HUD HCV Guidebook § 13
Chapter Glossary (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
The following terms are used in this Chapter: Contract unit is the housing unit rented by the tenant with assistance under the program. Family means the persons who may reside in the unit with assistance under the program as defined in the PHA’s Administrative Plan and consistent with 24 CFR 5.403 HAP contract is the housing assistance payments contract between the PHA and the owner. The PHA pays housing assistance payments to the owner in accordance with the HAP contract. Household refers to the persons who may reside in the contract unit. The household consists of the family and any PHA-approved live-in aide. (A live-in aide is a person who resides in the unit to provide necessary supportive services for a member of the family who is elderly, near-elderly, or a person with disabilities.) 73 24 CFR § 982.158(e) Housing quality standards (HQS) are the HUD minimum quality standards for housing assisted under the Section 8 tenant-based programs. Lease is the written agreement between the owner and the tenant for the lease of the contract unit to the tenant. The lease includes the tenancy addendum prescribed by HUD. Premises mean the building or complex, in which the contract unit is located, including common areas and grounds. Rent to owner is the total monthly rent payable to the owner for the contract unit. The rent to owner is the sum of the portion of rent payable by the tenant plus the PHA housing assistance payment to the owner.
HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 13 establishes a shared vocabulary for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, defining key terms such as 'contract unit,' 'HAP contract,' 'household,' 'HQS,' 'lease,' 'premises,' and 'rent to owner.' These definitions clarify the relationships among tenants, property owners, and Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) throughout the chapter. For example, 'rent to owner' is defined as the combined total of the tenant's share and the PHA's housing assistance payment, while 'household' encompasses both the assisted family and any PHA-approved live-in aide.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 13, owners participating in the Section 8 program operate within a framework defined by these terms. A compliant owner understands that the HAP contract governs the PHA's payment obligations, that the lease must include HUD's required tenancy addendum, and that 'rent to owner' reflects the full monthly amount combining the tenant's portion and the PHA's housing assistance payment. Familiarity with these definitions helps owners correctly interpret their obligations regarding the contract unit, the premises, and housing quality standards (HQS).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 13 defines the terms that govern a voucher holder's rights and living arrangements under the program. Notably, the 'household' definition means a PHA-approved live-in aide may reside in the contract unit as a recognized occupant, and the 'lease' must include HUD's tenancy addendum as a protective measure. Tenants who believe these definitions are being misapplied—for instance, regarding who may reside in the unit or how rent is calculated—may raise concerns with their local PHA or consult a tenant-rights organization for guidance.
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 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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