There are some exceptions to the 30-day notice if the tenant is also in the process of completing their recertification and is delaying the process (i.e. missing appointments with CHA, not providing requested paperwork, etc.) then they may not be entitled to a 30-day notice of a rent increase.
Will the rent increase impact my portion of the rent? What if I can’t afford it?
Households in Project-Based units: the rent increase will not affect the tenant’s portion of the rent. Households with Tenant-Based vouchers: the rent increase may affect your portion of the rent. If the gross rent (total rent plus utilities) exceeds the payment standard then the tenant portion of the rent may increase The CHA will require both the tenant and the … Read More
What happens if my landlord requests a rent increase?
They need to put the request in writing to CHA at least 60 days in advance of the effective date. CHA will review the request and notify both parties of the outcome.
What is the Payment Standard and how may it affect the rent increase process?
The payment standard is the maximum subsidy CHA can pay on behalf of a family. Each year, CHA establishes payment standards based on the HUD-established Fair Market Rents (FMR) for the area. CHA’s current payment standards are listed here: https://cambridge-housing.org/iam/voucherholders/rates.asp. The payment standards are set according to zip code and the unit size or voucher size (whichever is lower). If … Read More
How can I request a rent increase on a unit that I own or manage with a CHA-assisted tenant?
The Rent Increase Request form is available here: https://cambridge-housing.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=24391. The request must be submitted to CHA with a copy and/or notification to the tenant at least 60 days prior to the requested effective date of the rent increase. Once CHA receives the request they will determine whether the requested rent is reasonable with respect to other units on the market. … Read More
After the submitted rent increase request there was a notice received that states the rent increase request is above the payment standard but it is reasonable and to send an agreement between the LL and tenant. What does this mean?
This means the LL must write a letter that must include the tenant and LL/management companies name and address, the total rent requested, the tenant’s new portion, the date the increase is in effect and then both the LL and tenant must sign and date the letter. Then the letter must be submitted back to CHA at rentincreases@cambridge-housing.org
Are utilities included in the total gross rent?
Yes, the utilities are added to the total rent requested by the LL and together equals the total gross rent. For example, if a tenant is responsible to pay gas heat and they are allotted $80 from CHA for the heat and the LL requests $1690 for rent then the total gross rent for the apartment is $1770. If the … Read More
What are utility allowances?
The utility allowance (UA) is allotted to the tenant based on what utilities they are responsible to pay. To see current UA’s click HERE.
Why does it matter when the tenant recertifies with CHA?
The payment standard is only updated during an annual or biennial recertification. Even if the payment standards have changed, CHA will use the payment standard that was in effect at the participant’s last annual or biennial recertification when determining the rent amounts.
What does the payment standard have to do with the rent increase request?
The payment standard is the maximum subsidy CHA can pay on behalf of a family. If the landlord (LL) requests a rent that is above the payment standard that CHA can approve then (1) The LL can either lower the requested amount so that it is within the payment standard. (2) The tenant has the option to pay more than … Read More
- Page 1 of 2
- 1
- 2