Location: St. Landry Parish, LA | Metro: Lafayette, LA 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 | $830 |
| 1 Bedroom | $970 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,600 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,856 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,245 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,357 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR | $1,370 | $211,927 | 0.65% | D |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The investment landscape for Section 8 landlords in ZIP code 70520 presents several challenges that must be carefully considered. Firstly, tenant turnover is a significant concern. The market rent stands at $1,085, while the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the fiscal year 2024 is set at $920. This discrepancy can lead to frequent changes in occupancy as tenants who qualify for Section 8 may struggle to find properties within their budget, causing higher turnover rates.
Vacancy exposure is another critical issue. The average Days on Market (DOM) is currently unavailable, which makes it difficult to predict how long it might take to fill a vacant property. Given the competitive nature of rental markets, especially when dealing with subsidized housing, landlords should prepare for potential periods of vacancy.
Deferred maintenance is a risk factor due to the relatively high typical home value of $211,664 and the median income of $62,575. Landlords must ensure that properties meet all necessary standards and are well-maintained, as these costs can add up quickly and impact profitability if not managed properly. Low-income tenants may not have the financial means to contribute significantly to repairs and maintenance, increasing the burden on the landlord.
However, these risks are tempered by the high renter share of 20.5%. A large proportion of renters typically indicates higher demand for housing vouchers, which can stabilize the rental income for landlords participating in the Section 8 program. This demand ensures a steady stream of qualified tenants looking for affordable housing options.
Verdict: Moderate risk for a first-time Section 8 landlord.
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.