HUD Handbook 4350.3 § 4-2
Key Terms (HUD Occupancy Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4)
Operative Text
A. There are a number of technical terms used in this chapter that have very
specific definitions established by federal statute or regulations, or by HUD.
These terms are listed in Figure 4-1 and their definitions can be found in the
Glossary to this handbook. It is important to be familiar with these definitions
when reading this chapter.
B. The terms “disability” and “persons with disabilities” are used in two contexts –
for civil rights protections, and for program eligibility purposes. Each use has
specific definitions.
1. When used in context of protection from discrimination or improving the
accessibility of housing, the civil rights-related definitions apply.
2. When used in the context of eligibility under multifamily subsidized
housing programs, the program eligibility definitions apply.
NOTE: See the Glossary for specific definitions and paragraph 2-23 for an
explanation of this difference.
Figure 4-1: Key Terms
Applicant Preferences
Application Preliminary application
Denial of tenancy or assistance Residency preference
Displaced person Screening
*Enterprise Income Verification (EIV)* Tenant selection plan
Income-targeting *Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)*
Market area Waiting listSection 4-2 of HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 establishes that a set of technical terms used throughout Chapter 4 carry precise definitions drawn from federal statutes, regulations, or HUD policy — not their everyday meanings. Notably, the terms 'disability' and 'persons with disabilities' carry different definitions depending on context: one set applies when civil rights protections and housing accessibility are at issue, and a separate set applies when determining eligibility for multifamily subsidized housing programs. Readers are directed to the Handbook's Glossary and paragraph 2-23 for the full definitions and an explanation of this distinction.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of HUD-assisted multifamily properties should be aware that § 4-2 signals that terms like 'disability,' 'screening,' 'tenant selection plan,' and 'waiting list' have regulatory meanings that may differ from common usage. A compliant operator typically consults the Glossary of HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 and paragraph 2-23 before drafting or applying tenant selection policies, to ensure that the correct definition of 'disability' is used depending on whether a civil rights or program-eligibility question is being addressed. Familiarity with the Figure 4-1 key terms list helps ensure that admissions and occupancy procedures align with HUD's specific requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 4-2 of HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4, applicants and residents of HUD-assisted multifamily housing have an interest in understanding that terms like 'disability' carry distinct legal meanings depending on whether a civil rights protection or a program eligibility question is involved. This distinction can be relevant when a person believes they have been improperly denied tenancy or assistance, or when seeking a reasonable accommodation. Tenant-rights organizations and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can be resources for understanding how these definitions apply in a given program context.
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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