Location: Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | Metro: Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA MSA
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,660 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,170 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,860 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,440 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $3,990 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $4,469 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $4,827 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $5,068 |
The Section 8 thesis in ZIP code 92599 centers around the disparity between the Fair Market Rent (FMR) and the actual market rent. For fiscal year 2024, the FMR is set at $2090, while the market rent remains unreported. This gap makes the area a strategic investment for landlords and small-portfolio investors, particularly when considering the characteristics of Unknown, CA.
In Unknown, CA, the percentage of renters is unknown, as is the median home value and median income. However, the established FMR of $2090 can still be leveraged to generate a competitive yield. The FMR represents the maximum amount that the government will pay for rental housing through the Housing Choice Voucher program, commonly known as Section 8. When the FMR exceeds the market rent, it indicates that voucher tenants can provide a stable and predictable income stream, often at rates higher than what the market offers.
This scenario transforms the Section 8 investment into a yield play, where landlords can benefit from a guaranteed rent payment that is above the average market rate. The exact percentage of the gap cannot be calculated without the market rent figure, but the principle remains clear: landlords can receive a fixed payment that is likely higher than the local market rents, thus improving their cash flow and return on investment.
Conversely, if the market rent were higher than the FMR, landlords would face a different challenge. They would need to accept lower rents from voucher tenants, which could result in a net loss compared to renting to market-rate tenants. In such a case, the cost of housing voucher tenants below open-market rates would be the difference between the two figures, impacting the landlord's profitability.
Despite the lack of specific data on the percentage of renters, median home value, and median income in Unknown, CA, the FMR of $2090 stands as a reliable benchmark for landlords and investors. It ensures a steady income from the government, mitigating risks associated with tenant turnover and non-payment, and providing a consistent revenue stream that aligns well with the goals of long-term real estate investments.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027).
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.