging HUD to prioritize updating them.

The HCV Guidebook can be accessed here.