RELOCATION ASSISTANCE U.S. Department of Housing 

TO TENANTS DISPLACED and Urban Development 

FROM THEIR HOMES Office of Community Planning 

 and Development 

www.hud.gov/relocation 

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Introduction

This booklet describes the relocation payments and other relocation assistance 

provided under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition 

Policies Act of 1970, as amended (URA) to tenants displaced from their homes. This 

includes any family or individual that must move as a direct result of rehabilitation, 

demolition or acquisition for a project in which Federal funds are used. 

If you are notified that you will be displaced, it is important that you do not move before 

you learn what you must do to receive the relocation payments and other assistance to 

which you are entitled. 

Pursuant to Public Law 105-117, aliens not lawfully present in the United States 

are not eligible for relocation assistance, unless such ineligibility would result in 

exceptional hardship to a qualifying spouse, parent, or child. All persons seeking 

relocation assistance will be required to certify that they are a United States 

citizen or national, or an alien lawfully present in the United States. 

This booklet may not answer all of your questions. If you have more questions about 

your relocation, contact the Agency responsible for the project. (Check the back of this 

booklet for the name of the person to contact at the Agency.) Ask your questions before 

you move. Afterwards, it may be too late. 

Summary of Relocation Assistance

As an eligible tenant displaced from your home, you will be offered the following 

advisory and financial assistance: 

• Advisory Services. This includes referrals to comparable and suitable replacement 

homes, the inspection of replacement housing to ensure that it meets established 

standards, help in preparing claim forms for relocation payments and other 

assistance to minimize the impact of the move. 

• Payment for Moving Expenses. You may choose either a: 

∗ Payment for Your Actual Reasonable Moving and Related Expenses, or 

∗ Fixed Moving Expense and Dislocation Allowance, or 

∗ A combination of both, based on circumstances. 

• Replacement Housing Assistance. To enable you to rent, or if you prefer, buy a 

comparable or suitable replacement home, you may choose either: 
 

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∗ Rental Assistance, or 

∗ Purchase Assistance. 

If you disagree with the Agency's decision as to the relocation assistance for which you 

are eligible, you may appeal that decision. 

General Questions

How Will I Know I Am Eligible For Relocation Assistance?

You should receive a written notice explaining your eligibility for relocation assistance. 

You should not move before receiving that notice. If you do, you may not receive 

relocation assistance. 

How Will The Agency Know How Much Help I Need?

You will be contacted at an early date and personally interviewed by a representative of 

the Agency to determine your relocation needs and preferences for replacement 

housing and advisory services. The interviewer will ask certain questions about you and 

other members of your household, including questions about your income. It is to your 

advantage to provide the information so that the Agency can assist you in moving with a 

minimum of hardship. The information you give will be kept in confidence. 

How Soon Will I Have To Move?

If possible, a mutually agreeable date for the move will be worked out. You will be given 

enough time to make plans for moving. Unless there is a health or safety emergency, 

you will not be required to move without at least 90 days advance written notice of (1) at 

least one "comparable replacement home" that is available to you and (2) the earliest 

date by which you must move. 

What Is A Comparable Replacement Home? 

A comparable replacement home is: 

• Decent, safe, and sanitary. 

• Functionally equivalent to (and equal or better than) your present home. 

• Actually available for you to rent. 

• Affordable. 

• Reasonably accessible to your place of employment. 

• Generally as well located with respect to public and commercial facilities, such as 

schools and shopping, as your present home. 

• Not subject to unreasonable adverse environmental conditions. 

• Available to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. 
 

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What is Decent, Safe, and Sanitary Housing?

Decent, safe, and sanitary housing is housing that: 

• Meets applicable housing and occupancy requirements. 

• Is structurally sound, weathertight, and in good repair. 

• Contains a safe, adequate electrical wiring system. 

• Has adequate living space for the occupants. 

• Has a kitchen with a sink, hot and cold running water, and connections for a stove 

and refrigerator (if you were displaced from a housekeeping unit). 

• Has a separate, complete bathroom with hot and cold running water. 

• Has heating as required by climatic conditions. 

• Has an unobstructed exit to safe, open space at ground level. 

• Meets standards protecting occupants from lead-based paint hazards. 

• If you are person with a physical disability, is free of any barriers which would 

preclude your reasonable use of the unit. 

Will The Agency Help Me Find A Replacement Home?

Yes. You will be provided with referrals to housing that has been inspected to ensure 

that it meets established standards. If possible, you will be referred to at least three 

comparable replacement homes. The maximum financial assistance for which you may 

qualify will be based on the cost of the most representative comparable replacement 

home that is available to you. Promptly after you become eligible for relocation 

assistance, the Agency will inform you of such unit and the maximum payment 

available. 

Once the Agency representative has a clear understanding of your needs and 

preferences, he or she will work with you to assure that you are given the best possible 

choice of housing. The Agency will offer you appropriate transportation to inspect these 

units. 

If you would like to move to government-owned housing or obtain a Housing Choice 

Voucher (HCV) let the Agency representative know of your interest. Generally, an 

eligible displaced person receives preference for such long term housing assistance. 

You will be given assistance in completing any required application forms. 

What If I Find My Own Replacement Housing?

You have every right to find your own replacement housing. However, before you rent 

or buy, ask the Agency to inspect the unit to make sure that it is decent, safe, and 

sanitary. If the housing unit is not decent, safe, and sanitary, you will not receive a 

replacement housing payment. 

What If I Encounter A Problem In Obtaining Housing Of My Choice?
 

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If you encounter a problem in buying or renting housing of your choice, notify the 

Agency immediately. The Agency will look into the matter and try to resolve it. You will 

receive this help whether you were referred to the housing unit or found it yourself. 

If you are unable to buy or rent a housing unit because of discriminatory practices on 

the part of a real estate broker, rental agent, lender, or a property owner, the Agency 

will help you file a formal housing discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of 

Housing and Urban Development or the appropriate State or local fair housing agency. 

What Other Services Will I Receive?

In addition to help in obtaining a comparable replacement home, other assistance, as 

necessary, will be provided in order to minimize the impact of your move. This 

assistance may include referral to appropriate public and private agencies that provide 

services concerning housing financing, employment, health, welfare, or legal 

assistance. The range of services depends on the needs of the person being displaced. 

 You should ask the Agency representative to tell you about the specific services that 

will be available to help you and your family. 

What Is a Payment For Actual Reasonable Moving and Related Expenses? 

You may choose to receive a relocation payment to cover the reasonable cost of your 

move. If you choose a Payment For Actual Reasonable Moving And Related Expenses, 

you may include in your claim the reasonable and necessary costs for: 

• Transportation for you and your family. 

• Packing, moving and unpacking your household goods. 

• Disconnecting and reconnecting household appliances and other personal property 

(e.g., telephone and cable TV). 

• Storage of household goods, as may be necessary. 

• Insurance for the replacement value of your property during the move and necessary 

storage. 

• The replacement value of property lost, stolen or damaged in the move (but not 

through your neglect) if insurance is not reasonably available. 

The Agency will explain all eligible moving costs, as well as those which are not eligible. 

You must be able to account for any costs that you incur, so keep all your receipts. 

Select your mover with care. The Agency can help you select a reliable and reputable 

mover. 

You may elect to pay your moving costs yourself and be repaid by the Agency or, if you 

prefer, you may have the Agency pay the mover. In either case, let the Agency know 

before you move. 

What Is A Fixed Moving Expense And Dislocation Allowance? 

If you choose a Fixed Moving Expense and Dislocation Allowance, you will receive an 

allowance which is based on the number of rooms in your home or the number of rooms 
 

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of furniture you will be moving, as shown on a schedule. The Agency has a copy of the 

schedule and will help you decide whether choosing this allowance is in your best 

interest. 

If you do not have a large amount of personal property to move, this payment should be 

more advantageous. No special documentation is required to support your claim. You 

need only move your personal property and complete the appropriate claim form in order 

to receive your payment. 

How Much Rental Assistance Will I Receive? 

You may be eligible to receive Rental Assistance for a 42-month period. The assistance is 

computed in the following manner: 

The assistance needed for one month is determined by subtracting the "base monthly rent" 

for your present home from the cost of rent and utilities for your new home (or a 

comparable replacement home, if that cost is lower). That monthly need, if any, is 

multiplied by 42, to determine the total amount that you will receive. This amount will be 

paid directly to you. The Agency must provide the assistance in monthly installments or 

other periodic payments. Generally, the base monthly rent for your present home is the 

lesser of: (1) the monthly rent and average monthly cost for utilities, or (2) thirty (30) 

percent of your average monthly gross household income, if you are low-income based on 

HUD income limits. 

Examples: Let's say that the monthly rent and average cost for utilities for your present 

home are $250; the monthly rent and estimated average utility costs for a comparable 

replacement home are $350; and your monthly gross income is $700. In this case your 

"base monthly rent" would be $210 because you are low-income and that amount (30 

percent of your income) is less than the monthly cost of rent and utilities at your present 

home ($250). 

• If you rent a replacement home for $360 per month, including estimated average 

monthly utility charges, you will receive $5,880. That amount is 42 times $140 (the 

difference between the "base monthly rent" for your present home ($210) and the 

cost for a comparable replacement home ($350)). 

• If you rent a replacement home for $310, including estimated average monthly 

utility charges, you will receive $4,200. That amount is 42 times $100 (the 

difference between the "base monthly rent" for your present home ($210) and the 

actual cost of your new home ($310)). 

To qualify for rental assistance, you must rent and occupy a decent, safe, and sanitary 

home within one year after the date you move. However, the Agency will extend this 

period for good cause. 

If I Decide to Buy, Rather Than Rent, How Much Assistance Will I Receive?

If you buy a replacement home, you may be eligible for assistance to make a down 
 

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payment equal to the amount you would receive if you rented a comparable replacement 

home (i.e., 42 times the amount obtained by subtracting the "base monthly rent" for your 

present home from the monthly rent and estimated average monthly utility costs for a 

comparable replacement home). A down payment assistance payment will be paid in a 

lump sum. 

Example: Assuming the information in the prior examples, the downpayment assistance 

payment would be $5,880. That amount is 42 times $140 (the difference between the 

"base monthly rent" for your present home ($210) and the monthly rent and estimated 

average monthly utilities cost for a comparable replacement home ($350). The full amount 

of the payment must be applied to the purchase of the replacement dwelling. 

Must I File A Claim To Obtain A Relocation Payment? 

Yes. You must file a claim for each relocation payment. The Agency will, however, provide 

you with the required claim form, help you to complete it, and explain the type of 

documentation, if any, that you must submit in order to receive the payment. 

If you must pay any relocation expenses before you move (e.g., a security deposit when you 

sign a lease for your new home), discuss your financial needs with the Agency. While 

refundable deposits are not covered by URA payments, you may be able to obtain an 

advance payment to meet these costs. An advance payment may be placed in "escrow" or 

paid directly to a contractor to ensure that the move will be completed on a timely basis. 

You must file your claim within 18 months after the date you move. However, it is to your 

advantage to file as soon as possible after you move. The sooner you submit your claim, 

the sooner it can be processed and paid. If you are unable to file your claim within 18 

months, ask the Agency to extend this period. 

Be careful not to confuse this 18-month period with the 12-month period within which you 

must rent (or buy) and occupy a replacement dwelling in order to be eligible for a 

replacement housing payment. 

You will be paid promptly after you file an acceptable claim. If there is any question 

regarding your right to a relocation payment or the amount of the payment, you will be 

notified, in writing, of the problem and the action you may take to resolve the matter. 

Will I Have To Pay Rent To The Agency Before I Move?

If the Agency acquires the property in which you live, you may be required to pay a fair rent 

to the Agency for the period between the acquisition of the property and the date that you 

move. Such rent will not exceed the market rent for comparable properties in the area. 

Do I Have To Pay Federal Income Taxes On My Relocation Payments?

No. Section 216 of the URA states that you need not report relocation payments as part of 

your gross income for Federal tax purposes. For information on State or local income taxes, 

you should check with the State or local income tax office in your area or with your personal 
 

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tax advisor. 

What If I Don't Receive The Required Assistance. Can I Appeal? 

If you disagree with the Agency's decision as to your right to relocation assistance or the 

amount of a payment, or the adequacy of the housing to which you have been referred, you 

may appeal the decision to the Agency. 

The Agency will inform you of its appeal procedures. At a minimum, you will have 60 days 

to file your appeal with the Agency after you receive written notification of the Agency's 

determination on your claim. Your appeal must be in writing. However, if you need help, 

the Agency will assist you in preparing your appeal. 

If you are a low- or moderate-income person and are dissatisfied with the Agency's 

determination on your appeal, you may have an additional right to request administrative 

review of that decision (e.g., by HUD or the State). 

You can expect a fair decision on any appeal. However, if you are not satisfied with the final 

administrative decision on your appeal, you may seek review of the matter by the courts. 

I Have More Questions. Who Will Answer Them? 

If you have further questions after reading this booklet, contact the Agency and discuss your 

concerns with an Agency representative. 

Agency : 

Address: 

Office Hours: 

Telephone No.: 

Person to Contact: