HUD HCV Guidebook § 5.1.1
Anniversary Date of the HAP Contract (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
When a PHA chooses the anniversary date as the reexamination date, the PHA conducts a full reexamination
of family composition and income to be effective the first of the month on the anniversary of the family’s HAP
contract for the unit they currently reside. Because a PHA may not exceed 12-months between annual
reexaminations, if the family’s HAP contract is effective after the first of the month, the next reexamination is
due one year later effective the first of the previous month. In example 1, a sample of how the anniversary
date of the HAP contract relates to the reexamination date is provided.
Example 1: Anniversary and Annual Reexamination Dates
A family is leasing up under the program for the first time.
The effective date of the family’s lease and the PHA’s HAP contract with the owner is May 15, 2019.
The latest date this family’s first annual reexamination can be effect is May 1, 2020.Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 5.1.1, when a Public Housing Authority (PHA) uses the HAP contract anniversary as its reexamination trigger, it must conduct a full review of a family's composition and income no later than 12 months after the prior reexamination. Because federal rules prohibit gaps longer than 12 months between annual reexaminations, if a HAP contract takes effect after the first of a month, the reexamination effective date is moved to the first of the preceding month to stay within that 12-month window. For example, a HAP contract effective May 15, 2019 would require the first annual reexamination to be effective no later than May 1, 2020.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 5.1.1 of the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook, the PHA—not the property owner—is responsible for scheduling and conducting the annual reexamination tied to the HAP contract anniversary. Compliant operators generally keep accurate records of their HAP contract effective dates so they can respond promptly if a PHA requests documentation related to a family's tenancy or unit. Staying informed about the reexamination calendar helps owners anticipate any adjustments to Housing Assistance Payments that may follow a completed reexamination.
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 § 5.1.1 establishes that your PHA must complete a full review of your household composition and income at least once every 12 months, anchored to the anniversary of your HAP contract. If your HAP contract started mid-month, the reexamination effective date is set to the first of the prior month to ensure the 12-month limit is not exceeded. Tenants who believe a reexamination was delayed beyond the allowable period, or that their household information was not accurately reviewed, may raise the issue directly with their PHA or contact a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
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.
Effective Timeline
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