Location: Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | Metro: Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT MSA
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 | $1,880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,330 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,700 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $3,240 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $4,020 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $4,663 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $5,223 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $5,641 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,923 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $2,330 | $288,033 | 0.81% | C |
| 2BR | $2,700 | $514,693 | 0.52% | F |
| 3BR | $3,240 | $727,504 | 0.45% | F |
| 4BR | $4,020 | $854,921 | 0.47% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 06906 of Stamford, CT, there are several risks that a first-time Section 8 landlord should consider. The primary risk is tenant turnover. With the market rent at $2,475 and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for FY 2024 set at $2,610, landlords might face challenges in attracting tenants who can only afford the lower Section 8 rate, leading to higher turnover rates.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. While the days on market (DOM) data is not available, the high renter share of 44.5% suggests a competitive rental market. This competition can result in extended periods of vacancy if a landlord relies solely on Section 8 tenants, as the pool of eligible renters may be smaller compared to the overall demand.
The deferred maintenance exposure is significant. Given the typical home value of $630,129 and a median income of $93,675, landlords must be prepared for potential maintenance issues that Section 8 tenants may not be able to address due to financial constraints. Landlords will need to ensure they have adequate reserves to cover any necessary repairs or improvements without relying on tenant contributions.
However, these risks are somewhat mitigated by the high renter density in the area. A 44.5% renter share indicates strong demand for rentals, which often translates into higher demand for housing vouchers. This means that while the pool of Section 8 tenants might be smaller, it is still likely to be robust enough to fill vacancies quickly once they occur.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.