Section 8 FMR and Rent Reasonableness

[Justin Cooke]

I have some experience with Section 8, but have never run into this before. With other tenants Section 8 has accepted my asking rents. The FMR in my area for a 4 bedroom rental is $1,099 per month. I approved a tenant application and filled out their rent reasonableness form; asking $1,075 per month rent. Their Section 8 worker has told them the highest rent Section 8 would be willing to pay is $860 per month. The house was just purchased and completed renovated, has all appliances, off street parking, central heat and air, I've found two other current non-section 8 rentals listed for rent within a mile from my property for $1150 and $1050. The tenant states they are happy to pay difference if needed (in their current rental section 8 pays 100% of their rent).

So, my questions are: is there a way to rebutt their workers opinion of rent reasonableness (I already asked tenant to explain I got FMR straight from section 8 website and mention other comparable non-section 8 rentals)? If not, can tenants pay difference in rent if it's above rent reasonableness as determined by their worker (I have other Section 8 tenants that personally pay a portion of their rent, but rent is within deemed rent reasonableness).

Thanks!