Closing costs may be partly covered or lower than other loans.
Understanding How an FHA Loan Works
FHA doesn’t lend money directly to people. It insures loans against default so FHA-approved lenders can offer lower mortgage costs to qualified borrowers.
To apply for an FHA-insured loan, you will need to use an FHA-approved lender.
When homeowners default on their FHA-insured mortgage, HUD takes ownership of the property. It is called either a HUD home or HUD real estate owned (REO) property.
The HUD Home Store is the website for the list of all HUD homes for sale including properties available through the special Good Neighbor Next Door and Dollar Home programs.
If you have a question or need more information about FHA loans or HUD homes, you can email or call the FHA Resource Center or check their list of frequently asked questions.
People with low income, seniors, and people with disabilities may qualify for help from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to get affordable rental housing. HUD doesn't own rental property. It gives money to states and building owners, who in turn provide low-income housing opportunities.
Get Personalized Help with Your Search
Find a HUD-approved housing counselor in your area online or call 1-800-569-4287 to find a local housing counseling agency. The counselor may be from a non-profit organization approved to offer advice on housing assistance.
Search by Type of Program
There are three main types of affordable rental housing that are supported by HUD:
Privately owned, subsidized housing that offers reduced rents to low-income tenants. Search for an apartment and apply directly at the management office.
Public Housing, which is state-owned, affordable rental houses or apartments for low-income families, people who are elderly, and people with disabilities. To apply, contact a public housing agency in your state.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a variety of federal programs that may be able to help you purchase a home if you qualify for assistance:
FHA Loans for First-Time Homebuyers
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), part of HUD, insures mortgages, making it easier for potential homeowners to afford loans. FHA also offers HUD homes for sale. Learn more about FHA Loans.
Homeownership Vouchers
The program provides public housing residents and other low-income families that are first-time homebuyers with subsidies to use toward buying a home. For additional information about this program, contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).
Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program
The program also known as Section 184 is a home mortgage specifically designed for American Indian and Alaska Native families, Alaska Villages, Tribes, or Tribally Designated Housing Entities.
Programs for Servicemembers and Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers home loan programs designed to help veterans and active duty servicemembers.
In addition to all the programs, HUD funds approved housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can provide advice on many housing-related topics, including buying a home. Use this map to find one in your state.
Foreclosure Properties
If you are interested in a foreclosure-related property, reach out to a licensed real estate agent who will be able to advise you on when the property may be available for purchase.
Want to add an addition onto your home? Renovate your bathroom or basement? Learn about programs to help pay for your home improvements, as well as tips on hiring a contractor to do the work.
Find Loans and Other Incentives
The most common type of financial help from the government for home repairs or modifications is through home improvement loan programs backed by the government. The loans are through traditional lenders, like banks, but the programs help these lenders make loans that they might normally not fulfill. Some programs are available on a nationwide basis, while others are only on a state or county level. To learn about the options available to you, contact your local Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office.
Finding a good contractor to do repairs and improvements on your home is important. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides resources and tips on hiring a contractor, questions to ask, and how to report problems.
Before digging on your property, call 811 to be sure you won't damage or be injured by underground utility lines. Some states allow for an online digging request. Timing is different from state to state with some needing two business days in advance and others need as many as 12 working days even if it is just a small project like planting trees or shrubs.
To find out what other help may be available for you locally, contact your state human/social service agency. Even if you are ineligible for benefits through these agencies, they may be able to provide referrals to community organizations that might offer help. You may also search for and contact community or nonprofit organizations in your area directly for help or referral information.
Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers the HUD-VASD for homeless veterans. It combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services.
Senior Citizens
The Eldercare Locator is a free service that can connect you with resources and programs designed to help seniors in your area.
The office you report your complaint to depends on the nature of the complaint.
Housing Discrimination - This information explains how to file a housing discrimination complaint by phone at 1-800-669-9777, online, or by mail.
Office of the Inspector General Hotline - The hotline allows you to report fraud, waste, abuse, or serious mismanagement in HUD or HUD-funded programs from HUD employees, contractors, and the public. Contact the hotline at 1-800-347-3735.
Multifamily Housing Complaint Line - This line allows you to report complaints with a property's management such as poor maintenance, dangers to health and safety, mismanagement, and fraud. You may contact the complaint line by phone at 1-800-MULTI-70 (1-800-685-8470).
Identify and Complain about Housing Discrimination
Housing discrimination happens when a housing provider acts in a way that blocks someone from renting or buying housing because of their
Race or color
Religion
Sex
National origin
Familial status (such as having children)
Disability
A housing provider that discriminates against someone could be a landlord or a real estate management company. It could also be a lending institution like a bank or other organization that is an important part of acquiring a home.
The Fair Housing Act does not specifically prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. But discrimination against someone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) may still be in violation of the Act or other state or local regulations. If you think you've been discriminated against for these reasons, file a complaint as described above, or e-mail HUD at LGBTFairhousing@hud.gov with general questions about LGBT housing issues.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers federal aid to local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs). Contact your local PHA to see if you qualify for public housing.
Local PHAs establish and manage public housing to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, people who are elderly, and people with disabilities at rents they can afford. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, from single-family houses to high-rise apartments for elderly residents. HUD also furnishes technical and professional help in planning, developing, and managing these developments.
State and federal government agencies jointly handle public housing questions, such as those concerning laws, regulations, sanitation, and safety. Because state governments usually implement the federal housing regulations, HUD recommends that you contact your state housing finance agency for help with these types of questions.
