Compliance Resources
Your essential guide to affordable housing compliance. Find acronym definitions, regulatory links, and key resources all in one place.
Acronym Glossary
Common terms and abbreviations used in affordable housing compliance
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
A federal tax incentive created in 1986 to encourage private investment in affordable rental housing for low-income households.
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Tax Credits & Finance
Area Median Gross Income
The midpoint of a region's income distribution, used to determine tenant eligibility and rent limits.
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Tax Credits & Finance
Qualified Allocation Plan
A document that outlines the criteria a state housing finance agency uses to allocate LIHTC resources.
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Tax Credits & Finance
Housing Finance Agency
State-level agencies that allocate federal housing resources and administer housing programs.
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Tax Credits & Finance
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
The federal agency responsible for national policy and programs that address housing needs.
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Hud Programs
Project-Based Voucher
A rental assistance program where housing subsidies are attached to specific housing units.
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Hud Programs
Project-Based Rental Assistance
HUD rental assistance attached to specific multifamily properties rather than individual tenants.
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Hud Programs
Housing Assistance Payment
The monthly payment made by a Public Housing Agency to a landlord on behalf of a voucher holder.
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Hud Programs
Also known as Section 8, this program helps low-income families afford housing in the private market.
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Hud Programs
Tenant Income Certification
Documentation verifying a household's income eligibility for affordable housing programs.
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Compliance & Reporting
Enterprise Income Verification
HUD's system for verifying tenant income and identifying discrepancies in reported income.
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Compliance & Reporting
Uniform Physical Condition Standards
HUD's standards for evaluating the physical condition of assisted housing.
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Compliance & Reporting
Management and Occupancy Review
A comprehensive on-site review of a property's compliance with HUD requirements.
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Compliance & Reporting
Real Estate Assessment Center
HUD office that performs physical inspections and financial assessments of HUD properties.
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Compliance & Reporting
Area Median Income
The median household income for a specific geographic area, used for program eligibility.
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Property & Development
Rental Assistance Demonstration
A HUD program allowing public housing to convert to long-term Section 8 contracts.
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Property & Development
Community Development Block Grant
A HUD program providing annual grants for community development activities.
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Tax Credits & Finance
Single Room Occupancy
A form of housing with single rooms and often shared facilities, typically for very low-income individuals.
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Property & Development
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
A federal block grant program for affordable housing activities.
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Tax Credits & Finance
Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan
A plan to market housing to populations least likely to apply for housing without special outreach.
Fair Housing
Fair Housing Act
Federal law prohibiting discrimination in housing based on protected characteristics.
Fair Housing
Americans with Disabilities Act
Federal civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
Fair Housing
Regulatory Resources & Links
Official sources for compliance guidance, handbooks, and program information
Official HUD resources for multifamily housing compliance, including handbooks, notices, and guidance.
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HUD
IRS guidelines and resources for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit compliance requirements.
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Tax Credits
The comprehensive guide for occupancy requirements of subsidized multifamily housing programs.
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Handbooks
Access HUD's EIV system for income verification and compliance montoring.
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HUD
HUD's office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity resources and guidance.
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Fair Housing
Resources from state HFAs including QAPs, program guides, and compliance tools. O
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State Resources
Comprehensive database of income limits, rental limits, and program information.
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Tools
National Center for Housing Management certifications and training programs.
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Training