Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

The Housing Assistance Payment is the monthly subsidy the PHA pays directly to the landlord on behalf of a Section 8 voucher holder.

The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is the actual dollar amount that a Public Housing Authority pays to a landlord each month on behalf of a Section 8 tenant. It represents the government's share of the rent and is the core financial mechanism of the Housing Choice Voucher program.

The HAP is calculated as the lower of: (a) the payment standard minus the Total Tenant Payment (TTP), or (b) the gross rent minus the TTP. In practical terms, if the rent is at or below the payment standard, the HAP covers the difference between what the tenant can afford and the actual rent. If the rent exceeds the payment standard, the HAP covers the difference between the payment standard and the TTP, and the tenant pays the rest.

HAP is paid directly to the landlord each month — tenants never handle the government's portion of rent. This provides landlords with a reliable, government-backed income stream. The PHA and landlord execute a HAP contract that specifies the payment amount, obligations, and terms. HAP contracts are typically renewed annually alongside the tenant's voucher recertification.

For landlords, understanding HAP is crucial for cash flow planning. The government portion arrives predictably each month, while the tenant's portion may vary based on income changes at recertification. Look up FMR rates — which determine payment standards and thus HAP amounts — at FMR8.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Housing Assistance Payment?

A Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is the monthly subsidy a Public Housing Authority pays directly to a landlord on behalf of a Section 8 tenant. It covers the difference between the tenant's contribution (about 30% of income) and the approved rent, up to the local payment standard.

How is the HAP amount calculated?

HAP equals the lesser of: the payment standard minus 30% of the tenant's adjusted income, or the actual gross rent minus 30% of the tenant's adjusted income. This ensures the government pays only what is needed to bridge the gap between tenant contribution and rent.

Related Terms

• Payment Standard — The payment standard is the maximum subsidy amount a Public Housing Authority will pay for a given unit size. It is base...
• Total Tenant Payment (TTP) — The Total Tenant Payment is the amount a Section 8 household must contribute toward rent and utilities each month, gener...
• Housing Choice Voucher — A Housing Choice Voucher is a federal subsidy that allows low-income families to choose and rent privately-owned housing...
• Public Housing Authority (PHA) — A Public Housing Authority is a local government agency that administers the Section 8 voucher program, manages waiting ...
• Landlord Participation in Section 8 — Landlord participation in Section 8 means renting to Housing Choice Voucher holders. Landlords receive guaranteed monthl...