USDA to Host Listening Sessions on Decoupling Rental Assistant – Proposal to Improve and Maintain Rural Rental Housing and Keep Tenants in Their Homes

The following information was distributed by Rural Development on June 15, 2023:

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA will host listening sessions on July 19 and July 25. USDA is seeking feedback on a proposal to make changes to programs that will help improve and maintain rural rental housing and keep tenants in their homes.

Currently, once an owner of a USDA-financed property pays off a Multifamily Housing Direct Loan or the mortgage is terminated, the property is no longer eligible to receive Multifamily Housing Rental Assistance.

The proposed changes would ensure tenants of USDA-financed properties continue to receive rental assistance after property owners pay off the loan or the loan is terminated. The changes would also encourage property owners to seek third-party financing to make property improvements.

To learn more, read full Stakeholder Announcement.