Regs.gov: Rural Housing Service

Multi-Family Housing Insurance Requirements Updated to Align with Industry Standards

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) has issued a final rule updating insurance requirements for Multi-Family Housing Direct Loan and Grant programs under 7 CFR part 3560. The rule aligns insurance coverage types, amounts, and deductibles with affordable housing industry standards. Key changes include: deductible limits listed as maximum thresholds allowing properties to choose lower limits; windstorm deductible provisions unchanged when excluded from all-risk policies; and business income loss insurance retained as required coverage. The rule applies only to RHS Multi-Family Housing Programs and takes effect May 20, 2026.

Income Calculation and Net Family Assets for Multi-Family Housing Programs

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) has published a final rule amending 7 CFR 3560 to align its annual income certification requirements for Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing programs with the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016 (HOTMA). The rule updates how RHS calculates annual income and net family assets by incorporating revised HUD definitions under 24 CFR 5.609(a) and (b) and 24 CFR 5.603(b). No comments were received on the specific changes, and the rule takes effect April 13, 2026.

Multi-Family Housing Simple Transfer Pilot Extended to December 31, 2027

The Rural Housing Service has extended its Simple Transfer Pilot Program until December 31, 2027. The program streamlines property transfers for owners of USDA Section 514 Farm Labor Housing and Section 515 Rural Rental Housing properties, reducing extensive application requirements for less complex transactions. The RHS may further extend, modify, or terminate the program based on workload, budget, feedback, and program effectiveness.

Income-Producing ADU Financing Under Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) has issued a proposed rule to amend the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) to allow financing of single family homes with income-producing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The proposed rule would also clarify that borrowers can finance properties with features designed to accommodate home-based operations with non-commercial real estate features. Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by June 1, 2026.

USDA Notice on Housing Loan Program Pilot Test Environment

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is launching a pilot program for the Section 502 Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP). This pilot will test delegating loan approval authority to eligible lenders, replacing the agency's pre-closing review. The program aims to streamline approvals and is authorized under 42 U.S.C. 1476(b).

Rural Housing Service Final Rule on Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) has issued a final rule amending its Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) regulations. This rule grants Delegated Lenders the authority to make loans and obtain Loan Note Guarantees after closing using automated systems. The rule is effective June 17, 2026, with implementation expected September 28, 2028.

Rural Housing Service Applicant Reference Letter Comment

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is providing an opportunity for public comment on an applicant reference letter. This process allows individuals and organizations to submit feedback on proposed regulations or policies related to rural housing programs.

Rural Housing Service FY2026 Fee Rates Notice

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) has published notice of its fee rates for Fiscal Year 2026, effective October 1, 2025. These rates apply to loan guarantees offered through the Community Facilities, Water and Waste Disposal, Business and Industry, and Rural Energy for America Program. The notice details guarantee fees, periodic retention fees, and issuance fees.

Rural Housing Service Rescinds Eviction Notification Rules

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is rescinding its previous notification rules regarding evictions for multi-family housing. This action removes specific requirements previously imposed on property owners concerning tenant eviction notices.

FY 2026 Strategic Economic and Community Development Program Funding Opportunities

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is announcing funding opportunities for the FY 2026 Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) Program. This notice outlines the requirements for applying for reserved loan and grant funds from various RHS programs to support multi-jurisdictional community investment plans.

RHS proposes Applicant Reference Letter collection for public comment

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is requesting public comments on a proposed revision to an existing information collection, Form RD 410-8, 'Applicant Reference Letter'. The comment period closes on March 30, 2026.

Rural Housing Service Document Details

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) has published document details for a filing on regulations.gov. This notice provides access to specific regulatory information managed by the RHS. Interested parties can review the details via the provided URL.