Regulatory Reinvention; Certification and Funding of State and Local Fair Housing Enforcement Agencies

This interim rule represents another step in HUD's continuing efforts to reinvent and streamline its regulations. The Fair Housing Act provides that the Secretary of HUD shall refer complaints alleging a discriminatory housing practice to State or local enforcement agencies certified by the Secretary. Currently, HUD's regulations at 24 CFR part 115 set forth the criteria the Secretary will utilize to certify such agencies. HUD's regulations at 24 CFR part 111 establish the requirements for the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP), through which HUD provides assistance to certified fair housing enforcement agencies. This interim rule consolidates parts 111 and 115, thus providing all necessary requirements in a single part and eliminating unnecessary or repetitive regulatory provisions.