24 C.F.R. § 982.206
§ 982.206 Waiting list: Opening and closing; public notice. (24 CFR Part 982)
Operative Text
(a) Public notice. (1) When the PHA opens a waiting list, the PHA must give public notice that families may apply for tenant-based assistance. The public notice must state where and when to apply. (2) The PHA must give the public notice by publication in a local newspaper of general circulation, and also by minority media and other suitable means. The notice must comply with HUD fair housing requirements. (3) The public notice must state any limitations on who may apply for available slots in the program. (b) Criteria defining what families may apply. (1) The PHA may adopt criteria defining what families may apply for assistance under a public notice. (2) If the waiting list is open, the PHA must accept applications from families for whom the list is open unless there is good cause for not accepting the application (such as denial of assistance because of action or inaction by members of the family) for the grounds stated in §§ 982.552 and 982.553. (c) Closing waiting list. If the PHA determines that the existing waiting list contains an adequate pool for use of available program funding, the PHA may stop accepting new applications, or may accept only applications meeting criteria adopted by the PHA.
Under 24 CFR Part 982 § 982.206, when a public housing authority (PHA) opens its Section 8 voucher waiting list, it must announce the opening through a local newspaper of general circulation, minority media, and other appropriate channels, with the notice meeting HUD fair housing standards. The notice must specify where and when to apply, and may describe any limitations on who is eligible to apply. A PHA may also close or restrict its waiting list if it determines that the current pool of applicants is sufficient to use available funding.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Although 24 CFR Part 982 § 982.206 primarily governs PHA operations, property owners who participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program generally stay informed about local PHA waiting list status, since it affects the pipeline of voucher holders seeking units. Compliant PHAs publish opening notices through multiple channels—including minority media—ensuring broad outreach consistent with fair housing obligations. Landlords who understand this process are better positioned to anticipate voucher holder availability in their market.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 24 CFR Part 982 § 982.206, when a PHA opens its waiting list, it must publicly announce the opportunity through newspapers and minority media, and the notice must clearly state any restrictions on who may apply. If the list is open and you meet the stated criteria, the PHA generally must accept your application unless specific grounds for denial exist under §§ 982.552 and 982.553. Tenants who believe a PHA improperly refused their application may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or filing a complaint with HUD's fair housing office for guidance on available options.
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 4, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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