(a) Time of hearing. The hearing shall commence not later than 90 days following the date of the Government's filing of the complaint and response with the Docket Clerk under §26.38, unless the time is extended for good cause. The ALJ shall provide written notice to all parties of the reasons for any extension of time.

(b) Location of hearing. The hearing shall be held in a place most convenient for the respondent and witnesses, or in such other place as may be agreed upon by the parties and the ALJ.

(c) Notice of hearing. The ALJ shall issue a notice of hearing to all parties specifying the time and location of the hearing, the matters of fact and law to be heard, the legal authority under which the hearing is to be held, a description of the procedures for the conduct of the hearing, and such other matters as the ALJ determines to be appropriate.

(d) Exceptions for Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act matters. For Program Fraud Civil Remedies actions, the hearing is commenced by the issuance of a notice of hearing and order by the ALJ, as set forth in 31 U.S.C. 3803(d)(2)(B). Hearings for Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act matters shall be located in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3803(g)(4).

(e) Burden and standard of proof. HUD shall prove the respondent's liability and any aggravating factors by a preponderance of the evidence. Respondent shall prove any affirmative defenses and any mitigating factors by a preponderance of the evidence.

(f) Public hearings. Unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ for good cause shown, the hearing shall be open to the public.