Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) » Payment Standards

Payment Standards and Rent Reasonableness

The payment standard is the maximum monthly assistance you can receive under the Housing Choice Voucher Program (before deducting your minimum rent portion, which is typically 30% of your household's monthly income).

2025 Payment Standards Search

Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs) Informational Sessions

2024 Payment Standards

How much is the rent?

Starting in 2025, SCCHA will transition from using a single set of payment standards to implementing separate payment standards for each zip code. These payment standards are based on the fair market rents set by HUD at the zip code level, known as Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs).

For a complete list of payment standards for each zip code, please click here.

Payment Standards Search

You can also use the search tool below to look up the payment standard that applies based on the unit address. Fill in all the required fields for the unit you are interested in to the form below, then click 'Submit.'

Payment Standards Search Tool Instructions

Enter the unit address. You can confirm the address and zip code using the USPS Look Up a ZIP Code tool.
Enter the number of bedrooms in the unit.
Enter the voucher unit size located on page 1 of your voucher. See example.

Please Note: The payment standard does not guarantee or limit the amount of rent a landlord may charge. However, for SCCHA to approve the unit, the rent must be both reasonable and affordable.

Reasonable Rent

SCCHA compares the unit to similar market-rate units in the area that have been recently rented to determine whether the requested rent aligns with market rents. SCCHA cannot approve a rent amount that is higher than comparable market-rate units.

Affordable Rent

If the rent exceeds the payment standard, the family will be responsible for paying the difference; therefore, the rent may not be affordable for the family. For new contracts, SCCHA cannot approve the rent if the family's portion exceeds 40% of their monthly income.

For Landlords to Change the Amount of Rent

Want to request to change the contract rent? The Owner Portal makes it easy for landlords to submit a rent change request, or you can submit a written request to your Housing Specialist.

Rent Change Guidelines:

Your request should come 60 days prior to the effective date of the rent adjustment, but no earlier than four (4) months prior to the effective date.
If the tenant is in an initial lease term, rent adjustments will be processed no earlier than 60 days before the lease expiration date.

Address the notice to the tenant and provide Housing Authority with a copy. The notice must be signed by the owner/agent, and include the effective date of rent adjustment and the requested dollar amount.
If there’s a change in amenities, submit a Unit Amenities Form

How SCCHA Determines
 if a Change in Rent Can Be Made:

When you submit your rent increase request, SCCHA analyzes similar units on the market to see what the rent should be. It’s important to provide any additional information that supports your request.

If SCCHA determines that the adjustment is reasonable, SCCHA will notify the owner and program participant of the change in rent as well as the effective date of the change.

If we deny your request for a rent adjustment, you can provide information to support your request.

SAFMRs Informational Sessions

Dec 27, 2024

Dec 27, 2024 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am

SAFMR Informational Session

Online

Type: General

Join us for an informative session on Small Area Fair Market Rents (SAFMRs) to learn about their purpose, implementation, and benefits. This overview will provide valuable information into how SAFMRs can enhance housing opportunities for program participants and offer advantages for property owners.

MORE INFO

Dec 30, 2024

Dec 30, 2024 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

SAFMR Informational Session

Online

Type: General