24 C.F.R. § 8.6
§ 8.6 Communications. (24 CFR Part 8)
Operative Text
(a) The recipient shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with applicants, beneficiaries, and members of the public. (1) The recipient shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids where necessary to afford an individual with handicaps an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. (i) In determining what auxiliary aids are necessary, the recipient shall give primary consideration to the requests of the individual with handicaps. (ii) The recipient is not required to provide individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices of a personal nature. (2) Where a recipient communicates with applicants and beneficiaries by telephone, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD's) or equally effective communication systems shall be used. (b) The recipient shall adopt and implement procedures to ensure that interested persons (including persons with impaired vision or hearing) can obtain information concerning the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities. (c) This section does not require a recipient to take any action that the recipient can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. If an action would result in such an alteration or burdens, the recipient shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, individuals with handicaps receive the benefits and services of the program or activity receiving HUD assistance.
Under 24 CFR Part 8 § 8.6, federally assisted housing programs must take active steps to communicate effectively with all applicants and participants, including people with disabilities. This means providing auxiliary aids—such as sign language interpreters or large-print materials—when needed to ensure equal participation, with the individual's own preferences given primary weight in deciding what aid is appropriate. Programs that use telephone communication must also offer TDD devices or equivalent systems for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These obligations apply unless providing a specific accommodation would fundamentally alter the program or impose undue financial or administrative burdens.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Recipients of federal financial assistance, such as HUD-funded housing providers, generally maintain procedures under § 8.6 that identify and supply auxiliary aids upon request, document how individual preferences were considered, and ensure telephone-based communications are accessible via TDD or equivalent technology. Compliant operators also keep publicly available information about where accessible services and facilities can be found. When a requested accommodation would create an undue burden, operators typically document that finding and identify an alternative that still maximizes access.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8.6 gives individuals with disabilities the right to request auxiliary aids from federally assisted housing programs, with their stated preferences carrying primary weight in the decision. If you believe a program has failed to provide effective communication access, options generally include raising the issue directly with the program's Section 504 coordinator, filing a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, or contacting a local tenant-rights or disability-rights organization for guidance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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