No. Market Rent Reports can be used for any rental property, not just those rented to Section 8 tenants. While they are built to meet HUD's Rent Reasonableness guidelines for the HCV program, the Reports rely on non-assisted comparable rental data. That means they reflect what someone not receiving housing assistance would typically pay for a similar unit in the area. This is why AffordableHousing.com Market Rent Reports are ideal for competitively pricing any property for rent.

Use Market Rent Reports anytime you need to determine whether your rental price is in line with the local market. They’re especially helpful when:

• You’re evaluating whether to purchase a property as a rental investment
• You’re planning to rent to a Section 8 (HCV) family and want to make sure your rent is reasonable
• You have a specific tenant in mind and want to get the unit pre-approved by participating housing agencies to speed up the move-in process

Market Rent Reports are valid for three months and help streamline rent approval by providing comparable, non-assisted rental data.

Not currently, but Market Rent Reports are included with all premium memberships on AffordableHousing.com. The number of reports (or credits) you receive depends on the type of membership you have–and Premium memberships give you a lot of other valuable tools as well.

Click here to view membership pricing and plan details.

Market Rent Reports are valid for 90 days, unless your local housing agency has different requirements. Always check with the agency you're working with to confirm their specific guidelines.

Each Market Rent Report analyzes thousands of data points and rental comparables. Your report will display up to 9 similar properties with addresses and details. The exact number shown may vary based on your property type and location.

No, the free estimate is a ballpark quote based on the local rental market. The Market Rent Report is based on in-depth data, all of HUD's Rent Reasonableness criteria, and the policies specific to your local Housing Authority.

Only the full Market Rent Reports are accepted by participating housing agencies and designed to meet HUD's Rent Reasonableness requirements.

Market Rent Reports are available through Premium memberships on AffordableHousing.com. The number of Report credits you receive depends on membership type.

Click here to view membership pricing and plan options.

The comparable rental data used in our Market Rent Reports is updated in real time, with new pricing information added multiple times throughout the day. This ensures that each report reflects the most current market conditions available.

If you believe your unit should rent for more than the estimated amount, you can submit your own comparable rental data—such as rent rolls—to help support your asking rent. You may also provide documentation of recent renovations, including photos and receipts.

These comparables must be non-income-restricted properties that you either own or manage (not properties found in the open market). AffordableHousing.com's customer service team is available to assist you with entering this data to ensure it’s submitted correctly.

Once submitted, your local housing agency may review and verify the information as part of their Rent Reasonableness determination.

Market Rent Reports are generated using a constantly updated, HUD-compliant Rent Reasonableness database. Millions of non-income-restricted rental comparables are analyzed daily, and any potentially assisted units are removed to ensure accuracy.

The Reports consider HUD’s nine key market factors: location, quality, size, unit type, age, amenities, services, maintenance, and utilities. Additionally, the methodology mirrors the Rent Reasonableness practices used by the area’s local Housing Authority, helping eliminate surprises. As a result, the estimated market rent should closely align with what the Housing Authority would likely approve for Section 8 (HCV) voucher holders.

Selecting a Housing Agency ensures your Market Rent Report is tailored to that agency’s specific Rent Reasonableness criteria, making the estimate more accurate and compliant. We use data and policies from the selected agency to align with what they would likely approve.

In some areas, more than one housing agency may serve the same location. If you’re unsure which agency to choose, any choice will provide a Report. The Rent Reports will be similar for agencies in the same area. You also have the option to run Reports for multiple agencies if needed.

Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check is what the housing agencies call their process of reviewing the Market Rent Reports that landlords submit through AffordableHousing.com.

In the process of verifying that your rent is in line with HUD and agency guidelines, some agencies may request a Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check before you lease to a voucher holder. The agency reviews your Market Rent Report through their Pre-Check system—making the process smoother and faster for both sides.