March 11, 2026
On March 2, 2026, HUD published a proposed rule that would allow Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to implement work requirements and time limits for non-elderly, non-disabled Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holders. Participation would be strictly opt-in, limited to well-performing PHAs that choose to adopt the new policies.
What HUD Is Proposing
The proposed rule would give PHAs the option to implement work requirements for work-eligible adults and term limits for non-elderly, non-disabled families receiving assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher program. Elderly residents and individuals with disabilities would be exempt.
HUD cites two primary data points to justify the change. Between 2010 and 2024, the average length of stay for non-elderly, non-disabled HCV households increased from 5.4 years to 7.7 years. Additionally, in 2024, approximately 43 percent of non-elderly, non-disabled HUD-assisted households had no member with wage income. HUD frames the proposal as a way to promote self-sufficiency and address the affordable housing shortage by cycling vouchers more frequently to households on waiting lists.
PHAs that opt in would be required to offer supportive services to help residents meet any work requirements or term limits imposed.
What This Means for HCV Landlords
More than 2.3 million families currently use HCVs to rent housing from private market landlords. If a local PHA adopts term limits, landlords leasing to voucher holders could see increased tenant turnover as households reach the end of their assistance period. PHAs are not required to adopt these policies, so impact may vary significantly by market.
Comment Period Open Through May 1, 2026
HUD is accepting public comments on the proposed rule through May 1, 2026. NARPM encourages members to review the rule and consider how these changes could affect their participation in the HCV program.
Submit comments at www.regulations.gov — reference Docket No. FR-6520-P-01.
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