What Is HAP
Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is the monthly subsidy amount that the Public Housing Authority (PHA) pays directly to the landlord on behalf of a Section 8 voucher holder. This payment covers the difference between the tenant's portion of rent and the total rent charged, up to the payment standard set by the PHA.
How HAP Is Calculated
The HAP amount depends on three factors: the contract rent (what the landlord charges), the payment standard (the PHA's rent ceiling for the unit size and neighborhood), and the tenant portion (typically 30% of the household's adjusted income).
The formula is straightforward: HAP equals the lesser of the contract rent or payment standard, minus the tenant portion. For example, if the payment standard is $1,200, contract rent is $1,250, and tenant portion is $300, the HAP is $900 (the $1,200 standard minus $300 tenant contribution). The tenant pays the remaining $50 difference to reach the $1,250 contract rent.
Key Rules for Landlords
- Contract rent cannot exceed the payment standard. If it does, you receive the payment standard amount as HAP, and the tenant must pay the overage.
- HAP is only paid for units that pass HQS inspection. Failed inspections halt payments until corrections are completed.
- The PHA must receive the signed lease and HAP contract before making the first payment.
- Failure to maintain HQS standards or allow inspections can result in lease termination and loss of HAP.
Key Rules for Tenants
- Your portion of rent is typically capped at 30% of adjusted income but can be higher if you choose a unit with rent above the payment standard.
- If your income increases, your tenant portion may increase and HAP may decrease.
- HAP continues only while you occupy the unit and maintain lease compliance.
Common Questions
- What happens if the landlord raises the contract rent? Any increase must not exceed the payment standard for that unit size. The tenant portion stays the same unless income changes. If rent goes above the payment standard, the tenant pays the difference.
- Can a landlord refuse to accept the HAP amount and evict? No. Once a HAP contract is in place, the landlord must accept HAP as payment in full for their portion. Eviction for non-payment of the HAP amount is prohibited.
- Does HAP change if the tenant's income changes? Only the tenant portion changes with income. HAP adjusts accordingly during annual recertification. The contract rent stays the same unless both parties agree to modify the lease.