Wednesday, March 7, 2012

HUD issues new rule on equal housing access

As of February 3, 2012, HUD has issued a new rule entitled "Equal Access to Housing in HUD Programs Regardless of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity."

From the announcement:

This rule will ensure that HUD programs, including programs administered by the Office of Community Planning and Development (e.g., CDBG, HOME, NSP, HOPWA) are open to all eligible individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
This rule became effective March 5, 2012. I encourage all CPD grantees to promptly review their policies to ensure consistency with the new rule. The rule includes the following central provisions:

HUD-assisted and HUD-insured housing, including housing acquired, rented, or rehabilitated with CPD funds, must be made available without regard to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.

The definition of “family” is revised to include families regardless of the actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status of its members.

See more.