Location: Westmoreland County, VA | Metro: Westmoreland County, VA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $950 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,250 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,680 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,320 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,598 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,806 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,946 |
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 properties in ZIP code 22558 in Unknown, VA, are significant and must be carefully considered. Tenant turnover is a critical issue, especially when comparing the market rent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) of $1,190 set for FY 2026 in the metro area. While the exact market rent is not available, it's important to note that higher FMRs can sometimes attract tenants who may prefer to move out once they secure better rental options, leading to increased turnover rates.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The Days on Market (DOM) figure is not available, which makes it difficult to predict how long a property might remain vacant between tenants. A longer DOM period can result in lost rental income and increased costs for maintenance and marketing to attract new tenants.
Deferred-maintenance exposure is also a factor. Without specific data on the typical home value and median income in the area, it's challenging to assess the financial capacity of residents to maintain homes adequately. This uncertainty can lead to higher-than-average repair and maintenance costs, particularly for landlords who take over properties that have been neglected.
However, these risks are tempered by the high density of renters in the area, indicated by the unspecified but presumably high percentage of the renter share. High renter density generally correlates with higher demand for rental housing, including Section 8 vouchers. This demand can stabilize occupancy rates and reduce the impact of vacancies and turnovers.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord in ZIP 22558, Unknown, VA.
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.