Section 8 rent increase ban?

[James Mc Ree]

I learned in the past week the housing authority in my area stopped approving rent increases May 1, 2025. Is that the case everywhere?

I submitted my normal annual increase. They said they are neither approving nor denying them, but aren't giving me the increase, so that feels like a "deny" to me. They said I can apply for a rent increase when the ban is lifted 60 days before the annual recertification. I think that means I have to wait at least another year for a rent increase as they will tell me I missed this year's window.

They said the rent increase ban is in place because their funding was cut 46% unrelated to the shutdown. That is Trump's "driving of efficiency." They are trying to stretch their reserves as far as they can. They also said they will pay November and December's payments, but it's unclear what happens after that due to the shutdown. 46% Is a huge cut. I was afraid to ask what the future holds. They said there is no planned date in the future for when rent increases will be allowed again.

I asked if I can get my $50 increase without any additional subsidy consideration (ie. tenant pays it all). They said "No" which I think is unfair as it violates their rationale. An increase without subsidy doesn't affect the budget at all. It does become a future consideration when they get funding again, and is certainly a bigger burden on the tenants.

How is everyone else handling the Section 8 rent increase ban?