24 C.F.R. § 891.305
§ 891.305 Definitions. (24 CFR Part 891)
Operative Text
As used in this part in reference to the Section 811 Program, and in addition to the applicable definitions in § 891.105: Acquisition means the purchase of (or otherwise obtaining title to) existing housing and related facilities to be used as supportive housing for persons with disabilities. Congregate space (hereinafter referred to as community space) means space for multipurpose rooms, common areas, and other space necessary for the provision of supportive services. Community space does not include commercial areas. Disabled household means a household composed of: (1) One or more persons at least one of whom is an adult (18 years or older) who has a disability; (2) Two or more persons with disabilities living together, or one or more such persons living with another person who is determined by HUD, based upon a certification from an appropriate professional (e.g., a rehabilitation counselor, social worker, or licensed physician) to be important to their care or well being; or (3) The surviving member or members of any household described in paragraph (1) of this definition who were living in a unit assisted under this part, with the deceased member of the household at the time of his or her death. Owner means a single-asset private nonprofit organization established by the Sponsor that will receive a capital advance and project rental assistance payments to develop and operate, as its legal owner, supportive housing for persons with disabilities under this part. The purposes of the Owner must include the promotion of the welfare of persons with disabilities. The Owner may not be controlled by or under the direction of persons or firms seeking to derive profit or gain therefrom. Person with disabilities shall have the meaning provided in Section 811 (42 U.S.C. 8013(k)(2)). The term “person with disabilities” shall also include the following: (1) A person who has a developmental disability, as defined in section 102(7) of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. 6001(5)), i.e., if he or she has a severe chronic disability which: (i) Is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments; (ii) Is manifested before the person attains age twenty-two; (iii) Is likely to continue indefinitely; (iv) Results in substantial functional limitation in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: (A) Self-care; (B) Receptive and expressive language; (C) Learning; (D) Mobility; (E) Self-direction; (F) Capacity for independent living; (G) Economic self-sufficiency; and (v) Reflects the person's need for a combination and sequence of special, interdisciplinary, or generic care, treatment, or other services which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. (2) A person with a chronic mental illness, i.e., a severe and persistent mental or emotional impairment that seriously limits his or her ability to live independently, and which impairment could be improved by more suitable housing conditions. (3) A person infected with the human acquired immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and a person who suffers from alcoholism or drug addiction, provided they meet the definition of “person with disabilities” in Section 811 (42 U.S.C. 8013(k)(2)). A person whose sole impairment is a diagnosis of HIV positive or alcoholism or drug addiction (i.e., does not meet the qualifying criteria in section 811 (42 U.S.C. 8013(k)(2)) will not be eligible for occupancy in a section 811 project. Private nonprofit organization means any institution or foundation: (1) That has tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); (2) No part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any Board member, founder, contributor, or individual; (3) That has a governing board; (i) The membership of which is selected in a manner to assure that there is significant representation of the views of the community in which such housing is located (including persons with disabilities); and (ii) That is responsible for the operation of the housing assisted under this part; and (4) That is approved by HUD as to financial responsibility. Sponsor means any nonprofit entity: (1) That has tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); (2) No part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder, member, founder, contributor or individual; (3) That is not controlled by or under the direction of persons or firms seeking to derive profit or gain therefrom; (4) That has a governing board the membership of which is selected in a manner to assure that there is significant representation of the views of persons with disabilities; and (5) That is approved by HUD as to administrative and financial capacity and responsibility.
Section 891.305 establishes the core vocabulary used throughout the Section 811 Program, defining terms such as 'disabled household,' 'Owner,' 'Sponsor,' 'person with disabilities,' and 'private nonprofit organization.' These definitions set the eligibility boundaries for who may live in Section 811 supportive housing and what kinds of entities may develop and operate it. The rule draws clear lines around nonprofit governance, HUD approval requirements, and the disability criteria that determine program access.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Owners and Sponsors operating under 24 CFR Part 891 § 891.305 must be structured as single-asset or nonprofit entities with 501(c)(3) status, governing boards that represent community and disability perspectives, and no profit-seeking control. A compliant Owner maintains organizational documents demonstrating that its purposes include promoting the welfare of persons with disabilities and that it has received HUD approval for financial responsibility. Operators generally ensure that only households meeting the 'disabled household' definition under § 891.305 are admitted to assisted units.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 24 CFR Part 891 § 891.305, eligibility for Section 811 housing turns on whether a household qualifies as a 'disabled household' as that term is defined, including specific criteria for developmental disabilities, chronic mental illness, and HIV or substance-use conditions. Prospective or current residents who believe they meet these definitions but have been denied occupancy may raise the definitions in § 891.305 when seeking review of an eligibility determination. Tenant-rights organizations and HUD's fair housing resources can help individuals understand how these definitions apply to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 4, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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