Location: Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | Metro: Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,730 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,990 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,490 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,270 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,793 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,248 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,588 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $4,817 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 06107, West Hartford, CT, involve understanding the balance between the federal government's subsidy and the landlord's actual rental income. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for FY 2024 is set at $2190 specifically for this ZIP code. This figure is lower than the local market rent, which is measured at $2479 according to Zillow's ZORI (Zillow Observed Rent Index).
A Section 8 voucher does not cover the entire rent amount; instead, it subsidizes the difference between the market rent and the SAFMR, up to the limit of $2190. Tenants are required to contribute a portion of their income towards the rent, typically 30% of their adjusted monthly income. This amount is then added to the utility allowances and any other subsidies to determine the total reimbursement to the landlord.
To illustrate, if a tenant's contribution is $600 and the utility allowance is $200, the total reimbursement would be $800 plus the SAFMR of $2190, totaling $2990. However, since the SAFMR cap is $2190, the landlord will only receive up to this amount, even if the tenant's share plus utilities exceeds it. In this scenario, the landlord receives $2190, which is less than the local market rent of $2479.
The typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 06107 is thus $289 per month ($2479 - $2190). Landlords must consider this gap when deciding whether to participate in the Section 8 program. While the program ensures timely payments and a stable tenant base, the economic reality is that landlords might earn less than they could from market-rate rentals.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). 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.