Guides

Plain-English explanations with the official numbers behind them.

• How much does rent go up per year?
  Typical yearly rent increases by state: HUD Fair Market Rent change and Census rent growth.
• What is area median income (AMI)?
  What 30%, 50% and 80% AMI mean, with FY income limits for the largest counties.
• Fair Market Rent by ZIP code (Small Area FMR 2027)
  ZIP-level Fair Market Rents: lookup, and when housing authorities must use them.
• Section 8 utility allowance and rent reasonableness
  How the utility allowance and the rent reasonableness test affect a voucher.
• CPI rent increases: how inflation sets the limit
  Which inflation index each rent cap uses, and the current official figures.
• Rent control vs. rent stabilization: what is the difference?
  The two systems explained, with NYC definitions and current city figures.
• Rent increase laws by state
  Caps, notice periods and local rent control, state by state.
• How much rent can I afford on my wage?
  $15 an hour · $16 an hour · $17 an hour · $18 an hour · $20 an hour · $22 an hour · $25 an hour · $30 an hour · $40k a year · $50k a year · $60k a year · $70k a year · $80k a year · $100k a year