HUD Updates Privacy Rules for Tenant Rental Assistance Data
Published Date: 4/24/2026
Notice
Summary
HUD is updating how it handles info in its Tenant Rental Assistance system, which helps manage rental aid for tenants and property owners. These changes clarify who manages the data and how it’s shared, making sure payments stay accurate and secure. The update takes effect right away, with a comment period open until May 26, 2026—no extra costs involved.
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Who HUD Can Share Your Rental Data With
HUD updated the Tenant Rental Assistance Certification System (TRACS) routine uses to clarify who can get tenant and owner records. HUD may share records with contractors, Housing Authorities, private owners, Federal and State agencies, the Department of Justice, and other named entities for program operations, verification, and fraud detection.
HUD May Report Payments to the IRS
HUD may disclose records to the Internal Revenue Service to report payments using IRS Form 1099 or to report discharge of indebtedness when HUD determines it is relevant. This routine use is part of TRACS' updated list of record disclosures.
Immigration and SSA Checks for Eligibility
HUD will share TRACS records with the Social Security Administration and the Immigration and Naturalization Service to verify alien status and continued eligibility via the Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system. Those checks are used to confirm eligibility for HUD rental assistance.
TRACS Data Used for Lifeline Eligibility
HUD may disclose TRACS information to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to help establish eligibility for Lifeline, the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), and similar federal telecommunications benefit programs. This sharing can help families receiving HUD rental assistance show they qualify for those telecom discounts.
How Long HUD Keeps Your Records
TRACS retention rules keep some tenant records permanently and other records for set periods such as 25 years for many contract-related modules, 5 years before archiving vouchers, and 3 years for some tenant data archives. Specific periods include 25 years, 5 years, 3 years, and permanent transfers to the National Archives for certain tenant data.
Security Controls and Access Limits for TRACS
HUD says TRACS access is limited by user ID and password, role-based access, physical controls for paper records, and required annual agreement to the system's Rules of Behavior. These safeguards are used to protect tenant and owner data in TRACS.
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