When do the terms of the HAP contract start and end?

The terms of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contract begin and end in accordance with the lease terms established between the landlord and the tenant. When a tenant enters into a lease agreement for a rental unit that is part of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, the HAP contract becomes effective at the same time. This ensures that the housing assistance provided is aligned with the lease agreement, detailing the responsibilities of both the landlord and the housing authority regarding rental assistance payments.

The start and end of this contract are intrinsically linked to the lease, as the HAP payments are made to the landlord based on the tenant's lease duration. Therefore, the timing of the contract aligns with the specific terms of the lease, including its duration, renewal, and any related changes, making option C the most accurate response.

Understanding this relationship between the HAP contract and lease terms is crucial for both landlords and tenants in the HCV program, as it governs the duration of subsidy payments and the obligations of the parties involved.