The Operating Cost Adjustment Factors (OCAFs) for fiscal year (FY) 2026 were published on February 3, 2026, in the Federal Register.

OCAFs are annual factors that are part of an allowable method of adjusting the rents under the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997 (MAHRA), as amended, for projects assisted with Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments. MAHRA gives HUD broad discretion in setting OCAFs.  The sole limitation to this grant of authority is a specific requirement in each of the foregoing provisions that application of the OCAF “shall not result in the negative adjustment.”  The OCAF factors are effective February 11, 2026. 

The 2026 OCAF for OH is: 4.9

The 2026 OCAF for DC is: 5.1

For properties not eligible for the a-OCAF rent adjustment process, you can now complete the OCAF worksheet and send it to the PBCA.