HUD Clarifies Review Process for Multifamily Property Owner’s Fair Housing Marketing Plans

On September 22, HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing Programs Ben Metcalf issued a memorandum clarifying previous guidance on the review and approval of multifamily property owners’ Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans (AFHMP). HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) is required to review initial AFHMPs for multifamily properties and any existing AFHMPs that have been updated based on the owner’s internal review and determination that the plan required modification.

Metcalf’s memorandum provides greater detail regarding the circumstances under which owners must submit updates to existing AFHMPs to FHEO for its review and approval. The new guidance also specifies that an AFHMP is required for projects new to multifamily assistance, including projects transitioning to the Project-Based Rental Assistance program through the Rental Assistance Demonstration Program. Additionally, the guidance stipulates that owners adopting a new residency preference in their admission policies must submit a modified AFHMP to FHEO for approval.