Real Estate

HUD regulation gives LGBT community equal access to housing

By Jessica Huseman
 • February 13, 2012 • 3:31pm

A new regulation ensures the core housing programs of the Department of Housing and Urban Development are open to all eligible persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“The Obama administration has viewed the fight for equality on behalf of the LGBT community as a priority and I’m proud that HUD has been a leader in that fight,” HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said.

“With this historic rule, the administration is saying you cannot use taxpayer dollars to prevent Americans from choosing where they want live on the basis sexual orientation or gender identity — ensuring that HUD’s housing programs are open, not to some, not to most, but to all,” he said.

The new rule takes effect in early March and requires owners and operators of HUD-assisted housing to making units  available to all and prohibits them from asking about an applicant's or occupant’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

jhuseman@housingwire.com

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