SEC-558 -- GAO STUDY REGARDING FAIR MARKET RENT CALCULATION. 

 
 The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to
examine fair market rentals under section 8(c)(1) of the United States
Housing Act of 1937 and determine the feasibility and effects of
establishing fair market for areas that are geographically smaller than
market areas under such section which are wholly contained within such
market areas. The study shall examine the following:
 
 (1) Whether establishment of such smaller fair market areas will more
accurately reflect rent variations within market areas and improve
housing opportunities for disadvantaged minorities and families with
special needs, provide very low-income families with better access to
employment and education opportunities, or otherwise further the
objectives of national housing policy as affirmed by the Congress, which
shall be determined for not less than 3 communities, including
Wilmington, Delaware, and Columbus, Ohio.
 
 (2) The inflationary effects of fair market rentals under existing law
within not less than 3 communities, including Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,
and Boston, Massachusetts.
 
 (3) The extent of geographical dispersion of families in particular
communities receiving tenant-based assistance under such section 8,
describing the differing characteristics of areas in which such
assistance is used (including the character of neighborhoods, proximity
to services, employment, and transportation, and quality of housing
stock), which shall be determined for not less than 3 communities
including Washington, District of Columbia, and Seattle, Washington.
The Comptroller General shall submit a report to the Congress not later
than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act regarding the
findings and conclusions under the study.