24 C.F.R. § 982.205
§ 982.205 Waiting list: Different programs. (24 CFR Part 982)
Operative Text
(a) Merger and cross-listing—(1) Merged waiting list. A PHA may merge the waiting list for tenant-based assistance with the PHA waiting list for admission to another assisted housing program, including a federal or local program. In admission from the merged waiting list, admission for each federal program is subject to federal regulations and requirements for the particular program. (2) Non-merged waiting list: Cross-listing. If the PHA decides not to merge the waiting list for tenant-based assistance with the waiting list for the PHA's public housing program, project-based voucher program or moderate rehabilitation program: (i) If the PHA's waiting list for tenant-based assistance is open when an applicant is placed on the waiting list for the PHA's public housing program, project-based voucher program (including any owner-maintained waiting list), or moderate rehabilitation program, the PHA must offer to place the applicant on its waiting list for tenant-based assistance. (ii) If the PHA's waiting list for its public housing program, project-based voucher program (including any owner-maintained waiting list), or moderate rehabilitationis open when an applicant is placed on the waiting list for its tenant-based program, and if the other program includes units suitable for the applicant, the PHA must offer to place the applicant on its waiting list for the other program. (b) Other housing assistance: Effect of application for, receipt or refusal. (1) For purposes of this section, “other housing subsidy” means a housing subsidy other than assistance under the voucher program. Housing subsidy includes subsidy assistance under a federal housing program (including public housing), a State housing program, or a local housing program. (2) The PHA may not take any of the following actions because an applicant has applied for, received, or refused other housing assistance: (i) Refuse to list the applicant on the PHA waiting list for tenant-based assistance; (ii) Deny any admission preference for which the applicant is currently qualified; (iii) Change the applicant's place on the waiting list based on preference, date and time of application, or other factors affecting selection under the PHA selection policy; or (iv) Remove the applicant from the waiting list.
Under 24 CFR Part 982 § 982.205, public housing authorities (PHAs) have flexibility in how they structure waiting lists across different assisted housing programs — they may merge them into one or keep them separate. When lists are kept separate, the rule requires PHAs to offer cross-listing opportunities to applicants in certain circumstances, so that a person on one program's list is made aware of and offered placement on another open list. Separately, the rule prohibits PHAs from penalizing applicants based on their history with other housing assistance programs — meaning an applicant's prior application for, receipt of, or refusal of other housing subsidies cannot be used to deny listing, alter waiting list position, strip preferences, or remove the applicant from the list.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Section 982.205 primarily governs PHA administrative practices rather than private landlord conduct, but property owners participating in project-based voucher or moderate rehabilitation programs should understand how applicant pools are shaped by these rules. A compliant PHA operating under § 982.205 maintains cross-listing procedures that can affect the size and composition of the applicant pool available to participating landlords. Owners working with PHAs generally stay informed about how their PHA structures its waiting lists, as merged or cross-listed pools may influence the timeline and volume of referrals they receive.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 982.205, applicants for tenant-based assistance have a protected right to fair waiting list treatment regardless of their history with other housing subsidy programs — a PHA cannot use a prior application, receipt, or refusal of other assistance as a basis to exclude, demote, or remove someone from the voucher waiting list. If a PHA's waiting list for another program (such as public housing or project-based vouchers) is open when you apply for tenant-based assistance, the PHA is generally required to offer you placement on that list as well, and vice versa. Applicants who believe a PHA has violated these cross-listing or anti-retaliation requirements under § 982.205 may consider filing a complaint with HUD, raising the issue directly with the PHA's grievance process, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on 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 4, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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