The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently issued this letter to public housing authority (PHA) Executive Directors regarding the five self-implementing portions of the Housing Opportunities through Modernization Act (HOTMA) (Pub. L. 114-201) that was signed into law on July 29, 2016. According to this guidance, which is also expected to be transmitted through a Federal Register notice soon, the following HOTMA sections are effective immediately:

Section 102(d) – Reasonable Accommodation Payment Standards

Section 107 – Establishment of Fair Market Rent

Section 110 – Family Unification Program for Children Aging out of Foster Care

Section 113 – Preference for US Citizens or Nationals (applicable in Guam only)

Section 114 – Exception to Public Housing Agency Resident Board Membership Requirements (applicable to PHAs in specified jurisdictions)

As the letter points out, all remaining HOTMA sections impacting the housing choice voucher and public housing programs will only become effective upon HUD’s issuance of an applicable notice or regulation for those provisions. Until then, PHAs must continue operate under current housing regulations.