HUD has changed a longstanding emergency call system requirement for certain elderly multifamily housing properties.
On September 10, 2026, HUD issued Notice H 2026-06, revising its Minimum Property Standards (MPS) for emergency call systems. The change makes these systems optional for certain elderly multifamily properties with 20 or more units.
However, the change does not apply to every senior property or every property with a Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract. Owners and agents should first determine whether their property falls within the scope of the notice.
What Changed Under HUD Notice H 2026-06?
Previously, HUD’s Minimum Property Standards required covered elderly properties with 20 or more living units to provide an emergency call system. Each unit needed a system in the bathroom and at one bed location.
Many properties met that requirement with traditional pull-cord systems. However, technology has changed significantly. Wireless and electronic emergency alert systems now offer additional options.
HUD also identified challenges with older systems. For example, inoperable equipment can give residents a false sense of security and may result in inspection findings. In addition, HUD says some owners have faced insurance challenges because insurers may view emergency call systems as liability risks.
As a result, HUD has removed Section 100-2.20, Emergency Call Systems, from the MPS Handbook. For properties covered by the notice, emergency call systems are now optional under this MPS requirement.
Does HUD’s Emergency Call System Change Apply to Your Property?
This is an important distinction for owners and agents.
Notice H 2026-06 does not apply broadly to all elderly or senior Section 8 properties.
The notice applies to elderly multifamily housing projects with 20 or more units that are subject to HUD’s Minimum Property Standards under:
- 24 CFR Part 200, Subpart S, which covers housing constructed under HUD mortgage insurance; or
- 24 CFR 891.120, as it applies to the Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program.
HUD specifically states that Minimum Property Standards do not apply to uninsured projects with Section 8 HAP Contracts unless they have Section 202/8 HAP Contracts.
Therefore, owners should confirm their property’s program and MPS status before acting on the new policy.
A Quick Applicability Check
Start with two questions:
Is the property an elderly multifamily property with 20 or more units?
Is it subject to HUD’s Minimum Property Standards because of HUD mortgage insurance or its Section 202 status?
If you’re unsure, review the property’s HUD program documents and agreements. You may also want to consult your compliance staff or the appropriate HUD contact.
What Should Owners Do With Existing Emergency Call Systems?
For covered properties, HUD’s instructions depend on whether the existing system works.
If the system is operable: Owners may continue to provide and maintain it. HUD does not require owners to remove working systems.
If the system is inoperable: HUD requires owners to remove inoperable pull-cord systems and other inoperable emergency call systems.
If an owner wants to remove an operable system: The owner must notify tenants in advance and consider their comments before removing it.
In other words, “optional” does not mean owners should immediately remove existing equipment. The condition of the system matters, and so do HUD’s tenant-notification requirements.
Check Other HUD Agreements Before Making Changes
The notice includes another important consideration.
A separate HUD business agreement, such as a grant agreement or contract, may require a property to maintain an emergency call system. The new MPS policy does not automatically remove that separate requirement.
However, HUD says owners may request an amendment to the agreement to remove the requirement under the revised policy.
Therefore, owners should review applicable HUD agreements before changing or removing an existing system.
What About Resident Welfare Checks?
HUD also addresses resident safety when a property does not have a functioning emergency call system.
HUD encourages owners to conduct regular welfare checks, especially for residents who live alone or have limited mobility.
Importantly, the notice does not establish a required schedule or procedure for those checks. Instead, HUD presents welfare checks as a recommended practice when a functioning emergency call system is not available.
What Owners and Agents Should Review Now
If you manage an elderly multifamily property, start by determining whether Notice H 2026-06 applies to your property.
Then:
- Confirm your property’s HUD program and MPS status.
- Review any HUD agreements that may separately require an emergency call system.
- Check the condition of your existing system and identify any inoperable equipment.
- Review tenant-notification requirements before removing an operable system.
- Read the full HUD notice before making changes.
HUD directs questions about the notice to AssetManagementPolicy@hud.gov.
Read HUD Notice H 2026-06 for the complete policy and applicability requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does HUD Notice H 2026-06 Apply to every senior property?
No. The notice applies to certain elderly multifamily properties with 20 or more units that are subject to HUD Minimum Property Standards. HUD says MPS do not apply to uninsured properties with HAP Contracts unless they have Section 202/8 HAP Contracts.
Are Emergency Call Systems Still Required in HUD Elderly Housing?
For properties covered by Notice H 2026-06, HUD has removed the emergency call system requirement from the MPS Handbook. However, a separate HUD agreement may still require a system.
Can a Property Owner Remove a Working Emergency Call System?
Yes, if the property is covered by the revised policy. However, the owner must notify tenants in advance and consider their comments before removing an operable system.
What Should Owners Do with Broken Pull-Cord Systems?
HUD requires owners of covered properties to remove inoperable pull-cord systems and other inoperable emergency call systems.
What Does HUD Recommend if a Property Does Not Have a Functioning Emergency Call System?
HUD encourages regular welfare checks, especially for residents who live alone or have limited mobility.
