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 | $2,350 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,430 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,900 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,460 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,810 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,420 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,950 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,346 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,613 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,430 | $388,077 | 0.63% | D |
| 2BR | $2,900 | $586,768 | 0.49% | F |
| 3BR | $3,460 | $751,098 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $3,810 | $946,686 | 0.4% | F |
| 5BR | $4,420 | $1,329,831 | 0.33% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 02026, Dedham, Massachusetts, for fiscal year 2024 is set at $2,910. This figure represents the payment standard for landlords participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, meaning it is the maximum amount that the government will pay on behalf of tenants receiving assistance. It does not represent the total rent you can charge your tenant; rather, it caps the portion covered by the voucher.
To put this into context, the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), which reflects typical market rents, stands at $3,061 for Dedham. This suggests that the FMR is slightly below the average market rent, indicating that landlords might need to adjust their expectations if they plan to participate in Section 8. However, the gap is not substantial, and there are still opportunities to cover costs and make a profit.
In Dedham, approximately 26.6% of renters rely on housing assistance programs such as Section 8. This high percentage signals a significant demand for affordable housing options, which could be beneficial for landlords looking to ensure consistent tenancy. With a demand this strong, it's likely that your property would be occupied by a tenant who needs assistance.
If you're considering purchasing a property for a Section 8 rental, the median home value in Dedham is around $765,325. This is the acquisition cost you should be prepared for, assuming you're buying an average home. Keep in mind that the actual rent you receive will depend on the tenant's income and the rules of the Section 8 program.
Before you decide to pull the trigger on a Section 8 rental in Dedham, verify that the property meets all local housing quality standards. The Housing Quality Standards (HQS) set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development must be met to qualify for the program. These standards include basic maintenance and safety requirements to ensure the living conditions are suitable for tenants.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.