Location: Aroostook County, ME | Metro: Aroostook County, ME
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $900 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,180 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,914 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,144 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,316 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,432 |
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 04738, located in Aroostook County, Maine, are straightforward. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code for fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,220. This figure represents the maximum amount that the housing authority will pay for a two-bedroom rental unit in this area.
To understand what a landlord can expect from a Section 8 voucher, it's important to break down the components. The tenant is responsible for paying a portion of the rent, typically around 30% of their adjusted income. For simplicity, let's assume an average tenant contribution of $366 based on common calculations. This leaves the housing authority to cover the remainder of the rent up to the SAFMR limit.
In addition to the base rent, the housing authority also provides utility allowances. These allowances vary but generally aim to cover a reasonable estimate of the tenant's utility costs. For a two-bedroom unit, the utility allowance might be around $250, though this can fluctuate based on actual utility costs in the area.
Therefore, when you add the tenant's portion and the utility allowance, the total comes to $616 ($366 tenant portion + $250 utilities). Subtracting this from the SAFMR of $1,220, the housing authority would reimburse approximately $604 towards the base rent.
This reimbursement structure means that landlords receive a predictable payment each month. However, it's crucial to note that if the market rent in ZIP 04738 exceeds the SAFMR, there will be a gap between the market rent and the amount covered by the voucher. Conversely, if the market rent is below the SAFMR, landlords could see a surplus.
Given that the local market rent data is currently unavailable, we cannot calculate the exact gap or surplus. However, landlords should ensure that their rental properties meet the quality standards required by Section 8 to avoid any issues with the program.
In summary, landlords in ZIP 04738 can expect a total reimbursement of about $1,220 per month for a two-bedroom unit, with $604 coming directly from the housing authority toward the base rent. The remaining $616 is paid by the tenant and covers utilities. To determine the actual gap or surplus, landlords must compare this figure to their local market rents.
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.