Location: Baton Rouge, LA | Metro: Baton Rouge, LA HUD Metro FMR Area
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $930 |
| 1 Bedroom | $960 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,090 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,360 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,750 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,030 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,274 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,456 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,579 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 70736 presents several challenges for landlords considering Section 8 investments. Tenant turnover is a significant concern, especially when comparing the non-disclosed market rent rates to the $1150 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for fiscal year 2024. High turnover can lead to increased costs associated with finding new tenants and preparing properties for occupancy. Additionally, vacancy exposure is a critical issue, with the days on market (DOM) for rental units remaining undisclosed. This lack of information makes it difficult to predict how quickly a property might be rented out after a vacancy occurs.
Deferred maintenance is another risk factor. With a median income of $30,784, residents in ZIP 70736 may struggle to afford substantial home improvements, leaving landlords responsible for maintaining property standards. The typical home value is also undisclosed, which could indicate a wide range of property conditions and values, making it harder to estimate the potential for deferred maintenance issues.
However, these risks must be weighed against the 24.7% renter share in the area, which is relatively high. A high percentage of renters often translates into higher demand for rental properties, including those that accept Section 8 vouchers. This demand can help stabilize occupancy rates and reduce the impact of vacancy periods.
In conclusion, the risks associated with Section 8 investments in ZIP 70736 are moderate due to the combination of potential high tenant turnover, unclear vacancy exposure, and deferred maintenance concerns, despite the strong renter base indicating a robust demand for affordable housing options.
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.