HUD's definition of disability
HUD considers an applicant to have a disability if they have a physical, mental, or emotional impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has lasted (or is expected to last) for an indefinite period, and substantially impedes their ability to live independently. The legal source is Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Fair Housing Amendments Act.
Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities
The disability counterpart to Section 202. Nonprofit sponsors build small apartment communities — historically 24 units or fewer — for very-low-income adults with significant disabilities. Newer 811 PRA Demo properties scatter assisted units throughout larger market-rate communities, which expands geographic options. Look for 811 buildings on any city page on RentReady.
811 PRA Demonstration
A newer 811 model that places subsidized units inside larger conventional apartment communities. The host property handles day-to-day management; the state Medicaid agency or Department of Health partners on supportive services. This model gives residents access to neighborhoods that the older standalone-property model couldn't reach.
Accessible-unit set-asides at PBRA properties
Federal law requires HUD-assisted properties to make at least 5% of units accessible for residents with mobility disabilities and an additional 2% accessible for residents with hearing or vision disabilities. If you have a documented disability, you can request priority for an accessible unit at any HUD-assisted property — even one without an 811 designation.
Reasonable accommodations
If you need a modification to a unit (grab bars, a ramp, a service animal in a no-pets building), request a reasonable accommodation in writing. The property must approve any request that is reasonable, not a fundamental alteration of the program, and not an undue burden. See the reasonable accommodation guide for sample request language.
Documentation
Most 811 properties and accommodation requests require a brief letter from a healthcare provider stating that the applicant has a qualifying disability and (if relevant) describing the requested accommodation. The letter does not need to disclose the diagnosis — only that a disability exists and the accommodation is necessary.
Where to start
Apply to all 811 properties in your region (use the state directory and look for the 811 program flag). Add yourself to your PHA's voucher list and ask about the PHA's Mainstream Voucher program, which is reserved for non-elderly people with disabilities. Contact your state's protection-and-advocacy organization for additional referrals.
Where to next
If you're acting on this guide, the next two stops on RentReady are the income-eligibility page and the application checklist. Then drill into your state's directory to find buildings in your city.