What is Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check?

Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check, only available on AffordableHousing.com, is a powerful tool designed to simplify the leasing process for property owners participating in the Section 8 program. It provides you a Pre-Check of your proposed rent before submitting an RFTA (Request for Tenancy Approval) or requesting a rent increase. With this insight, you can move forward confidently, knowing your rent aligns with requirements—saving time and avoiding unexpected hurdles during approval.

With Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check, property owners can:

• Save time by identifying acceptable rent amounts early.
• Avoid delays and rejections during the leasing process.
• Proceed with peace of mind, knowing your rent aligns with housing agency standards.

How does Pre-Check work?

1. Select a Renter:
   To submit a Pre-Check request, you must select a renter with a voucher issued by a Housing Authority that serves the jurisdiction where your property is located.
2. Submit Your Request:
   Navigate to the “Applicants” tab and click on the selected renter's application. Once the applicant's information is expanded, click the “Check if your rent is reasonable” button to proceed.
3. Receive an Automated Assessment:
   The system provides a Preliminary Rent Assessment based on local market data. This automated calculation estimates the likelihood of your rent being accepted by the housing agency.
4. Housing Agency Review:
   Your rent request is sent to the housing agency for final approval. The agency reviews and confirms the proposed rent based on their guidelines. You will be notified of the results via email.
5. Official Approval:
   Once approved, your rent price is valid for 90 days. This means you can confidently move forward with submitting an RFTA or requesting a rent increase, knowing your rent meets requirements.

Why am I seeing “Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check will be coming soon to this area”?

This message appears because the applicant has a voucher and qualifies for a Pre-Check request. However, the housing agency is not currently participating in the Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check program and cannot pre-approve requests at this time.

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Why can’t I access Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check?

You can only submit a Rent Reasonableness when:

1. You have an active listing.
2. You have selected an applicant who has a voucher in the housing agency jurisdiction.
3. The property is located inside the housing agency jurisdiction.
4. The housing agency is participating in Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check.
5. You are currently a Premium member.

Why is the Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check important?
Pre-check offers property owners peace of mind by providing early rent approval through the rent reasonableness process. This eliminates guesswork, reduces delays, streamlining the approval process and ensuring a smoother and faster experience for all parties.

Is the Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check required to lease to a Section 8 tenant?
While it is not mandatory, completing an Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check ensures your rent meets local standards, helping to streamline the approval process.

Submitting a Pre-Check Request

How do I submit a Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check request?
To submit a request, log in to your AffordableHousing.com owner dashboard. Navigate to the “Applicants” tab and click on the selected renter's application. Once the applicant's information is expanded, click the “Check if your rent is reasonable” button to proceed. 

If the button is disabled, it may be due to one of several factors listed here. 

• You do not have an active listing.
• You have selected an applicant who has a voucher outside of the housing agency jurisdiction.
• The property is located outside the housing agency jurisdiction.
• The housing agency is not participating in Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check.
• You are not currently a Premium member.

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What information do I need to provide to submit a Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check request?
You’ll need the property address, proposed rent amount, and tenant details. No need to enter this information manually—it's automatically pulled from your listing and the applicant’s information. You can also choose to provide proof of renovation and enter comparable properties to further support your asking price.

How long does it take to process an Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check request?
Processing times may vary, as the housing agency reviews requests at their discretion.

PreliminaryRent Assessment

What is the preliminary rent assessment?

A Preliminary Rent Assessment is an initial evaluation provided during the Rent ReasonablenessPre-Check process. It estimates whether your proposed rent is likely to meet the Housing Authority's rent reasonableness and affordability standards. This assessment is based on market data and the details you've provided about your property, such as amenities, utilities, and location.

The Preliminary Rent Assessment helps property owners by identifying potential issues early, allowing you to adjust your rent or provide additional supporting information before the request is formally reviewed by the Housing Authority. This saves time and increases the chances of approval.

What is the purpose of the preliminary rent assessment? 

The purpose of the Preliminary Rent Assessment is to provide property owners with an early indication of whether their proposed rent aligns with Housing Authority standards for rent reasonableness and affordability. This proactive step helps identify potential issues before the formal review process begins, allowing you to make rent adjustments or submit additional information, such as comparable properties or proof of renovations.

Why are you suggesting me to lower my rent?

If the preliminary result modal suggests lowering the rent, this determination is based on various factors, including current market data or Housing Authority standards for rent reasonableness in the area.

Why does the preliminary rent assessment say the requested rent may not be reasonable?

The proposed rent does not align with current market data or Housing Authority standards for rent reasonableness in the area. You may want to adjust your requested rent, add comparables, or submit proof of renovations to justify the proposed amount.

Why does the preliminary rent assessment say the requested rent may exceed the voucher holders affordability?

The proposed rent is higher than the tenant's financial capacity, based on their income and the voucher’s payment standard. Even if the rent is reasonable, it must still fit within the voucher holder's affordability limits. 

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Why did I get a message that you were not able to process my Pre-Check request?

Your Pre-Check request couldn’t be processed because the housing agency has missing or outdated payment standards or utility schedules in their settings. The agency has been notified to update their information to resolve this issue.

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Adding Comparables/ Proof of Renovation

Why should I add comparables when submitting my Rent Reasonableness Pre-Check request?

It will let you know at that time that your comparable will be used for that property. The comparable will be linked to your property and the agency will be able to see the comparables that you added on the request. 

Please note, the added comparables may not be used for the Pre-Check.

Why does it say that my comparable is too far away or too dissimilar?

They are outside of the agency's jurisdiction, the property is too dissimilar because of square feet, bedroom size, bathroom size. 

Why should I add proof of renovation?

This is your opportunity to submit proof to support your rent request. You can add receipts, photos, invoices, and comments to show the agency why your rent is justified. 

Why should I leave a comment on my pre-check request, and what should I say?

Adding a comment to yourPre-Check request provides valuable context for the Housing Authority when they review your submission. If you’re attaching proof of renovations, use the comment section to briefly explain the improvements you've made and how they justify your requested rent. For example, you might highlight updates like new flooring, kitchen upgrades, or energy-efficient appliances.

These comments help the Housing Authority understand the significance of your renovations and may increase the likelihood of approval by demonstrating that your requested rent aligns with the property’s enhanced value. Clear, concise comments make it easier for the HA to evaluate your request accurately and efficiently.

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