usc 12 § 1715z–1b
Tenant participation in multifamily housing projects (BANKS AND BANKING (12 U.S.C.))
Operative Text
The purpose of this section is to recognize the importance and benefits of cooperation and participation of tenants in creating a suitable living environment in multifamily housing projects and in contributing to the successful operation of such projects, including their good physical condition, proper maintenance, security, energy efficiency, and control of operating costs. For the purpose of this section, the term “multifamily housing project” means a project which is eligible for assistance as described in or , or a project which receives project-based assistance under or enhanced vouchers under the Low-Income Housing Preservation and Resident Homeownership Act of 1990 [ et seq.], the provisions of the Emergency Low Income Housing Preservation Act of 1987, or the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997. The Secretary shall assure that— where the Secretary’s written approval is required with respect to an owner’s request for rent increase, conversion of residential rental units to any other use (including commercial use or use as a unit in any condominium or cooperative project), partial release of security, or major physical alterations or where the Secretary proposes to sell a mortgage secured by a multifamily housing project, tenants have adequate notice of, reasonable access to relevant information about, and an opportunity to comment on such actions (and in the case of a project owned by the Secretary, any proposed disposition of the project) and that such comments are taken into consideration by the Secretary; project owners not interfere with the efforts of tenants to obtain rent subsidies or other public assistance; leases approved by the Secretary provide that tenants may not be evicted without good cause or without adequate notice of the reasons therefor and do not contain unreasonable terms and conditions; and project owners do not impede the reasonable efforts of resident tenant organizations to represent their members or the reasonable efforts of tenants to organize. The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of this section not later than 90 days after .
Under 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–1b, federal law establishes that tenants living in certain federally assisted multifamily housing projects have a recognized role in the operation and upkeep of their housing. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development is required to ensure that tenants receive adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to comment before major ownership decisions—such as rent increases, unit conversions, or significant physical alterations—are approved. The provision also establishes that leases in covered projects must include good-cause eviction protections and reasonable terms, and that owners of these projects may not obstruct tenants from organizing or seeking public assistance.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Owners and managers of federally assisted multifamily housing projects covered by 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–1b generally maintain compliance by providing timely, adequate notice to tenants whenever they seek HUD approval for actions such as rent increases, major physical alterations, or unit conversions. Compliant operators also refrain from interfering with tenants' efforts to seek rent subsidies, other public assistance, or to form and operate resident organizations. Lease agreements in these projects are expected to include good-cause eviction standards and avoid terms that HUD would consider unreasonable under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants residing in federally assisted multifamily housing projects covered by 12 U.S.C. § 1715z–1b have federally recognized rights to notice and an opportunity to comment when an owner seeks HUD approval for significant actions affecting the property, such as rent increases or conversion of units. This provision also protects tenants' ability to organize resident groups and to pursue rent subsidies or other public assistance without owner interference, and it requires that leases include good-cause eviction protections. Tenants who believe these rights have been violated may consider contacting HUD directly, raising the provision in any relevant administrative proceeding, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about available options.
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 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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