Section 8 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 15276 - 2027

FY 2027 Fair Market Rent Rates

The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 15276, located in Pittsburgh County, Pennsylvania, can be straightforward if you understand the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) and how it interacts with the rental market. For fiscal year 2024, the SAFMR for a two-bedroom apartment in this specific ZIP code is set at $1230. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher will cover for rent.

When a tenant uses a Section 8 voucher, they are responsible for paying a portion of the rent themselves, typically around 30% of their adjusted income. The remaining 70% is then covered by the government up to the SAFMR limit. If the total rent exceeds $1230, the landlord must absorb the difference, as the voucher will only pay up to this amount.

In addition to the base rent, there are utility allowances. These vary but generally cover some of the tenant's utility costs, such as electricity, gas, and water. However, these allowances do not increase the overall SAFMR; they are separate payments made directly to the tenant.

To illustrate, let’s assume a tenant has an adjusted income of $1000 per month. Their contribution towards rent would be $300 (30% of $1000). The government would then cover $930 ($1230 - $300), ensuring the landlord receives a total of $1230. If the actual market rent for a similar property is higher than $1230, say $1400, the landlord would receive $1230 and the tenant would pay $300, leaving a shortfall of $70 for the landlord.

If the market rent is lower than $1230, the government will still only reimburse up to the SAFMR. So, if a comparable two-bedroom apartment rents for $1100, the landlord would receive the full $1100, with no additional payment from the government since the SAFMR is $1230 and the actual rent does not exceed this amount.

The typical reimbursement gap or surplus for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 15276 is thus dependent on the actual market rent. Given the SAFMR of $1230, if the market rent is higher, landlords face a shortfall. Conversely, if the market rent is lower, landlords might see a surplus, though the government payment will not exceed the SAFMR. In this case, without specific market rent data, we cannot provide an exact surplus or shortfall, but the principle remains clear: the SAFMR sets a cap on what the government will pay, and landlords must adjust their expectations accordingly.

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.