HAP Payment Calculator
Calculate the exact Housing Assistance Payment using FMR, Payment Standard, tenant income, and utility allowance.
How HAP Payments Are Calculated
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is the portion of rent paid directly by the Public Housing Authority (PHA) to the landlord. It is calculated based on the Fair Market Rent, Payment Standard, tenant income, and utility allowance for the area.
- Payment Standard = FMR x Payment Standard % (typically 90-110% of FMR)
- Tenant Total Tenant Payment (TTP) = 30% of adjusted monthly income
- HAP = Payment Standard - Tenant TTP - Utility Allowance (but never exceeds contract rent)
- If contract rent exceeds Payment Standard, tenant pays the difference out of pocket
Why HAP Calculation Matters for Investors
Understanding exactly how much the government will pay vs. the tenant determines your guaranteed income floor. Setting contract rent at or near the Payment Standard maximizes HAP while keeping the unit competitive.
- Know your guaranteed government income before you list the property
- Optimize contract rent to maximize HAP without exceeding the Payment Standard
- Factor in utility allowances that reduce HAP in areas with high utility costs
- Understand how tenant income changes affect your rent split over time
Sample Output
See what this feature calculates for you.
HAP Payment Calculator
Fair Market Rent (3BR)
$1,950/mo
Payment Standard (100%)
$1,950/mo
Tenant TTP (30%)
$600/mo
Utility Allowance
-$150/mo
HAP Payment
$1,380/mo
Tenant Pays Landlord
$450/mo
Total Contract Rent
$1,830/mo
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