42 U.S.C. § 1435
Access to books, documents, etc., for purpose of audit (THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (42 U.S.C.))
Operative Text
Every contract for loans or annual contributions under the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended [ et seq.], shall provide that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall, for the purpose of audit and examination, have access to any books, documents, papers, and records of the public housing agency entering into such contract that are pertinent to its operations with respect to financial assistance under the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended.
Under 42 U.S.C. § 1435, every contract involving federal loans or annual contributions tied to the United States Housing Act of 1937 must include a clause guaranteeing federal oversight access. Specifically, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Comptroller General — or their authorized representatives — are entitled to review any books, documents, papers, and records of a public housing agency that relate to how federal housing assistance funds are used. This provision ensures that federal auditors can examine financial and operational records as a condition of receiving federal housing support.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Public housing agencies and operators entering into contracts under 42 U.S.C. § 1435 are generally expected to maintain organized, accessible records covering all financial and operational activity tied to federal housing assistance. Compliant agencies typically ensure that books, documents, papers, and records pertinent to federally assisted operations are available upon request by HUD, the Comptroller General, or their authorized representatives. Routine recordkeeping practices that align with federal audit requirements help agencies demonstrate transparency and fulfill the contractual obligations embedded in their funding agreements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
For tenants living in federally assisted public housing, 42 U.S.C. § 1435 establishes that the housing agency managing their home is subject to federal audit oversight as a condition of its funding. This means federal authorities have the right to examine the agency's financial and operational records, which can serve as a mechanism for accountability in how public housing funds are administered. Tenants who have concerns about how their housing agency manages federal funds may find it useful to contact a local tenant-rights organization or reach out to HUD directly to understand what oversight channels are available to them.
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 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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