Expert articles on understanding fair market rents, knowing your rights as a renter, and making smarter housing decisions.
HUD publishes Fair Market Rents every year that determine housing assistance for millions of Americans. Here's exactly what FMR means, how it's calculated, and why it matters for renters.
October 25, 2024· Updated February 15, 2025
Renters often overpay without knowing it. Here's how to use HUD data, local market comparisons, and income benchmarks to determine if your rent is fair — and what to do if it isn't.
September 10, 2024
Rent increases feel arbitrary, but they're governed by specific rules that vary by state and city. Here's what landlords can and can't do — and how to respond when they push the limits.
August 20, 2024
The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) is built entirely around Fair Market Rents. Here's exactly how vouchers work, what landlords must accept, and the reality of finding housing with a voucher.
July 15, 2024
Buying is not always better than renting. The rent vs. buy decision depends on your timeline, local price-to-rent ratios, and opportunity costs — here's the framework to get it right.
June 1, 2024