NMHC and NAA Look for Member Input on HUD’s Fair Market Rent Plan

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HUD recently released a proposed rule that would alter the way Fair Market Rents (FMRs) are set. FMRs are used by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to determine payment standards for Housing Choice Vouchers. Under the proposed rule, FMRs would no longer be set at the metro area level, but instead by zip code, which would result in some FMRs increasing and some decreasing. The goal is to further deconcentrate poverty by providing larger voucher amounts in higher-rent zip codes. These finer-detailed geographic definitions - known as Small Area FMRs (SAFMRs) - have been implemented in six metro areas so far.

At a briefing NMHC/NAA staff attended Thursday, HUD officials noted that there are currently 31 metro areas that would qualify to switch to SAFMRs, but PHAs will also be allowed to voluntarily enter the program.

NMHC/NAA are seeking input from members that would potentially be affected by any change to the FMR methodology. Please contact NMHC Director of Research Caitlin Walter at cwalter@nmhc.org or (202) 974-2343 with feedback and for more information.

Lisa Blackwell lblackwell@nmhc.org

NMHC and NAA Look for Member Input on HUD’s Fair Market Rent Plan

July 01, 2016

Staff Resource

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