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HUD Federal Policy

Where the rules for the Housing Choice Voucher program come from.

The Housing Choice Voucher program is authorized by Section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, which is where the program’s popular name comes from. HUD writes the regulations; local housing agencies administer the program under those rules and their own administrative plans.

Key regulations

  • 24 CFR Part 982 — the main regulations for the tenant-based Housing Choice Voucher program, including eligibility, unit approval, rent reasonableness and owner requirements. Read on eCFR ↗
  • 24 CFR Part 5 — general HUD program requirements such as income definitions and verification.
  • Fair housing laws — the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing. Some states and cities also prohibit discrimination based on source of income, including vouchers. HUD Fair Housing ↗

Rent reasonableness

Housing agencies must confirm that the rent for an assisted unit is reasonable compared with similar unassisted units, considering location, size, type, quality, age, amenities and utilities. Our Rent Comparables and Rent Reasonableness tools for housing agencies use listings on FreeSection8 as a starting point for that comparison.

Guidance and notices

HUD issues guidebooks and PIH notices that explain and update program policy. See HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher pages for current guidance.

General information only — not legal advice.