Total Tenant Payment

The total tenant payment represents the MINIMUM family contribution towards total housing cost, not just the rent.  

A mathematical formula is used to arrive at this number, which includes calculating annual income, adjusted annual income (annual income minus HUD regulated deductions), and the agencies designated minimum rent (see formula breakdown below).  

Formula 1: 30% of your monthly annual income anticipated for the upcoming 12 months minus HUD mandatory income exemptions. There are a lot of income exemptions that are designed to promote self-sufficiency.  

• As an example, we will not count (although you must report) the working income of a Full-Time Student who is not the head of household, co-head, or spouse.  

Formula 2: 10% of your monthly adjusted income which is annual income minus the consideration of HUD’s five Deductions.   

• For example, suppose the Head of Household, co-head, or spouse family is an Elderly and/or Disabled individual. In this case, we will automatically give you an Elderly/Disabled Deduction. You will also be able to deduct unreimbursed out-of-pocket medical expenses from annual income for your entire family.   

Formula 3: Minimum Rent is a minimum threshold amount established by the agency and regulated by HUD for families with minimal income as a minimal contribution towards total housing costs. HUD Regulations require families to continuously become self-sufficient. Therefore, families on the program who have minimal income, the mathematical formula would require the possible use of Minimum Rent to determine subsidy levels. 

Once these three items are calculated, the highest number amongst them is what is used to determine the total tenant payment (TTP). 

Example:  

Total Annual Income – $10,000 

Total Eligible Deductions – $3,000 

Adjusted Annual Income – $7,000 

Formula 1: $10,000 ÷ 12 Months = $833 x 30% = $250 

Formula 2: $7,000 ÷ 12 Months = $583 x 10% = $58 

Formula 3: $50  

In this example, the TTP that would be used is $250 as it is the highest calculated amount between the three formulas.