Location: Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | Metro: Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,270 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,340 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,140 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,016 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,378 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,648 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,830 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 33849 is primarily a homeowner-dominated area rather than a renter-heavy zone. With only 6.7% of the population renting, the demand for rental properties using Section 8 vouchers is likely to be limited. The median household income for this ZIP code is not available, which complicates a direct comparison between local incomes and market rents.
Despite the lack of specific income data, we can still assess the impact of Section 8 vouchers on the rental market. The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP 33849 in fiscal year 2024 is set at $1360. This figure represents the maximum amount that a Section 8 voucher will cover for a rental unit. Given the low percentage of renters, landlords in this area might find that voucher holders could struggle to make up the difference if market rents exceed the FMR.
To further understand the financial landscape, let's consider the implications of the FMR in relation to typical market rents. Although the exact market rent is not specified, it's reasonable to infer that if market rents are higher than the FMR, they would consume a significant portion of the local income, potentially exceeding 30%, which is generally considered affordable. This could pose challenges for both tenants and landlords, as tenants might have difficulty affording additional rent beyond what their vouchers cover.
A landlord in ZIP 33849 should anticipate a tenant profile that includes a mix of individuals who are either fully covered by their vouchers or those who can supplement the voucher amount. Given the homeowner-dominated nature of the area, these tenants are likely to be part of the lower-income segment of the population, possibly including families with children, elderly individuals, or disabled persons who rely on government assistance to secure housing. Landlords must be prepared to navigate the administrative requirements of accepting Section 8 vouchers while also being aware that the number of such tenants might be relatively low due to the overall low renter population.
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.