What happens to the HAP contract if the lease terminates?

When a lease terminates, the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract also effectively becomes void. This is because the HAP contract is directly tied to the lease agreement between the tenant and the landlord, and it specifies the terms under which housing assistance payments are made. Once the lease is no longer in effect—regardless of the reason for the termination—the basis for the HAP contract disappears, thereby nullifying it.

The process reflects the principle that both documents operate in tandem; if one is terminated, the supporting contract naturally follows suit. This ensures that funds are not inappropriately allocated without an active lease. It's important for both tenants and landlords to understand this connection to ensure compliance with program regulations.

Thus, if the lease terminates, the HAP contract does not stay active or subject to renegotiation; it simply ceases to have effect, preventing any outstanding obligations or payments from continuing under the Housing Choice Voucher program.