NYC Voucher Rent Calculator
Estimated maximum rent to the landlord in NYC, by apartment size
HPD, NYCHA, CityFHEPS, FHEPS, HRA Special Services
| Apartment | Payment standard | Deduction | Max rent (estimate) |
|---|
The voucher holder usually pays about 30% of their income toward rent and any utilities they are responsible for. HPD pays the rest of the rent to the landlord.
The max rent shown is the most the apartment can rent for without the voucher holder paying more than about 30% of their income. For a new lease, HPD can approve a higher rent if the voucher holder pays the difference and their total payment stays at or below 40% of their income. Check with HPD or the caseworker.
Before the subsidy starts, HPD checks that the rent is reasonable for the area and inspects the apartment.
The voucher holder usually pays about 30% of their income toward rent and any utilities they are responsible for. NYCHA pays the rest of the rent to the landlord.
The max rent shown is the most the apartment can rent for without the voucher holder paying more than about 30% of their income. For a new lease, NYCHA can approve a higher rent if the voucher holder pays the difference and their total payment stays at or below 40% of their income. Check with NYCHA or the caseworker.
Before approving a new rental, NYCHA checks that the rent is reasonable for the area and inspects the apartment.
The voucher holder usually pays about 30% of their income toward rent, plus any utilities they are responsible for. CityFHEPS pays the rest of the rent to the landlord.
Before approving, HRA checks that the rent is reasonable for the area and does a walkthrough of the apartment.
How much the household pays depends on its income and benefits. Ask the caseworker.
How much the household pays depends on its income and benefits. Ask the caseworker.
Not affiliated with HPD, NYCHA, DSS or HRA.
Estimate only, based on published payment standards and utility allowances. The agency decides the final approved rent.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is the max rent what the voucher holder pays?
No. The max rent is an estimate of the total rent paid to the landlord, not what the voucher holder pays. With HPD or NYCHA, the voucher holder usually pays about 30% of their income toward rent and any utilities they are responsible for, and the agency pays the rest of the rent. With CityFHEPS, they usually pay about 30% of their income toward rent, plus any utilities they are responsible for, and CityFHEPS pays the rest. With FHEPS or HRA Special Services, how much the household pays depends on its income and benefits, so ask the caseworker.
Why is the max rent lower when the tenant pays utilities?
Utilities the tenant pays count toward the payment standard, so less of it is left for rent. HPD subtracts tenant-paid utilities from the payment standard for Section 8, as HRA does for CityFHEPS, FHEPS and Special Services, and NYCHA factors them in. The calculator subtracts a utility allowance for each utility the tenant pays and assumes water and sewer are included.
Can a voucher holder rent a bigger or smaller apartment?
Yes, with HPD, NYCHA and CityFHEPS, but the payment standard follows the smaller of the two sizes. For example, with a voucher for a 1 bedroom, renting a studio uses the payment standard for a studio, and renting a 2 bedroom uses the payment standard for a 1 bedroom. The calculator assumes the same for FHEPS, and HRA Special Services considers exceptions to apartment size case by case, so for those two programs, ask the caseworker.
Why is a ZIP code needed only for HPD?
HPD's payment standard depends on the ZIP code. ZIP codes on HPD's list have their own amounts, and every other NYC ZIP code uses HPD's standard amounts. NYCHA uses one citywide schedule for new rentals, and CityFHEPS, FHEPS and HRA Special Services each use one schedule across New York City, so they don't need a ZIP code.
Which figures does the calculator use, and when do they change?
The payment standards and utility allowances are published by each program's agency: HPD for its Section 8 and HOME TBRA vouchers, NYCHA for its Section 8 vouchers, and the Department of Social Services (which includes HRA) for CityFHEPS, FHEPS and HRA Special Services. The agencies update them from time to time. The calculator uses the most recent figures we have checked. The Sources section under the result names each chart, shows its effective date and links to the agency's document. The figures are for new leases; renewals can use different figures.