Location: Cleveland, OH | Metro: Akron, OH MSA
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 | $1,160 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,310 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,040 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,180 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,529 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,832 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,059 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,212 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-08-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,590 | $245,283 | 0.65% | D |
| 3BR | $2,040 | $391,302 | 0.52% | F |
| 4BR | $2,180 | $554,045 | 0.39% | F |
| 5BR | $2,529 | $703,901 | 0.36% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The potential risks for investing in Section 8 housing in ZIP code 44141 in Brecksville, OH, are significant. First, consider the tenant turnover rate. The market rent for properties in this area stands at $1,588, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024 is set at $1,660. This difference can lead to frequent turnover as tenants seek to match their vouchers with available units, which can be costly and time-consuming for landlords.
Vacancy exposure is another concern. The average number of days on market (DOM) for properties in this area is not available, indicating that there may be periods of prolonged vacancy. This uncertainty can result in lost rental income and increased maintenance costs due to prolonged unoccupied status.
Deferred maintenance is also a risk factor. With a typical home value of $436,325 and a median household income of $133,875, many residents might struggle to keep up with property maintenance. This can lead to higher repair and renovation expenses for landlords, especially when dealing with tenants who may not prioritize upkeep.
However, these risks must be weighed against the high renter share of 14.6%. A larger percentage of renters often translates into greater demand for Section 8 vouchers, which can stabilize occupancy rates and provide a steady stream of income. Additionally, the presence of a substantial number of renters indicates a diverse market that can absorb fluctuations in tenant turnover.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.