President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order on March 1, 2025, establishing English as the official language of the United States. This move has significant implications for federal agencies and their communication policies, especially for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Rural Development properties.
Key Changes
The Executive Order revokes Executive Order 13166, issued on August 11, 2000. That previous order mandated federal agencies, including HUD, to implement Limited English Proficiency (LEP) policies for their programs.
Under the previous order, agencies were required to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency could access their services. With the revocation, HUD will no longer mandate LEP policies for owners and Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in HUD-assisted properties.
Current Status and Recommendations
It’s important to note that the new Executive Order does not prohibit federal agencies from producing documents in languages besides English. However, they will no longer be legally obligated to do so.
No immediate action is necessary for HUD and Rural Development property owners and managers who currently have LEP policies in place. I recommend maintaining current policies until formal guidance is issued.
Both HUD and Rural Development are expected to provide official guidance on this change in the coming weeks or months. Project operators are advised to await this guidance before implementing any changes to their existing language access policies.
Looking Ahead
This policy shift signifies a substantial change in federal language requirements. Housing providers should remain informed about upcoming agency guidance that will clarify expectations and requirements going forward.
Once formal guidance is released, property managers and owners should consult with their industry associations and legal advisors to ensure compliance.
This article offers informational content based on current developments and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Property owners and managers should seek guidance from qualified legal professionals regarding specific compliance issues.