The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA-RD) published a revision to the Handbook 3560-2, Chapter Six – Project Occupancy on June 13, 2025. This long awaiting revision incorporates the HOTMA updates, as well as some other updates to policy and procedures.
New HOTMA Ready USDA/RD Tenant Certification Form
The revised Chapter includes instructions to use a revised 3560-8 Tenant Certification Form (similar to a TIC or 50059):
Form RD 3560-8 (Rev. 04-25) reflects income and asset calculation changes as a result of the
Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA). All tenant certifications effective
July 1, 2025, or later must use the Form RD 3560-8 (Rev. 04-25) version of the form. The
previous form was renamed Form RD 3560-8A (Rev 08-11) and must be used for tenant
certifications effective prior to July 1, 2025.
Revised Language in USDA Handbook for New HOTMA Rules
The new Chapter Six of the 3560-2 reflects the new language that is part of HOTMA, including terminology such as “Earned Income” and “Unearned Income” and the new HOTMA terminology regarding assets and the updated rules on what asset must be included and what should be excluded in determining the net family assets.
The asset section is titled, “Asset Definitions” and includes a breakdown of new HOTMA classifications on Real Property vs Personal Property (both Necessary and Non-Necessary). This chapter also includes several very helpful examples.
There are also new updates on many helpful elements, including:
- Updated Zero Income Verification Form (Attachment 6-B)
- Updated Lease Requirements (Attachment 6-E)
- Acceptable Forms for Verification (Attachment 6-H)
- Income, Asset, and Deduction Worksheet (Attachment 6-I)
- Required Tenant File Documentation (Attachment 6-J)
- Guide for Administering and Complying with VAWA (Attachment 6-K)
