Location: Genesee County, NY | Metro: Genesee County, NY
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 | $790 |
| 1 Bedroom | $910 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,130 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,350 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,490 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,935 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,090 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,195 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,130 | $180,856 | 0.62% | D |
| 3BR | $1,350 | $213,129 | 0.63% | D |
| 4BR | $1,490 | $217,779 | 0.68% | D |
| 5BR | $1,728 | $268,459 | 0.64% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 14020, which includes Batavia, NY, is set at $1,190 for the metro area fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, meaning it's the maximum amount that the government will pay towards your tenant's rent. It does not represent the total rent you can charge.
In comparison, the local Zillow Observed Rental Index (ZORI) stands at $1,250. This indicates that the market rent in Batavia slightly exceeds the Section 8 payment standard. However, landlords can still participate in the program by charging a higher portion of the rent directly to the tenant, known as the tenant's share.
The demand for rentals in Batavia is robust, with 37.0% of residents being renters. This suggests a significant portion of the population relies on rental housing, including those who might benefit from Section 8 vouchers. To put this into perspective, if you're considering purchasing a property for Section 8 investment, the average acquisition cost is around $197,625.
Before finalizing your decision to enter the Section 8 market, verify that your property meets the necessary quality standards set by HUD. These include passing a thorough inspection to ensure it is safe, decent, and sanitary. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for receiving Section 8 payments.
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.