If you want to attract more tenants to your Orlando, FL, rental properties, consider renting to Section 8 tenants.
Section 8 is a federal rental assistance program that helps low-income families access quality housing, including those in the private market. The Orlando Housing Authority (OHA) oversees the program in Orlando and administers approximately 2,400 Section 8 housing vouchers!
From an expanded tenant pool to a more stable income, these are just some of the Section 8 landlord benefits you can expect.
But before you get excited, you must determine if your rent is reasonable under Section 8 guidelines. The property management experts at PMI Main Street Mgmt have shared insights in this guide, so please read on.
Key Factors in Rent Reasonableness Assessment
Rent reasonableness hinges on comparing your unit's rent with similar units within the same area. Also known as a rental pricing analysis or valuation, this assessment can help ensure your rent aligns with fair market rents. You should familiarize yourself with the criteria used in this evaluation, especially if you're an accidental or first-time landlord.
Location
The adage "location, location, location" also applies to Section 8 properties and whether their rental fees are "reasonable" or not. In most cases, rentals near the following command a higher rent:
- Workplaces
- Schools
- Public transport
- Amenities
Size and Features
When determining a fair rental price for your property, be sure to factor in the rates of properties with similar:
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Overall square footage
- Age and condition
As you can imagine, the more bedrooms, bathrooms, or footage your property has, the higher you can charge for it. Likewise, the newer and the better its condition, the higher the rental fee it can command.
Fair Market Rent (FMR)
FMRs estimate how much money would cover gross rent (rent plus utility bills) on 40% of an area's rental housing units. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development establishes these each year. If the rent you charge meets the FMR criteria, it is likely reasonable under Section 8 Guidelines.
To give you an idea, here are Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford MSA FMRs for 2025, according to RentData.org:
- Studio units = $1,636
- One-bedroom rentals = $1,727
- Two-bedroom rentals = $1,958
- Three-bedroom rentals = $2,486
- Four-bedroom rentals = $2,960
Tips to Qualify as a Section 8 Landlord
When you become a Section 8 landlord, you don't necessarily have to lower your rental fee, provided it's reasonable and justifiable based on the abovementioned factors.
However, you must ensure your rental is safe and livable. So, before applying, schedule property inspections and repairs.
You must also screen applicants thoroughly to ensure they meet tenant eligibility requirements. They must meet the following conditions:
- Income thresholds
- Good credit scores
- Have no severe criminal record
Ready to Expand Your Tenant Pool?
By offering your rental property to Section 8 voucher holders, you can expand your tenant pool and enjoy stable, consistent payments. However, remember that you must charge reasonable rent; otherwise, OHA may deem it too high and not accept your application.
If you need help making your property accessible to Section 8 tenants or managing it in general, our full-service property management company, PMI Main Street Mgmt, can help. Our owner, Christian Trani, will use his 20+ years of real estate management experience to help your rental property in Orlando, FL, flourish.
Contact us today so we can get started with your free rental analysis!
