HUD Provides Additional Information on Small Area FMRs

By: Tushar Gurjal, Senior Policy Manager

Many PHAs with Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs are in the process of transitioning to small area Fair Market Rents (FMRs). Yesterday, HUD’s technical assistance provider sent–in an email to PHAs that will be using small area FMRs–information on effective communication about the transition to small area FMRs. The email stated groups that information on the transition to small area FMRs should be shared with and provided additional resources for PHAs.

Groups that information on the small area FMR transition should be shared with include the following:

• Current participants – information should be provided on the “ . . . PHA’s website, portals, email blasts, webinars, in-person meetings, and mailouts.” This information should include the benefits of living in high-opportunity areas, how small area FMRs may impact moves, and how the PHA will handles decreases in the payment standards.
• New voucher holders – information should be provided on the purpose of small area FMRs, the benefits of living in high opportunity areas, and the payment standard schedule should be included in briefing packets.
• The PHA board – the board must be educated about small area FMRs and it must approve the small area FMR policies in the agency’s administrative plan.
• Community partners – information about small area FMRs and the new payment standard schedule should be shared with partners that work with new and existing voucher holders.

There will be two additional webinars on small area FMRs in the near future:

• Required administrative plan revisions – Nov. 20, 2024 at 1 to 1:30 pm ET; and
• Software Considerations – Dec. 18, 2024 at 1 to 1:30 pm ET.

To receive additional direct technical assistance, please contact your agency’s HUD field office.

Sample language for these communications can be found here.

HUD’s implementing small area FMRs webinar can be found here.