New guidance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), driven by concerns shared with the agency by LeadingAge,  create more  flexibility within emergency notifications system requirements for affordable senior housing providers

HUD’s September 10, 2026 guidance makes the systems optional and encourages owners to conduct wellness checks instead, which many LeadingAge affordable housing providers already do. LeadingAge confirmed with HUD that the removal of the now optional emergency notification systems is a project-eligible expense.

Previously, the agency required owners of certain HUD-assisted senior housing communities to operate emergency call systems in independent living units, which could be used by residents to call for aid in the case of an emergency, like a fall or a medical event.

However, LeadingAge members consistently reported issues with the call systems, including residents misusing the systems and property insurance providers limiting whole-building coverage because of the perceived liability risk associated with the medical nature of the emergency notification devices and systems.

Further, many residents reported to housing providers that they prefer to utilize personally-worn emergency devices and view the property call system as overreach by housing providers.

We applaud HUD for addressing the concerns of senior housing communities, and we will work with our membership to ensure the highest quality of housing for HUD-assisted residents.