FR: Rural Housing Service

Insurance Requirements Updated for MFH Direct Loan and Grant Programs

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) has finalized amendments to insurance requirements for Multi-Family Housing direct loan and grant programs under 7 CFR Part 3560. The rule aligns RD insurance coverage types, amounts, and deductibles with affordable housing industry standards. Affected programs include Section 515 Rural Rental Housing loans, Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing loans and grants, and Section 521 Rental Assistance. This final rule supersedes the proposed rule published October 25, 2023 (88 FR 73245).

Rural Housing Service 502 Loan Program LITE Pilot Program

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) has issued a notice announcing the Single Family Housing Section 502 Guaranteed Loan Program Lender Interactive Test Environment (LITE) Delegated Authority Pilot Program. This pilot program aims to test a new delegated authority process for lenders participating in the 502 loan program.

Rural Housing Service Amends Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

The Rural Housing Service has published a final rule amending regulations for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. These changes are effective June 17, 2026, with implementation on September 28, 2028.

OneRD Annual Notice: Guarantee Fee Rates for FY 2026

The Department of Agriculture's Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service have issued an annual notice detailing guarantee fee rates, periodic retention fee rates, and loan guarantee percentages for Fiscal Year 2026. This notice provides updated financial information for loan guarantee programs.

Rescinding 30-Day Eviction Notice Rules for Multi-Family Housing

The Rural Housing Service is rescinding its 30-day notification requirements for evictions based on nonpayment of rent in multi-family housing properties. This rule removes a previously established procedural obligation for property managers.

Notice of Funding Opportunities for Economic and Community Development Program

The Department of Agriculture, through its Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service, has issued a notice announcing funding opportunities for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for Fiscal Year 2026. This notice outlines available grants and programs aimed at fostering economic growth and community improvement in rural areas.

Proposed Information Collection: Form RD 410-8 Applicant Reference Letter

The Rural Housing Service has published a 60-day notice of proposed information collection for Form RD 410-8, the "Applicant Reference Letter" used for credit references. This notice initiates a public comment period, allowing interested parties to provide feedback on the proposed collection.

OneRD Guaranteed Loan Regulation

The Department of Agriculture, through its Rural Utilities Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Business-Cooperative Service, has published a final rule establishing the OneRD Guaranteed Loan Regulation. This rule consolidates and updates regulations for guaranteed loan programs across these agencies.