Question 1

What are Section 8 payment standards?

Accepted Answer

Payment standards are the maximum monthly housing assistance a Public Housing Authority (PHA) will pay on behalf of a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher family. PHAs must set payment standards between 90% and 110% of HUD's Fair Market Rent under 24 CFR 982.503 (up to 120% with HUD approval).

Question 2

How is HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) calculated?

Accepted Answer

HAP equals the lower of (payment standard minus Total Tenant Payment) or (gross rent minus TTP). The tenant's TTP is typically 30% of adjusted monthly income. The HAP is paid directly by the PHA to the landlord each month; the tenant pays the difference.

Question 3

What's the difference between FMR and SAFMR?

Accepted Answer

Fair Market Rent (FMR) is calculated by HUD at the metropolitan-area level. Small Area FMR (SAFMR) is calculated at the ZIP-code level, providing more accurate rents for individual neighborhoods. HUD requires certain PHAs to use SAFMR-based payment standards per 24 CFR 982.503(e).

Question 4

How often are payment standards updated?

Accepted Answer

PHAs typically update payment standards annually to reflect HUD's new FMRs (effective October 1 each fiscal year). Some PHAs update mid-year if HUD revises its SAFMRs. LandlordVoucher tracks both initial and revised publications.

Question 5

Can a landlord's asking rent exceed the payment standard?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the tenant must be able to afford the difference between gross rent and HAP, capped at 40% of adjusted monthly income at initial lease-up (24 CFR 982.508). The rent must also pass the PHA's rent-reasonableness test against comparable unassisted units (24 CFR 982.507).

Frequently Asked Questions