HUD Handbook 4350.3 § 6-21
Charges at Initial Occupancy (HUD Occupancy Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4)
Operative Text
Owners must not collect any money from tenants at initial occupancy other than rent and
the maximum HUD-allowed security deposit, unless they receive HUD approval to do
otherwise.
Reminder!
An owner of housing specifically designed for occupancy by the
elderly and persons with disabilities may also collect a pet deposit
at initial occupancy. See paragraphs 6-10 and 6-24 of this
handbook and HUD Handbook 4350.1, Multifamily Asset
Management and Project Servicing, for further information and
details relating to pet rules and regulations subject to HUD
requirements.Under HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 6-21, the only charges a property owner may collect from a tenant at the time of initial move-in are rent and the maximum security deposit permitted by HUD. Any additional upfront charges require prior HUD approval. One notable exception applies to housing specifically designed for elderly residents or persons with disabilities, where a pet deposit may also be collected at initial occupancy in accordance with applicable HUD pet rules.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of HUD-assisted housing subject to § 6-21 of HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 generally limit move-in collections to rent and the HUD-approved maximum security deposit, obtaining written HUD approval before assessing any other charges. Owners of properties specifically designed for elderly residents or persons with disabilities may also collect a pet deposit at initial occupancy, provided they follow the pet rules outlined in paragraphs 6-10 and 6-24 of the handbook and HUD Handbook 4350.1. Maintaining clear documentation of all move-in charges and any HUD approvals received is a standard practice for compliant operators.
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 § 6-21 limits what an owner of HUD-assisted housing can charge at move-in to rent and the HUD-approved security deposit, unless HUD has specifically authorized additional charges. Tenants who believe they were assessed unauthorized move-in fees may have grounds to raise this as a concern with the property owner or file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with HUD-assisted housing can help explain what options may be available under this provision.
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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