A HUD multifamily waiting list may be closed when the average wait is excessive, but only with published notice stating the reasons -- and reopening must be announced the same way

mfh.waiting_list.closing_and_reopening_require_published_notice_stating_the_reasons · v1.0.0

Owners should monitor vacancies and waiting lists regularly to ensure there are enough applicants to fill vacancies, and to make sure the list does not become so long that the wait for a unit becomes excessive. The waiting list may be closed for one or more unit sizes when the average wait is excessive -- the Handbook's example is one year or more. On closing, the owner must advise potential applicants that the list is closed and refuse to take additional applications, and must also publish a notice to that effect in a publication likely to be read by potential applicants; that notice must state the reasons for the owner's refusal to accept additional applications. When the owner agrees to accept applications again, the notice must be announced in a publication likely to be read by potential applicants in the same manner and, if possible, in the same publications as the closing notice. The notifications should be extensive, and the rules for applying and the order in which applications will be processed should be stated. Advertisements should include where and when to apply and should conform to the property's advertising and outreach activities. Separately, the owner must provide notice of closing of the waiting list.

Confidence

high

Effective from

2013-11-27

Last reviewed

2026-09-07