This is a tactic of theirs. They also like to tie rent increases to the cost of living index (which will give a whopping 2.9% increase). Here's what you need to do: 1. Find out what census tract your property is in. Sec8 bases everything on the 4 digit tract number. Go to: http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/AGSGeoAddressServlet?_lang=en&_programYear=50&_treeId=4202. put in your address & it will show the census tract number. Then click 'Map It' & it will show your census area- this is the area where you must base your comp's. Print a copy of the map & keep on file. 3. Contact a Realtor & have them do a wildcard rental search for this map area- go back several years if necessary. You will be surprised how many rental comp's are in the MLS. I've been a realtor for 12 years & I had no idea! 4. Send the comp's to Sec8 as proof of comparable rents & fight for the increase. Your odds are much better with this approach because it shows you know what you're doing & you'll have solid evidence to make your case. Hope this helps!
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