HUD HCV Guidebook § 3.1
Payment Standards within the Basic Range (HUD HCV Guidebook)
Operative Text
PHAs may establish a payment standard amount within the basic range without HUD approval or prior
notification to HUD.33 The basic range is between 90 percent and 110 percent of the applicable FMR. The
PHA's basic range payment standard amount for each unit size may be based on the same percentage of the
published FMR (i.e., all payment standard amounts may be set at 100 percent of the FMR), or the PHA may
establish different payment standard amounts for different unit sizes (for example, 90 percent for efficiencies,
100 percent for 1-bedroom units, 110 percent for larger units).34
31
24 CFR 982.503(b)
32
24 CFR 888.113(b)
33
24 CFR 982.503(c)(1)
34
24 CFR 982.503(c)(2)
Whenever the FMR increases or decreases, the PHA must ensure that its payment standards remain within
the basic range. PHAs must revise its payment standard amounts and schedule no later than 3 months
following the effective date of the published FMR if revisions are necessary to stay within the basic range. 35Under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 3.1, Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) are permitted to set payment standard amounts anywhere between 90 percent and 110 percent of the applicable Fair Market Rent (FMR) without needing HUD approval or advance notice. A PHA may apply a single percentage uniformly across all unit sizes or use different percentages for different unit sizes. Whenever HUD publishes a new FMR, PHAs are required to review and, if necessary, revise their payment standards within three months to ensure they remain within that 90–110 percent range.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program should be aware that under HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 3.1, the payment standard a PHA uses to calculate subsidy amounts can vary by unit size and may shift when HUD updates the FMR. Compliant operators generally stay informed about their local PHA's current payment standard schedule, since changes to the FMR can trigger revisions within a three-month window. Tracking these updates helps operators anticipate any adjustments to the housing assistance payment they receive for voucher-holding tenants.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
As a Housing Choice Voucher holder, HUD Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook § 3.1 is relevant to understanding how your subsidy amount is calculated, since the payment standard set by your PHA — somewhere between 90 and 110 percent of the FMR — directly affects how much assistance is applied toward your rent. When HUD publishes a new FMR, your PHA has up to three months to revise its payment standards if needed, which could affect future subsidy calculations. Tenants who have questions about their PHA's current payment standard schedule can contact their local PHA directly or reach out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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