Latest Housing Updates from LeadingAge National
(Aug. 25, 2025) Affordable housing members should note the following updates from LeadingAge National:
Update: LeadingAge National Saves Hundreds of Documents as HUD Removes Translations in New English-Only Policy. On Aug. 18th, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) circulated an internal memo announcing a major change to the agency’s Limited English Proficiency (LEP) policy. Deputy Secretary Andrew Hughes is quoted in the internal memo as directing the agency to end contracts for translation services for HUD materials and communications, and to remove paper and online materials in languages other than English. Previously, HUD had a practice of translating materials like resident brochures, documents, and forms, sometimes into nearly 20 languages. However, housing providers will largely still be required to accommodate LEP needs due to certain civil rights laws, which continue to prohibit discrimination on the basis of national origin by recipients of federal funding. Other federal and state laws also protect language access. As of Aug. 21st, HUD had removed the agency’s LEP website, but LeadingAge National was able to download more than 300 items, including HUD leases and forms, disaster materials, resident fact sheets, brochures, and posters, as well as a fair housing video, all of which can be accessed here. HUD’s announcement comes after a March executive order signed by President Trump declaring English the official language of the U.S. LeadingAge National is deeply concerned by the change, which will impact housing access for people with LEP.
Reminder: LeadingAge National to Host HOTMA Forms Feedback Workshops. LeadingAge National has announced two dedicated calls for members to discuss and develop feedback on the newly released materials from HUD for implementation of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA). HUD posted the draft materials – including forms and model leases – that are needed for HUD’s Multifamily Housing providers to comply with the new HOTMA requirements for income certifications and more. HUD posted the materials to the drafting table, which gives stakeholders a chance to review the drafts; next, HUD will publish the draft forms to the Federal Register to formally request feedback within a 30-day window. LeadingAge National will lead discussions with members over two dedicated calls in September; members can register here for the calls on Sept. 16th and Sept. 23rd, both from 2:30-4 p.m. ET. Review the draft documents here, and keep up with LeadingAge National’s work on HOTMA here.
Contact: Jeff Diamond, jdiamond@leadingageny.org