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Rent News, How-To's, and Advice

Helpful reads to guide you through finding and benefiting from
rental assistance and other housing programs

A New Shift in Rental Assistance: Cash Over Vouchers

In an innovative move, the U.S. government is contemplating a significant shift in its approach to rental assistance for low-income families. Traditionally reliant on housing vouchers, the proposal is to test a more direc...

15 Cities Where It's Still Affordable to Rent

Looking for a place to live without breaking the bank? While it's getting harder to find inexpensive apartments across major U.S. cities, there are still some places where paying less than $1,000 a month for rent is possible...

How Much of Your Income Should Go Towards Rent?

Before you jump onto rental websites to find your next home, it's important to work out how much you can afford to pay for rent without stressing your finances.   The 30% Rule A common approach is to use the 30% ...

Changes to Fair Market Rents for 2025: Impacts on Affordable Housing Programs

On August 14, 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD for short, announced the new rent prices that will be considered fair for the fiscal year 2025. This change will ...

Does Credit Affect Your Rental Options Under Section 8

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income people and families afford safe housing. Many wonder if having bad credit will hurt their chances with Section 8.   Does Section 8 Require a Credit Ch...

A Lifeline for the Vulnerable: Linn County's Rental Assistance Program

While the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted communities across Iowa, the most vulnerable members of society have been hit hardest. For those already struggling to afford basic ...

The Rise of Affordable Housing: Builders Shrink House Sizes to Meet Demand

Affordability has become a pressing issue in the U.S. housing market, prompting some major home builders to adopt a new approach. The Washington Post recently reported that powerful builders are...

Current Analysis of the Challenges of Affording a Home in Expensive Markets

The dream of home ownership remains a central part of the American ethos, yet the pathway to achieving it is becoming increasingly challenging. In today’s market, a typical household needs to ...

Local Housing Authorities Open Section 8 Waitlists in August 2025

Getting affordable housing through the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program can be a big help for low-income families. Every month, local and state housing offices across the country open up waitlist...