Notice of Certain Operating Cost Adjustment Factors for 2026
HUD establishes 2026 Operating Cost Adjustment Factors (OCAFs) for Section 8 project-based assistance contracts, affecting rent adjustments for affordable-housing operators.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Rental-Housing & Eviction Rules space on July 30, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated Medium urgency. Owners and managers of multifamily properties with Section 8 project-based assistance contracts renewed under the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act. should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Effective upon publication (February 3, 2026); apply to rent adjustments as per your contract schedule.. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Rental-Housing & Eviction Rules continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
HUD published the 2026 OCAF percentages to be used for annual rent adjustments on eligible contracts.
Who it affects
Owners and managers of multifamily properties with Section 8 project-based assistance contracts renewed under the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act.
What you must do
Apply the published 2026 OCAF to calculate adjusted rents for the upcoming contract year, as specified in your contract's renewal terms.
Deadline
Effective upon publication (February 3, 2026); apply to rent adjustments as per your contract schedule.
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