Resident Rights and Responsibilities

Welcome to the Resident Rights & Responsibilities section for HUD-assisted multifamily housing programs. This resource is tailored for residents like you, who benefit from various HUD programs, excluding the Public Housing Program, Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Program, and the Housing Choice Voucher Program. Here, we’ve distilled key points from the HUD handbook to guide you in enjoying and maintaining your home to the fullest.

Your Rights

These rights are designed to empower you and provide a respectful, equitable living experience in your HUD-assisted home.

Rights Involving Your Apartment

As a resident in HUD-assisted housing, you are entitled to certain fundamental rights that ensure a quality living environment:

Decent, Safe, and Sanitary Housing: You have the right to a home that is free from environmental hazards, with access to proper sanitation, and that is maintained in good repair.
Timely Repairs: When it comes to repairs, you are entitled to have them performed in a prompt manner upon request. This is essential to maintaining the safety and livability of your home.
Lead-Based Paint Hazards: You have the right to be informed about the presence of any lead-based paint or related hazards in your home through a disclosure form before you are obligated under a lease.
Notice of Entry: Expect to be given reasonable notice, in writing, for any non-emergency inspection or entry into your apartment.
Eviction Protection: Your housing should be a stable environment. Therefore, you are protected from eviction except for specific causes stated in your lease, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Rent Recalculation: If your income decreases, you have the right to request a recalculation of your rent, so it remains affordable relative to your financial situation.
Access to Tenant File: Knowledge is power, and you have the right to access your tenant file. This transparency helps you stay informed about your tenancy and any decisions that affect you.

Rights Involving Resident Organizations

Building a community is a vital part of making a house a home. HUD supports this through several rights:

Freedom to Organize: You have the freedom to form resident organizations without fear of obstruction, harassment, or retaliation from property owners or management.
Distributing Information: Exercise your right to inform fellow residents by providing leaflets and posting materials in common areas about resident rights and community involvement opportunities.
Recognition by Management: Your resident organization has the right to be recognized by property owners and management as a valid voice in residential community affairs.
Use of Common Spaces: Resident organizations can use appropriate common spaces or meeting facilities to gather and discuss issues pertinent to the community (subject to a reasonable, HUD-approved fee).
Privacy in Meetings: You have the right to meet with your resident organization without the presence of property owner representatives or employees, fostering an environment for open and honest discussion.

Rights Involving Nondiscrimination

The foundation of any community is equality, and HUD enforces several regulations to protect this:

Fair Housing Act: Under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, you have the right to equal and fair treatment when using your building’s services and facilities, irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.
Reasonable Accommodations: If you or a family member has a disability, you are entitled to reasonable accommodations to ensure full enjoyment of your home and building facilities.
Equal Access Rule: HUD’s Equal Access Rule guarantees you the right to access HUD programs without discrimination based on your actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.

Your Responsibilities

By fulfilling these as outlined in “Resident Rights and Responsibilities,” you help create a positive environment for all residents and set a standard for quality living in your community.

To Your Property Owner or Management Company

Your lease is more than just a document; it’s a commitment between you and your housing provider. Here are your key responsibilities:

Lease Compliance: Abide by the terms and conditions of your lease agreement. This includes following all community rules and guidelines, which are in place to ensure a harmonious living environment for everyone.
Rent Payment: Pay your rent fully and on time each month. Timely payments are crucial to maintaining the financial stability and quality of services in your housing community.
Reporting Changes: Keep the lines of communication open. You must report any changes in income or family composition to your property management promptly. Accurate information helps ensure that your rent is set fairly and that you receive appropriate assistance.

To the Property and Your Fellow Residents

Living in a community setting means your actions contribute to the overall quality of life for your neighbors. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Conduct: Carry yourself in a manner that respects your neighbors’ peace and enjoyment. This includes observing quiet hours and using shared spaces considerately.
Cleanliness: Keep your apartment clean and sanitary. Ensure that exits and entrances are clear for safe and easy access.
Maintenance: Treat your home with care. Report any needed repairs or potential hazards to property management right away. Not only does this help maintain your living space, but it also contributes to the safety and aesthetics of the entire property.
Waste Disposal: Dispose of trash and recycling responsibly. Proper waste management is key to keeping your community clean and environmentally friendly.
Respect Common Areas: Shared spaces are for everyone’s benefit. Help maintain their condition and availability by following any posted guidelines.

Your Role in the Community

As a resident in HUD-assisted multifamily housing, you play a vital role in the ongoing dialogue that shapes your living environment. Participation in the decision-making process not only enhances your quality of life but also strengthens the community as a whole. Here’s how you can be involved:

Stay Informed: Be proactive in staying informed about the policies, changes, and developments pertaining to your property. Knowledge of ongoing issues allows you to contribute meaningfully to the conversation.
Notification Rights: You have the right to be notified about significant changes that may impact your residence, such as amendments to housing policies, adjustments in rent structures, or renovations to common areas.
Express Your Views: When notified, you are encouraged to provide feedback. Whether it’s a written comment, participation in a meeting, or through a representative of a resident organization, your perspective is invaluable.
Community Meetings: Attend and participate in community meetings hosted by property management. These forums are often the primary way through which changes are discussed and input is solicited.
Resident Organizations: Join or form resident organizations or councils. These groups often have a direct line of communication with property management and can be effective in voicing collective concerns or suggestions.
Decision-Making Processes: Engage in decision-making processes, especially when it involves aspects such as the maintenance of common areas, community services, and other amenities that affect your daily life.
Feedback on Services: Offer feedback on the quality of services provided. Whether it’s maintenance, security, or community programs, your honest feedback can lead to improvements.

Your active engagement demonstrates a commitment to the community and helps ensure that decisions made by property management and HUD reflect the needs and desires of the residents. By taking on this role, you help create a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice can be heard and where actions lead to the collective benefit of all residents.

Contacts for Additional Assistance

For additional help or information, you may contact:

Your property owner or the management company
The Account Executive for your property in HUD’s Multifamily Regional Center or Satellite Office. Refer to on-line resources for contact information
HUD’s National Multifamily Housing Clearinghouse at 1-800-685-8470 to report maintenance or management concerns
HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at 1-800-669-9777, if you believe you have been discriminated against
HUD’s Office of Inspector General Hot Line at 1-800-347-3735 to report fraud, waste, or mismanagement
HUD’s Housing Counseling Service locator at 1-800-569-4287 for the housing counseling agency in your community
The HUD-EPA National Lead Information Center 1-800-424-LEAD
Your local government tenant/landlord affairs office, legal services office, or tenant organizations to obtain information on additional rights under local and state law

If appealing a local HUD Office decision, you may contact the Director of the Office of Asset Management
and Portfolio Oversight in Washington, DC at 202-708-3730.

Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may reach the numbers above
through the Federal Relay (FedRelay) teletype (TTY) number, 800-877-8339, or by other methods shown
at www.gsa.gov/fedrelay.

ON-LINE RESOURCES:
• Department of Housing and Urban Development website: www.hud.gov
• The local HUD Field Offices: http://www.hud.gov/local Note: To locate your local field
office, select: Contact My Local Office (under the I Want To section)