Rural Rental Housing: Cost Information on FmHA's Section 515 Program and Other Housing Options
RCED-87-96
Published: Aug 18, 1987. Publicly Released: Aug 18, 1987.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) section 515 rural rental housing program to: (1) identify whom the program serves and where it provides housing; (2) assess ways to reduce program costs; (3) compare program costs with costs of other federal housing subsidy options; and (4) identify state programs that provide housing assistance in rural areas.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Agriculture | The Secretary of Agriculture should direct the Administrator, FmHA, to finalize and implement regulations for reducing section 515 project costs. These regulations should include: (1) reducing housing size; (2) using less costly apartment styles and building materials; (3) eliminating extra features, such as sliding doors, balconies, patios, community rooms, unnecessary paving, and excessive landscaping; (4) reusing building designs; and (5) increasing density. |
FmHA Rural Rental Housing Regulations were published on January 16, 1988 and effective on February 25, 1988. The regulations contain a cost-containment section consistent with this recommendation.
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Topics
Construction costsCost controlHousing constructionLow income housingRent subsidiesRental housingRural housing programsState programsTax creditInflation