Location: DeKalb County, AL | Metro: DeKalb County, AL
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $920 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,150 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,786 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,000 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,160 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,268 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,150 | $245,664 | 0.47% | F |
| 4BR | $1,540 | $319,338 | 0.48% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 35986 in metro FY 2026 is set at $780. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 rentals, which is the amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay toward your tenant's rent. It is important to note that this is not the actual rent you can charge your tenants; it is the maximum subsidy amount.
To put this into perspective, the average rent in ZIP 35986, according to recent Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, is $558. This indicates that the FMR is higher than the typical market rate, providing an incentive for landlords to participate in the Section 8 program.
The 10.5% renter share in this area suggests that there is a moderate demand for rental properties. With a significant portion of the population renting, the potential tenant pool for your Section 8 property is substantial. However, it is crucial to ensure that your property meets the housing quality standards set by the program to qualify for the subsidy.
When acquiring a property in ZIP 35986, you should expect to pay around $227,590. This price reflects the median home value in the area and provides a benchmark for investment costs. While the initial outlay might seem high, the Section 8 program guarantees consistent rental income, reducing the risk of vacancy.
Before finalizing your decision to enter the Section 8 market, verify that your property complies with all local and federal housing standards. This includes passing a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection, which ensures that the property is safe, decent, and sanitary. Failure to meet these standards can result in disqualification from the program, regardless of the property's location or potential rental income.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-08-31). 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.