HUD Handbook 4350.3 § 6-6

A.      Introduction

                Owners and tenants should recognize that lease terms and requirements vary
                across the different housing programs. An initial lease term is required when
                leasing the unit, but depending on the housing program, it can range from one
                month to multiple years.

                Owners are required to notify tenants if the property has a HAP contract expiring
                within the next 12 months. Specific information relating to an expiring HAP
                contract and the required notification to the tenants can be found in HUD’s
                Section 8 Renewal Policy Guidebook.

B.      Initial Term

                The requirements regarding the initial lease term are listed for each program in
                *Figure 6-4*. Owners of properties with Section 8 contracts should be aware of
                the expiration date of the HAP contract in relationship to the lease term listed on
                the lease. In such instances where the HAP contract is less than one year, the
                owner should execute a lease with a lease term equal to the remaining term on
                the HAP contract.

        C.      Renewal Terms

                The requirements regarding the renewal lease term are listed for each program in
                *Figure 6-4*.