The Buffalo Rent Cooperative just launched a rent affordability calculator, a tool that uses HUD's FY2025-26 Area Median Income and Fair Market Rent data to show what residents can afford. The calculator is available to the public, and the cooperative is seeking feedback from the community.
"We want to hear from the community on how we can improve this tool," said a representative of the cooperative. The calculator is particularly useful for residents in neighborhoods like South Buffalo, where housing prices have been steadily increasing.
The Buffalo Rent Cooperative aims to provide a resource that will help residents make informed decisions about their housing options. The launch of this calculator comes at a time when housing affordability is a major concern in Buffalo. Residents in areas like Elmwood Village are struggling to find affordable housing, and this tool could be a valuable resource.
The calculator's impact will be significant for Buffalo homeowners and renters, as it will provide them with a clear understanding of what they can afford. The Buffalo Rent Cooperative will continue to work on improving the calculator based on community feedback. A meeting is scheduled for next month to discuss the calculator and gather more feedback from the community.