Rent Pulse · Week of October 13, 2026
Asking rents soften into winter
The trackers disagree on the size of the dip, but they agree on the direction.
- $1,450Zumper median asking rent (Oct. 12, 2026): −2% month over month, −4.9% year over year
- $1,298Apartment List median (Oct. 2026): −0.3% year over year, +3.6% since January
- +0.6%Colliers Q2 2026 multifamily effective rents, year over year; ~95.5% occupancy; ~7,803 units leasing up
What it means
Demand remains healthy, but new buildings are offering concessions and fall leasing is slow. Landlords: price winter vacancies off current comps in your own ZIP code. Tenants: this is a good season to negotiate.
Section 8: CMHA payment standards rose Oct. 1
On Aug. 1, 2026, the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) lowered voucher payment standards from 110% to 100% of HUD Fair Market Rent, citing a federal funding shortfall. HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rents then took effect Oct. 1, 2026, at substantially higher levels.
| Columbus metro FMR | 0BR | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | 4BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2026 | $1,111 | $1,194 | $1,430 | $1,715 | $1,927 |
| FY2027 | $1,258 | $1,346 | $1,602 | $1,909 | $2,172 |
Two-bedroom payment standards by ZIP (August → October)
- 43207: $1,240 → $1,420
- 43211: $1,180 → $1,340
- 43224: $1,190 → $1,350
- 43229: $1,300 → $1,480
The payment standard is the maximum subsidy basis, not a rent ceiling you can charge, and it includes tenant-paid utilities. Rents must still pass CMHA's rent-reasonableness review. Check CMHA's current table before submitting a Request for Tenancy Approval. Timing for existing voucher households may differ; confirm with CMHA.