HUD Handbook 4350.3 § 4-23
General (HUD Occupancy Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4)
Operative Text
A. Once an owner has solicited applications and developed a waiting list for
applicants for whom no unit is immediately available, the owner must select
applicants from the waiting list and offer units in the order required by HUD rules
and owner policies. This section describes options for the owner and provides
guidance on how to carry out these activities.
B. When a unit becomes vacant, the owner must select the next applicant from the
waiting list based on the unit size available, preferences established for the
property, income-targeting policies and requirements, *disclosure and verification
of SSN(s)* and screening policies applied by the owner. The owner will select
the first name on the waiting list for the appropriate unit size (or list of names for
units reserved for disabled applicants) and make a final determination of eligibility
and suitability for tenancy, using the criteria described in Chapter 3, Sections 1
and 2, and the procedures in this section.HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 4-23 establishes how owners of HUD-assisted properties must fill vacant units. When a vacancy arises, the owner is required to work through the waiting list in order, taking into account the available unit size, any established preferences, income-targeting requirements, Social Security Number disclosure and verification, and the owner's screening policies. Eligibility and suitability for tenancy are then determined using the criteria set out in Chapter 3, Sections 1 and 2 of the same Handbook.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 4-23, compliant operators maintain a waiting list and fill vacancies by selecting applicants in the sequence the list requires, rather than on a discretionary basis. When a unit opens up, operators match the vacancy to the appropriate unit size, apply any property-specific preferences and income-targeting rules, confirm Social Security Number disclosure and verification, and run applicants through established screening criteria before making a final eligibility determination. Documenting each step of this process helps demonstrate adherence to HUD rules and owner policies.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 4-23 gives applicants on a waiting list the right to be considered for vacancies in the order established by HUD rules and the property's own policies, rather than at the owner's unchecked discretion. If an applicant believes they were skipped over or passed up in violation of these ordering requirements, they may raise that concern with the property's management, contact the local HUD field office, or reach out to a tenant-rights or fair housing organization for general information about available options. Keeping records of application dates, correspondence, and any notices received can be useful when pursuing a concern under this provision.
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 25, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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