Location: York County, ME | Metro: York County, ME (part) 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 | $1,520 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,690 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,780 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,130 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,631 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,067 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,392 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,612 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $1,690 | $331,188 | 0.51% | F |
| 2BR | $2,020 | $471,909 | 0.43% | F |
| 3BR | $2,780 | $627,638 | 0.44% | F |
| 4BR | $3,130 | $824,488 | 0.38% | F |
| 5BR | $3,631 | $1,371,174 | 0.26% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for a Section 8 landlord in ZIP 04043 in Kennebunk, ME, are significant. First, tenant turnover could be higher due to the disparity between the market rent of $1,425 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,640 for FY 2024. This gap suggests that tenants may struggle to cover the difference, leading to higher turnover rates as they seek more affordable housing options.
Second, there is a notable exposure to vacancy periods. The Days on Market (DOM) data is currently unavailable, which indicates a lack of transparency regarding how long properties typically remain vacant before being rented. This uncertainty can lead to prolonged vacancy periods, resulting in lost rental income and increased financial pressure on the landlord.
Third, there is an exposure to deferred maintenance costs. With a typical home value of $620,709 and a median income of $107,804, many residents may find it challenging to afford regular maintenance and repairs. This could result in landlords having to cover these costs themselves, especially if the tenants are relying heavily on their vouchers to manage living expenses.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter density in the area. The 19.4% renter share suggests a robust demand for rental properties, which often translates into higher demand for Section 8 vouchers. This can provide a steady stream of qualified tenants who are committed to maintaining their homes and paying rent on time, mitigating some of the risks associated with vacancy and maintenance.
In conclusion, the risks for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 04043 are moderate.
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.