NYC Section 8 Payment Standards 2026: NYCHA, HPD & CityFHEPS
The 2026 maximum rents by bedroom size and why NYC's voucher programs don't all use the same numbers
NYC's 2026 Section 8 payment standards by bedroom size, how NYCHA, HPD and CityFHEPS differ, new-lease vs renewal amounts, and how utilities change them.
A payment standard is the most a voucher program will pay toward rent for a given unit size. In NYC, Section 8 vouchers come from NYCHA, HPD and NYS HCR, and HRA runs the city's own CityFHEPS voucher. They do not all use the same numbers.
NYCHA Section 8: 2026 payment standards
NYCHA's 2026 standards took effect January 1, 2026. There are two sets:
| Unit | New leases & transfers | Annual recertifications |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,604 | $2,646 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,734 | $2,762 |
| 2 bedroom | $2,997 | $3,058 |
| 3 bedroom | $3,753 | $3,811 |
| 4 bedroom | $4,077 | $4,111 |
NYCHA also stopped using higher "exception" payment standards for certain ZIP codes as of July 1, 2026.
CityFHEPS
CityFHEPS's 2026 maximums match NYCHA's new-lease numbers: $2,604 studio, $2,734 1-bedroom, $2,997 2-bedroom, $3,753 3-bedroom. They apply to landlord packages submitted from March 1, 2026, or leases starting April 1, 2026 or later.
HPD Section 8
HPD publishes its own payment standards and still uses exception payment standards by ZIP code. If your voucher is from HPD, check HPD's current standard for your ZIP code before you sign a lease.
Utilities change the maximum
These amounts assume all utilities are included in the rent. If you pay gas or electric yourself, the program subtracts a utility allowance, so the maximum rent you can accept is lower.
What you actually pay
Most voucher holders pay about 30% of their income toward rent. With Section 8, if you pick a unit above the payment standard, you pay the difference, but at move-in your share cannot exceed 40% of your adjusted monthly income.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the NYCHA Section 8 payment standard for a 2-bedroom in 2026?
- For new leases and transfers, $2,997. For annual recertifications, $3,058. Both assume all utilities are included.
- Are HPD and NYCHA payment standards the same?
- Not necessarily. HPD publishes its own payment standards and still uses exception payment standards by ZIP code. Check with HPD if your voucher is from HPD.
- Do CityFHEPS amounts match Section 8?
- Partly. CityFHEPS 2026 maximums match NYCHA's 2026 new-lease payment standards, but not NYCHA's recertification amounts or HPD's standards.