Location: Seminole County, GA | Metro: Decatur County, GA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,010 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,270 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,620 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,670 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,937 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,169 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,343 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,460 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 39825, as set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for metro fiscal year 2026, is $1,210. This figure represents the payment standard for Section 8 housing vouchers, meaning that HUD will reimburse landlords up to this amount per month for a qualified tenant. However, it's important to note that this is not the rent you should charge; it's the maximum reimbursement rate.
In comparison, the average rent in ZIP 39825, according to Census American Community Survey (ACS) data, is $1,095. This indicates that the FMR is slightly higher than the market rate, which can be beneficial for landlords participating in the Section 8 program. The difference between the FMR and the local average rent suggests that landlords could potentially charge a rent closer to the FMR and still remain competitive in the local market.
The 31.5% renter share in ZIP 39825 signifies that over a third of households in this area are renters, indicating a significant demand for rental properties. This high percentage of renters supports the viability of a Section 8 rental property, as there is likely to be a steady pool of tenants who qualify for the voucher program.
When considering the acquisition cost of a property in ZIP 39825, the median home value is $185,847. This means that for a landlord looking to enter the Section 8 market, they might expect to pay around this amount for a typical property. It’s crucial to understand that the acquisition cost should be balanced against the potential income from Section 8 tenants and other investment considerations.
Before proceeding with a Section 8 rental, one critical factor to verify is the condition of the property. HUD requires that all Section 8 properties meet specific housing quality standards (HQS) to ensure they are safe and habitable for tenants. Landlords must confirm that their property complies with these standards to avoid any issues with HUD inspections and to provide a suitable living environment for their tenants.
By understanding the FMR, local rent averages, and the proportion of renters in the area, landlords can make informed decisions about whether a Section 8 rental property in ZIP 39825 is a sound financial choice. The median home value also helps gauge the initial investment required, ensuring that the purchase aligns with your financial goals and strategies.
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.