HUD HCV Guidebook § 3.1.3
HUD Utility Schedule Model (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
The HUD Utility Schedule Model (HUSM) was developed by HUD to enable the PHAs to calculate utility
schedules by housing type after entering locality and utility rate information. PHAs can use this model to
compare the allowances that were determined using actual utility rates or average consumption
measurements. PHAs can download HUSM and instructions on how to use this model by going to the
following website: http://www.huduser.org/portal/resources/utilallowance.html. Example 2 shows sample
calculations for estimating utility expenses from average consumption data.
Example 2: Estimating Utility Expense from Average Consumption Data
In this example, the average consumption data for domestic hot water is 340 KWH. The schedule rate
$.0552362 per KWH, the average monthly utility allowance for domestic hot water. The sample calculations
by bedroom size would be as follows:
2 1/2 bedroom 340 KWH X $.0552362 = $19
0 bedroom $19 X .5 = $10
5 bedroom $19 X 1.6 = $30Section 3.1.3 of the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook describes the HUD Utility Schedule Model (HUSM), a tool developed by HUD to help Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) calculate utility allowances based on local rates and housing types. The model allows PHAs to compare allowances derived from actual utility rates against those based on average consumption data. A built-in example illustrates how a base allowance for a standard bedroom size is scaled up or down for smaller or larger units using established multipliers.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 3.1.3, PHAs—not individual landlords—are the primary users of the HUSM tool, but property owners participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program should understand that utility allowances affecting their tenants' rent portions are calculated using this standardized methodology. Compliant operators generally stay informed about how their local PHA applies the HUSM, since the resulting utility schedules influence the total housing assistance payment structure. Owners who have questions about how utility allowances are set for their unit types can contact their local PHA directly or consult the HUD User portal referenced in § 3.1.3.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 3.1.3 of the HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook establishes the framework PHAs use to determine utility allowances, which can directly affect how much of a voucher holder's subsidy is allocated toward utility costs versus rent. If a tenant believes their utility allowance has been calculated incorrectly or does not reflect actual consumption patterns, they may raise this concern with their local PHA, which administers the HUSM process. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with the Housing Choice Voucher program can help explain how the utility schedule model described in § 3.1.3 applies to a particular housing type or bedroom size.
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
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.