Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Metro: Pittsburgh, PA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $960 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,020 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,240 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,580 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,720 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,995 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,234 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,413 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,534 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 housing in ZIP code 15634 are straightforward. The SAFMR (Standard Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $850 per month for the fiscal year 2024. This figure is specific to this ZIP code, meaning it reflects the rental rates deemed fair within 15634.
To understand what a landlord can expect from a Section 8 voucher, break down the payment structure. The voucher covers the difference between the tenant's contribution and the SAFMR. Typically, the tenant contributes approximately 30% of their adjusted income towards rent. Utility allowances are also factored into the total payment but vary based on household size and local costs.
For a two-bedroom unit in ZIP 15634, if the SAFMR is $850, the voucher will pay up to this amount minus the tenant's portion. If the tenant's income is such that they contribute $255 (as an example), then the voucher would cover the remaining $595. Utility allowances might add another $100-$200 to the total, depending on the specifics of the case.
Note that the local market rent for ZIP 15634 is currently unavailable, which means landlords should rely on the SAFMR to gauge the maximum allowable rent for a Section 8 property. Accepting a rent higher than $850 would require the tenant to pay the excess out-of-pocket, which could be challenging given the income restrictions associated with the program.
In ZIP 15634, the typical reimbursement gap for a two-bedroom voucher is the difference between the market rent and the SAFMR plus utility allowances. Since the local market rent is not available, landlords should ensure their rental rates do not exceed $850 to avoid a surplus or deficit situation. If market conditions push rents above $850, landlords must decide whether to absorb the difference or risk losing tenants who cannot afford the extra cost.
In summary, for a two-bedroom apartment in ZIP 15634, the Section 8 voucher system caps the rent at $850 per month for fiscal year 2024. Landlords should adjust their expectations accordingly, factoring in the tenant's contribution and any applicable utility allowances. Without specific local market rent data, landlords should operate under the assumption that the SAFMR sets both the ceiling and the benchmark for rental economics in this ZIP code.
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.