Last modified on May 16th, 2023
By Marc Frenkiel

Understanding, managing, and staying compliant with affordable housing regulations is no simple task. Here’s a roundup of some resources that can help.

General overview

For an overview of all the affordable housing programs available to developers, operators, and renters, including Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs Choice Neighborhoods, HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and more, check out Local Housing Solution’s Federal Programs for Affordable Housing page. 

HCV, PBV, and PBRA

Housing Choice Vouchers are a tenant-based HUD subsidy where the voucher stays with the individual or family regardless of where they choose to live. You can find more information on the HUD website.

Under the HCV umbrella is the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program. Another form of Section 8 assistance, separate from the HCV program, is Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA). For clarity on the differences between the two programs, check out Rental Assistance Demonstration Fact Sheet #4.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) 

LIHTCs are tax credits for affordable rental housing development. What better resource to understand the program than The Tax Policy Center’s Briefing Book?

HOME and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Guidebook

HOME is another important federal grant to create affordable housing and is often used in conjunction with LIHTCs to finance affordable rental housing development. This detailed guidebook gives great detail on both programs and helps HOME Program Participating Jurisdictions (PJs) better understand how to assess HOME-LIHTC applications and how to remain compliant for successful development of affordable rental projects. 

CPO™ course

The National Affordable Housing Management Association’s Certified Professional of Occupancy™ (CPO™) course is a comprehensive program that covers HUD Handbook 4350.3. The course covers topics from eligibility, standards, tenant selection, and screening to allowances, adjusted income, certifying tenants, and more. 

National Low Income Housing Coalition

NLIHC’s goals are to preserve existing federally assisted homes and housing resources, expand the supply of low income housing, and establish housing stability as the main purpose of federal low income housing policy. Their annual reports are very well researched with timely updates. You can find them all here. 

HUD User

Managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R), HUD User provides research, publications, and datasets managing housing, community development, and more.

For renters

HUD is a great resource for renters seeking affordable housing. One of the tools is an interactive map that pinpoints multifamily properties with subsidized rents. Check it out here. 

Managing affordable housing requires a great amount of education, and these resources are just the tip of the iceberg. To learn more about how you can overcome affordable housing challenges, download the free guide below.