42 U.S.C. § 1437z–9
Data exchange standards for improved interoperability (THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE (42 U.S.C.))
Operative Text
The Secretary shall, in consultation with an interagency work group established by the Office of Management and Budget, and considering State government perspectives, designate data exchange standards to govern, under this chapter— necessary categories of information that State agencies operating related programs are required under applicable law to electronically exchange with another State agency; and Federal reporting and data exchange required under applicable law. The data exchange standards required by subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable— incorporate a widely accepted, nonproprietary, searchable, computer-readable format, such as the eXtensible Markup Language; contain interoperable standards developed and maintained by intergovernmental partnerships, such as the National Information Exchange Model; incorporate interoperable standards developed and maintained by Federal entities with authority over contracting and financial assistance; be consistent with and implement applicable accounting principles; be implemented in a manner that is cost-effective and improves program efficiency and effectiveness; and be capable of being continually upgraded as necessary. Nothing in this section requires a change to existing data exchange standards for Federal reporting found to be effective and efficient.
Section 42 U.S.C. § 1437z–9 directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, working with an OMB-led interagency group and with input from state governments, to designate official data exchange standards for electronic information sharing under the public housing statutes. These standards must favor open, widely accepted, machine-readable formats and interoperable frameworks, while remaining cost-effective and upgradeable over time. The provision also makes clear that existing federal reporting standards already deemed effective and efficient do not need to be replaced simply because this section exists.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers participating in HUD-assisted housing programs governed by 42 U.S.C. § 1437z–9 generally operate within a framework where the agencies administering those programs are expected to exchange data using federally designated, interoperable standards. Compliant housing operators typically ensure that any electronic reporting they submit to administering agencies aligns with the data formats and system requirements those agencies publish pursuant to this provision. Staying current with agency guidance on reporting platforms and file formats is a common practice among operators who want to avoid submission errors or delays tied to format incompatibility.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 42 U.S.C. § 1437z–9, tenants in HUD-assisted housing benefit indirectly from a framework designed to make the agencies that oversee their programs share information more accurately and efficiently with one another. When data exchange between agencies works as this provision intends, it can reduce administrative errors that sometimes affect eligibility determinations, benefit calculations, or program transfers. Tenants who believe an administrative error has affected their housing assistance may explore options such as requesting a grievance hearing through their housing authority, contacting a local tenant-rights organization, or reaching out to a HUD field office for guidance on how interagency data issues can be addressed.
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 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
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