24 C.F.R. § 960.103
§ 960.103 Equal opportunity requirements and protection for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (24 CFR Part 960)
Operative Text
(a) Applicable requirements. The PHA must administer its public housing program in accordance with all applicable equal opportunity requirements imposed by contract or federal law, including the authorities cited in § 5.105(a) of this title. (b) PHA duty to affirmatively further fair housing. The PHA must affirmatively further fair housing in the administration of its public housing program. (c) Equal opportunity certification. The PHA must submit signed equal opportunity certifications to HUD in accordance with § 903.7(o) of this title, including certification that the PHA will affirmatively further fair housing. (d) Protection for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The PHA must apply the requirements in 24 CFR part 5, subpart L (Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking).
Under § 960.103, public housing authorities are required to run their programs in a way that honors all applicable federal equal opportunity and fair housing obligations—not merely avoiding discrimination, but actively working to expand housing choice. PHAs must also certify these commitments to HUD in writing. Separately, the rule extends specific legal protections to individuals who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, incorporating a dedicated federal framework for those situations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Public housing authorities operating under § 960.103 generally maintain documented policies that align with federal equal opportunity requirements and submit signed certifications to HUD confirming their fair housing commitments. Compliant agencies also take affirmative steps—beyond passive non-discrimination—to promote fair housing throughout their programs. Additionally, operators implement the victim-protection framework found in 24 CFR part 5, subpart L, which governs how housing decisions may and may not be made when an applicant or resident has experienced covered forms of violence or abuse.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 960.103 means that a public housing authority cannot administer its program in ways that violate federal equal opportunity or fair housing law, and it must actively work to make housing more accessible—not simply avoid overt discrimination. If you have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, federal protections under 24 CFR part 5, subpart L apply to your public housing situation and may affect how the PHA handles your application or tenancy. Tenants who believe a PHA has failed to meet these obligations can raise the issue with their local PHA, file a fair housing complaint with HUD, or reach out to a tenant-rights organization for general information about available options.
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 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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