HUD Suspends Most Small Area Fair Market Rent Designation Requirements

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is suspending the ZIP code-based small area fair market rent (FMR) designation for 23 of 24 metropolitan areas scheduled to begin using small area FMRs in administration of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program Oct. 1, according to a letter sent last week. The letter said the decision was based on interim findings of a HUD demonstration, public comments and requests from public housing agencies for more guidance and technical assistance. The letter said small-area designation will be delayed until at least Oct. 1, 2019. The Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas Metro Division, which has used small area FMRs since 2011, is the only designation that remains in effect. Public housing agencies that wish to opt into the small area FMR formula can submit a written request to HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing.