# Federal Register #2026-22038

USDA rule expands guaranteed-loan eligibility for properties with ADUs and certain home-based businesses

**Buyer:** Rural Housing Service, United States Department of Agriculture
**Posted:** October 29, 2026
**Identifier:** 2026-22038

The USDA Rural Housing Service issued a final rule updating eligibility under its Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program.
- **Government buyer and office:** U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Housing Service (RHS), Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program.
- **What changed:** Otherwise eligible properties containing or planned to contain one or more income-producing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may qualify for loan guarantees.
- **Home-based businesses:** The rule clarifies eligibility for homes used for businesses that do not require commercial real estate features.
- **Additional requirements and definitions:** The rule defines “Accessory Dwelling Unit” and “Living Unit” and clarifies related property site requirements. Potential ADU income is not included in applicants’ income calculations.
- **Procurement status:** This is a regulatory final rule, not a request to purchase products or services. No OEMs, vendors, quantities, or part numbers are identified.

### Description

The Rural Housing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, issues a final rule amending the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program regulations. The rule permits financing otherwise qualifying single-family properties that contain or will contain one or more income-producing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and clarifies eligibility for properties with features accommodating home-based businesses that do not require commercial real estate features. It also adds definitions for “Accessory Dwelling Unit” and “Living Unit” and clarifies site requirements for properties with income-producing ADUs. The rule is effective December 28, 2026.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/29/2026-22038/single-family-housing-guaranteed-loan-program-income-producing-accessory-dwelling-unit-adu)