24 C.F.R. § 982.401
§ 982.401 Housing quality standards. (24 CFR Part 982)
Operative Text
As defined in § 982.4, HQS refers to the minimum quality standards developed by HUD in accordance with 24 CFR 5.703, including any variations approved by HUD for the PHA under 24 CFR 5.705(a)(3).
Under 24 CFR Part 982 § 982.401, Housing Quality Standards (HQS) are the federally established minimum conditions that housing units must meet to be eligible for the Housing Choice Voucher program. These standards are set by HUD under 24 CFR 5.703 and may include variations that HUD has specifically approved for a given Public Housing Authority under 24 CFR 5.705(a)(3). The rule essentially anchors the definition of acceptable housing quality to a federal baseline, while allowing for limited local adjustments where HUD has granted approval.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Owners and managers who participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program are generally expected to maintain their units in compliance with the HQS framework established under § 982.401, which incorporates the federal minimum standards found at 24 CFR 5.703. Compliant operators typically conduct regular property inspections and address any deficiencies before or promptly after a PHA inspection identifies them. Because a PHA may operate under HUD-approved variations per 24 CFR 5.705(a)(3), landlords often confirm with their local PHA whether any jurisdiction-specific standards apply to their units.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in the Housing Choice Voucher program have a right to housing that meets the minimum quality conditions established under § 982.401, which ties acceptable unit conditions to the HUD standards at 24 CFR 5.703. If a unit appears to fall below these standards, tenants can generally report concerns to their local PHA, which is responsible for conducting inspections and enforcing compliance. Tenant-rights organizations and HUD's own resources can help renters understand whether locally approved variations under 24 CFR 5.705(a)(3) affect the standards that apply in their area.
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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