RHIIP Listserv Posting #395: 2018 Operating Cost Adjustment Factors (OCAFs) and Utility Allowance Factors Now Available

The Operating Cost Adjustment Factors (OCAF) for 2018 were published today in the Federal Register. These factors are used for adjusting or establishing Section 8 rents under the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (MAHRA), as amended, for projects assisted with Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments. The factors are effective February 11, 2018 and can be found at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-11-02/pdf/2017-23901.pdf.

Below is a chart of the 2018 published OCAF factors, as listed in the Federal Register, for easy reference.

Utility Allowance Factors for 2018, which may be used to adjust baseline utility allowances prepared in accordance with Housing Notice 2015-04, are also now available on HUDUser at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/muaf.html.

Note to PBCAs and HUD staff processing rent adjustments using Auto OCAF: As of today, the 2018 Factors are updated in iREMS. Please delete any Amend Rents records effective 02/11/2018 and beyond that were created either automatically or manually with the old 2017 Factors. A new record will automatically generate with the new 2018 Factor. Neither PBCAs, nor submitting owners, should be penalized by HUD for delays related to the late release of 2018 factors.