HUD HCV Guidebook § 4
Using the Utility Allowance Schedule (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
HUD encourages PHAs to provide a utility allowance schedule to families. The schedule can help the family calculate the estimated cost for tenant-paid utilities, and compare gross rents for various units with local payment standards and personal affordability limits. When a family has located a unit and submitted a request for tenancy approval (form HUD-52517) the PHA can calculate the actual utility allowance for the family. As illustrated in the example 3 on the following page, section 11 of the Request for Tenancy Approval indicates tenant-paid utilities and the utilities the owner will cover. Using the information from the Request for Tenancy Approval and the utility allowance schedule the PHA can compute the appropriate utility allowance. 20 24 CFR § 982.517(a) and 982.517(b)(2)(ii) 21 24 CFR 982.517 Example 3: Section 11 of Request for Tenancy Approval Because the allowances for utilities and services are subject to change over time, regulations require the utility allowance must22 be recalculated at reexamination. Whether this takes place at the first interim reexamination after the PHA revises its utility allowance schedule or at the first regular (annual) reexamination after the utility allowance schedule revision depends upon PHA policy. Industry practice is to apply the new, revised utility allowance schedule at the family’s annual reexamination.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 4, Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are encouraged to share a utility allowance schedule with voucher families so they can estimate tenant-paid utility costs and compare gross rents against local payment standards. Once a family submits a Request for Tenancy Approval (form HUD-52517), the PHA uses the information provided to calculate the specific utility allowance applicable to that unit. Federal regulations further require that the utility allowance be recalculated at each reexamination, with PHA policy determining whether that update occurs at an interim or annual reexamination.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 4, compliant operators accurately complete Section 11 of the Request for Tenancy Approval (form HUD-52517), clearly identifying which utilities are tenant-paid and which the owner covers. This information directly feeds into the PHA's utility allowance calculation, which in turn affects the gross rent comparison and the subsidy amount. Operators generally stay informed about PHA utility allowance schedule revisions, as updated schedules are applied at reexamination and can affect the effective rent split between the tenant and the housing authority.
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 § 4 gives voucher holders the right to receive a utility allowance schedule from their PHA, which can be a useful tool when comparing units and estimating out-of-pocket utility costs before signing a lease. Once a unit is selected and the Request for Tenancy Approval is submitted, the PHA calculates the actual utility allowance for that specific unit based on what utilities the tenant is responsible for paying. At each reexamination, the utility allowance must be recalculated under applicable regulations, so tenants who believe their allowance has not been properly updated may consider raising the issue with their PHA or contacting a local 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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