What does this program do?
This program provides payments to owners of USDA-financed Rural Rental Housing or Farm Labor Housing projects on behalf of low-income tenants unable to pay their full rent.

Who may apply for this program?
Project owners as part of their Rural Rental Housing or Farm Labor Housing new construction financing applications
Projects must be established on a nonprofit or limited profit basis
What is an eligible area?
Rental Assistance can only be provided for apartments in new or existing Rural Rental Housing and Farm Labor Housing financed properties.

How may funds be used?
Payments are made on behalf of the tenants and become part of the property’s income, which pays operational expenses

Who may receive assistance?
Properties with low- or very low-income (1) tenants qualify to receive assistance. Properties with very low-income tenants receive first priority.

How do we get started?
Rental Assistance is coupled with an application for new construction financing under the Rural Rental Housing or Farm Labor Housing programs. For questions, contact your designated regional coordinator listed on the Contact tab.

Who can answer questions?
Find a regional contact on the Contact tab or you can find Rural Rental Properties.

What governs this program?
Code of Federal Regulation, 7 CFR 3560-Subpart F
This program is authorized by Title V of the Housing Act of 1949
NOTE: Because citations and other information may be subject to change please always consult the program instructions listed in the section above titled “What Law Governs this Program?” For questions, contact your designated regional director listed on the Contact tab.

(1) Very-low- and low-income: Very-low-income is below 50% of area median income; low-income is 50-80% of area median income.