Overview

Property owners and management agents who participate in the Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program must request approval from the Housing Authority of the County of Riverside (HACR) before any rent increase can take effect.
This process ensures that rents remain reasonable and comply with HUD regulations (24 CFR 983.301–983.302).

When to Submit

Each PBV property has a fixed Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract anniversary date.

This date determines when rent changes can take effect — it cannot be changed.

Submission Timeline

• Owners must submit requests at least 120 days before the HAP anniversary date.
• HUD requires a minimum of 60 days (24 CFR §983.302(b)), but HACR uses 120 days to allow time for review and approval.
• Rent increases only take effect on the anniversary date.
• No retroactive increases are allowed.

Example:
If your HAP anniversary date is August 1, submit your request by April 1.

Tenant Notification

Once HACR approves the rent increase, owners must notify both the tenant and HACR in writing.

Notice Requirements

• 10% or less: 60-day notice required (HUD Tenancy Addendum, Form HUD-52641-A, Section 8.2)
• More than 10%: 90-day notice required (California Civil Code §827, AB 1110)

HACR enforces a minimum 60-day notice for all PBV rent increases and 90 days for increases over 10%.

Summary:

• Submit to HACR: 120 days before anniversary date
• Notify tenant: 60 days (≤10%) or 90 days (>10%)

How to Submit

Email your complete rent increase request to:

[email protected]
Subject line: PBV Rent Increase Request – [Property Name]

Required Documents

1. PBV Rent Study Request Form (fillable PDF)
2. Utility Allowance (UA) Schedule
   • Use the current HACR UA Schedule (Standard )or (Energy Efficient).
   • Match the correct utility type and bedroom size for each PBV unit.
   • Include your completed UA schedule in your request.
   • Incorrect or missing UA information may delay processing.
3. Comparable Market Rent Data (see below)

Comparable Market Rent Guidance:

To confirm rent reasonableness, HACR uses data from AffordableHousing.com and other verified market sources.

Tips for Submitting Comparables:

• Use unassisted, market-rate multifamily units only (no PBV or Section 8).
• Choose listings in the same ZIP code or nearby area.
• Provide at least three comparables per bedroom type.
• Include property name, address, rent amount, and a valid online link by completing  rent comparable form.
• Update or add your property’s listings on AffordableHousing.com before submission — this helps HACR complete your study faster.

What Happens Next

1. HACR reviews your request for completeness.
2. A rent study is completed using current market data.
3. HACR issues a written notice approving or adjusting the rent and confirming the effective date.
4. If denied or adjusted, HACR provides written explanation.

Important Reminders

• Rent increases must follow HUD and LIHTC (if applicable) limits — whichever is lower.
• Rent changes only occur on the HAP anniversary date.
• Late or incomplete requests will not be accepted for the current cycle.
• Requests must be submitted through the official process — not by informal email.
• Owners are responsible for tracking their HAP anniversary date each year.

Forms and Resources

• PBV Rent Study Request Form (PDF)
• Current Utility Allowance Schedules  – HACR (Standard) or (Energy Efficient)
• HUD 24 CFR 983.301–983.302 – Rent to Owner