Location: Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA | Metro: Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA 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 | $3,010 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,050 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,570 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,850 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,800 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $6,728 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $7,535 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $8,138 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $8,545 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $3,050 | $564,791 | 0.54% | F |
| 2BR | $3,570 | $846,214 | 0.42% | F |
| 3BR | $4,850 | $1,217,411 | 0.4% | F |
| 4BR | $5,800 | $1,887,419 | 0.31% | F |
| 5BR | $6,728 | $2,507,398 | 0.27% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The Fair Market Rent (FMR) for ZIP code 92782, Tustin, California, in fiscal year 2024 is set at $3,420. This figure represents the maximum amount that a landlord can charge for rent under the Section 8 program, known officially as the Housing Choice Voucher Program. It's important to note that this is not the rent you'll receive; it's the ceiling on what you can charge.
To put this into perspective, the local Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI) for Tustin is currently at $3,406. This means the FMR aligns closely with the market rate, offering landlords a fair deal when participating in the Section 8 program.
The 40.8% renter share indicates that nearly half of the households in Tustin are renters, signaling strong demand for rental properties. This high percentage of renters suggests that there will be a steady pool of potential tenants looking for affordable housing options, which can be beneficial for maintaining occupancy rates.
If you're considering purchasing a property to use as a Section 8 rental, the median home value in Tustin is approximately $1,349,996. This figure represents the typical price you might pay for an existing home in the area. Given the strong rental market and the alignment between the FMR and local market rates, this investment could prove profitable over time, especially if you manage your property well.
Before committing to a Section 8 rental, verify that the property meets all the required inspection standards. The Housing Authority will conduct an inspection to ensure that the unit is safe, healthy, and meets certain quality criteria. This is crucial because failing the inspection could delay or prevent you from receiving payments through the program.
In summary, the FMR of $3,420 sets a reasonable cap for rent, aligning closely with the local market rate of $3,406. With a significant 40.8% of the population renting, there's a solid demand for rental units. A median home value of around $1,349,996 reflects the typical acquisition cost for a property in Tustin. Ensure your property passes the required inspections to avoid any complications once you join the Section 8 program.
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.