Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 03252 - 2027

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 03252, located in Belknap County, New Hampshire, are straightforward. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) is set at $1,800 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay for rent in this specific ZIP code.

To understand what this means for landlords, let's break down the components of the payment. The voucher holder is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. If we assume an average adjusted income for a household in this area, the tenant's contribution might be around $540 per month. This number can vary depending on the individual household's income level, but it gives you a baseline expectation.

Beyond the base rent, there are utility allowances. These vary by region and type of unit, but typically, they cover the cost of utilities that the tenant would otherwise have to pay out-of-pocket. In ZIP 03252, the utility allowance for a two-bedroom apartment is generally around $200 per month.

The total reimbursement a landlord receives from the Section 8 program is the sum of the tenant's contribution and the utility allowance, which in this case would be approximately $740 per month. However, this is not the full SAFMR; the difference between the SAFMR and the total reimbursement is the gap that the landlord must cover.

In ZIP 03252, the reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,060 per month. This is the shortfall between the SAFMR and the total reimbursement received from the voucher plus the tenant's contribution. It is important to note that this gap is significant and should be considered when deciding whether to accept a Section 8 tenant.

While the SAFMR provides a clear cap on what the government will pay, the actual rent collected from a voucher tenant may be less than the market rent. Landlords should evaluate whether the SAFMR covers their costs adequately, including maintenance, property taxes, insurance, and other expenses associated with owning rental properties.

In summary, the economics of Section 8 in ZIP 03252 show a substantial reimbursement gap of $1,060 per month for a two-bedroom apartment, assuming the SAFMR of $1,800 and a combined tenant contribution and utility allowance of $740. This gap highlights the need for landlords to carefully assess their financial situation before participating in the program.

Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027).

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.