Location: Huntington-Ashland, WV | Metro: Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $880 |
| 1 Bedroom | $880 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,030 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,320 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,659 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $1,858 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,007 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,107 |
The investment landscape in ZIP 25707 of Unknown, WV, presents several challenges for landlords considering participation in the Section 8 program. Tenant turnover poses a significant risk due to the lack of available market rent data, which makes it difficult to assess whether the $950 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024 is competitive enough to retain tenants. Without knowing the average market rent, landlords cannot determine if the FMR will attract stable, long-term tenants.
Vacancy exposure is another critical concern. The absence of data on days on market (DOM) indicates that landlords might struggle to predict how quickly they can fill vacancies. This uncertainty can lead to prolonged periods without rental income, putting financial pressure on the property owner. Furthermore, the unknown typical home value and median income in the area suggest that landlords may face difficulties in maintaining properties to the required standards without adequate funds from tenants who have limited disposable incomes. This deferred maintenance could result in costly repairs and renovations, diminishing the overall profitability of the investment.
Despite these risks, the high renter share in ZIP 25707 could be advantageous. With a high percentage of residents renting their homes, there is likely to be a robust demand for housing vouchers. This demand translates into a higher probability of finding eligible tenants, thereby reducing the risk of vacancies. However, the exact percentage is unavailable, making it challenging to quantify this benefit accurately.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.