HUD has issued Notice H 2026-06, revising a longstanding Minimum Property Standards requirement for emergency call systems in certain elderly multifamily housing.

What changed?

HUD has struck Section 100-2.20 of Handbook 4910.1, the provision that required emergency call systems in each bathroom and at one bed location in each unit at covered elderly properties with 20 or more units.

For properties covered by the Notice, emergency call systems are now optional technology under that Minimum Property Standards provision.

Which properties are covered?

This is not an all-HUD-program change.

The Notice applies to elderly multifamily projects with 20 or more units that are subject to HUD Minimum Property Standards under 24 CFR part 200, subpart S, including housing constructed under HUD mortgage insurance, and applicable Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly projects subject to 24 CFR 891.120.

HUD specifically states that the Minimum Property Standards do not apply to ordinary uninsured projects with Section 8 HAP contracts unless they are Section 202/8 HAP contracts.

If a separate HUD business agreement—such as a grant agreement or contract—independently requires an emergency call system, the owner may request an amendment to remove that requirement consistent with the new policy.

What must owners do now?

Owners may continue to furnish and maintain an operable emergency call system.

However, HUD now requires covered owners to remove inoperable pull-cord systems or other inoperable emergency call systems.

An owner choosing to remove an operable emergency call system must:

• notify tenants in advance; and
• consider comments received from tenants.

Where no functioning emergency call system remains, HUD encourages regular welfare checks, particularly for residents who live alone or have limited mobility.

NSPIRE still matters if a system remains

The NSPIRE Call-for-Aid System standard still evaluates systems that are present. A blocked system, a pull cord more than six inches above the floor, or a system that does not function properly can be treated as a Life-Threatening deficiency requiring correction within 24 hours.

NSPIRE also states that an abandoned system is not evaluated when all pull stations have been removed and only indicator lights, audible indicators, or the annunciator panel remain. In other words, leaving a dead user interface in place is not a good middle ground.

Why HUD made the change

HUD cited several practical concerns with older pull-cord systems. Aging systems can be costly to repair or replace, nonfunctioning systems create a false sense of security, and some owners have faced commercial insurance difficulties because insurers view emergency call systems as a liability risk.

Sources

• HUD Notice H 2026-06
• HUD NSPIRE Call-for-Aid System Standard