Federal Regulation

Additional Information on Proposed Small Area FMR Rule from HUD

~ Tushar Gurjal

HUD has posted additional information on its new Small Area FMR rule titled “Establishing a More Effective Fair Market Rent (FMR) System; Using Small Area Fair Market Rents in Housing Choice Voucher Program Instead of the Current 50th Percentile FMRs.” HUD has posted a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and a one page fact sheet.

Here’s an excerpt from the FAQ about HUD’s anticipated timeline:

What is the timeline for the Proposed Rule?
The federal rulemaking process is complex and seeking public input takes time. Hence, timing is not easy to predict. HUD’s hope would be to issue a final rule in 2016. The Proposed Rule is currently open for public comment.
Read the full FAQ here.
Read the fact sheet here.

HUD to Conduct Webcast on Small Area FMRs

~ Tushar Gurjal

HUD will conduct a webcast on its new proposed rule titled “Establishing a More Effective Fair Market Rent (FMR) System; Using Small Area Fair Market Rents in Housing Choice Voucher Program Instead of the Current 50th Percentile FMRs.” The briefing will take place on Thursday, June 30 2016, from 11 am to 12:30 pm EST. Previously, NAHRO has voiced concerns about the impact of SAFMRs on tenants, some of whom will have lower payment standards; on landlord participation rates; and on the administrative costs, among other concerns.

To register for the event, please click here.

NAHRO’s prior coverage of this rule can be found here. (Members only.)

AFH Submission Timeline Decision Tree Chart

~ Tushar Gurjal

Several members have requested a chart showing the timelines for Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) submissions under the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule. Here is a decision tree chart that we came up with that we hope will simplify the process of figuring out the appropriate date an AFH is due. Please let us know if you have suggestions for how this chart can be improved or if you feel it is unclear.