Project-Based Rental Assistance
Federal rental subsidies that attach to specific housing units rather than to households. When a PBRA tenant moves out, the assistance stays with the unit. Primary programs include Project-Based Section 8 (24 CFR Part 880) and Project-Based Vouchers (24 CFR Part 983).
Also known as: PBRA, project-based Section 8, HAP contract housing, PBV
Definition
Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) refers to federal rental subsidies that are contractually tied to specific housing units or properties, rather than being portable with individual households as in the tenant-based Housing Choice Voucher program.
Key PBRA Programs
Project-Based Section 8 (Legacy HAP Contracts)
Authorized by 42 U.S.C. § 1437f(b)(1), project-based Section 8 contracts were executed with private owners beginning in the 1970s under programs administered at 24 CFR Parts 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, and 886. These long-term Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts subsidize the difference between the contract rent and the tenant's contribution (30% of adjusted income).
Project-Based Vouchers (PBV)
Under 42 U.S.C. § 1437f(o)(13) and 24 CFR Part 983, PHAs may project-base up to 20% of their voucher allocation by attaching voucher assistance to specific units in a development for at least 15 years. Unlike legacy PBRA, PBV tenants acquire the right to a tenant-based voucher after 12 months.
Tenant Protections
PBRA tenants benefit from:
- Long-term rent stability independent of household income changes
- Just cause eviction protections under HUD regulatory requirements
- Right to organize and participate in resident councils
- Enhanced notice requirements for contract termination or opt-out by owners
Contract Preservation
Section 8 Renewal Guide (HUD Notice H 2019-10) sets out the framework for HAP contract renewal options, rent adjustments, and owner opt-out procedures when contracts expire.
Sources
- 24 CFR Part 880, eCFR —
ecfr - 24 CFR Part 983, eCFR (PBV) —
ecfr - 42 U.S.C. § 1437f, Cornell LII —
cornell-lii - HUD.gov: Multifamily Housing —
hud-gov
Frequently asked questions
Key PBRA Programs
Authorized by 42 U.S.C. § 1437f(b)(1), project-based Section 8 contracts were executed with private owners beginning in the 1970s under programs administered at 24 CFR Parts 880, 881, 882, 883, 884, and 886. These long-term Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts subsidize the difference between the contract rent and the tenant's contribution (30% of adjusted income). Under 42 U.S.C. § 1437f(o)(13) and 24 CFR Part 983, PHAs may project-base up to 20% of their voucher allocation by attaching voucher assistance to specific units in a development for at least 15 years. Unlike legacy PBRA, PBV tenants acquire the right to a tenant-based voucher after 12 months.
Tenant Protections
PBRA tenants benefit from: Long-term rent stability independent of household income changes Just cause eviction protections under HUD regulatory requirements Right to organize and participate in resident councils Enhanced notice requirements for contract termination or opt-out by owners
Contract Preservation
Section 8 Renewal Guide (HUD Notice H 2019-10) sets out the framework for HAP contract renewal options, rent adjustments, and owner opt-out procedures when contracts expire.
Sources
CFR Part 880, eCFR — ecfr CFR Part 983, eCFR (PBV) — ecfr U.S.C. § 1437f, Cornell LII — cornell-lii HUD.gov: Multifamily Housing — hud-gov