Location: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA | Metro: Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH 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 | $2,130 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,230 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,650 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,180 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,510 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,072 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,561 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,926 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,172 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $2,650 | $482,312 | 0.55% | F |
| 3BR | $3,180 | $605,000 | 0.53% | F |
| 4BR | $3,510 | $735,104 | 0.48% | F |
| 5BR | $4,072 | $757,008 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The rent math in ZIP 01754, located in Maynard, MA, within the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH HUD Metro FMR Area, does not work in favor of landlords. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) set at $2380 for the fiscal year 2024 is notably lower than the actual market rent, which stands at $2,681 as indicated by the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI). This discrepancy suggests that landlords may struggle to cover costs and maintain profitability when adhering strictly to the FMR guidelines.
Acquisition in this ZIP code is moderately affordable, given the median home value of $606,024. However, the lack of data on days on market (DOM) and the percentage of homes that have been subject to price cuts indicates an incomplete picture of the market dynamics. Without these metrics, it's challenging to assess the ease or difficulty of acquiring properties at a fair price. Landlords should proceed with caution and conduct thorough due diligence before making any investment decisions.
Tenant demand in ZIP 01754 is present but not overwhelming. With a total population of 10,712, the 25.0% renter share translates to approximately 2,678 potential tenants. This number may be sufficient to support rental properties, but the relatively low renter share could indicate a higher competition among landlords for tenants, potentially leading to downward pressure on rents.
Verdict: While there is a tenant base in ZIP 01754, the rent math does not currently favor landlords due to the disparity between the FMR and market rent. Acquisition costs are moderate, but the lack of data on market conditions makes it difficult to gauge the affordability of purchasing properties. The low renter share suggests that landlords will need to compete for tenants, possibly necessitating amenities or services that can differentiate their properties in a crowded market. Given these factors, small-portfolio investors should carefully evaluate the risks and consider strategies to enhance property appeal before investing in this area.
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.