Rent Reasonableness

LHA uses the following criteria to determine the market value of rent:

1. Base rent determined by year built, number of bedrooms, and type of unit (apartment, duplex, or house)

2. Amenities can add or deduct to the value of the base rent

Location, Range, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Disposal, Microwave, Size of Unit, Washer & Dryer or Connections, Additional Rooms, Storage Shed, Number of Bathrooms, Balcony, Deck, Patio, Condition of Paint, Fireplace, Ceiling Fans, Cleanliness of Unit Air Conditioning,,Basement Floor, Level of Unit, Garage, Parking Availability, Security Building, Clubhouse, Pool, Cable TV

3. Information about three units that are comparable to the unit chosen by the Housing Choice Voucher tenant.

When LHA receives a Request for Inspection and Unit Information (RIUI) form, the dollar amount of the proposed rent is reviewed to determine the following:

1. the proposed rent does not exceed rents charged by the owner for comparable unassisted units.

2. the rent is reasonable in relation to rent charged by other owners for comparable units.

For apartments and duplexes: An owner may present LHA with a current lease of an unassisted unit that is the same as one chosen by the Housing Choice Voucher tenant to show the rent being charged is at market value.

Can a tenant pay the difference if the rent exceeds the Payment Standard?

Yes, only if the contract rent meets the rent reasonableness as determined by the Housing Inspector. LHA will always notify the owner and the tenant in writing of the tenant's portion of rent. The tenant should never pay more for rent than on the written notices and the owner can not ask for more rent than on the written notices.

If the contract rent asked for by the owner does not meet the rent reasonableness as determined by the Housing Inspector.

The tenant CAN NOT pay the difference between the contract rent and the rent reasonableness determination.