Recent Research Results
RRR logo Report Looks at Conversion to Tenant-Based Assistance

Across the United States, change is coming to some of the privately owned rental housing developments that provide homes for low- and moderate-income households. Project-based assistance to these properties is being converted to tenant-based assistance.

A recently released report by HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research, Case Studies of the Conversion of Project-Based Assistance to Tenant-Based Assistance, Final Report, presents case studies documenting conversions from project-based to tenant-based assistance in privately owned developments funded under several HUD programs.

The properties selected for this explor- atory study fall into two categories: owner "opt-outs" of expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and owner prepayments of HUD-insured or -assisted mortgages. Some properties fall into both categories. Eligible low-income households in these properties have been offered tenant-based Section 8 rental assistance (generally in the form of Section 8 vouchers) with the choice of remaining at the property or moving elsewhere.

The goals of this research project were to:

  • Describe the characteristics and situations of the developments that are converting.

  • Identify factors that influence the decision of households receiving vouchers on whether to stay or move from developments that convert to tenant-based assistance.

  • Describe outcomes for vouchered-out tenants (both movers and stayers), such as housing and neighborhood satisfaction and changes in rent.

The case studies describe the conversion from project-based to tenant-based assistance from the perspective of all the key parties involved—HUD State or area offices, owners, local public housing agencies now administering tenant-based rental assistance, and residents who received vouchers. The study indicates that, in a vast majority of cases, tenants successfully found affordable housing using their newly acquired Section 8 vouchers.

Following an analysis across all of the study sites, the report details 12 properties in Boston, Massachusetts; Bloomington, Indiana; Dallas, Texas; and Seattle-Tacoma, Washington. Each case study features background on the property, implementation and outcomes of vouchering out, and a summary of findings. The report concludes with appendixes on the study approach and data collection methods, and the household survey.

Case Studies of the Conversion of Project-Based Assistance to Tenant-Based Assistance, Final Report is available for $5 from HUD USER. Use the order form.

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