HUD HCV Guidebook § 9.3
Effective Communication and Limited English Proficiency Requirements (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
PHAs must111 also ensure that communications and materials are provided in a manner that is effective for persons with hearing, visual, and other communication-related disabilities consistent with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and their implementing regulations. PHAs must provide appropriate auxiliary aids and services necessary to ensure effective communication, which includes ensuring that information is provided in appropriate accessible formats as needed, e.g., Braille, audio, large type, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters. See Section 504 requirements regarding effective communication requirements for persons with disabilities in 24 CFR 8.6 and ADA requirements at 28 CFR Part 35, Subpart D and 28 CFR part 36. In addition, for more information regarding effective communication requirements under the ADA, which are similar to the requirements under Section 504, see the U.S. Department of Justice’s Effective Communication guidance. In communications and making written information available to families, PHAs must 112 ensure that such information is available in appropriate languages to ensure access for persons with LEP. See HUD’s LEP guidance. For further information regarding LEP requirements, see www.lep.gov.
HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 9.3 establishes that Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are required to make their communications and written materials accessible to people with disabilities and to people with limited English proficiency (LEP). For individuals with hearing, visual, or other communication-related disabilities, this means providing auxiliary aids and services such as Braille, large print, audio formats, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters. For LEP individuals, materials must be made available in appropriate languages so that all families can meaningfully access program information.
Plain English — not legal advice.
While § 9.3 of the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook places these obligations directly on PHAs rather than private landlords, property owners participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program benefit from understanding these standards. Compliant PHAs will typically maintain procedures for producing accessible formats and translated materials, and operators working alongside PHAs should be aware that effective communication is a program-wide expectation rooted in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA. Familiarity with these requirements helps landlords coordinate smoothly with PHAs and understand the accessibility framework that governs the broader voucher program.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 9.3, tenants and applicants with disabilities have the right to receive program communications in accessible formats—such as Braille, large print, audio, or through a sign language interpreter—at no cost to them. Individuals with limited English proficiency are entitled to receive written program information in languages they can understand. Tenants who believe a PHA has not met these obligations may raise the issue directly with the PHA, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or seek guidance from a local tenant-rights organization.
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 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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