New York City / CityFHEPS

CityFHEPS Maximum Rents 2026 (Payment Standards)

For CityFHEPS leases in New York City, DSS's 2026 payment standards are $2,734 for a 1-bedroom, $2,997 for a 2-bedroom and $3,753 for a 3-bedroom a month. They took effect on April 1, 2026 and are the maximum rents for an apartment whose lease includes all utilities.

Every 2026 amount is slightly lower than the 2025 one — a 2-bedroom went from $3,058 to $2,997. Renewals and new packages submitted by February 28, 2026 could use the 2025 amounts unless the lease started on or after April 1, 2026; packages submitted from March 1, 2026, or with a lease starting April 1, 2026, must use the 2026 amounts.

These amounts apply only to CityFHEPS tenants moving within the five boroughs. DSS publishes separate statewide amounts for moves elsewhere in New York State.

CityFHEPS payment standards, 2025 and 2026

Maximum monthly rent with all utilities included, moves within the five boroughs. Source: DSS-8r (E), DSS CityFHEPS Payment Standards (PDF) (read October 15, 2026).

Family sizeUnit20252026 (from April 1, 2026)
1SRO$1,985$1,953
1Studio$2,646$2,604
1 or 21 bedroom$2,762$2,734
3 or 42 bedrooms$3,058$2,997
5 or 63 bedrooms$3,811$3,753
7 or 84 bedrooms$4,111$4,077
9 or 105 bedrooms$4,728$4,689
11 or 126 bedrooms$5,345$5,301
13 or 147 bedrooms$5,962$5,913
15 or 168 bedrooms$6,579$6,524

If you pay some utilities

DSS's sheet sets these maximums for leases that include all utilities, and lists its utility allowances for utilities a tenant pays separately. The 2026 DSS allowances are the same as NYCHA's 2026 Section 8 schedule. Ask DSS or your case worker how they apply to a lease where you pay some utilities.

2026 utility allowance table · HPD Section 8 payment standards · NYCHA Section 8 payment standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CityFHEPS maximum rent for a 2-bedroom in 2026?

$2,997 a month for a family of 3 or 4, when the lease includes all utilities. That is DSS's 2026 payment standard, effective April 1, 2026; the 2025 amount was $3,058.

Which CityFHEPS amounts apply to my package, 2025 or 2026?

Packages submitted on or after March 1, 2026, or with a lease starting on April 1, 2026 or later, use the 2026 amounts. Renewals and new packages submitted by February 28, 2026 could use the 2025 amounts unless the lease started on or after April 1, 2026.

How much does CityFHEPS pay for a studio or an SRO?

For one person, the 2026 maximum is $2,604 for a studio and $1,953 for a single-room occupancy (SRO) unit, with all utilities included.

Can I use CityFHEPS outside New York City?

The amounts on this page are only for moves within the five boroughs. DSS publishes separate statewide payment standards for CityFHEPS tenants moving elsewhere in New York State; check the DSS CityFHEPS website or ask your case worker.

Is CityFHEPS the same as Section 8?

No. CityFHEPS is a New York City rental assistance program run by the Department of Social Services. Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers) in the city is run by NYCHA and HPD, which set their own payment standards and utility allowances.