24 C.F.R. § 982.452
§ 982.452 Owner responsibilities. (24 CFR Part 982)
Operative Text
(a) The owner is responsible for performing all of the owner's obligations under the HAP contract and the lease. (b) The owner is responsible for: (1) Performing all management and rental functions for the assisted unit, including selecting a voucher-holder to lease the unit, and deciding if the family is suitable for tenancy of the unit. The fact that an applicant is or has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking is not an appropriate basis for denial of tenancy if the applicant otherwise qualifies for tenancy. (2) Maintaining the unit in accordance with HQS, including performance of ordinary and extraordinary maintenance. For provisions on family maintenance responsibilities, see § 982.404(a)(4). (3) Complying with equal opportunity requirements. (4) Preparing and furnishing to the PHA information required under the HAP contract. (5) Collecting from the family: (i) Any security deposit. (ii) The tenant contribution (the part of rent to owner not covered by the housing assistance payment). (iii) Any charges for unit damage by the family. (6) Enforcing tenant obligations under the lease. (7) Paying for utilities and services (unless paid by the family under the lease). (c) For provisions on modifications to a dwelling unit occupied or to be occupied by a disabled person, see 24 CFR 100.203.
Under 24 CFR Part 982 § 982.452, owners who participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program bear full responsibility for meeting their obligations under both the Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract and the lease. This includes keeping the unit in safe and habitable condition, following fair housing and equal opportunity rules, and handling the financial and administrative side of the tenancy—such as collecting security deposits and tenant rent contributions. Notably, the rule explicitly bars owners from rejecting an applicant solely because that person has experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, provided the applicant is otherwise eligible.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Owners operating under 24 CFR Part 982 § 982.452 are generally expected to manage all aspects of the rental relationship for their assisted unit, from tenant screening through lease enforcement, while remaining in full compliance with their HAP contract. Compliant operators keep the unit meeting Housing Quality Standards (HQS) at all times—covering both routine upkeep and larger repairs—and submit required documentation to the Public Housing Authority (PHA) on schedule. They also take care to apply equal opportunity requirements throughout the screening process, recognizing that an applicant's status as a survivor of domestic violence or related offenses cannot serve as a basis for denial under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 982.452 of 24 CFR Part 982 establishes that the owner—not the tenant—carries the primary burden of maintaining the unit to HQS standards, fulfilling HAP contract duties, and complying with equal opportunity rules. Tenants who believe an owner has failed these obligations may have grounds to raise the violation with their local Public Housing Authority, which administers the voucher program and has oversight authority over HAP contracts. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help voucher holders understand what remedies may be available, including protections specifically afforded to survivors of domestic violence under this provision.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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