Multi-Family Housing

Rural Rental Housing Programs (Section 515)

Rural Development administers the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program which provides loan dollars to eligible applicants, such as, corporations, partnerships, associations, cooperatives, Indian Tribes and public agencies to construct housing in rural areas for low income families and senior citizens, including the disabled and handicapped. The applicants may obtain rental assistance through the Section 521, Rental assistance program, which provide funds directly to the owners for the benefit of the low income tenants so that these tenants will pay no more than 30 percent of their adjusted income for rent and utilities. Since 1996, Rural Development in New York has worked in conjunction with New York State Division Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) to leverage tax credit, HOME Funds, Housing Trust Funds and Rental Assistance in the mission to provide safe, decent, sanitary and affordable housing in rural areas.

New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal Rental Assistance
(Section 521)

Like the rental assistance provided directly to owners for the benefit of low income tenants, New York is unique in that the agency has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Division. Based on the Memorandum of Understanding, rental assistance is provided to the owners for the benefit of the tenants in the same manner as if the agency provided rental assistance. The Memorandum of Understanding limits State rental assistance to qualified Section 515 Rural Rental Housing Programs only.

Labor Housing Loans and Grants (Section 514/516)

Funds are provided to build, buy, improve or repair farm labor housing to provide related amenities. To be eligible for a loan, the applicant must be an individual farm owner, association of farmers, nonprofit organization or a public entity and meet certain other eligibility criteria. To be eligible for a grant, the applicant must be a nonprofit organization or a public agency and meet certain other eligibility criteria. 

Housing Preservation Grant Program (Section 533)

Grants provided to eligible applicants grantees to conduct housing preservation programs benefiting very low and low income rural residents. Funding and application filing periods are limited and are published in the Federal Register.


Applications and further information about the Multi-Family Housing Program can be obtained from the Rural Development office nearest you. 

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