HUD Handbook 4350.3 § 1-6

A.     Organization of Chapters

              To help show the similarities across programs, this handbook is structured
              topically (e.g., eligibility, determining income, and calculating tenant rents) rather
              than by program. After introducing the key civil rights and nondiscrimination
              requirements applicable to these properties, the handbook describes the relevant
              procedures and requirements organized by the major types of occupancy
              functions (e.g., eligibility determination, waiting list management). It covers the
              requirements at key steps in admitting tenants and also the occupancy
              responsibilities for owners and tenants after initial occupancy (e.g.,
              recertifications, unit transfers).

       B.     Format

              Each chapter describes the key requirements and procedures relevant to that
              topic. The handbook also uses several types of helpful aids to assist the reader
              in understanding program requirements. These include:

              1.      Examples. These are brief descriptions of situations that help explain the
                      occupancy topic being covered.

              2.      Figures. These are reference charts, tables, or technical information.

              3.      Exhibits. Exhibits are similar to figures but are usually more detailed
                      charts with technical information or samples of documents. Exhibits are
                      identified in the text of a chapter, but they appear at the end of a chapter
                      to avoid interrupting the narrative flow.

              4.      Glossary. The glossary contains definitions of key technical terms used
                      in the handbook.

              5.      Appendices. Appendices contain more extensive technical information,
                      sample formats, forms, and instructions for preparing forms. Appendices
                      appear at the end of the handbook.

6.      Index. The index provides key paragraph and page references for
                      important terms and technical concepts covered in this handbook.

       C.     Key Terms

              1.      There are a number of key technical terms used in this handbook, which
                      are defined in the Glossary because they have very specific definitions
                      established by federal statute, regulations, or program requirements. At
                      the beginning of each chapter, a figure provides a list of the key terms
                      used in that chapter, which are defined in the Glossary. It is important
                      that readers familiarize themselves with the definitions of these terms
                      presented in the Glossary, as well as with the content of the chapter.

              2.      Uses of “Disability” and “Persons with Disabilities”. In this handbook, the
                      terms “disability” and “persons with disabilities” have more than one
                      definition.

                      a.     One set of definitions for these terms are used when determining
                             a family’s eligibility under multifamily subsidized housing programs
                             that assist persons with disabilities. See Figure 3-6 and the
                             Glossary for the definitions used when determining eligibility.

                      b.     Separate and distinct definitions of these terms apply to
                             requirements and procedures addressing civil rights protections.
                             See the Glossary for these definitions.

                      c.     See paragraph 2-23 for more information about the use of these
                             terms in the handbook.