The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has posted for public comment crucial material needed for implementation of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA), which is a major rule change for affordable housing communities.

While HOTMA implementation will still be delayed past its current date of January 1, 2027, HUD is proceeding with accepting public comment on new proposed changes to the Monthly Activity Transmission (MAT) Guide for the agency’s rental assistance platform, which needed updates for HOTMA compliance. According to HUD, the MAT Guide revisions are available for review and comment until October 2, 2026.

Notably, HUD’s communication to stakeholders states that HOTMA cannot be implemented until the rental assistance platform is fully updated and additional HUD forms are released.

In the absence of final HOTMA materials from HUD, housing providers have already begun the tenant certification work that is effective January 1, 2027, under pre-HOTMA rules.

Meanwhile, LeadingAge is frustrated by HUD’s delay in issuing an expected notice officially postponing HOTMA implementation.

Although the MAT Guide does need updating before HOTMA is implemented, housing providers deserve official direction as soon as possible that HOTMA’s overall implementation will again be delayed.

More information on the new MAT Guide is available under the “draft” section of the website.