HUD Handbook 4350.3 § 9-2
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 9-1, 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 9-1: Key Terms
Enterprise Income Verification (EIV)
Improper PaymentsHUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 9-2 establishes that several technical terms used in Chapter 9 carry precise definitions set by federal statute, regulations, or HUD itself, and those definitions govern how the chapter is read. Notably, the terms "disability" and "persons with disabilities" carry different meanings depending on context: one set of definitions applies when the topic is civil rights protections or housing accessibility, and a separate set applies when the topic is 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 the distinction.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers administering multifamily subsidized housing programs should be aware that HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 9-2 requires careful attention to which definition of "disability" applies in a given situation — civil rights contexts and program eligibility contexts each invoke different standards. Compliant operators generally consult the handbook's Glossary and paragraph 2-23 before making determinations that hinge on these terms, ensuring that the correct definitional framework is applied. Keeping staff trained on this distinction helps avoid misapplication of eligibility rules or civil rights obligations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 CHG-4 § 9-2, tenants and applicants should know that the word "disability" does not have a single universal meaning in federally subsidized housing — it means something specific when it comes to protection from discrimination, and something different when it comes to program eligibility. If a housing provider's decision appears to rest on an incorrect or inconsistent use of these definitions, that distinction may be relevant to any complaint or appeal. Tenant-rights organizations and HUD's own resources, including the handbook's Glossary and paragraph 2-23, can help clarify which definition should apply in a given 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 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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