HUD has published its final rule barring mixed-status households, which include both members with and without eligible immigration status, from long-term HUD rental assistance, including Housing Choice Vouchers and project-based assistance. Beginning December 14, 2026, all household members must verify U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status regardless of age. The rule ends a long-standing framework under which mixed-status households could receive assistance calculated on the number of eligible members, with no subsidy going to ineligible individuals. Prorated assistance will now be available only temporarily while verification is pending.
The final rule confirms NAR’s earlier guidance: Public housing agencies (PHAs), not private landlords, are responsible for verifying immigration status in the voucher program. Voucher landlords should continue working with their PHA as usual and should not request citizenship or immigration documents from tenants. Tenant questions about the new requirements should go to the PHA.
NAR will continue to monitor implementation of the rule.
