Location: Erie County, OH | Metro: Erie County, OH HUD Metro FMR Area
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 | $990 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,040 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,300 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,630 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,810 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,100 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,352 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,540 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,667 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2BR | $1,300 | $218,762 | 0.59% | F |
| 3BR | $1,630 | $285,539 | 0.57% | F |
| 4BR | $1,810 | $334,018 | 0.54% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
In ZIP code 44814, which encompasses Berlin Heights, OH, in Erie County, the economics of Section 8 housing can be dissected into several key components. The SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) for a two-bedroom apartment is set at $1,240 per month for fiscal year 2026. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay towards rent for a unit of this size in this specific ZIP code.
The local market rent for a two-bedroom apartment, according to the Census ACS data, is $894. This is significantly lower than the SAFMR, indicating a potential surplus for landlords who participate in the program. However, it's important to understand that the total payment a landlord receives is not just the SAFMR but also includes the tenant's contribution towards rent and any utility allowances.
The tenant's portion of the rent is based on their income, with the expectation that they will pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent. If the tenant's share is less than the difference between the market rent and the SAFMR, the government will make up the shortfall. For example, if a tenant earns an income that would require them to pay $300 towards rent, the government would cover the remaining $940 ($1,240 - $300) to reach the SAFMR limit. In cases where the market rent is below the SAFMR, the tenant's share plus the government subsidy will equal the market rent of $894.
Utility allowances vary depending on the region and can add a few hundred dollars to the monthly rental income. These allowances are intended to help cover the cost of utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewer. For ZIP 44814, the utility allowance is not specified in your query, so we'll focus on the base figures.
Given these parameters, a landlord in ZIP 44814 can expect a consistent and reliable source of income that exceeds the local market rent. With a SAFMR of $1,240 and a local market rent of $894, the typical surplus for a landlord accepting a Section 8 voucher for a two-bedroom apartment is $346 per month ($1,240 - $894).
This surplus provides a financial cushion for landlords, ensuring they receive a higher rent than the current market conditions might otherwise allow. It also helps stabilize the housing market by providing affordable options for low-income families while offering landlords a predictable revenue stream.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). 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.