Location: Pittsfield, MA | Metro: Pittsfield, MA HUD Metro FMR Area
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,170 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,170 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,510 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,980 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,520 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,923 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,274 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,536 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,713 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,510 | $242,263 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $1,980 | $274,102 | 0.72% | D |
| 4BR | $2,520 | $290,001 | 0.87% | C |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 01220, Adams, MA, in Berkshire County, can be broken down into specific components to help landlords understand their financial situation. For fiscal year 2024, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this ZIP code is set at $1250. This figure represents the maximum amount that the government will pay towards the rental costs of a tenant with a Section 8 voucher.
However, the local market rent for a similar two-bedroom unit is currently priced at $963, according to the Census ACS data. This discrepancy between the SAFMR and the actual market rent provides landlords with a clearer picture of the financial landscape they operate in when accepting Section 8 tenants.
A landlord's reimbursement from a Section 8 voucher is calculated based on the SAFMR, but it also includes the tenant's contribution and any utility allowances. Typically, the tenant is expected to pay 30% of their income toward rent. If we assume an average income level for a tenant, the tenant's portion might be around $375, which is 30% of the SAFMR. However, this figure varies depending on the tenant's actual income.
In addition to the tenant's portion, landlords receive utility allowances that cover electricity, gas, water, and sewer services. These allowances are not included in the SAFMR but are added to the total reimbursement. For ZIP 01220, the utility allowance for a two-bedroom apartment could range from $200 to $300 per month, depending on the specifics of the voucher and the tenant's needs.
To calculate the total reimbursement a landlord receives, you would add the tenant's portion and the utility allowance to the SAFMR. For example, if the utility allowance is $250, the total reimbursement would be $1825 ($1250 + $375 + $250). This means that even though the market rent is $963, the landlord would still receive a higher amount due to the combination of the government subsidy and the tenant's contribution.
The typical reimbursement gap or surplus in ZIP 01220 for a two-bedroom apartment is a surplus, given the local market rent is significantly lower than the SAFMR. In this case, the surplus would be approximately $862 per month ($1825 - $963), assuming the utility allowance is $250 and the tenant's portion is $375. This surplus can be beneficial for landlords as it covers the difference between the market rent and the higher SAFMR set by the government, ensuring a stable and predictable income stream.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.