24 C.F.R. § 982.303
§ 982.303 Term of voucher. (24 CFR Part 982)
Operative Text
(a) Initial term. The initial term of a voucher must be at least 60 calendar days. The initial term must be stated on the voucher. (b) Extensions of term. (1) At its discretion, the PHA may grant a family one or more extensions of the initial voucher term in accordance with PHA policy as described in the PHA Administrative Plan. Any extension of the term is granted by PHA notice to the family. (2) If the family needs and requests an extension of the initial voucher term as a reasonable accommodation, in accordance with part 8 of this title, to make the program accessible to a family member who is a person with disabilities, the PHA must extend the voucher term up to the term reasonably required for that purpose. (c) Suspension of term. The PHA must provide for suspension of the initial or any extended term of the voucher from the date that the family submits a request for PHA approval of the tenancy until the date the PHA notifies the family in writing whether the request has been approved or denied. (d) Progress report by family to the PHA. During the initial or any extended term of a voucher, the PHA may require the family to report progress in leasing a unit. Such reports may be required at such intervals or times as determined by the PHA.
Under 24 CFR Part 982 § 982.303, a Housing Choice Voucher must carry an initial search term of at least 60 calendar days, with that deadline printed on the voucher itself. A Public Housing Authority (PHA) may extend that term at its discretion according to its Administrative Plan, and must extend it when a family requests more time as a reasonable accommodation for a household member with a disability. The clock on the voucher is also paused—suspended—while the PHA is reviewing a submitted request for tenancy approval, and the PHA may ask families to provide periodic progress updates during their search.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers working with Housing Choice Voucher holders should be aware that under § 982.303, a voucher's validity period is governed by the issuing PHA's policies and any extensions or suspensions it grants. Because the voucher term is suspended while a tenancy-approval request is under PHA review, operators generally submit complete and timely request packages to avoid unnecessary delays that could affect a prospective tenant's search window. Compliant operators also stay familiar with the PHA's Administrative Plan, which outlines the conditions under which extensions are granted, so they can set realistic expectations with applicants.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 982.303, your voucher must give you at least 60 days to search for a unit, and that deadline should be printed on the voucher itself. If you have a household member with a disability and need more time to find an accessible or suitable unit, you have the right to request an extension as a reasonable accommodation, which the PHA is required to grant for as long as reasonably necessary. If your voucher term is running short, you may contact your PHA to ask about discretionary extensions, check whether a pending tenancy-approval request has paused your clock, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on your 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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