HUD Handbook 4350.3 § 6-2
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 6-1, 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 6-1: Key Terms
Assisted tenant Minimum rent
Assistance animals Other person under the
tenant's control
Briefing
Pet deposit
Common household pet
Premises
Covered person
Security deposit
Currently engaging in
Service animals
Drug
Tenant
Drug-related criminal activity
Tenant consultation
Expected to reside
Tenant rent
Law enforcement agency
Total tenant payment
Lease
*Violence Against Women Act
Lease term (VAWA)*
Legitimate tenant organization Violent criminal activityHUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 6-2 establishes that a set of technical terms used throughout Chapter 6 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 the subject is civil rights protections and housing accessibility, and another applies when the subject is eligibility for multifamily subsidized housing programs. A reference list of these key terms, including concepts like "assistance animals," "covered person," "tenant rent," and "Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)," is provided in Figure 6-1, with full definitions available in the handbook's Glossary.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of HUD-assisted multifamily properties should be well-versed in the specific definitions outlined in § 6-2 of HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4, as misapplying a term like "assistance animals," "security deposit," or "currently engaging in" can affect compliance determinations. Compliant operators typically consult the handbook's Glossary and cross-reference paragraph 2-23 when a term such as "disability" arises, to ensure they are applying the civil rights definition versus the program eligibility definition in the correct context. Maintaining familiarity with the Figure 6-1 term list helps property managers apply consistent, federally grounded standards across leasing, occupancy, and tenant relations decisions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 6-2 of HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4, tenants in HUD-assisted multifamily housing have an interest in understanding that key terms governing their tenancy — such as "tenant rent," "assistance animals," "lease term," and "VAWA" — have specific federal definitions that may differ from common usage. The dual definition of "disability" is particularly significant: it means a housing provider's obligations under civil rights law and a program's eligibility rules may not be identical, and both frameworks can be relevant to a tenant's situation. Tenants who believe a term has been misapplied in their case may find it useful to review the handbook's Glossary, raise the issue with a HUD-approved housing counselor, or contact a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.