
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released updated payment standards for Section 8 housing vouchers in 2025. These standards determine how much rent a voucher will cover in cities and counties nationwide.
For millions of low-income families relying on the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, these updates will directly impact where they can live—and how much they’ll pay out of pocket.
What are Section 8 payment standards?
Payment standards are the maximum rent amounts that a public housing authority (PHA) will approve for a Section 8 voucher unit, based on the size of the unit and the local cost of housing.
These figures are typically set between 90% and 110% of HUD’s annually updated Fair Market Rents (FMRs). Local PHAs may request to use higher or lower standards in certain circumstances.
How much does Section 8 pay in 2025?
Section 8 payment amounts vary based on geography and unit size. Here are sample payment standards for select metro areas in 2025:
Location | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
---|---|---|---|
New York, NY | $2,060 | $2,540 | $3,130 |
Los Angeles, CA | $1,960 | $2,500 | $3,150 |
Chicago, IL | $1,420 | $1,780 | $2,220 |
Houston, TX | $1,190 | $1,510 | $1,930 |
Miami, FL | $1,700 | $2,130 | $2,700 |
Source: HUD FMR 2025 estimates. Actual payment standards may vary slightly by local housing authority.
How HUD sets payment standards
Each year, HUD calculates Fair Market Rents using recent rental market data from surveys and the U.S. Census Bureau. These FMRs reflect the cost to rent modest apartments across more than 2,500 metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas.
Local housing authorities then use these figures to set payment standards, subject to HUD approval. PHAs may set higher limits in areas with rapidly rising rents or housing shortages.
How this impacts renters and landlords
Higher payment standards mean Section 8 tenants can access better-quality housing or move to neighborhoods with more opportunities. However, if rent exceeds the local standard, tenants may have to pay the difference—up to HUD’s 40% income cap.
Landlords also benefit when payment standards rise, as they’re more likely to receive full rent payments from voucher holders. That can increase participation in the program, expanding housing options.
Where to check your local Section 8 payment amounts
To find your area’s exact payment standards for 2025, use HUD’s Fair Market Rent lookup tool here.
You can also check directly with your local Public Housing Authority for customized charts based on ZIP code and unit size.
Key Takeaways:
- HUD’s 2025 payment standards reflect higher rents nationwide.
- Section 8 voucher holders may qualify for more rental assistance.
- Landlords can receive updated rates by accepting voucher tenants.
- Local housing authorities have discretion to adjust within HUD’s limits.