24 C.F.R. § 983.202
§ 983.202 Purpose of HAP contract. (24 CFR Part 983)
Operative Text
(a) Requirement. The PHA must enter into a HAP contract with the owner. Except as provided in this paragraph, a HAP contract shall cover a single project. If multiple projects exist, each project shall be covered by a separate HAP contract. However, a PHA and owner may agree to place multiple projects, each consisting of a single-family building, under one HAP contract. The HAP contract must be in such form as may be prescribed by HUD. (b) Purpose of HAP contract. (1) The purpose of the HAP contract is to provide housing assistance payments for eligible families. (2) The PHA makes housing assistance payments to the owner in accordance with the HAP contract. Housing assistance is paid for contract units leased and occupied by eligible families during the HAP contract term.
Under 24 CFR Part 983 § 983.202, a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract is the formal agreement between a Public Housing Authority (PHA) and a property owner that governs the payment of housing assistance on behalf of eligible families. As a general rule, each distinct project requires its own separate HAP contract, though an exception allows multiple single-family building projects to be grouped under one contract when both the PHA and owner agree. Payments are made only for contract units that are actually leased and occupied by eligible families during the active contract term.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 983.202, property owners participating in a project-based voucher program are generally expected to execute a HAP contract with the PHA in the form prescribed by HUD before housing assistance payments can flow. Compliant operators ensure that each project is covered by its own HAP contract unless the single-family building exception applies and the PHA has agreed to consolidate multiple such projects. Owners also maintain accurate occupancy records to support the requirement that payments correspond only to units leased and occupied by eligible families during the contract term.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 983.202 establishes that the HAP contract between the PHA and the owner is the mechanism through which housing assistance is funded for eligible families like yourself. If assistance payments are not being made as expected, tenants can inquire with their local PHA about the status of the HAP contract covering their unit, since payments are only authorized for units that are leased and occupied by eligible families during the contract term. Tenant-rights organizations and HUD's local field offices can be useful resources for understanding how § 983.202 protections apply and what complaint or inquiry processes may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 4, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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