24 C.F.R. § 982.163
§ 982.163 Fraud recoveries. (24 CFR Part 982)
Operative Text
Under 24 CFR part 792, the PHA may retain a portion of program fraud losses that the PHA recovers from a family or owner by litigation, court-order or a repayment agreement.
Under § 982.163, when a public housing authority (PHA) successfully recovers money lost to program fraud—whether through a lawsuit, a court order, or a negotiated repayment agreement—federal regulations at 24 CFR Part 792 allow the PHA to keep a share of those recovered funds rather than returning the full amount to the federal government. This rule applies when fraud is committed by either a participating family or an owner in the Housing Choice Voucher program. The provision establishes the legal basis for PHAs to have a financial stake in pursuing fraud recovery.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Owners participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program should be aware that under § 982.163, a PHA has both the authority and a financial incentive to pursue fraud recoveries against owners found to have committed program fraud. Compliant operators generally maintain accurate documentation of unit conditions, rent amounts, and household information to avoid circumstances that could be characterized as fraudulent misrepresentation. When a PHA initiates a fraud recovery action, it may do so through litigation, a court order, or a repayment agreement, and it is permitted to retain a portion of any amounts it recovers under 24 CFR Part 792.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Families participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program should understand that § 982.163 gives PHAs the authority to recover funds lost to fraud and to retain a portion of those recoveries under 24 CFR Part 792. Recovery can be pursued through litigation, a court order, or a repayment agreement, meaning a PHA has multiple formal avenues available to it. Tenants who believe a fraud determination against them is incorrect may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider to understand what procedural rights and defenses may be available through the PHA's grievance process or other applicable channels.
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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