HUD HCV Guidebook § 1
Chapter Overview (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
Public housing agencies (PHAs) are subject to civil rights and nondiscrimination laws and requirements. This
chapter provides an overview of the Federal civil rights laws and requirements that PHAs must follow in
administering the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program and offers guidance for implementation.
Federal laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status,
disability, and age. Federal fair housing and civil rights laws prohibit intentionally discriminatory practices, as
well as practices with an unjustified discriminatory effect. The major requirements include:
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
• Executive Order (E.O.) 11063, as amended by E.O. 12892;
• The Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended;
• The Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) obligation under the Fair Housing Act;
• The Age Discrimination Act of 1975;
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
• Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990;
• Violence Against Women Act of 1994, as amended (VAWA); and
• HUD’s generally applicable nondiscrimination and civil rights statutes, regulations, and Executive
Orders, which are outlined in HUD’s regulations at 24 CFR 5.105(a).
Additionally, PHAs may be subject to local and/or state statutes, regulations, or other authorities that prohibit
discrimination on other bases, such as source of income. This chapter addresses only Federal requirements,
but all recipients and subrecipients of HUD funding must comply with state and local fair housing and civil
rights laws, including those with additional protected classes.
When both Federal and state or local laws apply, or more than one Federal law applies, compliance with all
applicable laws is required. If one law provides greater protections or accessibility, the PHA must comply with
the provision that provides the greatest protections or affords the greatest fair housing rights. When multiple
laws or requirements apply, HUD encourages PHAs to seek legal counsel.HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 1 establishes that public housing agencies (PHAs) administering the Housing Choice Voucher program must comply with a broad set of federal civil rights and nondiscrimination laws. These laws bar discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, and age — covering both intentional discrimination and policies that produce an unjustified discriminatory effect. Where federal, state, and local laws overlap, the rule that affords the greatest protections governs, meaning compliance with the minimum federal standard is not always sufficient.
Plain English — not legal advice.
While § 1 of the HCV Guidebook is directed at PHAs rather than private landlords, property owners who participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program operate within the same federal civil rights framework it describes. A compliant HCV landlord generally ensures that tenant selection, lease terms, and unit accessibility practices align with the Fair Housing Act, Section 504, the ADA, and VAWA, among other laws listed in § 1. Because state and local laws may add protected classes — such as source of income — operators typically review applicable local ordinances alongside federal requirements to identify the standard that affords the greatest protections.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
HCV Guidebook § 1 affirms that tenants and applicants in the Housing Choice Voucher program are protected by multiple layers of federal civil rights law, including the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and VAWA, as well as any stronger state or local protections that may apply. A person who believes a PHA or participating landlord has engaged in discriminatory conduct may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which oversees HCV program compliance. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help individuals understand which federal, state, or local protections under § 1's framework may be relevant to their circumstances.
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 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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