So You Want to Learn Rent Calc? Welcome to the Wild West of Housing Math

Intro:

Ah, rent calculation—the sacred art of determining exactly how much someone should pay for a roof over their head without accidentally breaking federal law. If you've ever tried to calculate rent across HUD programs, you've probably asked yourself: Why are there 14 different ways to do the same thing? Welcome to the chaos of American housing policy, where math meets madness and no two formulas are ever quite the same.

This blog is for anyone who has stared blankly at a tenant file whispering, “Is that gross income or adjusted?” or for those brave souls who dared to calculate rent without a calculator—and lived to tell the tale.

Wait... Why Isn’t There Just ONE Way to Calculate Rent?

Because housing policy in America is like a potluck dinner: every agency brings their own dish, and no one agrees on what goes into the casserole. Here's a taste:

The Many Faces of Rent Calculation:

Program	Key Calculation Style	Common Pitfalls
HUD Section 8 (HCV)	30% of adjusted monthly income (which includes deductions for things like dependents and medical expenses)	Forgetting to deduct child care, or using gross instead of net.
Permanent Supportive Housing (CoC)	Also 30% of adjusted income, but documentation standards can vary, and PSH may have special rules around zero income or utility allowance credits.	Not verifying third-party income correctly.
NYS Supportive Housing (OMH, HRA)	Some use 30% of gross income, some 30% of net, some include SSI back pay, others don’t. It’s choose-your-own-adventure depending on the funder.	Not following the right manual (or realizing there is one).
Rapid Rehousing (RRH)	Typically 30% of monthly adjusted income—but the key difference? Participants' rent contributions change frequently as income fluctuates.	Forgetting to recalculate after income change.

So What’s the Right Way?

Honestly? It depends on who gave you the money.

Which is exactly why I'm building a toolkit and training program to help you learn it the right way—every time. Whether you’re a case manager, housing director, accountant, or just the poor soul handed the rent worksheet with no explanation, I’ve got you.

Here’s What I’m Offering:

📚 Tools & Training:

• Rent calculation worksheets for HUD, CoC, RRH, and NYS supportive housing

• Sample policies and procedures to meet audit standards

• Visual guides to determine which deduction goes where (because yes, it matters whether it’s earned or unearned income)

🧠 Customized Staff Training:

• Schedule a live virtual or in-person training for your team

• Training includes examples, practice files, and a Q&A so your staff walks away confident

📋 Compliance Audits & Policy Development:

• Need to know if your current rent files are compliant? I’ll audit and fix them.

• I’ll help you write policy so your team isn’t winging it (and so you don’t lose funding)

Final Thoughts:

Rent calculation doesn’t have to feel like a cursed algebra test. With the right training and tools, your team can become compliance rockstars—and keep tenants safely and legally housed. If you're tired of rent math giving you ulcers, let's fix it together.

🔧 Ready to get your rent right?

Set up a consult with me to:

• Train your staff

• Create a custom rent calc tool or guide

• Fix or audit your current files

• Develop policies that pass any HUD or state monitor with flying colors

📩 Click here to book a free initial consultation.

Because no one should have to guess how much rent a tenant owes. Ever again.