The housing system uses a lot of specialized terms and acronyms. This glossary is here to help you understand what they mean in plain language. Use it whenever you encounter unfamiliar terminology.
A
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
Federal law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination and requires housing to be accessible. This means landlords must allow service animals, make reasonable accommodations (like grab bars or ramps), and ensure buildings meet accessibility standards. Learn more in our reasonable accommodation guide.
AMI (Area Median Income)
The middle income level in your county—50% of households earn more, 50% earn less. Affordable housing programs use AMI thresholds (like 30% AMI or 80% AMI) to determine who qualifies. For example, if your area's AMI is $60,000, then 80% AMI would be $48,000. Learn more in our LIHTC housing guide.
C
CDBG (Community Development Block Grant)
Federal funding that local governments use to support affordable housing, community services, and economic development. Money comes from HUD and is distributed to cities and counties.
CoC (Continuum of Care)
A regional network of organizations that work together to address homelessness. Each CoC includes shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and services for people experiencing homelessness.
Coordinated Entry
The standardized process used by Continuums of Care to assess and prioritize people experiencing homelessness for housing and services. You typically enter through a phone hotline or walk-in location where you complete a vulnerability assessment that determines your priority level.
E
EHV (Emergency Housing Voucher)
Fast-track vouchers created during the pandemic to help people quickly move out of homelessness or dangerous housing situations. They have shorter waiting periods and flexible eligibility rules compared to regular Section 8 vouchers. Learn more in our emergency housing guide.
EIV (Enterprise Income Verification)
A federal database that HUD uses to verify income information. When you apply for housing assistance, the program checks EIV to confirm your reported income matches Social Security, IRS, and unemployment records.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
An animal that provides comfort to someone with a mental health condition. Unlike service animals, ESAs don't require specialized training, but you need a letter from a licensed mental health provider. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must allow ESAs even in no-pet buildings as a reasonable accommodation.
Eviction
The legal process where a landlord removes a tenant from a rental unit. Eviction laws vary by state, but generally require written notice, a court filing, and a judge's order before a tenant can be physically removed. An eviction on your record can make it harder to find housing in the future.
F
Fair Market Rent (FMR)
The average rent for a typical, safe apartment in your area. HUD sets FMR amounts for each county and bedroom size. Section 8 voucher amounts are based on FMR—if your rent exceeds the FMR, you may have to pay the difference out of pocket. Learn more in our Section 8 application guide.
FSS (Family Self-Sufficiency)
A program that helps voucher holders increase their income and eventually become independent of housing assistance. You work with a case manager to set goals (like getting a job or education), and they connect you to resources while you work toward self-sufficiency. Learn more in our Family Self-Sufficiency guide.
FUP (Family Unification Program)
A voucher program specifically for youth aging out of foster care or families separated due to housing instability. It provides housing assistance and support services for up to 5 years. Learn more in our families guide.
G
GI Bill Housing Allowance
Monthly stipend for veterans using their GI Bill education benefits to pursue training or education. The housing allowance amount depends on your school location and enrollment intensity.
GPD (Grant and Per Diem)
A federal program that provides funding to nonprofits offering transitional housing and services for chronically homeless veterans. It helps veterans work toward permanent housing while receiving support. Learn more in our veterans guide.
H
HAP (Housing Assistance Payment)
The monthly check your landlord receives from the housing authority. The HAP covers the difference between your rent and what you pay (usually 30% of your income). Without HAP, Section 8 wouldn't work—it's what makes rental assistance possible.
HCV (Housing Choice Voucher)
The official name for Section 8 vouchers. It's called "choice" because you can choose any apartment (that meets standards) instead of living in government-owned housing. You pay a portion of rent; the voucher pays the rest. Learn more in our Section 8 application guide.
HOME Program
Federal funding that states and local governments use to build and rehabilitate affordable rental and ownership housing. Money supports new construction, down payments, and rehabilitation of homes.
HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS)
Federal program providing housing assistance and support services for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Services can include rental assistance, housing counseling, and supportive services.
HQS (Housing Quality Standards)
Federal safety and livability standards for rental housing. Before approving a unit, the housing authority sends an inspector to ensure it meets HQS: working heat, electricity, plumbing, no lead paint, adequate space, and other basic requirements. Learn more in our Section 8 application guide.
HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development)
The federal agency that administers most affordable housing programs and vouchers. HUD sets rules, distributes funding, and oversees the housing system nationwide.
HUD-VASH (HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing)
A partnership program providing Section 8 vouchers plus case management services for homeless veterans. HUD provides vouchers; the VA provides supportive services to help veterans achieve housing stability. Learn more in our HUD-VASH application guide.
I
Income Limits (30%, 50%, 80% AMI)
Income thresholds that determine housing program eligibility. Programs serve different income tiers: very low-income (30% AMI), low-income (50% AMI), and moderate-income (80% AMI). A program might serve anyone under 50% AMI, meaning you need to earn less than 50% of your area's median income to qualify.
Inspection (HQS)
The official walkthrough where a housing authority inspector checks if your rental unit meets Housing Quality Standards. You must pass inspection before the landlord starts receiving HAP payments.
L
Lease Bifurcation
A VAWA protection that allows a landlord to split a lease to remove an abuser from the household while letting the survivor stay. This means the survivor doesn't lose their housing because of the abuser's actions.
Lease-up
The period when a new affordable housing building is finding tenants and moving them in. During lease-up, the property may offer move-in incentives or more flexible requirements to fill units quickly.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Federal program helping low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. If you qualify, LIHEAP can help you avoid utility shutoffs and reduce energy costs, especially in winter months.
LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit)
A federal tax incentive that encourages private developers to build and renovate affordable housing. Investors get tax credits for funding affordable units—it's one of the biggest sources of new affordable rental housing in America. Learn more in our LIHTC housing guide.
M
MTW (Moving to Work)
An experimental program allowing 39 select housing authorities to test new approaches to administering vouchers. MTW agencies can adjust voucher rules, income limits, and rent calculations to try innovative housing solutions.
N
NHTF (National Housing Trust Fund)
Federal funding that states must use to build or preserve affordable housing for households earning 30% AMI or less. All funds go toward permanent affordable housing for the lowest-income renters.
O
Occupancy Standards
Rules about how many people can live in a housing unit based on its size. HUD generally follows a standard of two people per bedroom, but local codes vary. Landlords cannot use occupancy standards as a way to discriminate against families with children.
P
PBV (Project-Based Voucher)
A voucher attached to a specific building instead of you as a person. The voucher stays at that property and moves to the next tenant—you get the benefit of reduced rent at that specific location.
PHA (Public Housing Authority/Agency)
The local organization that administers Section 8 vouchers, applications, inspections, and recertification in your area. Your PHA determines income limits, waiting lists, and manages your housing assistance. Learn more in our finding your PHA guide.
Portability
The ability to move with your Section 8 voucher to another city or county and keep it active. If you port your voucher, the housing authority in your new location takes over your case while your home PHA keeps your place on their waiting list. Learn more in our transferring voucher guide.
PATH Program (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness)
Federal funding for mental health and support services for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. PATH funds case management, treatment services, and outreach, not permanent housing.
Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)
Long-term affordable housing paired with ongoing supportive services for people who have experienced chronic homelessness or have disabilities. There's no time limit — residents can stay as long as they follow the lease.
Public Housing
Rental housing owned and operated by local housing authorities. It's different from Section 8 vouchers—with public housing, you live in a government-owned building. Rent is based on your income, usually 30% of what you earn.
R
Reasonable Accommodation
A change to housing rules or procedures to ensure someone with a disability has equal access. Examples: allowing a service dog, permitting an emotional support animal, allowing a caregiver to visit anytime, or parking closer to the entrance. Landlords must provide them unless it creates hardship. Learn more in our reasonable accommodation guide.
Recertification
The annual (or sometimes more frequent) review where the housing authority re-examines your income and household composition. If your income increased, your rent portion goes up. If it decreased, your rent goes down. Learn more in our recertification guide.
RFTA (Request for Tenancy Approval)
The official form you submit to the housing authority when you've found an apartment and want to use your Section 8 voucher. The landlord and tenant both sign it, and the housing authority approves the lease terms before you can move in.
S
Section 8
The most common federal rental assistance program (officially called Housing Choice Vouchers). You receive a voucher that covers part of your rent; you pay the rest (typically 30% of your income). You can use it at any landlord who accepts it. Learn more in our Section 8 application guide.
Security Deposit
Money paid to a landlord before moving in, held as protection against damage or unpaid rent. State laws limit how much landlords can charge and set timelines for returning deposits after you move out. Learn more in our security deposit recovery guide.
Service Animal
An animal individually trained to perform tasks for someone with a disability (like a guide dog or seizure alert dog). Under the ADA and Fair Housing Act, landlords must allow service animals in all housing, including no-pet buildings, without charging pet fees or deposits.
Source of Income Discrimination
When a landlord refuses to rent to you because your income comes from a voucher, disability benefits, or other government assistance rather than employment. Many states and cities have laws prohibiting this. Learn more in our source of income protections guide.
Section 202
Federal program providing affordable housing and supportive services for very low-income seniors. HUD funds construction or renovation; residents pay rent based on 30% of income. Learn more in our seniors guide.
Section 811
Federal program providing affordable housing and supportive services for very low-income people with disabilities. Residents pay rent based on 30% of income and receive access to support services. Learn more in our disabilities guide.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Federal program providing food assistance to low-income individuals and families (formerly called food stamps). SNAP eligibility is often linked to housing programs and affects your overall household income calculation. Learn more in our SNAP application guide.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)
Federal benefits for people with disabilities or long-term illnesses who have work history. Income from SSDI counts when determining housing assistance eligibility and rent portions. Learn more in our SSI/SSDI application guide.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
Federal benefits for very low-income seniors (65+), blind, or disabled people. SSI counts as countable income for housing assistance and many housing programs prioritize SSI recipients. Learn more in our SSI/SSDI application guide.
SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families)
Federal program providing case management and supportive services to help low-income veteran families avoid homelessness. It pairs with housing assistance to keep veterans stably housed. Learn more in our veterans guide.
Subsidized Housing
Any housing where you pay less than market rate because of government assistance—includes Section 8, public housing, Section 202/811, and affordability-restricted rental buildings.
T
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Federal program providing cash assistance to low-income families with children. TANF benefits count as income for housing assistance and some housing programs prioritize TANF recipients.
TBV (Tenant-Based Voucher)
A voucher that belongs to you as a person (not attached to a building). You can take your TBV to any landlord who accepts vouchers, making it more flexible than project-based assistance.
TBRA (Tenant-Based Rental Assistance)
General term for programs where you receive rental assistance that moves with you (like Section 8 vouchers or emergency rental assistance). You're not locked into one building.
U
Utility Allowance
An amount HUD deducts from your rent calculation to account for utilities you pay separately. If utilities are high in your area, the allowance is higher, lowering how much you pay in rent portion.
V
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act)
Federal law protecting tenants from housing discrimination based on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. It lets survivors break leases safely and maintain housing without abusers knowing their address. Learn more in our DV survivors guide.
Voucher
A rental assistance certificate (like a Section 8 voucher) that pays part of your rent. You find your own apartment and pay your portion; the voucher pays the rest to the landlord.
W
Waiting List
The queue of people waiting for housing assistance. Most housing authorities have long waiting lists (sometimes years). Some have closed waiting lists, meaning they're not accepting new applicants right now. Learn more in our waiting list strategies guide.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Federal program improving home energy efficiency for low-income households. Services include insulation, air sealing, HVAC repair, and other upgrades that reduce energy bills and improve comfort.