Do You Live in HUD or USDA Housing? Know Your Rights During the Government Shutdown

What happens during a government shutdown?
A government shutdown means that federal agencies must stop most activities until Congress passes a spending bill. Shutdowns can delay the receipt of many government benefits like rental assistance, Medicare, and SSI, especially if the shutdown lasts a long time.

I live in HUD or USDA housing, will I be affected?
Most tenants who live in HUD and USDA housing should not experience a disruption in their housing because of the shutdown. Continue to pay your portion of the rent. If the shutdown lasts past November, your rights might change and you should contact an attorney for updated information.

Check out our tenant flyer (available in English and Spanish) to learn more about your rights if you live in:

• HUD housing including Section 8 Vouchers, Public Housing, and Project-Based Section 8.
• USDA housing including Section 515 and Section 514/516 (Farm Housing) and RD Rural Housing Vouchers.

What should I do if I live in HUD or USDA housing and my landlord tries to hike my rent during the shutdown?
Contact an attorney as soon as possible. You can find free legal help through www.lsc.gov or at www.LawHelp.org. When meeting with an attorney, bring your lease (if you have it) and any previous notices from your landlord and/or management company.

I’m an attorney or advocate, how can I help HUD or USDA tenants enforce their rights during the government shutdown?
Our memo provides an overview of the impact of the federal government shutdown on tenants in the largest federally assisted housing programs, including ways you can talk to clients about their legal rights.