Housing Choice Voucher Program - Rent Reasonableness

What is Rent Reasonableness?

 HUD requires a rent reasonableness test be conducted on each unit and is essential to the successful operation of the S-8 program.  Reasonable rent is defined as a rent to owner that is not more than rent charged:                

1.  For a comparable units in the private unassisted market.   
2.  For comparable unassisted units in the premises.

Factors considered in each test are:

1.    Unit size (square footage)
2.    Age (year built)
3.    Quality (includes quality of workmanship)
4.    Unit type (single family, duplex, mobile home, etc.)
5.    Location (site and neighborhood, access to public services, etc)
6.    Amenities (carpet, ceramic floors, air conditioning, central heat, insulation, washer & dryer hook ups, etc)
7.    Housing services provided
8.    Maintenance provided
9.    Utilities (does the landlord furnish water, stove, refrigerator, etc.)

The purpose of Rent Reasonableness is to assure that:

1.   A fair rent is paid for units selected for participation in the S-8 program, (the rent charged for assisted units may not exceed rents for unassisted units.
2.     The program does not have the effect of inflating rents in the community.       

Knox Metropolitan Housing Authority 201A West High Street Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050