HUD Handbook 4350.3 § 3-27

A.        Owners may seek verification of family composition only if the owner has clear
                    written policy. Verification is not required.

          B.        Owners may use a policy to verify family composition to determine whether
                    children reside in the household 50% or more of the time, as well as determine
                    the appropriate unit size for the family.

          C.        Owners may also want to verify the departure of family members reported to
                    have moved out by reviewing the lease signed by the departing member for a
                    new residence, a new driver’s license or utility bill showing the departed
                    member’s name and a new address or accepting a signed affidavit from the
                    remaining head of household when reasonable efforts to obtain verification have
                    been exhausted.

          D.        If an owner determines it necessary to verify family composition, information may
                    be collected from sources listed in Appendix 3.