AffordableHousing.com offers two tools to help property owners understand market rent: a free general estimate and Market Rent Reports designed specifically for Section 8/HCV requirements.
The Free Rent Estimator is a free tool that helps property owners get a general idea of market rental prices based on location, unit size, and property features.
It is fast and easy to use—just enter an address and number of bedrooms.
Using the Rent Estimator Without an Account
If you do not have an account, follow these steps:
Click on the "Owners" tab in the top-left corner of the homepage.
From the drop-down menu, select "Rental Estimate."
On the Rental Estimates page, click the link labeled “free rental calculator.”
Enter the address and number of bedrooms.
Click "Free Estimate."
Important Note: The rent estimate shown is a guide only and may not reflect the exact market rent for your unit. Rental prices depend on factors like demand, unit condition, and local market trends.
Using the Rent Estimator With an Account
If you already have an owner account, follow these steps:
Log in to your Owner Dashboard.
Click on "Rent Reports" in the left-hand menu.
Select Free Estimate under “General Estimation”
Enter the address and number of bedrooms for the unit.
Click "Free Estimate."
Understanding Your Free Rent Estimate
The Free Rent Estimator:
Analyzes comparables at the county, city, and zip code levels
Considers address and bedroom size
Considers general comparables
Provides a Local Market Analysis graph displaying rental data at different levels (county, city, ZIP code, and mile radius).
Important Note: The rent estimate shown is a guide only and may not reflect the exact market rent for your unit. Rental prices depend on factors like demand, unit condition, and local market trends. Local housing authorities will perform a separate and independent valuation on your unit.
Using Premium Credits to Run a Market Rent Report
If you have a Premium membership, you can use your included credits to run Housing Agency Trusted Market Rent Reports.
The free estimate gives you insight. The Market Rent Report gives you total confidence.
When you use a Premium credit to unlock a Market Rent Report, you get:
✔ A rent estimate powered by the same rent reasonable software many Housing Agencies use
✔ HUD-compliant methodology
✔ Thousands of data points analyzed for accuracy
✔ Amenities and utilities factored in
✔ A defendable report that can be submitted directly to Housing Authorities
It’s the most reliable way to assess whether your rent is likely to be approved before you submit an RFTA—saving you time, paperwork, and potential delays.
To use a credit:
Go to "Rent Reports"
Select "Get Pro Report"
Your Premium credit will apply automatically