Resources for People with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)

Persons who have difficulty reading, writing, speaking or understanding English have rights to access services when they apply for a number of programs. This is called Limited English Proficiency (LEP). These services include:

• Housing assistance from a HUD-funded agency or provider
• Assistance from state or local government for a rehabilitation grant for their home
• Filing a housing discrimination complaint with the local Fair Housing Assistance Program grantee
• Supportive services to become first-time homebuyers
• Housing related social services, training or other assistance from HUD.

Agencies receiving federal housing funds must offer a mix of services to help LEP persons apply for their programs. Common services LEP persons should be able to receive when they apply for housing assistance include:

• Interpreters in person or on the phone
• Bilingual staff or staff interpreters
• Translating documents such as consent and complaint forms, intake forms, notices advising LEP persons of free language assistance, leases, tenant rules and applications for programs or activities.
• Translating notices of rights, denial, loss or decreases in benefits or services, notices of eviction and other related hearings.

The right to interpreters and translated documents depends on a number of factors. In some cases, there could be some delay in accessing translation services. The size of the LEP community served or encountered by the program impacts the need for translation services, as does the frequency of contact with LEP persons. Availability of translation services is also related to the importance of the program, activity or service. The availability of resources and program costs also affect timely access to interpreters and translated documents.

Anyone who has an issue trying to get LEP services can submit a complaint to the Office of Civil Rights, or call the office at (888) 848-5306.