HUD HCV Guidebook § 9
Change in Ownership (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
Owners wishing to change ownership must70 supply all information as requested by the PHA, and the existing owner must obtain written consent from the PHA prior to assigning a HAP contract to a new owner. The requirements related to owner approvals also apply to changes in ownership. The new owner must71 agree to be bound by and comply with the HAP contract. In addition, the agreement that the new owner will comply with the HAP contract must be in a form acceptable to the PHA. If the new owner fails to provide the PHA with an acceptable written agreement that the new owner will comply with the HAP contract, the HAP contract terminates with the effective date of the ownership change. An industry best practice is to request a copy of the sales document, or other proof of transfer of ownership. If the assisted tenancy continues, the PHA will require that the new owner submit to the PHA a copy of the owner’s W-9 Form for tax purposes.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 9, when a rental property changes hands, the transfer of a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract to a new owner requires prior written consent from the Public Housing Authority (PHA). The new owner must formally agree in writing to be bound by the existing HAP contract in a form the PHA finds acceptable. If that written agreement is not provided, the HAP contract automatically terminates as of the date ownership changed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 9, operators selling or transferring a property with an active HAP contract must secure the PHA's written consent before completing the assignment — not after. Compliant new owners promptly submit a written agreement to honor the HAP contract in the PHA's required form, along with a W-9 and any proof of ownership transfer the PHA requests. Failing to complete these steps means the HAP contract ends on the date of transfer, cutting off housing assistance payments.
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 § 9 directly affects tenants receiving Housing Choice Voucher assistance when their landlord sells the property. If the new owner does not complete the required written agreement with the PHA, the HAP contract terminates, which can disrupt the assisted tenancy. Tenants who believe a change in ownership may be affecting their voucher assistance can contact their PHA directly for information about the contract's status, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general 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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