USDA Updates Income Rules for Rural Rental Housing Programs
Published Date: 4/13/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting April 13, 2026, the USDA is updating how it calculates yearly household income and family assets for folks living in certain rural rental and farm labor housing programs. These changes make sure income rules match a 2016 law, helping keep housing affordable and fair. If you live in or manage these homes, expect some new ways to report income and assets that could affect your rent or eligibility.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Change to How Annual Income Is Calculated
Starting April 13, 2026, annual household income for tenants in Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing will be calculated using the HUD rule at 24 CFR 5.609(a) and (b). You must continue to certify your household income annually, and this change could affect your rent or eligibility for these USDA rural rental and farm labor housing programs.
New Method for Calculating Net Family Assets
Beginning April 13, 2026, net family assets for tenants in Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing will be calculated in accordance with HUD's rule at 24 CFR 5.603(b). This change may affect whether you qualify for reduced rent or eligibility since asset treatment will follow the HUD definition.
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