HUD Handbook 4350.3 § 3-27
Verification of Family Composition (HUD Occupancy Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4)
Operative Text
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.HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 3-27 establishes that owners of HUD-assisted housing are permitted, but not required, to verify the composition of a household. When an owner does choose to verify family composition, that practice must be grounded in a clear written policy. Acceptable verification purposes include confirming how often children reside in the unit and determining the right unit size, and owners may also verify when a family member has reportedly moved out.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 3-27, compliant operators who choose to verify family composition establish and maintain a clear written policy before doing so, since verification without such a policy is not permitted. Operators typically use verification to confirm child-residency percentages and appropriate unit sizing, and may review documents such as a new lease, driver's license, or utility bill to confirm a reported departure. When documentary evidence cannot be obtained after reasonable efforts, a signed affidavit from the remaining head of household is an accepted alternative, and any additional sources used are drawn from Appendix 3 of the Handbook.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 3-27 makes clear that a property owner may only verify your household's composition if they have a clear written policy in place — verification is not automatically required of residents. If an owner asks for documentation about who lives in your unit or whether a family member has moved out, tenants can ask to see the written policy that authorizes that request. Tenants who believe a verification request falls outside what § 3-27 permits may contact a local tenant-rights organization, a HUD-approved housing counselor, or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to understand 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 25, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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