HUD HCV Guidebook § 5
Higher Utility Allowance as a Reasonable Accommodation (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
A PHA must23 approve a utility allowance amount higher than the applicable amount on its utility allowance schedule if a higher allowance is needed as a reasonable accommodation to make the program accessible to, and usable by, a family member with a disability. The family may request the higher allowance and should provide the PHA with information to determine the amount of additional allowance required. For example, if the PHA determined that a family member had a disability that required such accommodation, the PHA would be required to approve a family’s request for an allowance for air conditioning in a locality 22 24 CFR § 982.517(c)(2) 23 24 CFR § 982.517(e) where most rental units do not have air conditioning. For additional information on the requirement to make reasonable accommodations, please refer to 24 CFR part 100, 24 CFR part 8, and 28 CFR part 35.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 5 (citing 24 CFR § 982.517(e)), a Public Housing Authority (PHA) is required to approve a utility allowance that exceeds its standard schedule when a higher amount is necessary to make the Housing Choice Voucher program accessible to a family member with a disability. This obligation is part of the broader reasonable accommodation framework under federal fair housing and disability rights law. The rule applies regardless of whether the requested utility type — such as air conditioning — is commonly found in the local housing market.
Plain English — not legal advice.
While this provision primarily governs PHAs rather than private landlords, property owners participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program should be aware that under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 5, a family's approved utility allowance may be higher than the standard schedule amount due to a disability-related reasonable accommodation. Operators generally maintain awareness of how adjusted utility allowances can affect the total housing assistance payment calculation for a given unit. Staying informed about a family's approved allowance helps ensure accurate rent and subsidy accounting throughout the tenancy.
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 § 5, families with a member who has a disability have the right to request a utility allowance higher than the PHA's standard schedule if the higher amount is needed to make the program accessible. To pursue this, a family generally submits a written request to their PHA and provides supporting information — such as documentation of the disability and the estimated additional utility cost — to help the PHA determine the appropriate amount. Tenant-rights organizations and HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can be resources for understanding how to navigate the reasonable accommodation request process 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 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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