Local housing authority paying less than the HUD 90-110% standard for local zip code?

[Ismael Ayala Jr.]

My local housing authority put in some vague language to the payment standards for the landlord. And I need some clarification from those who are section 8 landlords.

Regarding the actual payment to landlords, they said, "Once it passes the inspection and rent comparability (this is where we make sure your asking rent is the same as the market), the housing specialist will give the move in approval."

What is this "rent comparability" language? I do know that HUD posts rates and the local housing authority can pay between 90-110% of that payment standard for the particular zip code the property is in. In my particular case the lower end of HUD payment (90%) is still much higher than market rents. So does that mean the local housing authority has the ability to pay less than the lower payment standard of 90%? I'm very nervous about that vague language of "rent comparability".