Inheriting low-income public housing in the United States requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and navigating a structured process. First, the heir must establish legal ownership through a will or court order. Second, they must demonstrate continued residency and meet income limits, typically capped at 50% of the area’s median income. Third, the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) must approve the transfer, often requiring a waiting list submission. Finally, heirs must comply with program terms, including lease agreements and annual re-evaluations.

The process is governed by federal and local regulations to ensure equitable access.HUD’s 2023 Public Housing Fact Sheet reports that 65% of units require familial inheritance ties, reflecting policies prioritizing long-term residents. In 2020, the Urban Institute found that 40% of heirs face legal hurdles, such as outdated wills or ownership disputes, delaying inheritance. Additionally, waiting lists for public housing average 3-5 years (HUD, 2023), and income restrictions exclude 30% of applicants nationwide (Census, 2022). These barriers align with federal goals to preserve housing stability while managing finite resources. Challenges include bureaucratic delays, evolving legal standards, and rising demand outpacing supply, underscoring the complexity of inheriting public housing.